Helpful Tips:
Arrive Early - If you are scheduled from 3 - 4:30 and show up late or not ready, then you will have less time in the camera room. If you need to get ready here (hair) then please arrive early enough to be ready by your start time.
Clothing - First of all, AVOID STRIPES AND PLAID!! Solids photograph much better! With today's fashion of bold patterns and lots of color, don't be afraid to wear 1 or 2 trendy outfits. Just don't do all of your outfits that way! Also bring a variety of color. Don't bring 5 blue outfits, even if your favorite color is blue. Avoid large, bold brand names or words on clothing, except for your own school logo. Already a few big names from just a few years ago, you would not be caught dead wearing now. No need to make your portraits advertising billboards for a clothing brand or a band. Vary the style of your outfits. All one look (like t-shirts) gets boring. Vary the dress level also. Bring some dressy, some dressy-casual, and some casual. Remember, it is best to do 1 or 2 outfits that mom likes. Then we can do the stuff YOU like.
Our sessions let you do unlimited looks within your time period. This means if you change fast, then you get more variety. Spend all day in the dressing room, you will have less time in front of the camera. Most people can do 3-4 outfits per hour. Bring double the amount of outfits that you think we will use. This way we have more variety to pick from for your session.
Some shots are close up, others are full length. Plan your outfits completely. It is hard to do a full length formal if all you brought were flip flops and old tennis shoes.
Make sure your clothing fits properly and is flattering. Clothing that fits too loose will give the appearance of extra weight. On the other hand. . . clothing that fits too tight will show the things you want to hide!
As a general rule, light clothes look better on lighter backgrounds and darker clothes look better on darker backgrounds. So if you prefer dark, then bring dark. If you prefer some of both, then bring some of both.
Group your outfits together ON HANGERS. It is amazing how many people come in with their clothes stuffed in a plastic bag and wonder why they are wrinkled! Make sure they are ironed before you come to the Studio. For quick touch-ups, you may want to bring wrinkle releaser spray products.
Hair - Don't change your hairstyle right before your portrait session. Let it be natural. Quick, easy hairstyle changes during your session are OK. But make it fast or you lose camera time. Artificially bleached hair is often not best. In 10 years you might say "What was I thinking?" If you need a haircut, then do it about two weeks before your session. This will give your hair plenty of time to grow out of the "freshly cut" stage.
Most people are picky about their hair, and that's the way we like it! Your hair is your complete responsibility. Make sure to check your hair each time you leave the dressing room. Be sure to bring hair products for any touch ups
Accessories - Best tip here, keep it simple! We want the attention on you. Big bright jewelry can distract from the real subject, YOU. Be sure to keep your jewelry within the same style as your clothing. You don't want to wear a hemp rope necklace with your formal. If you have different jewelry for different outfits, then put each set of jewelry in plastic baggies and hang them on the hanger with that outfit.
Feel free to bring hats! Today’s style has a lot of cute hats that are awesome props for portraits. To avoid "hat hair", we will try to do those poses at the end of your session.
Seniors - sunglasses, piercings and other body jewelry, watches, bracelets, and even tattoos are all great because they are a part of your look. Just know that your parents may not share the same view about these items. So be prepared to take some poses without them. Think of your session as an art of compromise. If you do some poses without the accessories that your parents don't like, then they will let you wear the stuff you like!
If you wear glasses all of the time, then you will definitely want to wear them for your senior portraits. To eliminate glare and the cost of retouching, check with your optometrist to "loan" you a pair of empty frames or have the lenses removed from your frames. This is the only way to absolutely avoid glass glare. If you choose to wear your glasses with the lenses, then keep in mind that removing glass glare from your portraits may need to be done at an additional expense.
Finger & Toe Nails - NAILS SHOW! If they are dirty or all chipped, then it will show. Many casual shots are done barefoot, so don't forget about those toes!
Sunburn/Tanning - Tan lines are not attractive in portraits. We suggest you vary your swimsuit top, sleeve & sock lines to minimize any tan lines. Remember not to overdo your sun exposure. Skin that looks like dark leather is not the most attractive. AVOID SUNBURNS!! Sunburn and peeling skin DO NOT photograph well! Tan yes, burn no.
Braces - If you wear braces, then they are as much a part of you as your hairstyle or the clothes you wear. Don't be self conscious about smiling and do not think they have to be removed. However, know if they are digitally removed it will be at an additional expense.
