Lifetouch is still in business, but the company has changed significantly

Lifetouch Photography continues to operate as of 2024, but it is no longer the independent company it once was. In 2021, Lifetouch was acquired by Visant Corporation, a larger imaging and marketing services company. The acquisition meant changes to how the company runs, which locations remain open, and which services are still offered.

If you are looking for Lifetouch services—whether school portraits, sports photography, or yearbook production—the company still provides these services, but you may need to contact them through different channels than you would have five or ten years ago. The acquisition also affected which school districts and organizations Lifetouch works with, so availability varies by region.

Key Takeaways

  • Lifetouch was purchased by Visant Corporation in 2021 and continues to operate under that ownership.
  • The company still offers school portraits, sports photography, and yearbook services, though not all locations or programs may be available in your area.
  • You can contact Lifetouch through their main website or by reaching out to your school directly to confirm whether they use Lifetouch services.
  • Some former Lifetouch services or regional offices may have closed or consolidated since the acquisition.

What happened when Visant acquired Lifetouch

The 2021 acquisition by Visant Corporation was a significant turning point for Lifetouch. Visant is a company that handles printing, imaging, and marketing services for schools and organizations across North America. The purchase meant Lifetouch became part of a larger corporate structure rather than operating as its own entity.

After the acquisition, some Lifetouch operations were consolidated with Visant's existing services. This consolidation affected staffing, office locations, and how customers place orders. Some regional offices closed, and certain services were reorganized or moved to different departments within the larger company.

Despite these changes, Lifetouch's core business—photographing students for school portraits and yearbooks—remained active. The company continued to serve school districts, though the experience of working with them may feel different from earlier years.

How to learn about your school uses Lifetouch

The easiest way to know whether Lifetouch is still serving your school is to ask the school directly. Contact your school's main office or the yearbook coordinator and ask which photography company handles portrait days and yearbook photos. Schools typically announce this information at the start of the school year or post it on their websites.

You can also visit the Lifetouch website and use their school finder tool, which allows you to search by school name or district. This tool will tell you whether Lifetouch is contracted with your school and when portrait sessions are scheduled. Keep in mind that not all schools use Lifetouch—many districts work with other photography companies or have switched providers since the acquisition.

Services Lifetouch still offers

Lifetouch continues to provide school portrait photography, which remains their primary service. This includes individual student photos, class photos, and sports team pictures. They also still handle yearbook production and printing for schools that contract with them.

The company offers digital ordering and proofing through their online portal, allowing parents and students to view photos and place orders without visiting a physical location. Some schools also offer Lifetouch's digital photo packages, which let families read and print images themselves rather than ordering prints through the company.

However, not every service Lifetouch offered before the acquisition may be available in your area. Some regional or specialized services were discontinued or consolidated. Contacting Lifetouch directly or checking with your school will clarify what is currently offered.

Changes since the Visant acquisition

Since 2021, several changes have affected how Lifetouch operates. The company has shifted more services online, reducing the need for physical office locations in some areas. Customer service channels have also changed—some former Lifetouch phone numbers or local offices may no longer be active, and inquiries are now routed through Visant's systems.

Pricing and package options have also been adjusted in some regions. Schools that worked with Lifetouch for years may have experienced changes to their contracts or the services included in their agreements. If you have worked with Lifetouch in the past, the process may feel streamlined but also less personalized than before.

The consolidation also meant that some former Lifetouch employees were reassigned or let go, which affected service quality and response times in certain areas during the transition period. These issues have largely stabilized, but regional differences remain.

Alternatives if Lifetouch is not available in your area

If your school does not use Lifetouch or if the company is no longer serving your region, several other photography companies provide similar services. Jostens and Herff Jones are two of the largest competitors in school photography and yearbook production. Both companies operate nationally and work with thousands of schools.

Many schools also work with smaller, local photography studios that specialize in school portraits. These studios often offer more personalized service and may have different pricing or package options than national companies. Ask your school which photographers they have worked with or are considering for upcoming sessions.

If you are looking for individual portrait photography outside of school-sponsored sessions, independent photographers in your area may offer school-style portraits or headshots at competitive rates. These photographers often provide more flexibility in scheduling and styling than school portrait days allow.

How to contact Lifetouch today

The main way to reach Lifetouch is through their website, where you can search for your school, view session dates, and place orders online. The website also has a contact form for general inquiries. Response times vary, but the company typically replies within one to two business days.

If your school uses Lifetouch, the school office can also provide you with direct contact information or session details. Many schools post Lifetouch information in newsletters, on their websites, or through parent communication apps. This is often the fastest way to get accurate information about portrait dates and ordering important date for your specific school.

For technical issues with online ordering or account problems, Lifetouch's website includes a customer support section with FAQs and troubleshooting guides. If you cannot resolve an issue online, the contact form will direct your question to the appropriate department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Lifetouch go out of business?

No. Lifetouch was purchased by Visant Corporation in 2021 and continues to operate. The company still provides school photography and yearbook services, though under new ownership and with some changes to how it runs.

Can I still order prints from old Lifetouch photos?

This depends on how long ago the photos were taken and whether your school's records are still in the system. Contact Lifetouch directly with your school name and the year the photos were taken. They can tell you whether the images are still available for ordering.

Why did Lifetouch get bought by Visant?

Visant acquired Lifetouch to expand its services in the school photography and yearbook market. The purchase allowed Visant to combine its printing and marketing informed with Lifetouch's established relationships with schools across North America.

Is Lifetouch more expensive now than before the acquisition?

Pricing varies by school and region. Some schools may have seen price changes after the acquisition, while others have not. Contact your school or Lifetouch directly to compare current pricing with what you paid in previous years.

What if I do not like the photos Lifetouch took at my school?

Most schools allow a retake day if you are unhappy with your photos. Ask your school when retakes are scheduled. If you miss the retake window, you can contact Lifetouch to ask about other options, though they vary by school and situation.