“How To Avoid The 11 Huge Mistakes That Ruin Most Portraits.”
Here I’m going to reveal some powerful secrets to helping to make sure you get the best possible portraits!
Think about this a moment… more people will see your Portraits than ANY OTHER PHOTOGRAPH you will ever have taken! So you really want to be thrilled with it? Right?
Well, research as proven that the two major things that are important to most people about their portrait is that
1.) You look fantastic in the portrait, and
2.) You also want the portrait to have some kind of “artistic quality” to it. That is, yes, You look really wonderful in the portrait, but then also, the photograph looks beautiful as well. There’s a three dimensional feeling to it, and there’s quality to the light. And her personality comes through. The portrait has what I call “SPARKLE” to it.
By “Sparkle” I mean that when your friends and family look at your 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! It almost gives me chills!” That’s what I call “Sparkle.”
And I’m going to do everything I can to help your Portraits have that special “SPARKLE!”
Here’s How To Avoid The 11 Huge Mistakes That 9 Out Of 10 People Make With Their Portrait!
Mistake #1 Ruins More Portraits Than Anything!
Mistake #1 is wearing the wrong clothes! This is very normal. You see, people don’t know what clothing photographs well. They just don’t know. Well, we know. That’s our job. And we love it. And we’re really, really good at helping you select the best clothing for your photographs – clothing that will help you look her very best.
For example, the wrong clothing can make up to a 44 pound difference in the way one looks in their portrait! 44 pounds!!!
Mistake #2 Is A HUGE Destroyer Of Portraits! Mistake #2 is making mistakes with lighting your hair.
One of the things that separates our photography from that of most of the other photographers in the area is that we pay as much attention to the light that is lighting your hair, as we do to the lighting that is illuminating her face. And they are completely different lights!
You see, if you study Hollywood Portraiture of the stars, you begin to see how careful the photographers are about lighting the hair. Well, I’ve studied the best professional Hollywood photo masters – such as George Hurrell, who is responsible for many of the finest portraits ever created of the Hollywood Stars. And I’m going to use these very same techniques to create your portrait to help you look really, really great.
For example, many high school senior Clients who go to other photographers often complain that, if they have dark hair, their hair seems to disappear into the background. Or, if they have blond hair, their hair has no “life” or detail in the photograph. Or if their hair is brown, that it doesn’t look as beautiful as they wanted it to.
Well, that’s not ever going to happen to a portrait created by us, because we’re going to take the time and the care your lighting so you look absolutely fantastic. It’s as if one of these Hollywood Master Photographers is doing your portrait.
Mistake #3 – The Amazing Secret Revealed!
Mistakes With Make-up are a huge problem. Now, there really are two different and equally important areas concerning make-up for photography. Most girls do wear make-up. Yes. But it goes much farther than that. Children and even men need a bit of make-up.
First, how do you deal with the situation of blemishes or shine for your portrait? Well, we will help you with this, so your portraits are perfect!
You see, the camera “sees” things differently than our eyes. So it becomes important that you work with someone who understands and really knows exactly what the camera is going to “see.” If you don’t, you’re not going to be happy with the photographs. It’s as simple as that. And we know.
Second, the amount and color of make-up to use for the best results. This is vital! Make-up, when done exactly correctly, can accentuate your good features, and diminish your less than perfect features, so one looks fabulous in their portrait.
We’re talking about contours, planes of the face, the mask of the face, and how to obtain the most complementary three-dimensional portrait. Make-up is very helpful here, as is the lighting, which we’ll talk about later.
Here again, we understand exactly what the camera sees! That’s what we do! So you can be assured that by taking our advice, you will photograph absolutely PERFECTLY! Not too much make-up, and not too little. The make-up is in all the right places, and looks perfect – and also looks NATURAL!
You may have gone to one of those “Glamour” studios, or maybe you know someone who has. What’s the single biggest complaint about those kinds of portraits? “THEY DON’T LOOK LIKE ME! THEY LOOK LIKE SOMEONE ELSE!”
That’s because the make-up and hair person – as well as the photographer – all they cared about was making someone look like they had no planes to their face, and no “personality.” They removed EVERYTHING that makes someone who they are. Together, you and I are going to help you look like a “Million Bucks” but STILL look like you! It’s a fine line, and we know exactly how to do it!
***Bonus Website … Just for You … I have put together a comprehensive collection of Tips & Tricks to help you with your selection of the right wardrobe, Hair style, Make-up and So Much More. Click on this link to visit these tips: www.StudioSparks.com/sparksTips Enjoy !!!
Mistake #4 Is A “Silent Killer” Of Portraits!
Most Clients get nervous in front of a camera. And they don’t know what to do about it. You see, there are over 30 muscles in your face! And if you are tense, your muscles tense up, and therefore, you won’t like the photographs. You might not even know why you don’t like them. You just don’t.
One of the keys to our success in photography, is that we don’t like to photograph a person’s portrait, without having met in advance. And what’s the purpose of this? Yes, we’re going to talk about clothing, hair and make-up. But the main purpose of this meeting is to give you the chance to meet us, get to know us, and see just how well we are going to take care of you through this. You will see our studio. We’ll give you a tour. We’ll spend some time to break the ice and to begin to feel comfortable and confident about how you can trust us and take our advice.
