See the Difference! Hire a pro!

PPA (Professional Photographers of America) has a list of TEN things to consider BEFORE you hire a senior portrait photographer.  Check it out:

1. Shop Around  - Check out the work of several photographers.  You must LIKE their style or you'll never love the images!  I urge you to see my work!  In fact, I generally ask, "Have you looked at my work? Have you seen my style?" 

2.  Ask to See It All - If you only see the best three from a full session, you won't get the feel of the photographer's work.  You can see LOTS of images from all of my shoots on my website, not just the "best". 

3.  Look to Connect - You've got to like who you hire!  You need to feel comfortable with your photographer. If you don't,  it will show in the photos. 

4. Seek Out Service - Will your photographer bring needed items? Hairspray, props, etc?  What if you are "sick"? Can you reschedule? I've brought books, flowers, hats, and clothing to make a shoot special. I've rescheduled because of rain, final exams, and just a "no good, horrible, very bad day", and a "break up with a boyfriend". 

5. Take a Survey - If your photographer is asking about your likes and dislikes, it is in order to better plan your session.  What is special to you?  Sometimes, I design a shoot.  I even worked with the fire department to get images of seniors in an ambulance!  (They were first responders.) 

6. Get the Parentals Involved - Make sure you get an image that THEY will love, too!  After all, they are footing the bill!  And girls, mom knows that the crazy hair style and wild clothes she wore in her senior photos are a bit embarrassing now.  She doesn't want you to make the same mistake!  Grab some for mom!  And think of dad!  He wants to show off his "baby girl".  

7. Be Outfit-Savvy - Layers and looks, scarves and hats...Outfit changes with the swap of a jacket.  Read my blog posts and view my Polyvore advice, here, in my blog pages!  I used to model and also pull fashion shows together for a big mall.  I'm quite a "fashionista" and will help you look your best!

8. Pay Attention to the Details  - Fingernails, etc., are all going to show!  Hair, spray tans...think twice before you sit out in the sun for a day immediately before the shoot. 

9. Think About the End Result - What will you want photos for? Announcements? A wall portrait? If I know your end result, I can better capture images with that end in mind.

10. Compromise Smartly - If you can't afford a "full session", ask your photographer can they do a "mini" or half.  It's better to get  results you'll love to live with than images taken by an amateur that are tucked away in the bottom of a drawer.  

As a member of PPA, I want you and your parents to be completely satisfied and in awe of the images from your shoot.  Professionalism shows and is worth it. 

Dressing For the Future You

    We've all heard, "Dress for Success" and "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have." There is wisdom in these words.  You see, it is that initial meeting of a person that imprints upon us.  How do you want others to perceive you?  A pulled together outfit speaks volumes. It shouts, "Organized!  Pays attention to details!"  The colors you choose say a lot about you, too - a bright and bold color may infer you take more risks and can handle customers vs a pale pastel Polly who may be better suited for data entry.  And the shoes, (I have a tendency to look at shoes), because like a bumper sticker, they tell a lot about a person.  Worn heels, scraped up toes, faded and stained. Practical vs totally impractical (like the starlets walking down Main Street in amazingly gorgeous and expensive open-toed Manolos in the middle of a freezing cold and snowy Main Street).  Toms.  Pseudo Toms.  

   When you are pulling together your outfit for your photo session, think:
1. How do I want to be perceived?
2. Are you dressing for the "now" job or the future position?
3. What "little things" will tell a different story?  (Your nails?) 
4. And finally, what will the bumper sticker of your wardrobe say?

    Park City Photographers can assist you in choosing clothes that speak the language you desire.  We'll send you a pdf with some helpful advice and reminders prior to your session.  After all, when you put your best foot forward, everyone notices. 

    Check out our "2 LOoKs in 1o" minutes outfit choices to get the most out of a short photo session.  You can find it here: <a href="http://deb-dekoff.polyvore.com/"><img width="50" src="http://akwww.polyvorecdn.com/rsrc/img/badges/badge_50x50_000000.png" height="50" /></a>

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