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:

• Choose your session combination. You can also select additional options to add to your session combination if you wish.

• 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.

• 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!)

• 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!

• For more information: Visit our website at www.dpkellyphotography.com

]]> http://blog.dennispkelly.com/?feed=rss2&p=444 http://blog.dennispkelly.com/?p=399 http://blog.dennispkelly.com/?p=399#comments Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:36:05 +0000 admin http://blog.dennispkelly.com/?p=399 Watch this video to see what senior portraits are really like at Dennis Kelly!

Dennis Kelly Senior Portraits from Mixed Nuts Productions on Vimeo.

Meet the members of Dennis Kelly’s Class of 2011 Senior Model Squad. If you know them, ask them for their card that will get you up to 50% off your senior portrait session!

Special Offers. Book Early and SAVE!

Think it’s too early for senior portraits?
It’s NOT.

Senior season for the Class of 2011 has already started. You’ll need to have your yearbook photo ready to turn into the school shortly after you start your senior year in the fall. NOW is the time to book, and you can save money by booking early!

* Call before May 1st, schedule your portrait session for anytime in May, and take 20% off your session fee!

It’s Easy to Make an Appointment. Follow These Simple Steps:

* Choose your session combination. You can also select additional options to add to your session combination if you wish. If you haven’t received your session guide in the mail you can download one here. Senior Portrait Session Guide
* 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.
* 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!)
* 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. Don’t be disappointed. Make your appointment today! Plus, get the lowest prices of the entire season by booking early!
* For more information: Visit our website at www.dpkellyphotography.com

First, lets meet the members of the model squad. If you know them, ask them for one of their Senior Model Referral Cards which can save you up to 50% on your senior portrait session at Dennis Kelly!

Lauren Ertle Williamstown HS

These models will be featured in many of our advertisements and on our Facebook page, and will soon be featured in our new promotional video.

Application Deadline for the Senior Model Squad is now over. We are no longer accepting applications for the Class of 2011!

Thanks to everyone who applied. It looks like we’ll have a great bunch of models to work with this year. It’s really sad that we can’t accept everyone who applies. But, it is only fair to the chosen models who have to work to earn their perks and rewards, to limit the number of competing models in each school.

Check back here often as we announce the members of the 2011 Senior Model Squad and share their images. We’re ready to have some fun and create some great photography!

The model squad members will appear in our advertising campaign, become official ambassadors of Dennis Kelly Photography, and receive special incentives when their friends come to Dennis Kelly for their senior portraits!

Participation is fun and exciting, and allows you the opportunity to earn rewards and benefits by representing Dennis Kelly Photography to your friends and classmates.

We only choose a limited number of squad members from each school. The application deadline is February 1st, 2010 and we will make our preliminary selections by February 10th.

Senior Model Squad Competition Criteria:

• Must have an outgoing personality, great attitude and be involved in school activities (we do not choose our models by looks!)
• Must be a high school junior graduating in 2011
• Must have parental consent and sign a senior model squad agreement
• Must agree to actively participate according to the requirements of the program.

Benefits of Joining our Senior Model Squad:

• 2-hour senior “Blow Out” session valued at $249.
• Designer album of 30-40 of the best session images – chosen by the Dennis Kelly Photography team and custom designed to showcase your session (a $300+ value)
• 50 Model Squad Cards customized with your name and image and offering a special incentive for your friends (each friend that turns in a card provides you with a CASH reward!)
• Six images for use on your Facebook page (must tag our page and use as your profile image for at least one week)
• A slideshow video of your images to use on your Facebook page
• Your images will be used in our advertising and on our Facebook page – many of our 2010 Senior Model Squad members became local ‘superstars’ by appearing as our profile image

Plus many additional incentives and the ability to earn cash rewards toward your senior portrait order.

For complete information about how to apply to become a member of our 2011 Dennis Kelly Senior Model Squad, download the complete brochure. 2011 Senior Model Squad.

Follow the link on the last page to submit an application. Or, once you have reviewed all the information and received your parent’s permission, go to our Online Application Form to apply.

If you know a high school junior who will be graduating in 2011 and feel they would make a great Senior Model, pass this information along!

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!

Pets are so much a part of the family, it’s a pleasure when we get to record their personalities. Many of our family portrait clients opt to include their beloved pets in the sitting too! We’re glad to oblige!

Rambo

In my 30+ year career as a professional photographer (yes.. I started when I was 5) I have yet to encounter the person who has said to me, “You know, I wish I didn’t have so many beautiful pictures of my family and kids as they were growing up!” In a time when the products we embrace so much as a society become worn out or obsolete in months rather than years, it’s a great source of satisfaction to know that we provide a product and service to our customers that becomes more and more precious as the years go by. Enduring and lasting value, rare indeed.

Gift Certificates are available too!

The brand new flash site features hundreds of new images in many new galleries! Please check it out and see who you know!

Dennis