This is going to make an enormous difference in how natural and radiant 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, most photographers just are not willing to do this. Why? Because it takes time. All they want to do is crank you through their studio like a “factory.” They want to do your photograph as if they were building a car. They want to put you on the “assembly line”, and run you through, click-click-click-turn this way – click, etc. … Next person please.
We will not do that to you. We’re going to meet you and perhaps your family ahead of time, and we’re 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 us. You’ll have seen the studio. You’ll know that what you will be wearing is perfect. You’ll know that your hair is going to look perfect. You’ll know that your make-up is perfect! So you will be confident, and excited – not nervous and apprehensive.
Mistake #5 Will Ruin Your Portrait If You Aren’t Aware Of It!
Most People don’t realize that it takes longer than 15 minutes to create outstanding portraits. Remember those school picture days when you would stand in a long line with your classmates and wait for your 2 minutes with the Photographer. Snap snap and who’s next !!!
One of the unique things that separates us from all the other photographers in the area, is that we take all the time that is necessary to create portraits that are wonderfully beautiful and expressive. Photographs that both you, and your friends and family will LOVE!
That’s what we’re all about. We’re not going to rush you through like it’s a factory. We’re going to take good care of you. We’re going to help you through this whole thing. We understand that this portrait is so important to you and your loved ones, and we’re not going to rush through this.
Mistake #6 Is Critically Important To Your Appearance In a Portrait!
Most Clients don’t realize that sometimes, “today is just not the day” for their portrait to be done. The hair just isn’t right today or perhaps you didn’t sleep well last night. Or your Senior has too many stresses at school or home. Or maybe you had a fight with your boyfriend.
Well, we do understand this. We 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 we have absolutely no problem, whatsoever, with you calling us and rescheduling her session, if “today isn’t the day.” WE WANT YOU TO DO THAT!
You see, one of the things that is really unique about us, is how easy and fun we are to work with. So, for example, let’s say you end up deciding to have us create your daughter’s senior portraits, and we set up a time for your session for Tuesday, the 15th at 3:30pm. Well, let’s say she wakes up that Tuesday, and she just “doesn’t feel right.” Plus, her hair isn’t cooperating that morning, and she’s really tired, too.
Well, you just call us. You say, “Hi, today just isn’t the day. I’m really sorry.” And we will immediately understand and know exactly what you mean. And we will reschedule her session for you, no problem.
Now, we are terribly busy, and booked up, BUT, WE DON’T TREAT YOU LIKE A FACTORY. We understand. We won’t make you feel guilty. Why? Because we’ve been doing this for over 20 years, and we completely understand exactly how you feel! It’s no problem at all.
We understand this is a once-in-a-life-time thing. Now, I know what you are thinking. You’re thinking, “Give me a break. This is just a photo.” Well, yes, but it is YOUR PORTRAIT, and one day this Portrait will be VERY VERY important to you. And all the people who matter to you are going to see this portrait! So let’s make darn sure it’s fantastic! Right? And that’s what we’re all about. That’s what’s so special about us.
It’s not the camera we use. It’s not the backgrounds we use. (Although we use the best of everything!) The thing that separates us from everyone else, is how sincerely we want to help you look perfectly wonderful in your photographs.
Mistake #7 Is A Little Technical, But Extremely Important To You!
People don’t realize how important light is in photography. The wrong light, and the wrong direction of light can make you look 10 …20… 30… or more pounds heavier, 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” a portrait. It’s very important!
Now, one of the things that separates our photography from all the other photographers in the area is that I have studied light from the true Masters of fine portraiture for over 25 years.
I understand that there is only ONE type and direction of light that will help you look your VERY BEST. Only one. And this is different for every person! Again, that’s another reason why we must meet you in advance, so we can determine the very BEST LIGHT for you and have it ready to use at your session day and time.
You see, there are five major highlight areas on ones face. And they must be PERFECTLY lighted, or you won’t look your best!
Also, I don’t want to get too technical here, but if you’re still reading this, you realize how important this portrait is, and you sincerely want to look your best. So… the “Transition Zone” of light, between the highlights and the shadows is what “paints” the contours of your face, and brings out your personality and “SPARKLE.” So we want to be darn sure that this “Transition Zone” is perfect, too! I could go on and on, but you get the idea.
Also, light is equally important for outdoor portraits! It must be absolutely PERFECT if we are to create a portrait which truly “Sparkles”. So, the type of outdoor portraits you and your family like will then determine the perfect TIME OF DAY to create your portraits. It’s so important.
Mistake #8 Determines A Great Portrait Or A Terrible One!
Nine out of ten Clients 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 we hear from our clients is how “natural” the portraits look. Our clients 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 don’t want to be put into some weird, stupid, pathetic pose that makes you look stiff and unnatural.
Yes, I will “guide” you so the composition and “flow” of the portrait is really beautiful. 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 beautiful and naturally pretty.
