A. Yes, you do. Studios typically do not release hi-res images, as a good portion of their profit comes from reprints, but we believe you should be the owner of your images, with the option to take them to any photographic store or online source for reprints at YOUR convenience. Of course, with ownership comes a bit more responsibility, as you may need to spend a bit more time to do the ordering yourself, but our clients love the opportunity to do whatever they wish with their photos and the more they save doing it themselves, the more prints they can afford to have made!

While most area vendors are accustomed to the Smiley Face Photo way of doing things, some require a special release. If you have any difficulty, please feel free to print out our Copyright Release.

A. Between June and November we do both an indoor and outdoor session. If you are more of a summer; green grass, sandals and shorts kind of person then schedule during June, July, August and the beginning of September. If you are more of an autumn; fall leaves, sweaters and jeans kind of person, then schedule during the fall months during late September, October and November. If you aren't an outdoor person at all, then you may opt to do an extended all-indoor photoshoot.

A. Bring more clothes than you think you are going to wear. (guys - this means you, too!). This gives us an opportunity to match things up to the backdrops and props and create a nice variety of shots.

A. Bring clothing that showcases the many sides of your personality. Casual to formal and everything in between. And don't forget whatever accessories you may need, including shoes, belts, socks, jewelry, hats etc.

A. We love to customize your shoot to show your activities and interests, so bring along something that shows what you love to do. If you are involved in sports then bring along a few props or uniforms. Musical interests? Then don't forget your instrument. We are happy to shoot pets during your outdoor portion, but keep in mind that you need to bring along a way to kennel your pet during the indoor portion as they are not allowed indoors. Also, be aware that pets can be unpredictable and there is the risk that they may eat up a lot of your outdoor time if they are not cooperative.

A. Many senior girls choose to have their hair and make-up done professionally before a shoot. If you have blemishes or skin issues, then we recommend at least having your foundation professionally done and then you can add the rest.

A. You have many options these days. If you are computer savy, then you can use many online resources. I personally order all my prints through mpix.com and I highly recommend them for high-quality inexpensive prints. If you want a high-quality local option that can provide personal assistance, then PhotoPro by Lindale Mall is a great place for you to go. Just take your book and CD along and they can help you with all your needs. I can also order for you through mpix.com, I simply charge a 20% surcharge on all orders. If you are not looking for enlargements or prints for display, then there are many do-it-yourself kiosks located around town, for example Walgreens and Target, that are very suitable.

A. You should NOT crop the photos before you upload. You should simply upload the full sized retouched photo and as you go through the ordering process, Mpix will allow you to crop for the different dimensions you are ordering. Obviously an 8x10 is a different proportion (ratio) than a 5 x 7 so they cannot be cropped exactly the same. Mpix will always let you control the crop (you will see EDIT CROP) but of course it is based on the proportion (ratio) of the photo you are ordering...that is what Mpix will show you as you are ordering, i.e. the proportionate crop (ratio) and then it is up to you to adjust the proportionate crop to your liking.

A. If you are comfortable browsing and purchasing through the web, then you will find it a fairly easy process. It is all a matter of uploading photos to their website and then following the prompts. I recommend trying a small order of one or two prints first and if you are successful and like the results, then proceed with placing a larger order. Mpix offers video turorials online to facilitate their ordering process.

I've received nothing but wonderful comments about Mpix. Once you understand the process, you will do great! In fact many clients tell me they really enjoyed the opportunity to crop and be creative with their own photos! Tip: Choose the lustre coating option for a more professional finish.

Other

Q. What is the difference between the photos in the Retouched Folder and the photos in the Raw Folder?