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Okay - Admit it. You Really DO WANT These Photographs To Look Fantastic, Don't You?
From a graduating senior's point of view, nothing could be more disappointing than not liking the way he or she looks in that super-important portrait that all his or her friends and relatives will see!
On this webpage, I'm going to reveal some powerful secrets to helping seniors look great in their portraits!
Think about this a moment... more people will see this portrait than ANY OTHER PHOTOGRAPH you ever have taken! Yes! Even more than will see your wedding photographs! So you want him to be really proud of it? Right?
Well, research has proven that the two major things that are most important to seniors about their senior 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,
the photographs themselves have to look fantastic, as well as the senior looking fantastic
in them. There's a three dimensional feeling to it, and there's quality to the light. And his or her personality comes through. The portrait has what I call "SPARKLE" to it.
By "Sparkle" I mean that when the senior's friends and family look at this portrait, they say, "Wow, you look like a million bucks! It's like you're going to step right off the paper and speak to me! This photo of you is really great!" That's what I call "Sparkle."
And I'm going to do everything I can to help your senior portraits have that special "SPARKLE!"
Why? Because I love photographing seniors! It's what I do with a passion! You want to look fantastic in these photographs, and I'm going to help you achieve that!
Here's
The Scoop - 9 "Secrets" That Make All The
Difference In Your Senior Portraits!
Let's go through the
9
"secrets" that many seniors and parents don't think
about before making the decision of who to hire to create these
all-important images. Are these things really secret?
Well, probably not, but these are things that I have found many
seniors and parents just don't think to ask. And these
things are much more important than "what kind of
camera do you use" or "how much is an 8 x
10?"
Obviously, you should contact me right away about whether or not I have any openings left to create your senior portrait.
Spring and summer sessions are filling up quickly, but hopefully I still have some openings so I can do your senior portraits for you.
But that's not the point of this
website! The point of this website is to give you these
9 major
"secrets" that will help you make the right
decision. If you don't decide to work with me, that's fine. I still want you to
have this information, so you don't make a mistake when planning your
portrait session!
 "Art
did a wonderful job with David's senior portraits. He is
very professional, and he took the time we needed to get all of
the shots David wanted, especially with all of the guitars.
Our whole family has been thrilled with the photographs! If
you really want great senior portraits, with all of the locations
and props you want, Sundquist Photography is the place to
go!"
-Karin VanderHamm
Hutchinson, KS
CLICK ON PHOTOGRAPH TO SEE
LARGER VERSION
Secret
#1 Is Of Enormous Importance!
Don't Miss This One!
ASK ABOUT THE GUARANTEE! Don't make the mistake of choosing a photographer who
doesn't GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL BE REALLY HAPPY - and who will give you
all your money back, if you aren't!
Here's my guarantee: "You will be THRILLED (not just 'satisfied') with your portraits, or
I will do whatever is necessary for you to be thrilled, or I will return every penny of your money. No hassles and no hard feelings either.
I want you to be THRILLED with your senior portraits, and will spare no effort or expense to see to it that you are!
I 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. I just can't stress this enough.
Ask about the guarantee. Listen to his reaction. That will tell you if you want to trust your senior portraits to that photographer.
Secret #2
Will Give You Peace of Mind!
Secret #2 is: ASK FOR TESTIMONIALS! This seems
so obvious, and yet seniors miss this one all the time, and pay a BIG PRICE
for it after their session! Be sure the photographer has lots of
happy seniors and parents, who have written him and told him how happy they
were with both him, and his work! We're talking TESTIMONIALS
here! From real people, with their full names, and their city
and state, so you can call them if you want to, just to "check them
out" and make sure that they really said what the photographer says
they said. (That's a hard sentence to read, but you get the
point! Sorry!)
I'm sorry
to be so skeptical, but we live in a time in history when you have to be
really careful to be certain that people are telling you the truth.
You will
notice that throughout this webpage are photographs and testimonials from
some of the seniors whom we have photographed in recent months. Also notice that their FULL names, city and state
are listed, so, if you really wanted to, you could look them up in the
phone book, and call them.
Secret
#3 - Make Sure Your Photographer Gets to Know You!
It's a problem I hear about all the time. Boring
senior photos. They all look alike. Same fake arch,
same brown background, etc. I had a call from a mom just a
few weeks ago, who said her daughter "wants portraits that do
not look like every other student in her high school."
