JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Dozens of parents expressed disappointment and confusion after a local mom spoke out about a price difference of hundreds of dollars for her four children’s senior photos.
The mother of four noticed the price difference because her children were attending different schools.
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The school district said no matter how much a photography company charges the parent can choose a different option like taking the photo themselves. But parents said it’s not that easy.
This story began with Norma Martinez, a mother of four.
She noticed the price for her third child’s senior photos from Prestige Photography of LifeTouch, owned by Shutterfly was about $900.
Then she noticed it was much more when she paid for her first, second and fourth child with Cady Photography, about $2,000-$3,000 for each child.
In the 48 hours after the story was published News4JAX insiders and other parents began sounding off about the price of senior photos.
“$2500+The studio fee at Cady Studios. So much that even my teenage daughter was taken aback by the cost!” one commenter said.
“$2,000 at Cady Studios for my daughter’s senior pictures last year,” said another.
“Took pictures and edited them myself. Then printed graduation announcements through a well-known picture company. Spent about $60, if even,” another parent said.
News4JAX called Cady and Prestige and left multiple messages with Cady but we are waiting to hear back.
Prestige of Lifetouch/Shutterfly did respond by saying in part:
“We believe in equity so as many customers as possible can experience the joy of capturing and preserving memories with school portraits. Lifetouch has a fair and competitive pricing structure with options and packages for a variety of customer needs.”
Martinez said she was not allowed to use Prestige, at the lower price, for her other children and she wants to know why.
The school district told News4JAX: “School leadership works with local studios to find the best fit for their school. There is no sitting fee for yearbook photos for any grade levels. And to reiterate, purchase of a photo package is totally optional.”
Martinez won’t need senior photos again but hopes other parents now know they have options.
The school district sent a statement, it reads in part: “As parents have the option to select from any vendor, we encourage them to research the marketplace for options that best meet their needs. We also encourage them to share any concerns or suggestions with their school’s advisory council.”
If parents have a senior, they can take the photo with the designated photography company for the yearbook. However, they can also take senior photos with whatever vendor they choose whether it be Prestige, Cady or another photography company.