Frequently Asked Questions
What if I
already took my picture at school?
That's okay! We get lots of students who come to us because they're unhappy with their school pictures. You can have Phil Cantor Photography reshoot your portrait and the yearbook will
use it.
Don't I have
to use the senior portraits I already took at school?
No, you don't! They even changed New Jersey state
law to allow you to submit your own photograph for use in your yearbook,
as long as it meets the standards and specifications of your school.
All portraits taken by Phil Cantor Photography are guaranteed to be approved
and accepted by your yearbook.
But I got a card from
Joseph's Studios saying I had to choose a picture for the yearbook.
While Joseph's is the official yearbook photographer for Montclair High School, you are absolutely not required to use their photos as your yearbook choice.
What if I missed getting my picture taken at school?
You can call Phil Cantor Photography at (973) 783-1065 to schedule a senior portrait. Ask about our Senior Portrait dates - these are specific days we set aside just for Seniors, with big discounts on the portrait session for you!
What if I already submitted a picture to the yearbook and I really would like to take a new one with Phil Cantor Photography?
It's easy, just let us know you have already submitted a picture when you call to make an appointment.
When is it too late to have my picture taken by Phil Cantor Photography for this year's yearbook?
In the past, we have been able to create senior portraits through October of a student's senior year, though this does vary by school. Check with your yearbook advisor for specific deadlines for your school.
What happens at
the photo session?
We photograph you in the right clothing for the formal senior yearbook with
the proper lighting and background. Boys must wear a tie and jacket to
the studio. Girls wear a special drape that we provide. Then we have fun. You
change into more casual clothing and we do more relaxed and easy portraits. If
the weather is good, we may even go outside.
What should I
wear? How many changes of clothing should I bring?
Girls: We have the "drape" you will wear for your formal
portrait. In addition, bring two or three clothing changes. One should be a
casual outfit that fits your style, the other could be a bit more put-together,
such as a button-down shirt or a favorite jacket or sweater. No sleeveless tops, no logos, no broad
stripes or plaids. Bring two different pant or skirt choices. Some girls have brought
their prom dress for a shot. Bring appropriate shoes or sandals for the clothing. Hair and make-up: Do your hair before
coming, and bring a brush. Make-up should be light and natural with a little
more mascara and eye-liner. Bring lipstick and powder with you. Check out the
Portfolio to see examples.
Summary: Bring at least two different outfits. Do makeup before coming. Bring
hairbrush & lipstick.
Guys: Come
to the studio in your tie and jacket. Bring with you two additional
shirts...your choice of shirts with a collar such as a polo shirt or
button-down, or clean T-shirts. Absolutely NO logos (polo shirts with discreet
symbols or logos are ok). Bring two pairs of pants, such as khakis or jeans or
shorts. All clothing should be freshly cleaned or new and without wrinkles. Wear appropriate shoes for the clothing...no sneakers. Grooming:
if you are clean shaven, be sure to shave just before the session. Bring a hair
brush with you. Check out the Portfolio to see examples.
Summary: Wear tie & jacket. Bring two extra shirts. Bring two pants. Shave. Bring hairbrush
How long will
the session last?
Our photo sessions last around an hour.
What about the cost? I hear that Phil Cantor Photography is expensive.
Phil Cantor's fees are very competitive, although they are a little more than the "average" photographer. His clients are made up of those parents who want a wonderful portrait of their senior and are willing to invest just a little more to get it. This portrait could very well be the last professional portrait you have created of your son or daughter for many years, so Phil will take the time necessary to create the very best for you, in a way the school photographer just can't match.
Also, Phil's fees for graduating seniors represent a substantial savings from his family portrait prices! You still receive the very finest portraits, but at a special rate which is for graduating seniors only! On special Senior Portrait Days the photo session fee in July is $49; in August $69; in September $89; in October $109. The regular fee is $169. After the session you purchase just the portraits you want.
How do I choose
photos?
After the Senior Portrait Session, we schedule a date for you to return to
the studio with a parent for a Picture Review Session on the big screen, and that's when you'll select the photographs you want. There are no proofs to lose or send back. The Picture Review Session
takes about an hour and one Review Session is included in your sitting fee.
What is special
about having my picture taken by Phil Cantor Photography?
Phil's spent over 20 years mastering the art of photography, working with everyone from models to celebrities to business people and families - so he knows the right angles, lighting, and poses to make you look amazing, no matter what your face shape or body type is. Our studio is the largest and most advanced in the area and we are housed in the historic Murdoch-Fairchild Building, in the center of downtown Montclair, New Jersey.
Currently, Phil is
the official photographer for Montclair Kimberley Academy and the Montclair
Parks & Recreation Department, and his portraits of Montclair notables appear in the Montclair Times regularly. His photographs
are approved and accepted by Montclair High School.
We know that your senior portrait is a part of your personal history. The
photographs should be a record of exactly who you are at this time in
your life. These photographs should not be stiff or unnatural. Phil Cantor
believes firmly that your senior portrait should reflect your personality in a
genuine way. We take the time to get it right, we allow you to wear clothing
that reflects who you are, and we want you to have FUN while we're at it. Plus, we take care of getting the picture to the
yearbook, so you don't need to worry about a thing.
Where can I see
samples of Phil Cantor Photography's work? The 100%, No Risk Guarantee.
There are lots of examples in our Senior Portrait Portfolio.
You can also check out our Facebook Page, where we post all of our latest portraits.
We guarantee that you will be absolutely thrilled with your portrait, not just satisfied. And we will do everything possible to make that happen! If you are not happy, then we will refund your sitting fee after the Picture Review Session. So, you have nothing to lose! Come in for a portrait and see what we are capable of.
Your
senior portrait should make you smile! Call
for appointment.
973-783-1065
Yearbook picture
submitted free with every order.
We handle all
arrangements with yearbook advisor.