I understand exactly what she means!
And here's how I will solve
that problem. I will meet with you personally before
the photo session. I make it a policy not
to photograph any senior without having met them in advance. 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
me a chance to meet you and get to know you, and
find out what you want, and, just as importantly, find out what you
don't want.
And, this is crucial, it gives you the chance to meet me, get to know
me, and see just how well I'm going to take care of you through this. You will see the studio.
I'll spend time with you so you begin to feel comfortable and confident about how you can trust
me and take my 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!
I can't stress this enough. You see, many 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."
I will not do that to you. I'm going to meet you ahead of time, and
I'm going to treat this as if it were the most important photo of your life - because it is.
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
me. You'll have seen the studio. 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.
And it really will show in the portraits!
 "Very
nice work. It was a great and fun experience. It has
been difficult to decide which of all these wonderful photos we
want to get. Thanks so much."
-Debbie Barry
Bridgeville, PA
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LARGER VERSION
Secret
#4 - What If I Don't Look Perfect?
Okay, you and I have to talk about blemishes here. If you (or your son or daughter) has some, and who doesn't, you're probably worried about whether or not they will show in this portrait.
The HUGE mistake that almost EVERY SENIOR makes is that they don't ask the photographer about retouching before having the photos taken. I know, every senior 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
sure that your photographer is going to carefully and painstakingly RETOUCH all your portraits - and do it to perfection! In my humble opinion, 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!
I guess that's another reason that so many seniors and their parents hire
me to create their senior portraits. I honestly, sincerely care about how you or your son or daughter will look, and
I will not embarrass you in any way, but I am going to do everything in
my 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 seniors look absolutely perfect in their 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 senior photographs!
 "Thanks,
Art, for taking the time to create a portrait of all of the girls
together. We've never really had a nice portrait of all of
them together, and this means so much, especially now that Jamie
is getting ready to leave for college. And I love the
location you chose. It just looks like
"them". We really appreciate all of the effort you
put into creating this image."
-Debbie Barry
Bridgeville, PA
CLICK ON PHOTOGRAPH TO SEE
LARGER VERSION
Secret
#5 Can Make or Break Your Senior Portrait If You Aren't Aware Of It!
Most seniors don't realize that it takes longer than 30 minutes to create outstanding senior portraits.
One of the unique things that separates me from all the other photographers in the area, is that
I 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 I'm all about. I'm not going to rush you through like it's a factory.
I'm going to help you through this whole thing. I understand that this portrait is important to you, so
I'm not going to rush through this.
Secret
#6 Is Critically Important To
Your Appearance In Your Portrait!
Most seniors don't realize that sometimes, "today is just not the day" for their senior 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 school or home. Or maybe you just had a fight with your boyfriend or girlfriend, etc.
Well, I understand this. I 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
I have absolutely no problem, whatsoever, with you calling and rescheduling the session, if "today isn't the day."
I WANT YOU TO DO THAT!
You see, one of the things that is really unique about Sundquist
Photography is how easy and fun we are to work with. So, for example, let's say you end up deciding to have
me create your senior 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, too.
Well, you just call me. You say, "Hi, today just isn't the day. I'm really sorry." And
I will immediately understand and know exactly what you mean. And we will reschedule the session for you - no problem.
Now, I am very busy, and booked up, BUT, I DON'T TREAT YOU LIKE A FACTORY.
I understand. I won't make you feel guilty. Why? Because
I've been doing this for over
15 years, and I completely understand exactly how you feel! It's no problem at all.
I understand that this is a once-in-a-life-time
thing, and it has to be done right.
Now, I know what you are thinking. You're thinking, "Give me a break. This is just a photo."
Well, yes, but it's
your SENIOR PORTRAIT, and it's the only one you're ever going to have. And all the people who matter to you are going to see this portrait! So let's make sure it's fantastic! Right? And that's what
I'm all about. That's what's so special about me.
It's not the film I use. It's not the camera I use. It's not the backgrounds
I use. (Although I use the best of everything!) The thing that separates
me from everyone else, is how sincerely I want to help you look absolutely perfect - stunning - fantastic - better than ever - in your senior photographs.
Secret
#7 Is A Little Technical, But
Extremely Important To You!
