FAQs

Click on the question for the answer.

Preparing for grad photos

What do I need to bring to my grad session?
There are a few things to do to prepare. To read about what to bring to your grad session, check out our blog here: https://www.blog.artona.com/post/prepare
Can I bring a prop?
Yes! As long as it can fit in a 55 cm x 39 cm container, you can bring it. We've had students bring trophies, sports equipment, jerseys, shoes, books and even food!

Please respect school policies and Artona policies:
  • No symbols, abbreviations, initials, words, slogans, patches, or pictures that refer to drugs or controlled substances, tobacco, alcohol, or weapons 

  • Nothing that denotes or advocates drug use, violence, illegal activity, or disruptive behaviour detrimental or threatening to the safety and welfare of others 

  • No obscenities, profanities, or words or images of a vulgar, sexual or graphic nature 

Can I bring friends or family to my grad session?
Taking your graduation photos is an exciting and memorable experience, so we know how important it is to have friends and family there.  We invite grads to bringing a maximum of four people to their session for a family photo.  This may take time away from your individual photos, so you may have to trade some solo photos for your family photo.  

If you are interested in having a larger family or friendship photo, you can book a separate group session

Ordering grad photos

How do I order a yard sign?
Please log in here, then navigate to the Specialty Products page, which is right after the frames. Just use the blue Continue button on the bottom right hand corner to get there. If you have any trouble, please live chat with our online support team. 
What is enhanced retouching?
Enhanced retouching adds to our standard retouching to provide additional support for eye bags and dark circles, improve overall skin texture, and better handles cystic acne and redness.  If you are looking to remove braces or whiten teeth, please select this as an additional service for each pose. 
Do you offer payment plans?

Yes. You can make four bi-weekly or monthly payments for your grad order. To qualify for a payment plan, your order subtotal must be at least $200 before taxes and will incur a $15 administration fee. 

Payment plan orders will be shipped once paid in full. Any declined or returned payments will be charged an additional $45 fee. Orders not paid according to terms are subject to further fees. 



How do I get a refund for my deposit?
Don't forget, the $60 deposit can be applied toward your grad order. If you decide that you do not want to order photos, simply return the Artona book within 30 days. You can do this by visiting us in person, or sending it by mail to 353 West 7 Avenue, Vancouver, V5Y 1M2. Once we receive it back, we will process the refund within 2-3 weeks.

Please note, if you paid the deposit by credit, we will process the refund back to the same card. If you paid by cash or debit, we will issue a cheque to the student's name and mail to the home address. If you would like the cheque made out to a different name, please let us know when returning the booklet.

If you aren't sure what your specific deadlines are, you can also look at page 2 of your booklet. All the key dates related to your grad portrait session are listed there.

Receiving grad photos

There was a problem with my order. How can I get it fixed?
If you received the wrong order, or if your order was damaged, please send an email to csr@artona.com with the following details: 

- Customer ID
- Description of what happened
- Your address and phone number
- Photo of proof of damage (if applicable)

Once we receive this, we will be in touch with the next steps on making things right. 


Policies

What is your return policy?

Return Policy:

1.       Digital Download Products are final sale, as they contain full copyright release.  No refunds, exchanges or store credit will be given.

2.       All images can be viewed prior to purchase, are copyright protected and of a personal nature, therefore all photographs purchased are not eligible for refund, exchange or store credit.

3.       Custom Souvenir Frames cannot be returned for refund, exchange or store credit.

4.       Frames which are included with Artona Art Pieces purchased, cannot be returned for refund, exchange or store credit

5.       Frames purchased as “add-ons” (without images included) may be returned, within 30 days of order shipment, in original packaging, for exchange only.  

What is your order change or cancellation policy?

For graduation print orders, there is a $50 fee for all changes or cancellations. All digital image orders are final sale and can not be changed or cancelled once they are placed. 

All school day photo orders are final sale and can not be changed or cancelled once they are placed.

We recommend contacting our CS team with any questions you may have about your photos before placing an order. 


What is your satisfaction guarantee?

Satisfaction Guarantee:

Thank you for allowing us to photograph you.   Your satisfaction with the “Artona Experience” is our #1 priority. We guarantee to work with you to capture images and produce products you will cherish for years to come.  We are happy to discuss your expectations and work with you to meet them.

School day photos

Do you have different backgrounds for school photos?
Yes! We now have over 35 different backgrounds for students and families to choose once the images are online. 
How long does it take for school pictures to be delivered?
Digital downloads without retouching are sent to your email right after check out. This is the fastest option and the digital file includes the full copyright, so you can have it printed anywhere you like.

If you ordered prints, you can expect to receive your package within about 2-4 weeks. If you aren't sure if your package is being mailed to the school or to your home, please search your school's name at https://www.artona.com/schools/find, then scroll down to the ordering timeline. 