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 will straighten your necklace. I’ll straighten your outfit if it has a funny wrinkle in it. I’ll adjust the blouse or sweater you’re wearing, if it doesn’t look perfectly balanced and even on your shoulders from the camera’s point of view. We are very picky, but not pushy.
Mistake #9 Is Of Enormous Importance! Don’t Miss This One!
This mistake has ruined so many portraits! It’s the mistake of not choosing a photographer who GUARANTEES THAT YOU WILL BE REALLY HAPPY – and who will give you all your money back, if you aren’t!
Here’s our guarantee: “You will be THRILLED (not just ‘satisfied’) with your portraits, or we will do whatever is necessary for you to be thrilled, or we will return every penny of your money. No hassles and no hard feelings either. We want you to be THRILLED with your portraits, and will spare no effort or expense to see to it that you are! We 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 their reaction. That will tell you if you want to trust your portraits to that photographer.
Mistake #10 Is So Obvious, And Yet Most People Don’t Do It!
What’s this mistake? Not asking lots of questions when you are 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 give you a tour.
Then you ask them if they understand exactly how makeup should be worn for the photography.
Then ask them about how they light the hair perfectly? Ask them if they know who George Hurrell was, and if they understand his techniques.
Then ask them how much time they are going to spend with you. And do they do outdoor portraits, as well as indoor portraits.
Ask them if they are understanding if you call on the day of the session, to reschedule because “Today isn’t the day.”
Ask them if they understand the importance of the correct lighting of the “Five Major Highlight Areas.” Ask them if they know what a “Transition Zone” is.
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?
Mistake #11 Can Ruin Everything!
What’s this mistake? It’s choosing the WRONG PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR PORTRAIT. Everything depends on that one decision.
And hopefully, now that you know these 11 major mistakes that most People make – you won’t make those mistakes! You’ll be able to chose the right photographer for yourself, based on all this new found information you now have!
Now, we may not be the right photographer for you. But the fact that you’re still reading this means we probably are. Because we care about all the things I’ve talked about to you here. But the only way you’ll really know for sure if we are right for you or not is to call us.
So What Should You Do Right Now?
Now, while it’s fresh in your mind, pick up the phone, and dial (770)-241-4311 and we can chat on the phone. No charge. No obligation. No sales pitch. We’re not that kind of studio. We’ll just chat. You can ask us any questions you may have. There’s still no charge or obligation. You do not need to have made a decision to hire us, before you can come in and chat with us! No way!
Then, after we meet and chat, if you feel you’d like to have us create your portraits, fine. If not, fine also. We are here to help you in any way we can. But we’re not here to pressure you into doing anything you don’t want to do. The decisions are completely up to you and your daughter.
However, I do want to urge you to act immediately! Our schedule is almost completely full this time of year. Why? Because Sparks Studios has such a great reputation from my past Clients we have worked with. They tell all their friends, and then they all call us, and our book just completely fills up. Plus, because we spend so much time with each one of our portrait clients, we can’t photograph as many Portraits as other photographers who have more of a “factory” arrangement.!
So if anything I have said here sounded the least bit interesting to you, CALL NOW! DO NOT WAIT EVEN ONE DAY ON THIS! Call (770)-241-4311 today.
I Have A Very Special Offer For You…FREE!
Every Month We have a Special. Some months this will be discounts on Session Fees and other months we have special Sets & Locations. You need to call us or visit our Blog (www.SparksPhotography.com) to check out this month’s special.
However …. If you call right away and mention our Website Special “Creation 50”. You will save 50% off your Creation Fee, and 20% off your order! That saves you a bunch of money! But you’ll need to act quickly!
Plus, in addition to this special offer, when you place your order for your portraits, (if you decide to have us be your photographer) for any print order over $250 you will also get these additional gifts FREE: We’ll give you 2 free movie tickets and a free pizza; this is a $25 value – FREE! (You save money, and you can take a friend out for pizza and a movie!) But only if you call right away. Call (770)-241-4311 today! We will love chatting with you whether we end up photographing you or not.
Sincerely,
Don Sparks
Professional Photographer
- Call us now! We have an excellent reputation in the community, and we’ll take really good care of you and your family. So call us today. We’ll just chat. No charge, no obligation, no sales talk. But don’t put it off. I know that at this moment, you probably aren’t sure about your portraits. That’s fine. But, please understand that because we spend so much time with each one of our Clients, we only have 49 session times remaining for this special offer. Once they are gone, you will not be able to get the 50% discount off the creation fee and the 20% discount off of your portrait order. You won’t be able to get the other free gifts either! So call right now.
PPS. One last thing. Having your portrait taken is such a personal thing, that you want to be sure that you select 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 others we’ve photographed, and then call us and chat on the phone. This will give you an immediate feeling as to the type of people we are, so you can decide now, while we hopefully still have some session times available, whether or not you’d like to at least come in and chat. Call (770)-241-4311 now. We will enjoy hearing from you! Additionally please feel free to email us with any questions or requests at info@sparksphotography.com
Feel Free to pass this information on to friends. Simply give a credit to Don & Jan Sparks at www.SparksPhotography.com in Atlanta, Alpharetta & Canton – Georgia (770) 241-4311
All Photography is copyright 2008-09 Sparks Studios Inc.
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