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From Theatre Headshots and Modeling Portfolios to Tastefully Naughty Portraits, we can help you look your best. You want a fine-art portrait of yourself. It could be for a friend or family member. You could use it for your website. Perhaps you just want a record of how good you look. It's a good thing you're checking this site out right now! That tells us it's important to you that your portraits look really fantastic.
Okay - Admit it. You Really DO WANT These Photographs To Look Fantastic, Don't You?
No matter what your portrait is for, nothing could be more disappointing than not liking the way you looks in that super-important portrait.
Well, research has proven that the two major things that are most important to most people about their 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 look fantastic, as well as looking fantastic in them. There's a three dimensional feeling to it, and there's quality to the light. Personality comes through: the portrait has what we call "SPARKLE" to it.
And we’re going to do everything we can to help your portraits have that special "SPARKLE!" You want to look fantastic in these photographs, and we’re going to help you achieve that!
Here's How To Avoid The 11 Huge Mistakes That 9 Out Of 10 People Make With Their Individual Portraits!
Mistake #1 Ruins More Portraits Than Anything!
Mistake #1 is wearing the wrong clothes! This is very normal. Even if you were a professional model, you still wouldn't know what to wear that would help you 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 people 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!
Mistake #2 Is A HUGE Destroyer Of Portraits!
Mistake #2 is making mistakes with hair. Many people 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 separate 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!
You see, if you study Hollywood Portraiture of the stars, you begin to see how careful the photographers are about lighting the hair. Well, we've studied the best professional Hollywood photo masters - such as George Hurrell, who is responsible for many of the finest portraits ever created of the Hollywood Stars. And we’re going to use these very same techniques to create your portraits to help you, and your hair look really, really perfect.
For example, many people 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!
Well, that's not ever going to happen to a portrait created by us, because we’re going to take the time and the care in the lighting of your hair so it looks absolutely perfect. It's as if one of these Hollywood Master Photographers just finished photographing a big movie star, and now is going to do your portrait, and we’re going to put as much care into lighting you as they would!
Mistake #3 - An Amazing Secret Revealed!
Okay, we have to talk about blemishes here. If you have some, and who doesn't, you're probably worried about whether or not they will show in this portrait.
The HUGE mistake that almost EVERYONE makes is that they don't ask the photographer about retouching before having the photos taken. We know everyone 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! 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!
We guess that's another reason that so many people hire us to create their portraits. We honestly, sincerely care about how you 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! (And "a million bucks" means THERE WILL BE NO BLEMISHES ON THE FINISHED PORTRAITS!)
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 you look absolutely perfect in your 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 photographs!
Mistake #4 Is A "Silent Killer" Of Portraits!
Most people 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 visit with everyone in advance, either over the phone or in person. 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 meeting with us 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 talk with you ahead of time, and we're going to treat this as if it were the most important photo of your life.
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.
Mistake #5 Will Ruin Your Portrait
If You Aren't Aware Of It!
Most people don't realize that it takes longer than 10 minutes to create outstanding portraits.
One of the unique things that separate 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.
Mistake #6 Is Critically Important To
Your Appearance In Your Portrait!
Most people don't realize that sometimes, "today is just not the day" for their 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 work or home.
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 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.
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 the 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 photographed hundreds of people and we completely understand exactly how you feel! It's no problem at all.
Mistake #7 Is A Little Technical, But
Extremely Important To You!
Most people (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 photographs, 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 portrait. It's very important!
Now, one of the things that separate our photography from all the other photographers in the area is that we have studied light from the true Masters of fine portraiture.
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! We can determine the very BEST LIGHT for you.
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 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.
Mistake #8 Determines A Great Portrait Or A Terrible One!
Nine out of ten people 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 clients 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 to help 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 51 people 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 people 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 people 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 portraits. Hopefully that will help you.
Mistake #9 Is Of Enormous Importance!
Don't Miss This One!
This mistake has ruined so many 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!
Here's our guarantee: "You will be THRILLED (not just 'satisfied') with your portraits, or we will do whatever is necessary for you to be thrilled, or we will return every penny of your money. No hassles and no hard feelings either. We want you to be THRILLED with your 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 his product and service is going to be willing to have such a powerful guarantee. So his guarantee is your first indication of whether or not you even want to work with him. We just can't stress this enough. Ask about the guarantee. Listen to their reaction. That will tell you if you want to trust your portraits to that photographer.
Mistake #10 Is So Obvious, And Yet Most
People Don't Do It!
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, and give you a tour.
Then you ask them if they will guarantee that they'll remove any and all blemishes you might have at the time of the photography.
Then ask them about how they light the hair perfectly? Will they make it pop?
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 they understand the importance of the correct lighting of the "Five Major Highlight Areas." Ask them if they know what a "Transition Zone" is.
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?
Mistake #11 Can Ruin Everything!
What's this mistake? It's choosing the WRONG PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR PORTRAITS. Everything depends on that one decision.
And hopefully, now that you know these 11 major mistakes that most people make - you won't make those mistakes! You'll be able to choose 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 we'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 use 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. 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. There's still no charge or obligation. 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 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.
So if anything we 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,
PS. One last thing. Having your portrait taken is such a personal thing, that you want to be sure you select a photographer who is not only really driven to help you look fantastic, but who you also like and trust. That's why we urge you to read the comments from some of the other people we've photographed, and then call us and chat on the phone. This will give you an immediate feeling as to the type of people we are, so you can decide now, while we hopefully still have some session times available, whether or not you'd like to at least come in and chat. CLICK HERE to call right now. We will enjoy hearing from you!
