In today's world with a photographer on every corner, I thought it would be helpful to provide a list of questions that you can consider when meeting with a professional photographer. When we meet with potential clients, many feel overwhelmed with the process. Afterall, this is an investment and this isn't something you do every day. You want to base your desicion on more than price and we hope this will help with your decision process. We have heard several sad, horror stories and we want to make sure your day is special and worry-free. You will be spending several hours with your photographer and you want to make sure you will have fun, get exceptional photographs of your special day and ensure you can relax and count on them. It is so important to meet the photographer your are considering. You want to be able to connect with their work AND with them personally. You can't accomplish that via email or texting. We hope this information will help in your decision process and more importantly, we hope we have the opportunity to capture your memories!
1) Do you have someone that can cover for you if an emergency arises?
2) Do you use flash/lighting other than natural lighting?
3) If my budget only allowed me to hire you for 3 hours, what would you photograph?
4) Do you have backup equipment?
5) What happens if it rains on my day?
6) Do I need to figure out what should be photographed or will you do that for us?
7) Do you work with a 2nd photographer?
8) Do you feel each couple is the same in terms of photographing them?
9) If my guests wanted a portrait, is that something you could do?
10) How soon should I book you and how do I lock you in?
Most of my clients come to their sessions with a preconceived vision of what their perfect portrait will be - posed, looking at the camera, perfection. Many times their favorite portrait will be totally different from their initial vision. All Rachel wanted for her 70's birthday was to get all of her children and grandchildren together (and the grand-dog, Fenway) for portraits. We got everyone posed in just the right position and the dog would put his back to the camera. We got the dog turned around and on of her grand-daughters just wanted her new shell to be photographed, in front of her face. After some coaxing and convincing, we got the shell in the portrait but in her little hands at her waist. Now we are ready! Back to the camera and Fenway decides he's going to jump in the ocean and the baby decides he has had enough. This is the portrait Rachel chose. This is life with our families. Not perfect, just fun with a few trial and tribulations. This is what we want to remember.
Here are a few clothing suggestions and elements to avoid to insure beautiful portraits and memories.
When selecting your wardrobe, avoid busy patterns, bold stripes, and sleeveless clothing. These elements are distracting and take the focus away from your face. For a group, it is good to have everyone dress in a similar or complimenting color palette. Remember to choose a color that brings out your features and skin tone. Black or white tops are not good for all skin tones unless you opt for classic black and white portraits. For ideas, be sure to look in my portrait galleries! I am always available to help and answer any questions. Please don't hesitate to call!
For a casual look, denim with coordinating colored shirts or sweaters make a great impact. For a semi-casual look, khaki pants and similar colored shirts accomplish this effect. If you opt for a more formal look, suits (with or without tie) and dresses, whether dark or lighter tones, work well.
Your family pet is welcomed and encouraged. Make sure to exercise him/her beforehand and don't forget treats and water! Most importantly, be yourself and have fun!
We will spend an hour together capturing you. You can select up to 3 outfit changes and you are welcome to include props whether it's a pet, musical instrument, sports, car, journals, art or anything else that depicts who you are. My portable changing room makes changing private and easy!
After your portrait session, I will review, retouch and create a video of your portraits and post a sneak peak of my favorites to social media that you can share with friends and family. Then it's time to meet at my studio for your Sales and Review session to pick your favorites, select your yearbook portrait and place your order. Bring everyone that will be ordering and that you want to share this fun session with. At this time, most parents take advantage of scheduling their family portraits at 40% off, another benefit all my senior portrait clients receive!
You don't have to worry about getting your yearbook portrait to the school. I work directly with each school's yearbook advisor to make sure your choice is received in time for your yearbook.
It's totally fun, an experience you will remember and want to share with all your friends!
This will help you to visualize how different sizes of wall art will look on a wall. I have studio software that will allow us to work together to envision what your favorite portraits will look like on your walls in your own home. All you need to do is send me simple pictures of the walls in your home that you may be considering for your wall art. Just place a ruler, cell phone or switch plate in the photo so that the software can size your walls appropriately. It's that simple! Then at your Sales & Viewing session, we will place your favorite portraits on your walls to see how they will look and which size would be best. We can build collages of your favorites or a single portrait enabling you to see your art on your walls before they arrive!
We sometimes forget how important it is to create a legacy to pass on to the next generation. Portraits are hanging throughout my home that bring a smile to my face: trips shared with friends, special relatives no longer here, my pets, nephews & nieces through the years. If these memories only existed as digital files, I would lose the joy of passing by them each day. Your portraits are art to be displayed in your home and office for all to enjoy and then passed on so generations can reflect and remember days gone by!
Join the elite team of my Senior Spokesmodels. Each year I select 1-2 students from each school to become my spokesmodels. It's a fun & unique experience. After you portrait session, you will receive a complimentary video of your senior portrait experience that you can share with friends. You will also have a fun friends' portrait session where you decide to include just your BFF or an entire group of friends. You and your friends will get a free gift and will be showcased in my marketing material, website and social media.
The cost to join the spokesmodel team is $225. However, when you refer 4 of your friends that book their senior portraits with me, and provide 5-10 contacts next year's Junior class, you will receive a $225 credit to any studio products of your choice. Your friends will get a $15 discount on their senior portrait session as well. Each client will also recieve 40% off a future family portrait session.
Call today to apply for the Senior Spokesmodel for your school! I begin interviewing and selecting Senior Spokesmodels in May.