Q. Where would you recommend students go for their pictures?
A. Check out our list of recommended photographers. These places have a history of taking good-looking pictures that meet our standards and are delivered on time.

Q. Can I use a “Lifetouch” photo (regular school photo taken on picture day)?
A. YES! Lifetouch photos have been used with great results in the past. However, you must submit the photo you want used or have your student sign a sheet consenting to its use. We do not automatically receive or print Lifetouch prints for seniors who do not submit senior photos. Be sure to order at least one picture if you wish to submit one.

Q. Can I (or a friend) take a photo for someone else using my own equipment?
A. Yes. As long as the photo meets the above requirements, we will run it. We’ve had pictures taken with regular 35mm cameras that look great… even next to professional portraits. However, please be advised that pictures taken this way are often rejected for not meeting the quality standards above. Professional portraits usually meet our standards. It’s best to take several different shots and submit multiple pictures in order to have your photo accepted.

Q. What are some low-cost or quick options for portraits?
A. Portrait studios such as Sears and Wal-Mart, while they may not offer the variety of poses or personalization of professional portrait studios, can take low-cost pictures that have a quick turnaround if you are still waiting for your photos, planning on taking portraits at the end of the year, or are not planning on getting a package from a local professional photographer. These photos often look equally good when compared to other portraits.

Q. Why do you have so many standards?
A. The Tatanka has high standards for senior pictures for multiple reasons. The first reason is that we want you to look good. Over the past few years, we’ve seen thousands of senior portraits, and we know what works and what doesn’t once your pictures are cropped and placed in the book next to other pictures. Other yearbooks with loose standards often end up embarrassing students by allowing certain photos to run. The second reason is that the Tatanka is a nationally-recognized standard of excellence in yearbooks, and we want to keep it that way by printing a beautiful senior section with portraits that look good. These standards are made with your benefit in mind. If you have any further questions, please contact us.

Q. When will we be getting Baby Ad information?
A. FULL COLOR Baby ads can be purchased for $35 and will be due on Friday, November 13, 2009. Information about Baby Ads will be sent to you on the Senior Picture deadline day. Check here later for more information.

Senior pictures are due Friday, October 2, 2009

Senior Photo Specifications for the 2010 Yearbook

• All photos must be in full color – No black and white.
• Head and shoulder shots only – no hands showing on face. If hands are showing on your face, you picture may be rejected. This is to prevent you from looking awkward in a row of photographs.
• Plain, solid color background – a dark background is preferred.
• No props! – No pictures with sports accessories, cars, pets, or any other props will be accepted; this includes background “shades”, foliage, sparkles, etc.
• Head size – 1 ¼ inch (on a wallet-size picture) from top of the head to the bottom of the chin.
• No Hats, bandanas, etc – Male or female
• No Glamour Shots – we do not recommend Glamour Shots for senior photos because of past experiences with incorrect head sizes and specifications.
• No digital photos – Due to past incompatibilities with image quality, the Tatanka will not accept digital photos under any circumstance. High resolution (5 mega pixel our higher) digital photographs, once developed on photo-quality paper, may be accepted if done professionally.
• Wallet size is preferred.

Send Pictures to:

Tatanka Yearbook
C/O Buffalo High School
877 Bison Blvd
Buffalo MN 55313