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Frequently asked questions:

 

General Questions:

Where are you located?
    
⁃We are located at 2061 Montgomery St. in Oroville, CA 95965

What payment methods do you accept?
    - Cash, Visa, Master Card, Credit Card, Checks

What type of Photography Shoots do you Photograph?
    - School, Sports, Family, Infant, Business, Commercial, Weddings

What if I want a refund?
    ⁃We’re sorry you are unhappy with your portraits. To receive a refund, simply return your entire package within 30 days of receipt to Creative Imaging Center. Office hours are Tues-Thurs 2:30-5:30

Do you charge travel fees?
    ⁃All shoot expenses, travel expenses, and post-production expenses are included at no extra charge for sessions within the surrounding areas. Beyond that, I charge on a case-by-case basis depending on travel expenses.


How do we schedule an appointment?
    ⁃If you are ready to schedule a day & time, go to our website www.creativeimagingcenter.com, top of page look for schedule an appointment.  You can schedule an appointment online. We accept all forms of credit cards via Paypal,


How long have you been in business?
    ⁃35 years and going strong


Return Policy
    ⁃100% Happiness Guarantee If you make a mistake when placing your order – Call us immediately, if we can fix it before it ships. If you wait until after the order ships, you’ll have to repeat the order all over again and bring us back the old package. If we make a mistake, we’ll reprint and ship your order right to your house ($6. handling, process & shipping fee) HERE ARE NO REFUNDS ON DIGITAL ORDERS.

Phone Orders
    ⁃No problem. Call us – we’ll take your order over the phone with a VISA/Credit Card number.


Can we view your previous work?
    ⁃Certainly, I constantly update my website images. You can also stop by to visit my studio Tues.-Thurs. 2:30-5:30 PM where you can view the sample albums of some of my previous weddings or senior work in the comfort of the consultation area. To book a free, no obligation consultation please call go to our website www.creativeimagingcenter.com, top of the page Schedule an Appointment, look for Consultation with Dean, pick a date and time to suit you.

Am I allowed to use the images I purchased for my website and social media, album cover ect?
    ⁃YES! After putting so much energy into creating these images together, I hope that you’ll get as much use out of them as possible. Share away! Credit is not necessary but always appreciated.

Can I preview my images while we are shooting?
    ⁃I rarely show previews during the session — not because I’m trying to keep a secret or because you look bad, but because I’m trying to keep the energy up and help you stay focused and positive. I’ve found that if we stop too often to review images, it’s easy to get caught up in what you “should” look like, and you’ll start looking tense. I know it takes a lot to trust a stranger with something as personal as portraits, but I promise that I will go above and beyond to make sure you love how you look in your images!

CAN FOLKS WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT JUST STOP BY AND GET PHOTOGRAPHED?
    ⁃Unfortunately no, we have created an environment that allows us to give each client our full attention. If you wish to speak with us about our products and services, go to our website and schedule an appointment.

Can I write one check for two children?
    ⁃Yes. You MUST use a separate order envelope for each student. When paying for more than one student in your family, you may place full payment in one envelope, but you MUST complete an order envelope for each student. Please note your payment arrangements on each student's envelope. (Ex. With check number was # 1130)

What can I do to help the session go smoothly?
    ⁃The BEST thing you can do is to let go and enjoy! I know it's hard not to be stressed before your session, but family pick up on anxiety really easily. We'll have the best chance at getting gorgeous images if we let them happen naturally (with a little guidance from me, of course!) I want your pictures to be amazing and will do all the hard work for you! Your only job is to relax and have fun. :)

 

School Photography Questions:

What if I forgot to send my child to school with his picture package?
    ⁃No worries things happen and mornings are sometimes hectic. Call the studio and explain the situation and we can process a credit card over the phone or come by the studio today (Tues. - Thursday) between the hours of 2:30-5:30 to pay.

Is there a make-up day?
    ⁃Yes, there will be a make-up picture day for fall (no make up day for spring pictures).  Check out our website or Ask the School

Do teachers receive any complimentary items?
    ⁃CIC knows how much time and effort goes into being a Teacher!  We donate 1-5x7 2-3x5 & 2-Wallets, ID badge

Dual household orders
    ⁃If your student has more than one order (i.e. grandparents, split household), please be sure to fill out two separate forms so each order is packaged separately.

My student's photos did not turn out well. Can I have them retaken?
    ⁃Yes. Your happiness is always a priority with CIC. You will need to return your original package to the photographer on the retake day. A new package will be produced from the new image.

