Frequently asked questions

Pre-School

My child is very shy, will it be reflected in the photos?

Our staff of photographers work extremely well with young children and will make him or her feel as comfortable as possible to capture a smile you will be happy with.



Do parents have to pre-pay for their photo package?

Typically, with pre-schools, a proof program is photographed where you see your child’s photos prior to making a purchase.



What if my child is absent, how can I have their photos taken without missing out?

At most schools, we offer an absentee/retake day, where students who may have been absent on original day can be photographed as well as any parents requesting their child to be re-photographed.



What ordering options are available?

Our options include a proof payment envelope returned to the school or by using our user-friendly online ordering portal. You can also call our office and place an order with one of our customer service team members.



Is there a discount if I have more than one child in the school?

Yes. We offer a discount for the second child and if there is a third child in the school (or in another school within the district which Tri-State currently services), their package is free. If there are more than three children in the school, any additional packages are discounted as well. (Excludes senior portrait packages and products).



Elementary School

Am I able to pre-order my child’s photo package online prior to picture day?

Yes. Once you receive your child’s picture day flyer, instructions are noted on how to pre order a portrait package. We do ask that if you pre order online, to print a copy of your order and insert it into the payment envelope and return it to school on picture day.



Will any members of the photography staff make changes to my child’s hair or outfit?

Our staff is instructed to only make minor adjustments to make sure each student is neat and presentable for their portraits. If you have any requests, you can use our Picture Day Request form to make us aware of any specific details to look out for. That request is required to be received by our office no less than 48 hours prior to picture day. You may also send in a written request, however if you do, please attach it to the OUTSIDE of the payment envelope as staff members are restricted from opening payment envelopes.



What if my child is absent, how can I have their photos taken without missing out?

At most schools, we offer an absentee/retake day, where students who may have been absent on original day can be photographed as well as any parents requesting their child to be re-photographed.



What options are available when ordering?

Our options include using the pre-pay picture day payment envelope, pre ordering online, post picture day online ordering or by contacting our customer service team.



Is there a discount if I have more than one child in the school?

Yes. We order a discount for the second child and if there is a third child in the school (or in another school within the district which Tri-State currently services), their package is free. If there are more than three children in the school, any additional packages are discounted as well.



What if I realize that I need to make a change to my order?

No worries. Simply use our Order Correction form to make any necessary changes to your order or call our office for customer support.



Middle School/High School

Am I able to pre-order my child’s photo package online prior to picture day?

Yes. Once you receive your child’s picture day flyer, instructions are noted on how to pre order a portrait package. We do ask that if you pre order online, to print a copy of your order and insert it into the payment envelope and return it to school on picture day.



Will any members of the photography staff make changes to my child’s hair or outfit?

Our staff is instructed to only make minor adjustments to make sure each student is neat and presentable for their portraits. If you have any requests, you can use our Picture Day Request form to make us aware of any specific details to look out for. That request is required to be received by our office no less than 48 hours prior to picture day. You may also send in a written request, however if you do, please attach it to the OUTSIDE of the payment envelope as staff members are restricted from opening payment envelopes.



What if my child is absent, how can I have their photos taken without missing out?

At most schools, we offer an absentee/retake day, where students who may have been absent on original day can be photographed as well as any parents requesting their child to be re-photographed.



What options are available when ordering?

Our options include using the pre-pay picture day payment envelope, pre ordering online, post picture day online ordering or by contacting our customer service team.



Is there a discount if I have more than one child in the school?

Yes. We order a discount for the second child and if there is a third child in the school, their package is free. If there are more than three children in the school, any additional packages are discounted as well.



What if I realize that I need to make a change to my order?

No worries. Simply use our Order Correction form to make any necessary changes to your order or call our office for customer support.



High School

Do you photoshop images for the school’s yearbook as my child has some acne he is concerned about?

Absolutely! All yearbook images are enhanced using today’s technology to remove and soften acne, facial blemishes and scars and stray hair so that your child will look his or her best for their senior yearbook.



I was sent an appointment time for my daughter’s senior portrait sitting. Unfortunately, she is not available at that time. Can I reschedule?

Yes, your daughter has the option to reschedule her sit time (or day if multiple day sittings) or schedule a sit time on retake/absentee day. We understand and take in consideration everyone’s busy schedules and do our best to accommodate each student.



Is there a fee to have senior portraits taken?

Tri-State Photography does require a nominal sit fee as it covers staff costs of retouching, online processing and/or proofs mailed to the home.



Do students (or parents) have the option to select their senior yearbook pose?

Yes. Our user-friendly online portal allows the student or parent(s) access to choose their formal yearbook pose. Please note, that if a pose is not selected by the posted deadline date, a pose will be chosen by Tri-State or the yearbook advisor.



If our school’s senior portrait program includes “informal poses”, are there any specific guidelines?

All the necessary information for picture day is issued to the parent(s) to ensure that both parent(s) and student are properly prepared for their scheduled sitting. Informal portraits range from comfortable outfits to sports uniforms and everything in between. Props such as sports equipment, band or orchestra instruments are always popular, however any props which bring out the student’s personality are always welcome.



How do we order portraits?

Following picture day, an email (or mailed notification) is sent with all the necessary information on how to access viewing and all the purchasing options. Portrait orders can be completed online or with one of our customer support specialists and are conveniently shipped directly to your home in approximately 7 – 10 days.