It's easy to get your picture taken.

Our photo studio will be coming to campus to take your portrait on October 26, 2009. You can schedule a portrait session from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM at a time convenient for your schedule, so you won't have to miss any class or work. An on-campus studio in the Student Store (across from the textbook buyback station) brings convenience to busy students like you.

It's affordable.

Our basic sitting is only $5. For the price of a cup of coffee, you can include yourself in this year's Blue & Gold Yearbook! While we highly recommend purchasing a book along with your portrait, it is essential that you take your senior portrait now even if you are not considering purchasing a book at this time. That way, your friends who do purchase the book will remember you, and if you decide to purchase a book in 5 years, we're sure you'd want to see your own picture in it!

You might not realize it now, but you'll want to look back in 20 years.

We can't begin to count the number of alumni and their families who have contacted the Blue & Gold yearbook in search of friends or family who have attended Cal. It's a crushing feeling when we can't find a particular individual simply because they didn't take their senior portrait. Don't be the one who gets forgotten!

Prove that you went to Berkeley.

If you take your senior portrait, you'll automatically be pictured in the Blue & Gold yearbook. In 10 or 20+ years, your friends and family may be interested in seeing what Berkeley was like when you went to college, so your picture in the yearbook would give support to your stories of failing (or acing) those Berkeley exams, late nights at local bars, or doing research with that world renowned professor who is conveniently featured on page 25. Plus, an old college yearbook is always good for laughs about how you looked "back in the day." This year is an especially good year to be a part of the yearbook, as Berkeley has been rated the #2 university in the world. Prove that you attended an elite school!

College is not like high school.

You might think portraits are high schoolish and juvenile, but college is different. You got rid of those braces when you got to Cal, and now that you're graduating and going out into the job market, you need some professional photos for résumés or interviews. These high quality photos will impress, more so than any candid picture taken at a party.

Sign up for your Senior Portraits!

Don't miss your opportunity to get your graduation portraits and your picture in the 2010 yearbook. All seniors who are graduating in Fall 2009, Spring 2010, and Summer 2010 have the opportunity to be pictured in the 2010 book. Simply signup online for an appointment. You can pay for your sitting and yearbook online or when you arrive for your portrait session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When and where are Senior Portraits?
A: Our first session will begin October 26. For the sessions lasting from October 26-November 24, all portrait sessions will take place in the Student Store (across from the textbook buyback station). Signs will be posted to direct you to the correct location in addition to being posted on the website.

Q: I'm studying abroad this semester. Is there another way to take my portraits?
A: Lauren Studios will be returning to campus in the spring. If you are in Berkeley, however, we encourage you to take your portraits early. This gives you the ability to have your portraits in ample time to share with your friends and family and send out with graduation announcements.

Q: I'm graduating this summer/fall. When should I take my portraits?
A: If you feel that you are more associated with the class of 2010, take your portraits now! You'll be pictured in the 2010 Blue & Gold Yearbook along with your fellow classmates. If you feel that you are more associated with the class of 2011, wait until fall 2011 to take your portraits. You will then be pictured in the 2011 yearbook.

Q: Can I send in my own photo instead?
A: To maintain consistency, we ask that you take your portraits through Lauren Studios. The basic sitting only cost $5 and takes place on campus. If you have extenuating circumstances, please contact us. We may be able to accomodate you, but the cheapest and easiest option remains to take your senior portraits through one of the scheduled on-campus senior portrait sessions.

Q: What should I wear to my senior portrait?
A: We recommend business casual. Solid colors/neutral patterns for women, and a shirt and tie for men (jacket optional). Note: a cap and gown will be provided as a second (or third) outfit, but cap & gown photos will not be included in the yearbook.

Q: Are senior portraits just headshots?
A: Yearbook portraits are only chest-up. However, the Lauren Studios photographer can take additional photos (such as waist up or full-body) if you choose a 10- or 15-pose sitting.

Q: How much do senior portraits cost?
A: The cost is $5 for a 5-pose sitting; $15 for a 10-pose sitting; and $25 for a 15-pose sitting. You can have two outfits in a 10-pose sitting and three outfits in a 15-pose sitting.

Q: How can I pay for my senior portraits?
A: The yearbook accepts payment by credit card (online only), or by cash or check at the time of your appointment. Checks can be made out to “ASUC / Blue & Gold Yearbook.”

Q: Do I need to order my yearbook when I take my senior portraits? Or can I decide later?

You can pay for your yearbook at any point during the school year, though we encourage students to purchase it in the fall at a 10% discount. If you decide not to buy your yearbook in the fall, you are welcome to visit our website in the spring to place your order.

Q: When will I receive my portrait proofs?
A: Proofs will be available online within 2 weeks. You will also receive them in the mail within 4 weeks. Please remember to select your yearbook pose by the deadline (otherwise Lauren Studios does it for you!)

Q: What sort of picture should I choose for my yearbook photo?
A: You must select a photo with a blue/gray background in order to maintain consistency in the senior section. If you do not select a pose with a blue/gray background, you will be asked to select another. Cap-and-gown photos will not be included in the yearbook, either; if you select a cap-and-gown photo, you will be asked to select another.

Q: I also want to purchase photo prints of my proofs. Where's the information about photo packages?
A: Lauren Studios will provide all pricing and additional information regarding photo packages when they send you your proofs.

Q: I'm not happy with my photos. Can I retake them?
A: Yes. Lauren Studios makes every effort to ensure you will be happy with your portrait images, and in most instances students are thrilled with the results. Sometimes, however, for a variety of reasons, the results may not meet your expectations. Photo retakes are at no extra charge. Please make an appointment online and let the photographer know that you are retaking them.

Q: I graduated a few years ago and had missed the senior portraits session. Can I still take my senior portraits and thus be in my graduating year's yearbook?
A: Unfortunately, due to the high cost of setting up the printing press to include your portrait and publish the book again of any year, this would not be possible.

Questions?

If you have any additional questions about senior portraits, please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!