Read the FAQ below to learn more about our Portrait Studio.
What to wear?
At Mountain Star, we feel that your photographs should reflect your personality. For that reason, we have only a few suggestions that will greatly help the effectiveness of your prints. Keep it simple. Avoid patterned clothing or loud colors. Other than that, be yourself. That's what we want your prints to project. We do offer consultations for Senior portraits and other creative sessions. Hair & Make up is also available upon request (request must be made with at least 10 day notice to ensure availability).
What is the retouching fee?
Minor removal of blemishes and other transient features may be added at $5-$10 per item per photo. These adjustments are made once your order has been placed. We only retouch the images that are ordered to keep the price of our services down. There may be an additional charge for major retouching and any "surgery" that may be requested. Always feel free to ask!
When Do I pay my session Fee?
There is a $25 deposit (applicable to your photography package) that is due at reservation. You may reserve in person at our studio (11am-5pm M-Sat) by phone, email, facebook, or through our website contact sheet. Please note that you may pay for your deposit by cash, check, or credit card. If you choose to reserve your session by a medium other than in person, you will need to provide a credit card to reserve your date. The remaining balance will be due upon arrival at our studio. If you are undecided about your package, please ask for assistance! YES, you can always upgrade or choose add-ons after your session.
Do I have to order the same pose for every print in a package?
Each package has it's own pose information. Choose the "Unlimited Poses" package to have the freedom to choose from all of your wonderful photographs! Or purchase the photo CD and keep all of them.
I don't want any prints. Can I just get a CD of all the photos?
Yes. We can customize a collection to include only what you need. Keep in mind that creating your own collection with a photo CD is done with A'la Carte pricing (meaning that there are no discounts available). Regular photo packages have discounts in them. A typical portrait session starts at $100 and the photo CD starts at $300. Special event or portrait sessions may have different pricing.
I am a High School Senior, when do I view proofs?
Studio sessions will have the ability to view prints within 2 weeks (if time permits, you may be able to view them right after your session!). Outdoor sessions will be able to view their sessions within 2 weeks. All sessions require a secondary appointment to come in to view your photos. This appointment typically lasts 3-60 minutes. All proofs are viewed on our television screen. Prints take approximately 1 business week to arrive in our studio. Need your photos NOW? Contact us to reserve your appointment and learn about our rush fees.
Is there a charge for wearing more than one outfit?
Unless specified, there is no charge for wearing more than one outfit. However, please keep in mind that outfit changes will be considered part of your session time.
Is there a charge for changing a background?
Just like outfit changes, there is no charge for using multiple backgrounds. Basically, if we can fit it into your allotted session time, there is no additional charge for this service.
Do you shoot on Sundays?
The studio is closed on Sundays and Mondays, however, we do shoot by appointment on those days depending upon availability. There is an additional charge for this. Please contact the studio for details about our off-day shooting policy.
When can I expect my prints?
Touch ups typically take about 2 weeks for portrait sessions. Weddings & Quinceaneras may take up to 6 weeks (please add an additional 2 weeks during the months of May to August).In most cases, your prints will arrive at the studio in 2-3 weeks. Over-sized prints and custom orders may require additional time and usually arrive in 3-5 weeks. We know that you cherish your prints and can't wait to have them. For that reason, we try to get them to you in a timely fashion.
What can I expect from my session?
We try to have fun and bring out the best side of your personality. We are not big on using props to hide you! We like your photographs to show a side of you that perhaps has never been captured. Our studio is set up in a comfortable and accessible manner. Our hope is that this will take the edge off the portrait experience. Please feel free to call to schedule a consultation to see our studio, work and pricing before you schedule your session.
How do I get the most out of my portrait session?
Photography is a very person endeavor. We recommend scheduling a consultation to meet your photographer and get to know the studio a little better before your session. We also recommend that you don't check your personality at the door. In getting to know us better, we can create a relationship with your photographer that will show in every image.
When do I pay for my prints?
All photography packages are due at the BEGINNING of your session. Need additional prints? You may purchase those at your Print Viewing Consultation. We accept Visa, Master Card, Personal checks, or cash. There is the state and local sales tax that will be added in addition to your package, which is 8.25% to any package, whether it takes place in Texas or New Mexico.
Why should I choose Mountain Star?
Why not schedule a free consultation and we'll show you! At Mountain Star Photography our goal is to photograph the world not as it is, but as we would like it to be!