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Preparing for your Session
What To Wear For Your Senior Portrait
Clothing changes vary, depending on which Customizer Sessions you choose. When choosing your outfits, keep in mind the most important thing is that you'll want to bring as much variety as possible. If your clothing is all one style and color it will be difficult to give you variety in your portraits. Be sure your clothes are clean and pressed. Long sleeves photograph better than short or sleeveless shirts, particularly in head and shoulder poses. Short sleeves or sleeveless tend to make the arms appear heavy. If you're not sure on an outfit, bring an extra outfit or two and we'll help you decide which one looks best.
GUYS - For the more traditional poses, a suit or sport coat with tie is best. Medium colored sweaters photograph well. For casual and outdoor poses, comfort is the rule... jeans, shirts, shorts, sweatshirts, leather, whatever you like!
GIRLS - Sweaters, dresses and blouses with long sleeves for the more traditional look. Bright colors, patterns, skirts, jeans, shorts, and leather for the contemporary look. If you like an outfit, it's probably because you look good in it, so make sure you bring it.
Looking Good
HAIR- Wear your hair in your usual style. If you plan to have your hair cut and/or permed, do it at least one week before your session to give it a chance to ”fill in”. Don't try a totally new hair style, as several months are generally needed to get accustomed to a new look. If an outdoor session is planned, apply hair spray to keep the hair in place.
MAKE UP (GUYS TOO!) - For serious skin problems, corrective make up should be used by both guys and girls before photographs are taken. Girls should wear their make up as you would for a nice night out and be sure your nails are done.
PERFUME/COLOGNE - Please note:
Mr. Brooks is allergic to perfume/cologne. We ask that you do not wear it. Remember, you don't have to smell good to look good.
SHAVING - A close shave within a few hours of the appointment is recommended. Beards and mustaches should be neatly trimmed.
GLASSES - If you wear glasses most of the time, you'll want them in your portraits. We recommend obtaining a set of matching lensless frames from your optician or have them remove the lenses from your glasses. This will eliminate glare and distortions. If you choose to wear your glasses the way they are, keep in mind that if you want the reflections removed, this will be done at your expense. Also, distortions can not be removed.
Can I Bring Somebody With Me?
Absolutely! A friend or family member is always welcome to assist you in the changing room. However, after many years of photographing seniors, we have concluded that the best possible portraits are made without someone watching you. EXTRA PERSONS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CAMERA ROOM. With the exception of Mr. Brooks working with a camera room assistant.
How Long Will It Take?
Allow 45 minutes - 1 1/2 hours depending on which sessions you choose. Also, quite often, we photograph two seniors at the same time to give you more time in the changing room.
What Else Can I Bring?
Here's where the fun really begins! Exciting memories are yours when you bring your favorite hobby, pet, musical instrument, uniform, sport activity, varsity jacket, car or motorcycle. You have the opportunity to help create a meaningful and original photograph... a portrait that is personal and precious... to you and those around you. Please feel free to discuss all your ideas with Mr. Brooks.
NOTE: If you want to be photographed with your pet, you must call at least three days in advance of your portrait. Please leave your pet in the car until you are instructed where to put it. You take full responsibility for any property damage or personal injury resulting from the actions of your pet. Please do not consider bringing any pet that has had any incidences of bad behavior. The photographing of any pet is totally at our discretion.
What About Bad Weather?
If you've chosen to have outdoor portraits and it looks like rain, keep this in mind: overcast conditions are perfect for outdoor portraits. It allows soft shade and a comfortable temperature, so don't worry if the clouds roll in. Summer and autumn showers come and go quickly - it might be raining where you are, but sunny here. If the weather seems to pose a problem... raining, windy, too cold (below 30), snowing or a little of each, we will be able to do a lot of great poses indoors. If you have your heart set on outdoor poses, and it is raining, keep your appointment. We'll do your indoor shots and reschedule your outdoors for another day. It's much easier to work you in for outdoor only, than it is to reschedule your entire session.
What Can I Expect At My Portrait Session?
First, expect to have a great time, because you will! It's OK to be a little nervous at first, but you'll soon relax with Doug's easy-going manner and super-creative photography!
Arrive on time, ready to start in your most formal/dressy outfit for your Traditional Customizer Session. We will spend a few minutes with you to find out which photographic styles you like best. Remember, we want you to have fun and being late will only result in you feeling rushed and less time spent on your photography. Also, there will be no guarantee and/or retakes if you are late.
Bring your favorite music. We have a CD player in the camera room, and we like all kinds of music. So bring a CD or pick from our "100 plus" CD collection.
The first outfit we'll do is the Formal/Traditional outfit… Please pay attention to our previous suggestions on this outfit. Each Customizer Session allows one more outfit. It's OK to bring one or two extra outfits if you're not sure what would look best - we will help you pick the most photogenic ones.
Don't forget to dab a little cover up make up on those noticeable blemishes. It will make each portrait look a lot nicer.
If you're not sure of something or have any questions before or during your session, please ask! We want you to feel comfortable so you can get the best portraits of your lifetime!
New! Video Proofing System. "VPS"
Imagine taking your images home within an hour after your session ends! No more waiting two weeks, making another trip back to the studio (by appointment only) and looking at the old fashioned little paper proofs.
Now imagine going home and seeing your pictures in a custom show, complete with music, with large TV size images.
How about placing your order from the comfort of your own home. Another trip to the studio saved. No having to take time off work. More gas saved.
What about an easy order system so you get exactly what you want. Just mail the forms to us by regular mail.
Can you imagine all the conveniences built into our Video Proofing System.
Well, you don't have to! It's here now, exclusively at Perkins.
Just think what a relief this system will be. You see, we are a small family run business. We are open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm. (We need to spend time with our family, too.) Our single biggest complaint has always been that it is hard for a lot of our customers to find the time to get in for an appointment to pick up their proofs and place their order.
Now, just pop in your personal VHS tape. It will have all of your great images from your senior sessions and also very detailed instructions on how to order. If you miss or don't understand a certain part, then just rewind and play again. Plus, all of your images will be printed on our mini-picture easy-order forms.
4x5 Paper Proofs
Don't panic! Yes, you can still get 4x5 proofs in a folio, but now you get only the ones you want, plus you have the option of having them retouched. No more zitty proofs sitting around.
We're Here To Help
We love our customers… Always know that we are only a phone call away to help and answer any questions you may have. Also, if for any reason you feel you can not order from home, we will be glad to help you place your order here at the studio. We do need to make an appointment within the 7 day return schedule.