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From
a Tuscaloosa, Alabama 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 web page, I'm going to reveal the 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 or her to be really proud of it? Right?
Well,
the truth is that the two major things that are most
important to seniors about their senior portraits are:
1.)
They must look really great in the portrait, and
2.) They also want the portrait to have some kind of
"artistic quality" to it. That is to say that
the photographs themselves 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! This
picture 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! I do with a passion!
I get to be creative! You want to look
fantastic in these photographs, and I'm going to help you
achieve that!
Here's
How To Avoid The 11 Huge Mistakes That 9 Out Of 10 Seniors
Make With Their Senior Portraits!
Let's
go through the 11 huge mistakes that 90% of all seniors
and their parents make when it comes to their senior
portraits.
Obviously, you should contact me right away about whether
or not I have any openings left to create your senior
portrait. I am extremely booked up already, 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 11 major mistakes that most seniors make in
reference to their senior portraits. If you don't decide
to work
with me, that's fine. I still want you to be aware
of these major mistakes, so you don't make them yourself
when planning your photography!
Mistake
#1 Is Of Enormous Importance!
Not Getting A Guarantee You Will Love Your Portraits
This
mistake has ruined so many senior 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
senior 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 senior portraits
to that photographer.
For
example, the wrong clothing can make up to a 22 pound
difference in the way you look in your portrait! 22 pounds!!!
Now,
most high school seniors want to look as thin as possible
in their portraits. Clothing makes a HUGE difference in
this area, so let's make sure your clothing is really
perfect!
Mistake
#2 Is A HUGE Destroyer Of Senior Portraits!
Mistake
#2 is making mistakes with hair. Many seniors goof this up
in several ways. But also, most photographers goof
this up, too, because they don't know how to photograph
hair properly.
This is such a big point! As you know, your hair is
a huge part of your appearance. It can make or break
how you look. We've all had "bad hair
days" and if your photographer doesn't know what he
or she is doing, your photographs will look like a
permanent "bad hair" day.
One of the things that separates my photography from that
of most of the other photographers in the area is that I
pay as much attention to the light that is lighting your
hair, as I do to the lighting that is illuminating your
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
and I'm going to use these very same techniques to create
your senior portraits to help you, and your hair look
really, really perfect.
For example, many seniors who go to other photographers
often complain that, if they have dark hair, that their
hair seems to disappear into the background. Or, if they
have light hair, that their hair has no "life"
or detail in the photograph. Or if their hair is brown,
that it doesn't look as great as they wanted it to. It's
not just how they combed or prepared it, it's how it's lit
in the photograph, too!
Well, that's not going to happen to a portrait created by
me, because I'm going to take the time and the care in the
lighting of your hair so it looks absolutely perfect. It's
as if one of these Hollywood Master Photographers just
finished photographing Orlando Bloom or Jessica
Simpson, and now is going to do your portrait, and I'm
going to put as much care into lighting you as they would!
| "Everyone
has loved Katie's pictures. Katie really enjoyed the
photo session and felt very comfortable with
you."
Karen Tidwell
Birmingham,
Alabama
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Mistake
#3 - An Amazing Secret Revealed!
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 positively 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 us to create their senior
portraits. We honestly, sincerely care about
how you or your son or daughter will look, and we aren't
going to embarrass you in any way, but we are going to do
everything in our 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! Guaranteed!)
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 I am 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!
Mistake
#4 Is A "Silent Killer" Of Senior Portraits!
Most
seniors don't understand (or don't want to admit) that
they 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're tense, these muscles tense up, and therefore, you
won't like the photographs. You won't know why you don't
like them. You just won't.
One of the keys to our success in photography, is that I
meet the seniors I photograph in advance. And what's the
purpose of this? Yes, we're going to talk about clothing,
and all the other things. We are also going to talk
about school activities you're involved with, we'll talk
about your hobbies, your interests, your favorite pastimes.
This will help us put together session that will be
designed just for you. This meeting will give you
the chance to meet me, get to know me, and see just how
well I am going to take care of you through this. You will
see my studio in the beautiful Jemison Mansion. I'll give
you a tour if you like. 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, most
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."
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.
I will not do that to you. I am 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 won't be posing for a
stranger. 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.
