High School Seniors

We have been photographing high school seniors since 2003, and it's one of our favorite parts of our photography business. We shoot senior photos 12 months out of the year (Parents: It's never too late or too soon to book senior photos), because we have the option to both shoot in an indoor studio session and also outdoors. We always try to keep your session unique to you or your senior, so we're always open for just about anything (no spiders or extreme heights). Our senior photo session sitting fees are only based on the number of outfits, because we do not charge by the hour for senior photos or limit our sessions by a certain timeframe. The way we see it, your senior photos happen once in a lifetime, so why rush the session? We take the time to make it right while also having fun in the process.

Some seniors and parents come in with a specific idea in mind. Others come in with no idea whatsoever. We're happy to help you through the entire process and make it a fun and memorable experience! Chad grew up and has lived in the Central Illinois his entire life, so he knows of hundreds of outdoor locations to go with the perfect outfit, prop or general feel.

Portrait Photography and Family Portraits

At Chad Mitchell Photography, we have a NEW large 2,000 s.f. studio with over 70 different backgrounds and sets. We feature a 40-foot wide studio with a white cycloramo wall, so we can photography families as small as 2-3 people all the way up to over 50 people. Our studio is at ground level as well, so it's the perfect option for family members who need extra assistance in walking or getting set for that perfect, priceless family portrait. We also travel to your home if you want a more personally specific atmosphere. Likewise, we travel all over Central Illinois free of charge for the perfect outdoor setting.

Professional Corporate Headshots

Our studio always runs a $50 Business Headshot special, which allows for a convenient 5- to 10-minute session and one high-resolution, retouched headshot. Everyone is busy, and we understand that and try to cater to your busy work schedule. Having said that, most sessions are quick while NOT making you feel rushed. If you don't select your chosen photo on-site, we put your proofs online the same day or very next day. On top of that, most retouching is done within 24-hours, so your professional, high-quality headshot is ready for use within a day or two.

Business/Commercial Photography

We also offer professional product photography either in our studio or at your business' location. Our 2,000 s.f. studio features a large cycloramo wall specifically designed for large corporate groups up to 60 people, so we can photography most large groups in a comfortable, inviting environment at any time of the year. We also have a background in advertising, marketing and graphic design, so we are the perfect photography studio to choose for your next business product update, food/drink photography, new business launch or existing business re-branding. We have years of experience working with advertising agencies, small businesses, large corporate businesses and start-ups. Whether the photos are for a new look or new brand, please considere our studio for your print advertising, web advertising and general business photography needs.

Sports Photography

Our studio has been shooting sports photography since 2003. We have worked with sports teams and groups small to large, youth leagues, grade schools and high schools. For formal team and individual photos, we offer the most competitive prices in the area while not skimping on quality or turn-around times. On top of that, we offer action photography for every sport played in the Midwest. Contact us at 217-872-6856 for more information on our reduced sports pricing information.

Modeling + Actors/Actresses Photography

Since 2003, we have been helping both new and established models with their modeling photography needs and portfolios. This includes anything from portfolio creation and updates, to comp. cards, and also caters to amateur and professional actors/actresses.

Ordering and Payment

We offer both online and in-person sales. We accept Cash, Check, Credit/Debit Cards and PayPal. Payment in-full is required on all orders before they are placed with our professional lab. All sales are final. There is a $25 penalty fee on all bounced checks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?

We are located in Forsyth, Illinois, which is in Central Illinois. Our address is:

Chad Mitchell Photography, LLC

161 Shadow Ridge Blvd.

Forsyth, IL 62535

What about your studio?

In 2023, we finished the construction of our new, 2,000-s.f. studio. It features a 40-ft. wide white cycloramo background/wall for large groups, motorcycles and large props and products. We have over 70 different backgrounds and photography sets. We have a private dressing room, complete with a make-up and hair station, extra seating and a fridge with cold refreshments. We also have a spacious waiting area for customers, friends and family to just hang out during photo sessions. We also have a restroom.

Do you travel?

Yes, we do! We offer free traveling within our Central Illinois area. We are located in Forsyth (near Decatur), so we travel for free as far as west to Springfield, North to Bloomington, east to Champaign and south to Pana. For on-location photo shoots outside of our area, we charge a nominal mileage fee based on the State of Illinois standard.

What types of payment do you accept?

We accept Cash, Check, almost all types of Credit/Debit Cards and PayPal (you do not need a PayPal account to use PayPal).

Do you offer Gift Certificates?

Yes, we do. We offer gift certificates in ANY dollar amount, so it is the perfect personalized gift for loved ones, friends, fund raising events or a gift for a co-worker. *Please note: Each gift certificate will have an expiration date. Due to the ever changing world of photography and unforseen expenses, we are not able to refund gift certificates or honor gift certificates that are grossly out of date.

How do we schedule an appointment?

We are by appointment only, so unfortunately, we do not accept walk-ins. This is to allow you and our other customers to have the opportunity of an uninterupted, personalized session. We also do not schedule sessions by "time" limitations, because we schedule enough time for each session without interruptions to keep your session as personalized, fun and stress-free as possible. Due to high demand and ever-changing availability, we do not schedule through e-mails or messaging, so to schedule your session, please call us at 217-872-6856 to schedule your session.

What is your cancellation policy?

As a courtesy to our studio and other customers, please call us 24-hours in advance if you need to reschedule your session. If you anticipate being 15-minutes late, please call us ASAP to make sure we can keep your existing appointment. If you anticipate being 30-minutes or more late, we will more than likely need to reschedule your session.

Is there cancellation penalty or fee for "no show" or forgotten appointments?

If you are a "no show" for your current session, payment in advance for your sitting fee is required to schedule a future session. If you are a "no show" for a Saturday appointment, unfortunately, we cannot book another Saturday appointment for your next session as Saturdays are always in high-demand. If you are a "no show" for a third time, unfortunately, we cannot book another session with you.

Is there a cancellation penalty or fee for the yearbook free, low-income headshot sessions in the summer?

If you are a "no show" for your free yearbook headshot session, you forfeit your free appointment and will be required to pay the standard $25 yearbook headshot fee to reschedule a new appointment.

Is your facility ADA accessible or have steps?

We are located on the ground level, so you can enter straight into our studio without any steps or issues. Techinically, we are not ADA accessible as our restroom door width does not meet Illinois ADA standards; however, all other doors meet ADA standards for width.

How long does your studio keep our photos?

We archive our photos indefinitely, so there is never a deadline to order from our studio. We still have archives as long ago as 2003.

How long are our proofs available online?

Our standard proofing on most sessions is one month. If you need additional time, or if your proof time has expired, there is a nominal $5/mo. fee to have your proofs extended online.