Answers……….
You’ve Got Questions. We’ve Got Answers:
There’s a lot to know about senior year. It can be confusing. As a father myself, I remember having a lot of questions about my kids’ senior year … college hunting, graduation, SAT’s, senior trip, etc.
One of the decisions you’ll need to make, if you haven’t already, is where to have your child’s senior portrait taken. You’ve probably heard a lot about Dennis Kelly Photography. Some things are true, like we do amazing work. Some are not, like it costs thousands of dollars to come here! So, here’s the straight answers to most of the questions we get about our studio and senior portraits in general.
How much does it cost? I’ve heard Dennis Kelly is expensive.
It’s really up to you. Although many of our clients love their portraits so much, they do spend a lot on them, we also have many clients that spend much less. We have portrait packages that start at just $269. Not exactly Wal-Mart, but you aren’t getting Wal-Mart quality here. If you compare how much we charge, you will find that our prices compare very favorably with other quality studios. Nationwide, our prices are actually lower than most studios of comparable quality. We do charge a session fee, which the school picture companies may or may not, but that is because we spend so much more time with each client. We find this is absolutely essential to get the quality and variety of images and natural expressions that we are known for. We simply won’t cut corners or hustle you out the door in 6 minutes to save a few bucks! What often happens is that our clients love their portraits so much they want to buy them ALL! We can’t really apologize for that. It speaks to the quality of work we do. Most clients buy in packages, and just like everywhere else, the more you buy, the better the value! When you compare the amount of time, effort and skill that goes into your session, most of our clients agree we’re worth every penny. But also realize that while we aren’t the cheapest, we do have sessions and packages for almost every budget.
Everyone in your pictures look great, but I don’t look like a supermodel.
We make everyone look their best, it’s what we do. We know how to bring out your very best features, and our style is always interesting, fresh, and exciting. That’s what really separates a skilled portrait artist from the high volume, mass market photography companies. Dennis is really good at what he does! Have you ever seen a bad picture from Dennis Kelly?
Don’t you have to get your pictures from the school photographer?
New Jersey public schools are required by law to accept our pictures. You do not have to go to the school picture company, even for your yearbook portrait. Many schools get a kickback from the school photographer, so they would like you to think you must go there. But the school can NOT require or tell you where to go. We provide you with a yearbook glossy or digital file absolutely free with any package purchase, so you’re covered!
Are there all kinds of “hidden” charges?
Most studios DO charge extra for many things like special effects and retouching. Most of ours are included. A few special things, like removing braces, require a small extra charge, but we won’t nickel and dime you with extra charges like some studios. There are two basic fees involved in the senior portrait process: Session fees, which are for taking the pictures, preparing the previews and the ordering appointment (these vary according to what kind of session you want), and portrait sales, which is determined by what you actually want to purchase in the way of prints, frames, albums, etc. The final cost is determined totally by what YOU want to purchase.
I’ve heard it’s difficult to get an appointment.
Right now, the waiting time for getting an appointment with Dennis is about 2 to 3 weeks. Of course, there are always “holes” in our calendar that pop up due to rescheduling and such. If you can take one of our “next available” spots, we can often get you in even sooner AND we’ll discount your session 30% to boot! But you won’t know until you call! Dennis does photograph all sessions personally, and we do spend a lot more time with each session than most studios, so our calendar does tend to fill up, especially during the busier times.
I’ve heard Dennis Kelly doesn’t do “traditional” style portraits.
Not true! While we specialize in creative, fun, and exciting styles of photography, and offer dozens of different background sets and a full acre of outdoor portrait areas, we also do more traditional, classic style portraits too! And, we do them better than anyone! You can get the really cool, creative styles your senior wants, as well as the more traditional shots parents want and your school requires for the yearbook. We have drapes, tuxedos (with real shirts…not cardboard ones), and cap and gowns (if you want those). You’re covered!
Aren’t Senior pictures supposed to be awkward and boring?
Ah, NO! Dennis and the staff have lots of fun and are very laid back. Dennis is an International Award Winning Photographer. We love what we do. Everyone has a blast here. It’s much better than sweating in auditorium while you wait on the person in front of you. Plus, when you’re having a fun experience…it shows!!
I’ve heard Dennis Kelly can make anyone look good, he works “magic”.
Ok, you got us on that one! Don’t know about the magic part, but Dennis does know how to bring out the best in people.
Here’s how it works:
First, decide on the styles of portraits you are interested in. The different styles of sessions we offer are described in detail in the session guide you can download HERE. Or call us, and we’ll send you one right away. Each session package has an associated fee. It does not include prints. The session fee is not a deposit toward your order. You can reserve whatever you want, and there are additional options, like beach portraits or activity portraits, that you can add as well. You can custom tailor your session to be exactly what you like.
