FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Jump to a question:
Q: What if I want to get my child’s senior photos to be taken by a different photographer?
A: Only the yearbook photo must be taken by Art Rich. You can purchase photos elsewhere for personal photos or purchase a package from Art Rich, if you choose.
Q: Why does it have to be Art Rich for the yearbook photos?
A: We are under contract from Art Rich Photography. They offer a FREE yearbook-only option. Using a single photographer ensures that all photos are uniform in size, color profile, and backgrounds, and are delivered on time for our tight deadlines. The photos also come tagged by Art Rich in a specific way for our layout program. We have had a lot of issues in the past before this policy.
Q: Do I need to make an appointment with Art Rich for the senior photo?
A. Yes, it is strongly recommended. First, it helps our photographer to be efficient with his time, and respectful of your time. Second, it lets us know who we need to track down to double-check that they plan on having their photo taken during our last scheduled session. Please don’t make extra work for us!
You can book your sessions on Art Rich’s website or call them directly to book an appointment at (860) 621-6711
Q: Is there a sitting fee or additional costs for the yearbook-only option?
A: No, not if taken during our scheduled photo days at RHAM High School. If you choose to go to the studio for a portrait session, additional fees may apply.
Q: My child missed all of the many Yearbook Photo sessions. Now what?
A: We typically call students who missed their photo down to the office on our last photo session date. If the student missed all the scheduled dates, they will need to schedule directly with Art Rich Photography. A studio fee may be required. If there are extenuating circumstances, please contact the advisors - Shelley Osowiecki or Carrie Dinunzio directly.
Q: If I choose the yearbook-only option, do I have to pick which photo goes in the yearbook?
A: No. With the yearbook-only option, the best photo taken will be automatically sent to us. You do not need to manually choose a photo
Q: I chose a senior photo package. Do I get to choose the yearbook picture? What if I forget?
A: Yes! You can choose the yearbook-style photo you like best. If you forget to choose one by our deadline, Art Rich will choose one for you and send it in automatically.
Q: Just to double-check, I don’t need to manually send you the photo I choose for the yearbook?
A. Correct! Art Rich will automatically send us all senior photos taken. Our editors will go through our list of seniors to see if anyone is missing their photo. We email students if there is a missing photo to see if they had it taken, just in case there is an error.
Q: What if my child didn’t have their photo taken at all?
A. We will do everything we can to make sure all students have the opportunity to be in the yearbook. If a student chooses not to be photographed, they will appear at the end of the senior portrait section under “Camera Shy.” We do have students who refuse to be photographed sign a document stating they understand their portrait will not be in the yearbook. This is so there are no surprises when the yearbook comes out.
Q: Is there a different dress code for senior photos?
A: No. We ask students to remember that this is an important photo and to dress appropriately. Formal dress is not required, but dressing your best is encouraged!
We do have a minimal dress code for all students: Shirt required, no hats, sunglasses, or anything that alters the person’s face (i.e. drawing on the face, fake mustache, etc. - yes this apparently does need to be said). No vulgarities or school-inappropriate imagery on the clothing. We ask students to be aware that strapless or thin/clear straps on shirts/dresses can make a person look like they aren’t wearing clothes, depending on how the photo is cropped.
Q: My child looks disheveled in their picture. Can I be angry at the photographer for not fixing their clothing/appearance prior to the photo?
A: No. Our photographer is not a stylist and is not in charge of sorting out a student’s appearance. Students have access to mirrors in the bathroom, on their phones, etc. prior to the photo session. The photographer cannot iron their clothes or brush their hair. For some students, the “messy” look is in style, so our photographer will not comment on a student’s appearance. Please talk to your child about your expectations for them and their appearance with this photo.
Photo retakes are available if your child was having an “off” photo day. It happens to the best of us!
Q. Where do I submit the writing for the Senior Feature?
A. A Google form was emailed to the “class of (your graduating year)” RHAM Gmail group. If you did not receive this email, please contact Ms. Osowiecki. Please search your email inbox before emailing.
Q. Do I need to be logged into my RHAM Gmail account to access the form?
A. Yes. The form is for students only. The RHAM Gmail login ensures that only students are answering and that there are no duplicate submissions under different emails. If you are having trouble with the form permissions, please check that you are logged in correctly before emailing Ms. Osowiecki.
Q. Why isn’t the form link on the website for parents to access?
A. This section is for students. The Senior Feature is their own space for them to personalize. Parents/guardians can discuss the students' submission with their child, but ultimately it is for the students to submit if they want it included.
If you are a parent/guardian whose child has circumstances that you think justify having parental access to the form, please email Ms. Osowiecki directly.
Q. Will you track down my child if they don’t submit a Feature?
A. No. It is the student’s responsibility to complete this form on time. They are given from mid May - Oct 2nd to do so with several emails and in-school announcement reminders.
Q. Why is the High School yearbook so expensive compared to the Middle School yearbook?
A. The MS yearbook is around 50 pages. The HS yearbook is over 230 pages with a hardbound cover.
Q. Can I set up a payment plan, or do I have to pay all at once?
A. If needed, you can set up a payment plan to pay for the yearbook over several months at checkout. The cost of the book is determined by the date you set up the payment plan. Buy early and save! You can always choose to pay in full.
Q. I want to purchase a yearbook to donate to an underprivileged student. How can I do this?
A. Josten’s allows you to “gift” a yearbook direct from their website. Choose the gift option at checkout.
Q. My child is on free or reduced price lunch, and we cannot afford a yearbook. What can we do?
A. Talk to your guidance counselor or our high school Principal - Dr. Bryzgel, to request a free yearbook.
Q: If my child requests a free yearbook, who will know about our financial situation?
A. Only the guidance counselor and our principal will have this information. They will add the student’s name into our system directly. The yearbook will be picked up during distribution just like every other student. The yearbook advisors and club members do NOT have access to this information.
Q: What do I do if I still have questions?
A: Email one of the advisors, and we will get back to you asap!