Portland, Oregon is home to many wonderful portrait photographers. knowing who, and where to choose a senior photographer can be a difficult decision...Your feeling's about a photographer's quality and style of pictures comes first. From there it's a matter of deciding the affordability, the location and the service you expect. Personal referrals are also important, but not necessarily the ones the photographer' uses.

At ChampionshipImages the choice you make is important. That's why you are receiving this Q&A.

When is the best time to have the pictures taken?

Anytime between June and October when you look your best. Studios like to get clients booked in July and June and will usually offer the best deals for that time period.

Will your photographs look as good as the pictures on the cards that you have received in the mail? Will I get that photographer or someone
else they have hired for the season?

If they don't, don't buy them. Large studios, trying to do a lot of students in one day usually hire temporary photograhers. All of the photographs you will view on this website and on the mailer have been shot by Tom Treick. He is the photographer and the only photographer you will deal with. He is a casual, easy going guy, comfortable shooting any type of individual. That comes from his extensive background in photojournalism. He likes to tell stories, but most of all he likes kids and wants you to look the best that he can.

Why is there no mention of pricing on the cards or on most websites? If you're offered a free photo session, will that be built back into the price of the pictures?

The biggest reason is probably sticker shock. Some photographers
are just plain expensive. Most don't post any prices and request
you call their studio and try to sell you on the studio and the photographer's reputation to back up their pricing. Another reason is that some photographers want to stay away from price shoppers. They usually or tend to buy the smaller packages. You will see that we are open on this issue, go to our pricing page.

How much do the packages cost as compared to purchasing individual
pictures or units? What is a Unit? How much should I expect to pay for
my senior pictures?

You will definitely receive more for your money buying a package.
The real trick is knowing what those packages cost and how many
units are in one. A unit is an 8x10 image. Two 5x7's make up one unit. Four 4x5 pictures are one unit and 8 wallets are one unit. Our packages start at $245 for five units plus yearbook picture. See
our pricing page for more on this.

What about Makeup? Is it really so necessary in the digital era we live in? If it's a big deal to your photographer, does that mean the cost will be put back into the cost of photographs?

If the photographer you're thinking about is still using film, it is a
big deal. Great touchup and skin smoothing is difficult and costly with film. Digital photographers, including Tom, use the same software as Vogue and other comparable magazines. That is not airbrush you see on the cover models' skin of COSMO, it's software designed to make you look as good as you want to look. That's not to say a little makeup isn't necessary, but no more than usual. And, if you want to save money, NORDSTROM's will be glad to do your makeup for free just before your appointment. Your best photographers these days wouldn't think of using film unless they're near retirement or don't want to pay the huge investment into digital cameras, computers and software.

Backgrounds are important, but not so much as to detract from the person being photographed. That is attained by using a variety of indoor backdrops that are designed to enhance the subjects skin tones and clothing choices. For outdoors, only natural backdrops, whether it's water, old barnwood, foliage, flowers or a mixture combined with natural fibers, is used.

How long should it take to get the photographs I really want?

Most photographers have various sessions, depending on how many clothing changes and the number of pictures you think you will need for your family and friends. Our sessions almost always take over an hour and then more if you plan to buy a large package.

What is considered a high volume studio?