Mistake
#5 Will Ruin Your Senior Portrait
If You Aren't Aware Of It!
Most
seniors don't realize that it takes longer than 10 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 love - yes love!
That's what this is 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. This portrait is important
to you, so we're not going to rush through this.
| "I'm Glad I chose
Haverkampf Photography to do my senior portraits! I was
able to have the individuality I wanted in my senior
pictures."
Lauren Blue
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
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Mistake
#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, we 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 the 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
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 it just "doesn't feel right."
Plus, your hair isn't cooperating that morning, and you're
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 his session for you -
no problem.
Now, we are terribly busy, and booked up, BUT, WE DON'T
TREAT YOU LIKE A MASS PRODUCTION. We understand.
We won't make you feel guilty. Why? Because we've
been doing this for 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,
You May Be 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 be
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 absolutely perfect - stunning - fantastic - better
than ever - in your senior photographs.
Mistake
#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's really 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!
Now, one of the things that separates my photography from
all the other photographers in the area is that I have
studied light from the true Masters of fine portraiture
for over 20 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 we 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 your 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 absolute
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 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 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.
Mistake
#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 we hear
from our clients is how "natural" the portraits
look. Our 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.
Yes, I will "guide" you so the composition and
"look" of the portraits is really great.
You and I will work together to help you look confident,
comfortable, and just plain great.
You
Should Be Pushed Into A Pose, You Should Be Guided Into A
Natural Position (At Least It Should Look Natural)
You
want to be sure to select a photographer who will not
"manhandle" you with the posing. Almost all the
photographers in our state 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. 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 straighten your
collar or sleeves. I straighten your shirt if it has
a funny wrinkle in it. Don't worry about a thing!
We'll make sure you look "like a million bucks"!
We're very picky, but we don't manhandle you - and we
won't drive you "nuts" with being overly picky
either!
Mistake
#1 Ruins More Senior Portraits Than Anything!
Mistake
#1 is wearing the wrong clothes! This is very normal. Even
if the senior were a professional model, he or she still
wouldn't know what to wear that would help him or her look
the very best in a still photo. The "Art
Director" would say what to wear! The
"model" would just show up, and wear what
has been arranged! The hair
person does the hair. The Art Director plans everything
and tells the subject what to do next.
You see, most people don't know what really photographs
well. why should they know. Well, I know.
That's my job
. And I love it. I'll help you select
clothing that will help you look your very best. We will
help you with this. Don't worry.
Mistake
#10 Is So Obvious, And Yet Most
Seniors Or Their Parents Don't Do It!
What's
this 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, locations etc,.
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 about how they light the hair perfectly. Ask
them if they have studied with the greatest
photographers of all time.
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 your 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 SENIOR PORTRAIT. Everything depends on that one
decision.
And hopefully, now that you know these 11 major mistakes
that most seniors or parents 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, I may not be the right photographer for you. But the
fact that you're still reading this means I just might be.
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 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 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 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 senior portraits, great!. If
not, ok. 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.
However, I do want to urge you to act immediately! My
schedule is almost completely full at the time I'm
updating this site. Very few senior session times remain!
Why? Because I have such a great reputation from my
past seniors I have worked with. They tell all their
friends, and then they all call me, and my book just
completely fills up. Plus, because we spend so much time
with each one of the seniors we photograph, we can't
photograph as many seniors 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! Click
Here
right
now to get the number to call.
I
Have A Very Special Offer For You...FREE!
(But ONLY if you're one of the next 4
people to call me!)
As
long as you are one of the next 4
people to call me - just to chat - I will make you a
FANTASTIC OFFER! You can save 50% off the creation of your
senior portraits (or those of your son or daughter)!
That saves you a bunch of money! 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,
Dale
Haverkampf
Dale Haverkampf
Professional Senior Photographer
PS. Call us now. We have an excellent
reputation in the community, and we'll take really good
care of you. 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 aren't sure about
your senior portraits. That's fine. But, please understand
that because we spend so much time with each one of our
seniors, we only have 4
session times remaining for this special offer. Once they
are gone, you will not be able to get the 50% discount off
the creation of the images. So call
right now.
PPS. 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 people 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.
CLICK
HERE
to
call right now. We will enjoy hearing from you!
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