Dear 2009 Senior,
It's a good thing you're checking this site out because class of 2009 seniors are being photographed RIGHT NOW!
From a graduating senior's point of view, nothing could be worse than not liking the way you look in a portrait that all your friends and relatives will see!
You want your friends and family look at your portrait and say, "Wow, you look incredible! This photograph is great, it really shows your personality!!"
And I'm going to do everything I can to create the best portrait you've ever had taken in your life!
How to Avoid the 7 Huge Mistakes You Could Make With Your Senior Portraits
Mistake #1
Wearing the WRONG clothing!
Most people don't know what really photographs well. Well, I know. That's my job. And I'm really good at helping you select the best clothing for your photographs - clothing that will help you look your very best.
For example, The wrong clothing can make you look 22 pounds heavier and the right clothing can make you look 22 pounds lighter. That’s up to a 44 pound difference in the way you look in your portrait! 44 pounds!!!
Clothing makes a HUGE difference in this area, so let's make sure your clothing is really perfect!
Mistake #2
RETOUCHING.
The secret: Be sure that your photographer is going to carefully ENHANCE all your finished portraits - and do it to perfection! ASK! In my opinion, a portrait that is not professionally enhanced is NOT A PORTRAIT! It's just a "picture". You deserve better than that!
I honestly care about how you will look and will do everything in my power to help you look incredible so all your friends will really be impressed! THERE WILL BE NO BLEMISHES ON THE FINISHED PORTRAITS!
Mistake #3
NERVES.
One of the keys to my success in photography, is that I will not photograph any senior, without having met them in advance. This gives you the opportunity to get to know me, talk about clothing, and you'll get to check out all the new sets, props, and backgrounds.
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!
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."
Mistake #4
TIME.
Most seniors don't realize that it takes longer then 30 minutes to create outstanding portraits.
One of the unique things that separates me from all the other photographers in the area, is that I take the time to create portraits that you will be proud of. Photographs that your friends and relatives will really like!
Because I offer UNLIMITED clothing changes, I allow up to TWO hours for your session!! No other studio will do this for you!!
Mistake #5
LIGHTING.
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 20 pounds to you on film, and also, bring out your worst features!
Light is equally important for outdoor portraits! Many photographers in the area just use a flash on their camera. This is quick and easy but it flattens your facial features and isn't flattering (especially for women). I either use a reflector or an off camera flash which looks more natural and is more flattering. It takes a little more time-- but it's worth it!
Mistake #6
POSING.
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 I hear from seniors is how "natural" their portraits look.
So look at the photographs done by any photographer you're considering selecting. Do they look natural, or do they look "posed" or stiff?
Mistake #7
THE GUARANTEE.
Choose a photographer who GUARANTEES THAT YOU WILL BE REALLY HAPPY - and who will give you ALL your money back, if you aren't!
Your Guarantee of Excellence
“I absolutely 100% guarantee the portraits I create for you will be the BEST photographs you have ever had taken in your life or I will give you all of your money back. In fact I will even give you $25 in gas money for wasting your time!
So ask the other photographers you are considering about their guarantee--listen to their reaction. That will tell you if you want to trust your portraits to that photographer.
How can YOU avoid these 7 mistakes??
- Ask lots of questions when you're talking with photographers. Remember, you are the customer!
- Ask about their guarantee and see how they respond. Do you get all your money back or just part of it?
- Will they meet with you in person, at no charge, to discuss the clothing, etc, and give you a tour of the studio?
- Do they remove any and all blemishes you might have from the finished portraits?
- Ask for testimonials from other seniors that you can read.
- Find out how much time they are going to spend with you. And do they do outdoor portraits, as well as indoor portraits.
- Can you be photographed with your friend, car, truck, ATV or sports stuff at no extra charge?
- Will they go on location to one of your favorite places (at no extra charge) to create your photographs?
- Will you get Black and White, Sepia (brown-toned) poses included at no extra charge?
So What Should You Do Right Now?
Now, while it's fresh in your mind, pick up the phone, and call me so we can talk. No charge. No obligation. No sales pitch. It's not that kind of studio. You can ask me any questions you may have. We'll see what session times still remain for seniors. (Very few senior session times remain the later it gets in the summer.) If you'd like to, we can set up a time for you to come in and I can show you around the studio.
Sincerely,
Paul Floyd
Professional Senior Photographer
PS. Having your senior portrait taken is such a personal thing, that you want to be sure you choose a photographer who is not only really driven to help you look fantastic, but who you also like and trust. That's why I urge you to read the comments from some of the other seniors I've photographed, and then call me. [back to top]
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