When you call the studio for an appointment, you need to tell us which session you want to reserve, so you need to decide that before you call. We can’t reserve the proper amount of time for you until you tell us what you want to have done! You’ll also need to know your work and sports schedules for the next several weeks, so we can find a time that works for you! Also, when you schedule your appointment, Dennis’ time is then reserved exclusively for you, so you need to pay for the session time when you call. Have a credit card handy to reserve your time.
When you book your session, we’ll send you a confirmation and a guide book that will explain everything you need to know prior to your session. Things like what clothes to bring, hair and makeup, directions to the studio, and all the other things you’ll need to know to insure a great session are explained.
On the day of your session, we’ll give you a “Senior Product Guide” that explains all the packages and extra things that are available for you to order. (This is also available to preview in advance by download HERE) You can take it home and start to decide on what you’ll want to order once you see your previews. You will be asked to leave a $250 deposit on the day of your portrait session. This deposit is applied 100% toward your order and is 100% refundable if you are not completely satisfied. You can order as little or a much as you want. After your session, we will schedule a time for you to come back in to view your images and place your order. This is usually about 1 to 2 weeks after your portrait session. All previews are viewed electronically in the studio. There are no “proofs” to take home.
You will be 100% satisfied with your senior portraits. If you’re not happy with your portraits when you see your previews, if the problem can’t be fixed, we’ll do more poses at no charge or refund your money. When you receive your finished portraits, if something isn’t right, let us know within 3 business days and we’ll fix the problem, even if we have to completely remake the order, or refund your money. You are never at risk of being dissatisfied.
It’s Easy to Make an Appointment. Follow These Simple Steps:
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Choose your session combination. You can also select additional options to add to your session combination if you wish.
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Call Dennis Kelly at 856-228-4399 and schedule your individual appointment. Studio times are reserved for you based on the session options you select. That’s why you must decide before you call.
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Have a Visa or Mastercard available, you’ll need to pay the session fee to schedule your appointment. We can’t reserve studio time for you otherwise. (If you can’t use a credit card, call us and we’ll tell you what to do!)
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Don’t put it off! Every year we have to turn seniors away who waited too long to make their appointments. Dennis photographs all sessions personally, and when his schedule is full, it’s full. Yearbook Deadlines are Right Around the Corner! Don’t be disappointed. Make your appointment today!
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For more information: Visit our website at www.dpkellyphotography.com
Maternity and Newborn Portraits
From time to time I like to review our website and blog stats to see what people are looking for that brings them to our site. I was surprised to see that among search phrases that people typed that brought them to our website and blog, “Maternity Portraits” and variations thereof, were number one… by far! So, lots of people are interested in them!
This was kind of surprising to me, because frankly, while we do several of these every year, they are not really a mainstay of our business, as senior portraits and families are. What this is telling me, is that there is a LOT of interest in maternity and newborn portrait studies, but, for some reason, many people seem somewhat reluctant to actually call and book a session.
This is kind of sad, because if there is ONE special time in a woman’s life that is deserving of a special, sensitive portrait done by a professional, THIS is it. I mean, you may graduate more than once… you may even get married more than once! But you will only be pregnant with THIS child one time in your life!
So, I thought I would write a little blurb here and maybe clear up some of the questions and doubts people may have about maternity portraits in the hope that it may encourage more women to have them done.
So, here’s my list of Frequently Asked (or thought about) Questions about Maternity Portraits at Dennis Kelly Photography.
How much does it cost?
A typical maternity session is $80. This can be of you alone, with daddy, or even with other siblings, depending on what you are interested in. Portraits prints themselves can really run anywhere from about $100 to several hundred, depending on the size you prefer. We have clients that spend less than $300, and clients that spend over $1000, and pretty much anything in between. One thing is sure, there is something for almost any budget.
Do I have to be naked?
Of course not! The goal of a maternity portrait is to show the “baby bump”, so most women opt to at least have the belly exposed. But attire is completely up to you and your comfort level. Some women are photographed (discretely) nude, others wear a robe or nightgown, others maternity clothing. The choice is entirely yours.
What about those “progression” portraits? How do they work?
We can do a maternity progression series that involves coming in 4 to 6 times over the course of your pregnancy to document the “baby bump” as it grows. The final session is 2-4 weeks after the baby is born and will include individual portraits of the newborn s well. This service costs $200, and most people will invest in a larger wall size display print for the nursery.
What is the best time to have a maternity portrait made?
Progression portraits need to start almost as soon as you know you are expecting, so we can document the entire progress of your pregnancy. If you are only interested in a single session, 7 to 8 months is ideal. That’s when the belly is fullest, but before the baby has “dropped” prior to the onset of labor.
