Why Do Senior Portraits Cost More Than School Photos?

Steady Photography
May 6
2 min read

We get this question a lot — and it’s a great one! Senior portraits and school photos might seem similar on the surface, but there’s a big difference in the experience, the product, and the behind-the-scenes work. Here’s a quick breakdown to explain why senior portraits are priced differently:

1. Bulk Ordering = Big Discounts (For School Photos)

When we take school photos, we’re processing hundreds — sometimes thousands — of orders at once. Because we’re ordering similar packages in bulk from our lab, we receive significant price breaks. Think of it like ordering one pizza versus 100 pizzas (the restaurant will probably give you a big price break) — bulk orders cost less per item. That discount helps keep school photo prices low for everyone.

2. Senior Portraits Include Retouching and a Finished Product

Every senior portrait that’s ordered receives professional retouching — we smooth skin, reduce blemishes, take care of flyaway hairs, and polish every image to help your senior look their best. In addition, prints (especially wallets) are pre-cut and professionally finished, so you're receiving a polished, ready-to-use product. With school photos, touch-ups are extra and prints are often left to be cut at home.

3. Senior Portraits Require More Time & Staffing

We can photograph an entire school’s student body in under 6 hours — it’s a well-oiled, efficient process. Senior portraits, on the other hand, require a much bigger commitment:

We keep our studio open all summer for individual appointments.
We set up at schools multiple times during the summer for convenience.
We schedule evening and weekend retake sessions in the fall. All of this means extra staffing, more time, and a greater effort to ensure each senior gets the attention and flexibility they need.

In Short…

Senior portraits are a personalized experience — not just a quick photo during the school day. You're investing in a milestone moment, expert retouching, high-quality prints, and a custom session designed to reflect your senior’s unique personality.

Got questions or want help planning your session?

We’re here for you!