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Dear 2009 Senior (or parent of 2009 senior), It's a good thing you're checking this site out right now! That tells me it's important to you that your senior pictures (or your son's or daughter's) look really fantastic. And yes, class of 2009 seniors are being photographed RIGHT NOW!
From a graduating senior's point of view, nothing could be more disappointing than not liking the way he or she looks in that super-important portrait that all his or her friends and relatives will see!
On this webpage, we are going to reveal some powerful secrets to helping seniors look great in their portraits!
Think about this a moment... more people will see this portrait than ANY OTHER PHOTOGRAPH you ever have taken! Yes! Even more than will see your wedding photographs! So you want him to be really proud of it? Right?
Well, research has proven that the two major things that are most important to seniors about their senior portraits are:
1.) That they look really good in the portrait, and
2.) They also want the portrait to have some kind of "artistic quality" to it.
That is to say that the photographs themselves to look fantastic, as well as the senior looking fantastic in them. There's a three dimensional feeling to it, and there's quality to the light. And his or her personality comes through. The portrait has what we call "SPARKLE" to it.
By "Sparkle" we mean that when the senior's friends and family look at this portrait, they say, "Wow, you look like a million bucks! It's like you're going to step right off the paper and speak to me! This photo of you is really great!" That's what we call "Sparkle."
And we are going to do everything we can to help your senior portraits have that special "SPARKLE!"
Why? Because we love photographing seniors! It's what we do with a passion! You want to look fantastic in these photographs, and we are going to help you achieve that!
Let's go through the 11 huge mistakes that 90% of all seniors and their parents make when it comes to their senior portraits.
Obviously, you should contact us right away about whether or not I have any openings left to create your senior portrait. We are extremely booked up already, but hopefully we still have some openings so we can do your senior portraits for you.
But that's not the point of this website.
The point of this website is to give you these 11 major mistakes that most seniors make in reference to their senior portraits. If you don't decide to work with us, that's fine. We still want you to be aware of these major mistakes, so you don't make them yourself when planning your portrait!
Mistake #1 is wearing the wrong clothes! This is very normal. Even if the senior were a professional model, he or she still wouldn't know what to wear that would help him or her look the very best in a still photo. The "Art Director" would say what to wear! The "model" would just show up, and do what he's told! The hair person does the hair. The Art Director plans everything and tells the subject what to do next.
You see, people don't know what really photographs well. They just don't know. Well, we know. That's our job. And we love it. And we're really, really good at helping you select the best clothing for your photographs - clothing that will help you look your very best. We will help you with this. Don't worry.
For example, the wrong clothing can make up to a 44 pound difference in the way you look in your portrait! 44 pounds!!! Now, most high school seniors want to look as thin as possible in their portraits. Clothing makes a HUGE difference in this area, so let's make sure your clothing is really perfect!
Click here to see our clothing tips!
Mistake #2 is making mistakes with hair. Many seniors goof this up in several ways. But also, most photographers goof this up, too, because they don't know how to photograph hair properly.
This is such a big point! As you know, your hair is a huge part of your appearance. It can make or break how you look. We've all had "bad hair days" and if your photographer doesn't know what he or she is doing, your photographs will look like a permanent "bad hair" day.
One of the things that separates our photography from that of most of the other photographers in the area is that we pay as much attention to the light that is lighting your hair, as we do to the lighting that is illuminating your face.
And they are completely different lights!
We've studied the best professional photo masters and I'm going to use these very same techniques to create your senior portraits to help you, and your hair look really, really perfect.
For example, many seniors who go to other photographers often complain that, if they have dark hair, that their hair seems to disappear into the background. Or, if they have light hair, that their hair has no "life" or detail in the photograph. Or if their hair is brown, that it doesn't look as great as they wanted it to. It's not just how they combed or prepared it, it's how it's lit in the photograph, too!
Okay, we have to talk about blemishes here. If you (or your son or daughter) has some, and who doesn't, you're probably worried about whether or not they will show in this portrait. The HUGE mistake that almost EVERY SENIOR makes is that they don't ask the photographer about retouching before having the photos taken.
