Ok, let's move on to some important things.

The first thing you must be aware of is that your school is going to "require" that you go one place to be in the yearbook.  Kind of goes against the FREEDOM OF CHOICE concept.  But, unfortunately Indiana is one of the few states left that allow this lost freedom.  We usually are one of the last states to change you know, a little "behind the times".

But, just because you 'have to' go one place to be in the yearbook doesn't mean you have to use those photographs for your family and friends. This is where your freedom of choice jumps in -  if you are looking for unique images that center on your personality, you have a choice in where you go for a professional photographic session. 

But wait! Things get real tricky in the area of selecting a professional photographer these days. One statistic stated that up to 90% of the 'snap-shooters' on the web are not professional!

So check things out carefully, seek recommendations, be aware that a digital camera does not come standard with the magical ability to perform miracles, and an understanding of photo-shop does not make up for the lack of talent and experience necessary to create superior portraits.

Think about your location.  

Are you comfortable going to a public park where strangers are watching you pose - or would you feel more comfortable in a private 10 acre portrait park like ours where everything has been trimmed to be picture perfect and you don't have strangers watching you have your portraits created? 

Check out some of the sceneries that we have available:

Can you picture yourself in some of these places?

The other thing that you want to check out very carefully is the photographers rates.  Some of them will just keep adding on charges like you would not believe.  Let's take the "sitting fee" for example.  It is common that a photographer will charge a sitting fee, it covers the time for creating the portraits and the huge amount of time behind the computer preparing the images for viewing. 

But there are photographers out there that will charge extra for EVERYTHING!  Like:

*  Every clothing change

*  Going outside

*  Doing inside

*  Bringing your pet

*  With your car

*  Adding friends

*  Doing a family group

and the list just goes on and on, it's just not right!

At Wyant Photography you can do all of those things during your session with no extra charge.  As a matter of fact we BEG you to bring all of those things, it makes the photographs more personal and more FUN!  And we love fun photographs.

Also, look for variety, some times you can tell right away who did your friends senior portraits, because they all look alike.  They all are highly saturated or the props and areas are the same, you know what I mean?  Strange thing about our studio, you see - everyone who comes to us has a completely different personality, and we photograph for their individual personality. Interesting concept, don't you think?

We also offer a variety of looks.  Like; touch of color, hollywood, black and white, sepia, color toned, high contrast, classic, glamour, fun and we are going to ask you what do you like so we can focus our time with you on the type of look that you like, not just the type of look the photographer likes, it's all about you.

Oh, and let's talk about the retouching!  It amazes me how many photographers are switching to an auto retouching program.  It's not pretty.  It smooshes your skin tone colors together and doesn't even get rid of all the blemishes, so they have to throw it into a heavy soft filter to hide the problem.  One senior told me she thought that other studios make the people look "plastic".  At Wyant, Jim or Lois personally retouch all of the images themselves, by hand, one at a time.  This gives the final look that we are proud to say is our photographic art.

Ok, let's compare what you know so far with other photographers:

Let's make your senior pictures about you are personal!  A couple of ways you can do this:

*  Invite friends to come with you, we even have a friends session where 3-5 friends can come to have their pictures taken individually and together, you coordinate everyone and we will provide the pizza.

*  Consider different locations.  We have our Just For Fun Sessions which are in different areas around Carmel for a fun look or go REALLY fun and check out our Safari Sessions at the Indianapolis Canal or the Indiana Dunes or the gardens at the zoo - NO SESSION CHARGES and DISCOUNTED PACKAGES. Bring some friends with you and have photographs taken individually and together.  You could even do your session at your home, your lake house, any where special to you, schedule early and save money off your session charge.

*  BRING STUFF, things that represent this time of your life.  Collections, hobbies, ideas, let's just have FUN!

How are we doing?  Have I covered some of your questions and concerns about Senior portraits? 

If not there are two other sights with more questions answered, please visit these if you have more questions or just want to learn more about the process:

Three things every senior should know before scheduling their portrait appointment.

Five tips to great senior portraits.

It was great to share this information with you.  I hope that soon in the future we will meet.  And if we don't, I wish you happiness and fun throughout your senior year and beyond.

Thanks

Lois

Check out our website to get information on different session options www.wyantphoto.com, for our specific senior website click here, there is a tab at the top that list the different session options and base package information.