What if I do not have a picture packet flyer?
    ⁃The school should have additional flyers or the photographer will have them on Picture Day. However, order cannot be customized. Standard package only--one background.

How soon will I receive my child's school pictures after Picture Day?
    ⁃Your child's pictures will arrive approximately 2-3weeks after your school's Picture Day. Picture Packets will be sent to your child's school for distribution by school staff to the students. Your child's class composite / class group photo will be delivered by Halloween


What should I wear for my school portrait?
    ⁃We recommend you choose a favorite, colorful shirt, blouse, or sweater. Try to avoid GREEN you will get lost in our background. Also, any wording or bold designs can also call attention to itself. We want the focus to be on YOU!


Can I write one check for two children?
    ⁃Yes. You MUST use a separate order envelope for each student. When paying for more than one student in your family, you may place full payment in one envelope, but you MUST complete an order envelope for each student. Please note your payment arrangements on each student's envelope. (Ex. With check number was # 1130)


What background will you be using this Fall?
    ⁃For our individual school portraits this Fall, we will be offering 5 backgrounds shown on our order envelop that you should have received if not go onto our website and you can see what we are offering there.


What if I'm absent on picture day?
    ⁃In the fall we'll be returning to your school for one make-up day.  This day is for anyone who is not satisfied with pictures, missed picture day, or is new at school since pictures were taken.


We really like our pictures – can we order more?
    ⁃Certainly. Please visit our website to order more online or call us at 530-534-3278 or drop by Tues-Thurs from 2:30-5:30


Can I order "Add-Ons" only?
    ⁃Yes. You may order as few as one Add-On item. We even have a “Build Your Own Package” where you order four “sheets” to create your own assortment. A sheet is one - 8 x 10, or two - 5 x 7’s, or four - 3.5 x 5’s, or eight - 2.5 x 3.5 wallet size


Can I copy or scan my child's school pictures?
    ⁃Respectfully, no. Copyright laws clearly protect the "maker" of professionally produced portraits, and it is unlawful to copy, scan, or otherwise reproduce our, or any other company's, school portraits. If you want to use a school picture we made for you on a cake, or a belt buckle for instance, call us and we can give you permission for specific products like those. However, we do offer, as an add-on, the opportunity to purchase a student Digital JPG image with a full-resolution student picture and a release which gives permission to reproduce the image.


I just placed my order online, but it charged me a shipping fee. Why?
    ⁃If an online order is adding a shipping charge, the bulk school order has already been produced. Anything placed after that time will be processed separately and mailed to the shipping address you provide during checkout.


What if I want a refund?
    ⁃We’re sorry you are unhappy with your portraits. To receive a refund, simply return your entire package within 30 days of receipt to Creative Imaging Center. Office hours are Tues-Thurs 2:30-5:30


Can I see my child's portrait before I purchase it?
    ⁃yes by visiting our website and filling out a form for a proof.


Can I exchange sheets in my package for other sizes?
    ⁃Unfortunately the package items are set in the computer and cannot be altered when printing. You can BYOP (build your own package) which then you can order exactly what sheets you want.


I receive my child's individual photos, but the class group photo was not in the envelop. Where is it?
    ⁃Class photos and individual photos are processed and produced separately. Even when they are taken on the same day they are not normally returned at the same time due to the proofing process.


Do I need to add tax?
    - No. tax is already included in your package price.

My child wears glasses, will there be a reflection from the flash?
    - We usually take several pictures and adjust the angle of the glasses. However it is impossible to guarantee there wont be any glare.

 

Senior Questions:

My student's photos did not turn out well. Can I have them retaken?
    ⁃Yes. Your satisfaction is always guaranteed with CIC. You will need to return your original package to the photographer on the retake day. A new package will be produced from the new image.

How much should I plan to spend, and what does ‘minimum investment’ mean?
- When budgeting for your CIC experience, you should account for both the session fee and the minimum investment. The final amount that you ultimately invest is entirely dependent on you, as everyone’s individual preferences for displaying their final images may vary and our services are completely customized to you and your needs.
The ‘minimum investment’ is the minimum requirement that you must invest in your final images at the sales appointment. This amount is determined in order to help our clients establish and prepare a budget for the complete experience well ahead of time. This allows us to allocate the time and quality of service required in order to consistently deliver the highest level of personalized experience to every one of our clients.


What does the session fee cover? Does it include any images?
-The session fee is paid at the time you book your experience, and is non-refundable. This fee covers the personalized consultation, the planning and preparation for the session, the time and talent of the photographer during the session, the image preparation and the sales appointment where you view and select your images and products.
The session fee does not include any image or products, and is a non-refundable fee that is required in order to secure your consultation, session date and sales appointment on our calendar.