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 27 pounds to you on film, and
also bring out your worst features!
It really is a matter of "life or death" in portraiture. The light is the "paint brush" with which I "paint" your senior portrait. It's very important!
And, here's the critical aspect to this secret. Lighting is equally important for
outdoor senior 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.
And, a good photographer will know how to find the right
light outdoors. There's a lot more to it than just going out
in the sun and taking "pictures."
Now,
here's another question you should ask your photographer. Do
you use fill flash outdoors? Most seniors want a lot of
outdoor portraits. In fact, for a good many of my clients,
that's all they want, which is great. But one of the things that will
absolutely ruin your outdoor portraits is "fill
flash". Instead of taking the time to find the right
light that will make your eyes sparkle, and that will make you
"stand out" from the background, many photographers
will just add a flash on camera and let the flash "fill in
the shadows on your face". It's quick and easy, but it
gives the image a flat, lifeless look.
I've seen so
many photographs that could have been beautiful, but by using
"fill flash", the photographer destroyed the beauty and
the mood of the lighting that was there! Yes, there is a
time and place to use fill flash outdoors, but senior portraits is
not the place. So be sure to ask.
Secret
#8 Determines A Great Portrait Or A Terrible One!
Nine out of ten seniors 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
I hear from my clients is how "natural" the portraits look.
My seniors love how good they look, but they also love how "natural" they appear in the images.
You see, I 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.
I like to just take some time to watch how you naturally stand,
sit, lean, relax, etc. and incorporate that into the
portrait. It looks natural, because it is
natural. Oh yes, I may reposition a hand slightly, have you
turn your head a little, things that will refine the pose, but for
the most part, I want you to be you.
I will "guide" you so the composition and "look" of the portraits is really great. But I will NOT push you around and try to put you into unnatural positions that are just plain crazy looking.
You and I 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.
Many photographers tend to touch their clients and push them around way too much when posing
them (in my humble opinion). 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 seniors 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 I call it "guiding". I will guide you with words. I don't grab you or poke you. This is so important to helping you feel comfortable!
However, I am really picky. I'll be very careful, and very attentive to detail. I may pick a little at your hair if something is out of place. I
may straighten your collar or sleeves. I may straighten your shirt if it has a funny wrinkle in it. Don't worry about a thing!
I'll make sure you look "like a million bucks"! I'm very picky, but
I don't manhandle you - and I won't drive you "nuts" with being overly picky either!
The key thing with posing, is that you look honestly natural. The seniors I photograph tell me 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 seniors and their parents 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 I've included throughout this website, you'll see how natural and comfortable they look. And read the comments the people have said about their senior portraits. Hopefully that will help you.
Secret
#9 Is So Obvious, And Yet Most
Seniors Or Their Parents Don't Do It!
What's the 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
to get to know you.
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 how much time they are going to spend with you. And do they do outdoor portraits,
and do they use "fill flash"?
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 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?
And, now that you know these 9 major "secrets" about senior
portrait photography, you'll be able to chose the right photographer for
yourself. I may not be the right photographer for you. But the fact that you're still reading this means
that I probably am. Because I care about all the things I've talked about to you here. But the only way you'll really know for sure if
I am right for you or not is to call.
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 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. We'll see if there are any session times still remaining for seniors. If there are, and 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
me, before you can come in and chat! No way!
Then, after we meet and chat, if you feel you'd like to have
me create your senior portraits, fine. If not, fine also.
I'm here to help you in any way I can. But I'm not here to pressure you into doing anything you don't want to do. The decisions are completely up to you.
However, I do want to urge you to act immediately!
Like I said, my schedule is filling up, so if anything I 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.
I Have A Very Special Offer For
You . . . But Only for a Limited Time!
I
have discounts available during June, July and August, but you
must call soon to take advantage of these offers. It will
save you a lot of money on your session fee! But you'll need to act quickly!
Call right away. I can't wait to talk to you about your senior portraits! CLICK HERE.
Sincerely,
Art
Sundquist
Sundquist Photography
PS. One last thing. Having your senior 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 (or your son or daughter) also
like and trust. That's why I urge you to read the comments from some of the other seniors we've photographed, and then call
me and chat on the phone. This will give you an immediate feeling as to the type of
person I am, so you can decide now, while I 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.
I will enjoy hearing from you! |