I am not attending school in person but I still want a school photo. What can I do?
Spring Break School Photos on Saturday, March 19, 2022 is another opportunity for students to have school pictures taken — no sitting fee required. Please visit our blog for more information: https://www.blog.artona.com/post/spring-break-school-photos
How can I order school photos?
Scan the QR code we provided at photo day, or enter your access code here: https://artona.com/student_requests/digit_code

If you do not have your access code, you can find it here: https://artona.com/student_requests/lost_access_card
What is my school photo online code or keyword?
Please use your school photo access card, or visit https://artona.com/student_requests/new 

If you have any trouble accessing your account, please click the Live Chat button here, or let us know.
When is photo day at my school?
To see when we are coming to you, search your school's name here, then select School Day. If you don't see this year's dates, let us know.
When will my school photo be online?
Your school photos will be available to view and order here within 48 hours of the time they were taken. Please note that this does not apply to weekends. If your photos are taken on a Thursday or Friday, they will be uploaded on the following Monday.

Miscellaneous

Do you sell Zaino Products?

Yes, Artona sells Zaino products! Please contact Michael at mrak@artona.com or simply come to our studio at 353 West 7 Avenue in Vancouver. All products are at the front counter for purchase and pickup, with the same prices reflected here

Id cards

I lost my ID card. How can I get it replaced?
You can request a new ID card through the office at your school or order one directly on our website by logging in here
I work at a school and need to request a new ID card. How can I do it?
You will have received instructions to use the id card site.  If you have any questions or need more assistance, please reach out to Curtis at curtist@artona.com

Booking for grad 2024

How do grad photos work?
Graduation is a huge achievement and you deserve to celebrate it with photos. Getting your grad photos with us means you get to be in the yearbook, on the wall composite at your school and have something other than a diploma to show for your accomplishment.

For high school grad photos, we don't charge a sitting fee — all you pay is a $60 deposit. This can be applied toward your order later on like a credit, or refunded if you choose not to order. You can read our full deposit policy here.

During your session, you get to take photos in your own outfit and with the traditional cap and gown (that we provide) with a number of different backgrounds. You can also take a friendship and/or family photo with up to two people each. We have a bunch of different props you can use (like the 2022 sign) but you can also bring your own props to be photographed with. 

Once the photos are taken, we'll upload them online to a private gallery within 5-7 days. From there, you can choose your yearbook photo, place an order and apply the $60 deposit like a credit. Digital image orders (without retouching) are sent within just a few days and all other orders are processed and shipped within 4-6 weeks from our main studio in Vancouver, BC. We will send your yearbook photo to your school, as long as you select your favourite pose before the deadline.

How can I book an appointment?
We reserve dates for each school to make sure all students are photographed in time for the yearbook. To search your school's dates and book an appointment, search for your school here: https://artona.com/schools/book
I am a wheelchair user. How accessible are your studios?
The main floor of our Vancouver studio is fully accessible for wheelchair users. However, there is a flight of stairs between the main floor and where the group photos take place. If you are a wheelchair user coming to our Vancouver studio for group photos, just let us know ahead of time and we can plan to take group photos on the main floor. 

Our mobile studios are also wheelchair accessible with a ramp but we need to know you are coming ahead of time. Once you book your appointment, please complete this form so we can ensure the ramp will be set up and ready to go. 
Can I book retakes for grad photos?
We definitely want you to be happy with your grad photos. To book a retake appointment, please contact our customer service team here and note that retake fees do apply. The cost is $35 for casual photos (the ones in your own outfit), $35 for cap/gown photos, or $70 to retake the full session. These fees are not applicable toward your order but you can still use your $60 deposit.
How can I reschedule my appointment?
Appointments are limited due to our reduced capacity with Covid-19. If you need to reschedule, we kindly ask you do it more than 24 hours in advance so another student can take your spot. To reschedule your appointment, click here
Are you offering group sessions?
Yes! We are currently offering group sessions at our Vancouver studio every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for a maximum of 12 people per session. To read more about group sessions, please visit our blog.
Do you offer sensory friendly grad portrait sessions?
Yes. This will be our third year of Silent Night — our sensory friendly graduation portrait sessions. Please visit our blog for all the details: https://www.blog.artona.com/post/silentnight
I don't see any dates or times available for my school. How can I book?
We might not have the sessions available to book yet. Please fill out this form and we will be in touch when they are open!

Safety

What measures are you taking to ensure that it is safe to come to your studio?
The safety of our guests and staff is our highest priority. To read about the safety measures we are taking, as well as what to expect at upcoming sessions, please visit our blog here: https://www.blog.artona.com/post/safety-at-our-studios
Do you allow pets?
Pets are welcome at our Vancouver studio and mobile studios. If you are planning on bringing a pet, please read our full pet policy.

If you are a university student with a portrait session booked in your school, pets are typically not permitted. If you are unsure what session type you have and if pets are allowed, please review your school details.  
Do I need to do anything different to prepare for my grad session?
Yes. We have strict requirements for coming to our studio. If you are experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, have been in contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 or traveled outside of BC within the last 14 days, you will need to reschedule your appointment.

To read more about what to expect at upcoming sessions, please visit our blog here: https://www.blog.artona.com/post/safety-at-our-studios

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