I know, every senior is embarrassed about blemishes, and doesn't want to talk about it to ANYONE - especially a person they just met.
But this portrait is really important, and you want to look REALLY GREAT in it, so we need to talk about this blemish thing. The secret: Be absolutely positively sure that your photographer is going to carefully and painstakingly RETOUCH all your portraits - and do it to perfection!
In our humble opinion, a portrait that is not professionally retouched is NOT A PORTRAIT! It's just a "picture" that no one cares enough about to properly finish and produce to the best quality that money can buy!
I guess that's another reason that so many seniors and their parents hire us to create their senior portraits. We honestly, sincerely care about how you or your son or daughter will look, and we aren't going to embarrass you in any way, but we are going to do everything in our power to help you look "like a million bucks" in these portraits, so all your friends are really impressed!
You see, what this all "boils down to" is you want a photographer who is going to take good care of you. Someone whose only goal is to help seniors look absolutely perfect in their portraits! And that's what we are all about. Taking the time, and putting forth the effort to spare no expense in helping you look really attractive -better than you've ever looked - in your senior photographs!
Most seniors don't understand (or don't want to admit) that they get nervous in front of a camera. And they don't know what to do about it.
You see, there are over 30 muscles in your face. And if you're tense, these muscles tense up, and therefore, you won't like the photographs. You won't know why you don't like 'em. You just won't.
One of the keys to our success in photography, is that we will not photograph any senior, without having met them in advance. And what's the purpose of this? Yes, we're going to talk about clothing, and all the other things. But the main purpose of this meeting is to give you the chance to meet us, get to know us, and see just how well we are going to take care of you through this. We'll spend time with you so you begin to feel comfortable and confident about how you can trust us and take our advice.
This is going to make an enormous difference in how natural and confident you look on the day of your photography! It's almost like magic! You will be impressed!
We can't stress this enough.
You see, most photographers just are not willing to do this. Why? Because it takes time. All they want to do is crank people through their studio like a "factory." They want to do your photograph as if they were building a car. They want to put you on the assembly line, and run you through, click-click-click-turn this way - click, etc....Next person please.
We will not do that to you. We're going to meet you ahead of time, and we're going to treat this as if it were the most important photo of your life - because it is. See what a huge difference this will make in how you feel on the day of your photography? You'll feel great. You'll have met us. You'll know that what you're wearing is perfect. You'll know that your hair is going to look perfect. You'll know that no blemishes will show! So You'll be confident, and excited - not nervous and apprehensive.
Most seniors don't realize that it takes longer than 10 minutes to create outstanding senior portraits. One of the unique things that separates us from all the other photographers in the area, is that we take all the time that is necessary to create portraits that you will be proud of.
Photographs that your friends and relatives will really like - yes like!
That's what we're all about. We're not going to rush you through like it's a factory. We're going to help you through this whole thing. We understand that this portrait is important to you, so we're not going to rush through this.
Most seniors don't realize that sometimes, "today is just not the day" for their senior portrait to be done. The hair just isn't right today. Or maybe you didn't sleep well last night. Or perhaps you've had too many stresses at school or home. Or maybe you just had a fight with your boyfriend or girlfriend, etc.
Well, we understand this. We honestly understand that the day we set up for your photography may end up not being the best day, when it arrives, for whatever reason.
And we have absolutely no problem, whatsoever, with you calling us and rescheduling the session, if "today isn't the day." We WANT YOU TO DO THAT!
You see, one of the things that is really unique about us, is how easy and fun we are to work with. So, for example, let's say you end up deciding to have us create your senior portraits, and we set up a time for your session for Tuesday, the 15th at 3:30pm. Well, let's say you wake up that Tuesday, and just "doesn't feel right." Plus, your hair isn't cooperating that morning, and you're really tired, too. Well, you just call us. You say, "Hi, today just isn't the day. I'm really sorry." And we will immediately understand and know exactly what you mean. And we will reschedule his session for you - no problem.