Blemishes - Blemishes, sun tan, glass glare, scars, etc. will require an additional retouching fee if you wish to have them reduced or removed. The cost is what is charged by the printer with no markup.
What about props, pets and friends? - Bring along your props, pets, friends, vehicle, sports equipment, or anything that you would like to include in your portrait experience. For pets, we do ask that they are freshly groomed, house broken, and current with all vaccinations. Do not forget your pet's favorite toys and treats. If you plan on having your pet stay with you throughout your session, we do ask that you bring someone to help handle your pet and take him for walks as needed. Please let us know before your session if a pet will be coming along.
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Friends & Parents-Friends or parents are welcome. They can help. HOWEVER, if they distract you, then it is best to have them wait in the Gallery. We will do tons of different poses that will show all the different sides of who you are. So it‘s ok to do a few poses that are "Mom and Dad pleasers". Chances are that your parents never had all of the variety of poses and styles that you will have for your session. Remember the art of compromise!! If you do the poses Mom and Dad want, then they will let you do the cool stuff that you want.
What if it Rains? - If you schedule for outdoor shooting and the weather seems to be a problem, then please feel free to call. If the weather does not cooperate, then we can still do the indoor portion and reschedule the outdoors on a different day at no additional charge.
ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR GIRLS – There are certain things girls should be aware of and watch for in preparation.
Clothing and Styles – Forget the nylons! They are a hassle! Plus, they will not show in your portraits so there is no reason to bring them!
Today's styles are full of tops with straps or no sleeves. It's ok to wear this for 1 or 2 outfits, but bring other tops with sleeves. If you are even the slightest bit concerned with size, then wear all tops with sleeves. Straps, halter-tops and sleeveless shirts will make your arms appear much larger than what they are.
Wild to mild. We don't really tell you what you can and cannot wear. A little sexy is OK, but don't make ALL of your outfits that way. We photograph everything from prom dresses to swimsuits. What one person likes may not be appropriate for the next person. Our philosophy is as long as it is rated PG, then we don't care.
Clothes for black and whites. . . The black and white "glamour" look that is so popular is best with black or dark solid clothing. The contrast between the skin and the black is what makes them so dramatic. So bring some black or dark solid color, wild to mild shirts. Dark bottoms are also needed!
Make-Up - Wear make-up for your session! Even if you do not normally wear it, make-up will enhance your appearance, smooth out your skin tones, and give your skin a polished look. Make-up should only be slightly heavier than normal, like what you wear when going out in the evening. A good matte foundation will give your skin a satin-like texture. Be sure to define your cheekbones and eyes for the best results. Mascara should be clean and contain no clumps. So if your mascara is old and clumpy, then replace it. Wearing lip gloss or lipstick will keep your lips from looking dry or rough. On the other hand, be sure not to go overboard with your make-up. We will do a lot of close-ups and special lighting to focus on your eyes. A heavy application of make-up will look overdone and "cakey".
Do not wear any "sparkles" make-up or body spray. Glitter looks great on your skin when you are moving. But when you are still, glitter looks like little white specks or dandruff and would require an additional charge for retouching. Also avoid make up with SPF in it. Although it is good for your skin in the sun, the SPF tends to create a shine. Summer shine can be controlled by using translucent powder that knocks out the shine without adding additional color.
Undergarments - It is amazing how many times someone will wear flowered underwear and not realize it is a problem until they go to put on their WHITE PANTS! Or come in wearing a white bra and put on a black sleeveless shirt. Please, bring appropriate foundation wear for each outfit. Flesh colored is the best. Also, if you need a strapless bra, then bring one with you. When you tuck the straps down, it usually shows and looks bad. With todays thin fabrics, you will want to carefully select these pieces so they do not give unsightly lines.
Finger & Toe Nails - NAILS SHOW! If the paint is all chipped off, then it will show. Many casual shots are done barefoot, so don't forget about those toes! Avoid real bright colors. Natural, basic, or French tips work the best. We don't want to draw attention to your neon orange toe nails. And they may look really bad with your next outfit!!
ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR GUYS – There are certain things guys should be aware of and watch for in their preparation.
Bring a dark t-shirt to wear under dark shirts and light t-shirt to wear under light shirts. A white t-shirt triangle under a dark shirt sticks out like a sore thumb.