What about stretch marks and stuff?
We’ll retouch anything that is unsightly or you find objectionable. No problem.
What will I actually do with these portraits?
Most people will choose to display a wall portrait in the nursery or bedroom. It’s a wonder way to remember this wonderful time of your life. You’ll want to document all the changes and developments in your baby’s first year of life, and a maternity portrait is also the perfect way to start your “baby’s first year” photo album. They also make wonderful thank you cards for shower gifts and such, and can even be included, along with your baby’s first portrait, on birth announcements.
Can Dad be Included?
Of course! You can include daddy in your maternity session, and newborn study too. The important thing, no matter what style or look you’re after, is to have it done before this special, important time in your life is over!
If someone you know, is expecting… send them a link to this article! It may help to answer some questions they have about this important and beautiful style of photography! Of course, you can always call us at the studio with any questions or concerns you may have. We’re always glad to help!
Watch Me Work!
The wonderful Chris LoBello produced this promotional video for a model I have worked with many times. I came across it again and thought it would make a cool blog post. This was shot during an actual model portfolio session at my studio. Thankfully, most of the emphasis is on Melissa, and not so much on my ugly mug. But, you can get a real good idea of what a high energy, fun session here is like.
In addition to seniors, families, and kids, we also do promotional work for models, actors, performers, and the like. Really, anyone who needs to project a professional image should have professional images.
–Dennis
Tags: Model Photography
Curious About Portrait Retouching?
One of the many things that separate quality portraiture from amateur snapshots is the proper use of retouching and enhancement. Clients sometimes mistakenly refer to this as “airbrushing” “touch-ups” or “editing”. No matter what you call it, it’s an important part of professional portrait photography and accounts for a great deal of the time and skill that goes into our craft.
Want to learn more about portrait retouching, why models look so good in fashion magazines, and why it’s important to choose a photographer skilled in retouching? Check out our article: Portrait Retouching and Enhancement - What It Is, What It Does here http://www.dpkellyphotography.com/PDF/retouch.pdf
Tags: enhancement, Philadelphia Portrait Photographer, portrait photographer, portrait retouching, south jersey portrait photographer
Tips for Better Family Snapshots
The holidays are the perfect time to capture those precious moments with family and friends on camera. But blurry photos, red eye, and poor lighting can put a damper on an otherwise beautiful photograph. Even spending a small fortune on a digital camera won’t guarantee a great shot. Follow these tips to take better photos this holiday season.
It’s Not the Camera.
You can take great pictures with even a simple camera by working within the limitations of the camera. Follow these simple tips to get better pictures with any camera.
Move in Closer.
Most pictures can be drastically improved by simply using the “sneaker zoom” and moving in closer. Learn to look all around the frame and eliminate anything that is not important to the picture. Most snapshots are taken from too far away. Don’t depend on cropping your pictures later - because you are throwing away quality and all of those mega pixels you paid for. If you have a 6 mega pixel camera and you routinely crop out 2/3rds of the image….you really only have a 2 mega pixel camera.
Watch the Background.
Distracting elements in the background can often be eliminated by simply moving a bit or changing the camera’s position.
Watch the Composition
Try to avoid always putting the subject dead center in the frame. Move the subject off center to add to the dynamic of the composition and make the image more interesting. Don’t forget that you can turn the camera vertically too, as well as tilt it for more interesting looks.
Vary the Angle
Most people just take pictures from eye level out of habit. Make a conscious effort to take pictures from higher or lower angles than normal just for a better perspective. With children especially, get down on their level and into their world.
Hold Steady and Squeeze
The vast majority of blurry pictures are caused by camera shake, not poor focus. This is especially true with modern cameras with auto focus and the ability to shoot in low light without flash. Shooting in low light requires the shutter on the camera to be open longer, referred to as a slow shutter speed, which allows more light to record on the film or sensor. This can lead to vibrations or camera shake being recorded. Brace your body or lean against something. Hold the camera steady and squeeze the shutter. Don’t jab it.
Look for the Light
When possible, turn the flash off for indoor shots to get a more natural, realistic light. Look for large, soft light sources from windows and doors. Avoid overhead lighting. Outdoors, look for shade. Turn on the flash when shooting with backlighting or in direct sunlight.
Shoot Lots
Especially with digital, shoot lots and lots and lots. It is easy to edit them later, especially when you don’t have to pay for film and developing. The more you shoot, the better you will become, and the more chance you have of capturing the right moment. Get comfortable with your camera and be ready to shoot at a moments notice.
Use a Professional when Appropriate.
There are some occasions when you want to work with a professional to capture those special moments. Choose one that has skill, artistic ability and a style that you like.