Now, we are terribly busy, and booked up,
BUT, WE DON'T TREAT YOU LIKE A FACTORY.
We understand. We won't make you feel guilty. Why? Because we've been doing this for over 5 years, and we completely understand exactly how you feel! It's no problem at all.
We understand this is a once-in-a-life-time thing.
Now, we know what you are thinking. You're thinking, "Give me a break. This is just a photo."
Well, yes, but it's your SENIOR PORTRAIT, and it's the only one you're ever going to have. And all the people who matter to you are going to see this portrait! So let's make darn sure it's fantastic! Right?
And that's what we're all about. That's what's so special about us.
It's not the cameras we use. It's not the backgrounds we use. (Although we use the best of everything!) The thing that separates us from everyone else, is how sincerely we want to help you look absolutely perfect - stunning - fantastic - better than ever - in your senior photographs.
Seniors (and an awful lot of photographers) don't realize how important light is in photography.
The wrong light, and the wrong direction of light can add up to 27 pounds to you in your portraits, and also, bring out your worst features!
It's really a matter of life or death in portraiture. The light is the "paint brush" with which we "paint" your senior portrait. It's very important!
Now, one of the things that separates our photography from all the other photographers in the area is that we have studied light from the true Masters of fine portraiture for over 5 years.
We understand that there is only ONE type and direction of light that will help you look your VERY BEST. Only one. And this is different for every person! Again, that's another reason we must meet you in advance, so we can determine the very BEST LIGHT for you and have it ready to use at your session day and time. You see, there are five major highlight areas on your face. And they must be PERFECTLY lighted, or you won't look your best!
Also, we don't want to get too technical here, but if you're still reading this, you realize how important this portrait is, and you sincerely want to look your absolute best. So... the "Transition Zone" of light, between the highlights and the shadows is what "paints" the contours of your face, and brings out your personality and "SPARKLE." So we want to be darn sure that this "Transition Zone" is perfect, too! We could go on and on, but you get the idea.
Also, light is equally important for outdoor senior portraits! It must be absolutely PERFECT if we are to create a portrait of you which truly "Sparkles". So, the type of outdoor portraits you like will then determine the perfect TIME OF DAY to create the portraits. It's so important.
Nine out of ten seniors don't realize how important posing is. The most important word when it comes to posing is "NATURAL." You absolutely don't want to look stiff and fake! One of the most common comments we hear from our clients is how "natural" the portraits look. Our seniors love how good they look, but they also love how "natural" they appear in the images.
You see, we understand that you want to look really great, but also you don't want to be put into some weird, stupid, pathetic pose that makes you look stiff and unnatural.
Yes, we will "guide" you so the composition and "look" of the portraits is really great. But we will NOT push you around and try to put you into unnatural positions that are just plain crazy looking. We will work together tohelp you look confident, comfortable, and just plain great.
This Is Extremely Important To You! Don't Miss This:
You want to be sure to select a photographer who will not "manhandle" you with the posing. The posing is so important, and should not be done by sticking you in the middle of your back if you aren't sitting up quite straight enough! But that's what so many photographers do. Why? Because they're in a hurry. They have another 21 seniors to photograph before the day is over, and they can't take the time to "guide" you. They just stick their hand into your back, grab you by the shoulders, and get you to sit up straight.
Not only does this make you really uncomfortable, but it also makes you look stiff!
That's why we call it "guiding". We will guide you with words. We don't grab you or poke you. This is so important to helping you feel comfortable!
However, we are really picky. We'll be very careful, and very attentive to detail. We may pick a little at your hair if something is out of place. We straighten your collar or sleeves. We straighten your shirt if it has a funny wrinkle in it. Don't worry about a thing! We'll make sure you look "like a million bucks"! We're very picky, but we don't manhandle you - and we won't drive you "nuts" with being overly picky either!
