FAQs

ARE THESE SESSIONS FOR ATHLETES ONLY?

Absolutely not. In my professional career, I often photograph professional athletes. However, I photograph people of all walks of life. In fact, I started my career doing environmental photography and always love getting different people in front of my camera. This shoot is about you and giving you a positive memory of your senior year. 

ARE THESE SESSIONS FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS ONLY?

Although the focus here is high school seniors, any package can be purchased for a school aged individual.

WHERE DO SENIOR PORTRAIT SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

All portrait sessions take place in the greater Pensacola area. After you reach out via the book now button, we’ll give you a call and discuss what works best for you. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

If you book the hair and makeup add-on, you will meet with Kristen about 90 minutes prior to your scheduled shoot time. If there is no hair/makeup, please arrive at our discussed location 15 minutes ahead of your scheduled booking time camera ready. ( This means your makeup is set, your hair is styled and your are dressed in your first outfit.) I am very laid back and this shoot will be as well. There will definitely be a bluetooth speaker there so we can jam on whatever music sets you at ease. No need to stress in any way. Photoshoots are fun and this is meant to be fun. If you feel nervous or awkward, that makes you normal. No one loves having their photo taken and everyone is insecure, even the biggest of celebrities. So be at ease and enjoy yourself!

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

The shoot length is determined based on the package booked. Please see the pricing page for more information.

WHAT ABOUT HAIR AND MAKEUP?

Hair and Makeup can make a big difference in the outcome of the photos. We work with Kristen West, an experienced and very down to earth stylist. Her services can be booked at an additional cost- see the pricing page for more details.

WHAT DO I WEAR?

What you wear is completely up to you. If you book the stylist add-on, Kristen can talk with you about the best options.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Prices start at $400 for the Memory Mate package and go up from there. The Pricing page has all the details.

WHAT GEAR WILL YOU USE?

I will be shooting with the Canon R5, which is a 50-megapixel portrait you’ll be receiving. For lighting, I'll be using a slew of lights and diffusers along with natural light. I have a process that produces a variety of flattering looks. 

HOW WILL I GET MY PORTRAITS AND HOW MANY DO I GET?

I will send you an email with a dropbox link to download the final photos within 1 week after the shoot. The amount is determined by the package you book. Prints can be purchased following the shoot.

WILL YOU EDITING THESE PHOTOS?

Included in the price of each shoot is the editing of all provided images. Editing basically means giving the photos a “vibe.” I spend quite a bit of time after your shoot, dialing in the color tones, contrast, brightness, darkness, vignetting, shadows, highlights and more before I deliver your images via dropbox. If you desire specific retouching (removing blemishes from skin, fixing stray hairs, removing weird wrinkles on your clothes, etc.) that can be arranged for an additional fee.

CAN I FURTHER EDIT MY PORTRAIT AFTER I RECEIVE IT?

I would really prefer you not touch your portrait after you receive it, for the same reasons you wouldn’t paint over a painting that someone has made for you. As mentioned above, I have spent a decade learning lighting, post-production, retouching, color, etc. So everything I do during the entire process is very thought out and purposeful. We know that Instagram filter is tempting to use, but please do not further edit your portrait in any way.

CAN I USE THESE FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES?

By signing up, you’re agreeing that you’ll only use your portrait for personal use and social media, not commercial use. You’re also agreeing that Matthew Coughlin Photography, LLC owns the rights to all images created.

If you want your portraits to be used for commercial purposes (album cover, album packaging, book covers, advertising, etc.), there will be additional costs and those will be negotiated separately prior to your shoot.