When is the minimum investment due?
- By booking your senior portrait session at CIC, you are making a commitment to the minimum investment required for your session. In order to provide you with the level of experience we strive for, we must turn down other clients in order to dedicate our time solely to you throughout the entire process.


Do I have to come in for a consultation?
- Yes, the consultation is a key part of your custom experience at CIC. This is where we will get to know you and begin to plan out every detail of your experience. The consultation is relaxing and fun, and will help you start to envision your story as we bring it to life.
We require both the senior and at least one parent at the in person consultation at the studio.


Do you photograph in your studio or on location?
- There is no limit to where we photograph our clients, as every part of the experience is customized for them. We may photograph in studio, on location, or a mixture of the two depending on how your story unfolds. Every opportunity is available to you to ensure this is truly authentic.


How many outfits will I get to wear?
- You will wear several different outfits during your session, and we will plan those in detail with you during your consultation. You are not limited in the number of outfits, and we will ensure that we select the most complete variety in order to show every part of your story and personal style.


When will I get to see the images from my session?
- When you book your senior experience at 3 girls photography, we will be booking 3 dates at this time:
    •    The consultation
    •    The session date
    •    Your sales appointment
Your sales appointment is the time where you will come to the studio to view the images from your session and make your final selections to purchase. As such, we require that all decision makers are present at this appointment. This appointment is typically scheduled 7-14 days after your session.
When you schedule these appointments, please be sure that every decision maker will be able to attend ahead of time, as our calendar books up months in advance and last minute reschedules typically cannot be accommodated. In order to ensure the best experience possible, and the highest level of satisfaction.


When will I get my order?
- Depending on your final selections, your custom products will be ready 4-6 weeks after the sales appointment. Half of the payment is required before we start on the order.
Payment for your order is due in full at time of pick up, and you will receive your digital web-sharing images at this time (upon full payment).


How long do you keep my images?
    - We archive your files for several years.


Can I use my pictures in my school yearbook?
- Any purchased image may be used in your school yearbook. We will provide these images to your school or yearbook advisor upon payment in full for your order. If you do not provide the image selections for your yearbook at the sales appointment, we require a two week notice in advance for providing these to your school.


What happens if I need to reschedule my session (or an appointment)?
- We understand that sometimes unexpected emergencies arise that will prevent you from keeping your original scheduled appointment (such as illness, weather or travel issues, or other emergency situations). If this happens, we ask that you email us a minimum of 48 hours prior to the scheduled date in order for us to be able to reschedule.
We are able to provide a one-time reschedule if you notify us a minimum of 48 hours prior to your appointment. Your session fee is non-refundable, however you may apply it towards your rescheduled date if completed within 6 months of the original date.


What images of my Senior portraits will be retouched?
    - The only images that will be retouched are the images you have picked to have print of. You will look flawless but natural.   

 What can I do to help the session go smoothly?
    ⁃The BEST thing you can do is to let go and enjoy! I know it's hard not to be stressed before your session, but family pick up on anxiety really easily. We'll have the best chance at getting gorgeous images if we let them happen naturally (with a little guidance from me, of course!) I want your pictures to be amazing and will do all the hard work for you! Your only job is to relax and have fun. :)


Sports Event Questions:
   

How do I order a buddy photo?
    ⁃To order a buddy photo, you will need to fill out a separate order form.


My child wears glasses, will there be a reflection from the flash?
    - We usually take several pictures and adjust the angle of the glasses. However it is impossible to guarantee there wont be any glare.

My child can’t be there at the scheduled time, can I come earlier or later?
    - Yes, but remember that they will not be in the team photo.


If a coach or a player cannot make it to picture day, can you Photoshop them in?
    - Yes, the photographer will need to know prior to taking the team photo. This ensures we set the team up accordingly. There is also a Photoshop fee of $ 45/ person

 

 


I'm Clueless
No Problem. We have a phone. Please call us – we’re happy to make you experts in about 2 minutes.
Fair warning though, we’re not L.L. Bean, and as such we’re sorry to report that we don’t have someone to take your call 24/7. If you need to leave a voice mail (we’re out in the boonies a lot around here), please speak slowly and clearly and leave a daytime phone number.
On the flip side, the person you talk to is more than likely one of the photographers who shot your picture, or printed your picture, or stuffed it into the envelope. The buck doesn't go very far around here.