The key thing with posing, is that you look honestly natural. The seniors we photograph tell us all the time how great their photographs look from a point of view of being natural. They say things like this: "It's like I just sat down naturally, by myself! That's exactly how I sit! I can't believe it! How'd you know that?" And you see, that's what "guiding" will do for your portraits, too!
We're talking about where your arm is in the portrait. And if your hand is in the portrait, does it look natural?
And so many seniors and their parents don't realize this when they're calling around to different photographers. They have no idea how important this is. So look at the photographs done by any photographer you're considering selecting. Do they look natural, or do they look "posed" or stiff?
If you'll look at the photographs we've included throughout this website, you'll see how natural and comfortable they look. And read the comments the people have said about their senior portraits. Hopefully that will help you.
This mistake has ruined so many senior portraits! It's the mistake of not choosing a photographer who GUARANTEES THAT YOU WILL BE REALLY HAPPY - and who will give you all your money back, if you aren't!
We want you to be THRILLED with your senior portraits, and will spare no effort or expense to see to it that you are! We absolutely guarantee it!"
You see, only a photographer who really believes in their product and service is going to be willing to have such a powerful guarantee. So their guarantee is your first indication of whether or not you even want to work with them.
We just can't stress this enough. Ask about their guarantee. Listen to their reaction. That will tell you if you want to trust your senior portraits to that photographer.
What's this mistake? Not asking lots of questions when you're talking with photographers. Now, if you're still reading this, you certainly have the questions to ask, right?
Remember, you are the customer - you have all the rights! You have the right to ask the tough questions, before you make any decisions!
You ask them first about their guarantee, and see how they respond.
Then you ask them if they will meet with you in person, at no charge, to discuss the clothing, etc.
Then you ask them if they will guarantee that they'll remove any and all blemishes you might have atthe time of the photography.
Then ask them about how they light the hair perfectly?
Then ask them how much time they are going to spend with you. And do they do outdoor portraits, as well as indoor portraits.
Ask them if they are understanding if you call on the day of your session, to reschedule because "Today isn't the day."
Ask them if their posing is natural, or more "posy and stiff."
See how much you have learned so far? Pretty amazing, when you think about it, isn't it?
What's this mistake? It's choosing the WRONG PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR SENIOR PORTRAIT. Everything depends on that one decision.
And hopefully, now that you know these 11 major mistakes that most seniors or parents make - you won't make those mistakes! You'll be able to chose the right photographer for yourself, based on all this new found information you now have!
Now, we may not be the right photographer for you. But the fact that you're still reading this means we probably are. Because we care about all the things I've talked about to you here. But the only way you'll really know for sure if we are right for you or not is to call us.
So What Should You Do Right Now? Now, while it's fresh in your mind, pick up the phone, and call us so we can chat on the phone. No charge. No obligation. No sales pitch.
We're not that kind of studio. CLICK HERE to find the number to call. We'll just chat. You can ask us any questions you may have. We'll see what times we have left for sessions for seniors. If there are, and if you'd like to, we can set up a time for you to come in and we can show you around the studio, and chat a bit.
You do not need to have made a decision to hire us, before you can come in and chat with us! No way!
Then, after we meet and chat, if you feel you'd like to have us create your senior portraits, fine. If not, fine also. We are here to help you in any way we can. But we're not here to pressure you into doing anything you don't want to do. The decisions are completely up to you.
However, we do want to urge you to act immediately! Our schedule is already becoming full and with a limited number of sessions available. Very few senior session times will remain!
Why? Because we have such a great reputation with past seniors that we have worked with. They tell all their friends, and then they all call us, and our book just completely fills up. Plus, because we spend so much time with each one of the seniors we photograph, we can't photograph as many seniors as other photographers who have more of a "factory" arrangement!
So if anything I have said here sounded the least bit interesting to you, CALL NOW! DO NOT WAIT EVEN ONE DAY ON THIS! CLICK HERE right now to get the number to call.
Sincerely,
Angela Harle & Brad Thalmann
Professional Senior Photographers
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