Shaving - Please, make sure you are clean shaven. Retouching stubble costs extra and still does not look as good as a clean shave. Got a goatee that Mom hates, but you love? Do your casual shots first with it on, then bring a razor and shave it off of Mom's formals. Then everyone is happy! If you keep your facial hair for all of your portraits, then please be sure to have it neatly groomed and trimmed.
All images are copyright protected and may NOT be reproduced unless reproduced through Paul’s Photography. Paul’s Photography retains the ownership and copyright of ALL images indefinitely.
No part of any order, including school yearbook headshots, will be delivered until a portrait package order has been placed and paid in full.
FAQ:
Do I need to bring money to my sitting?
Yes, your session fee is due when your portraits are taken. Cost depends on the whether you chose only indoor pictures, outdoor shots, or the outdoor studio.
How soon will I see my portraits?
All our pictures are done digitally so you will get a chance to view your shots before you leave your sitting. IN FACT, we will not end your session until you have viewed and are satisfied with the shots that were taken. If you are not happy with anything in a shot it is your responsibility to say so at that time so we can retake it. You must be honest and will not hurt our feelings if you do not like a pose or shot. These are your portraits. They will be marking something significant in your life and will more than likely stay on your, your parents, or your grandparents walls for decades.
What happens when my proofs are ready?
You can expect your proofs to be ready for pick-up in about 2 weeks after your sitting. You will receive a phone call when they are ready. A deposit will be required when the proofs are picked up. Your deposit will be deducted from your total order.
How long can I view my proofs?
You may take your proofs home with you for viewing. We ask that you place your order within 2 weeks. The longer you take in ordering, the longer it will be before your portraits are ready.
How do I place my portrait order?
Each proof has a unique number on the back. When you are ready to place your order you may call us and tell us which poses and what sizes you want.
What is owed when my order is placed?
At least half of your total order will be required before your portraits will printed. If you wish for your portraits to be shipped to you then full payment, including shipping, will be due before the portraits are printed.
How do I pay for my portraits?
Currently we can only accept payment via cash or check. Credit cards will be accepted in the near future.
Will you ship my portraits to me?
Yes, we can ship them directly to you if payment is made in full. All portraits will be shipped via USPS Priority Mail, Delivery Confirmation & Insured. Shipping costs will paid by customer and will depend on sizes and amounts of portraits ordered.
What happens with my original proofs?
You may purchase all your proofs for $3 each with the purchase of a portrait package. All the proofs must be purchased and can only be purchased at the time a portrait package is purchased. If you chose not to purchase your proofs then they must be returned to us when your portrait package order is placed.
When will I receive my portrait package?
Portraits take approximately 2 weeks to be printed. The sooner you place your order the sooner your portraits will be ready. You will be notified by phone when your portraits are available. If you prepaid for shipment to you, you will be notified by phone when they are shipped and will be given the Delivery Confirmation number for any tracking. If portraits were paid in full at ordering we can arrange for pick-up/delivery. If money is still owed, then you may take delivery when payment is made in full.
What if I need additional prints after placing my original order?
You may purchase additional portraits for up to 1 year after your sitting. Paul’s Photography keeps original digital files of portraits for 1 year but retains copyright ownership indefinitely and therefore, cannot be copied by the client.
What about my yearbook photos?
Paul’s Photography works closely with most schools’ yearbook advisors and will ensure that photos are submitted timely, as long as payment has been made by the client. In cases of schools out of the area it may be necessary for the client to assist in attaining deadlines and advisor’s names and contact information.
Notice to Clients:
Clients may not copy, sell, enter competitions, nor make commercial use of any image. Any use other than personal is subject to current Federal Copyright laws. In addition, Paul’s Photography is entitled to all monies gained through the unauthorized use or sale of images. Paul’s Photography reserves the right to use images for advertising, display, publication or other purposes.
Unless otherwise stated or mutually agreed-upon Paul’s Photography may post client images to our website portfolio gallery. Additionally, Paul’s Photography reserves the right to post client images to Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and other online social networking/sharing/collaborative websites.
Unless mutually agreed-upon, with signed documentation, from both client and Paul’s Photography: Paul’s Photography reserves the right to sell, advertise, republish, reprocess, alter, edit or manipulate client images in any and all media now or hereafter known, and for any purpose whatsoever, for illustration, promotion, art, editorial, advertising and trade, or any other purpose whatsoever without restriction.
Copyright © Paul’s Photography 2011. All Rights Reserved.