Tips For a Great Session
The difference between a Snapshot or Candid Photo and a Professional Portrait is that you know in advance when the portrait will take place. How much better your portrait will be over a regular snapshot is all in the planning. Choosing an experienced Master Photographer such as Pete Way is only the first step, taking a little time to plan your Clothing, Hair, and Makeup can produce an image you will cherish for the rest of your life.

- In general solid colors always work best!

- Long Sleeves are recommended for your formal yearbook portrait.

- If you have concerns about your weight Solid DARK Colors will make you
look slimmer (WHITE will ADD POUNDS)

YEARBOOK PORTRAIT - Please check your yearbook requirements prior to coming in for your session. We recommend solid colors, long sleeves.

OUTDOOR PORTRAITS - Solids or small patterns are best. Suggestions are shorts, khakis, jeans, sundresses or long skirts. Your Car, Motorcycle, Horse, Pet, Etc. Make great props.

What Do I Wear?
When choosing your outfits, keep in mind the most important thing is that you like them. You'll want to bring as much variety as possible. Most seniors choose some casual and some dressy outfits. Avoid sleeveless, because upper arms can be very distracting, especially for women. Bring more than needed, your photographer will help you decide.
? GUYS - for the more traditional portraits a suit or sport coat with tie is good. Medium to dark sweaters photograph well. For casual and outdoor photos, comfort is the rule- jeans, shirts, sweaters, shorts, and sweatshirts .
? GIRLS - bring the colors and outfits you feel best in. Dresses (even formals), dark sweaters and lace for the more traditional look - bright colors, patterns, skirts, jeans, shorts. If you like an outfit, its probably because you look good in it, so make sure you bring it! ALL WHITE! is great for a special high key effects. White is a strong color and is great when used properly with a white background. Blonde and light hair looks great with white clothing.
? SHOES- Often shoes will show so they should compliment your clothing; changes may be necessary with different clothing styles. Many prefer barefoot poses.

What Else Can I Bring?
Here's where the fun really begins! Part of what makes Pete Way Photography so much better is that we work very hard to bring out your personality. So make sure you bring your favorite hat, musical instrument, pet sunglasses, hobby, letter jacket, “wheels,” uniform, sports activity, or ANYTHING else you feel would show of the real you. Don't forget summertime activities, too: swim suits, boom boxes, fishing or skiing gear. No idea is too crazy, and since we'll only try a few poses with it, you have nothing to lose - So Go For It!
If you wish to bring a horse, drum set or anything that requires additional setup time please advise us so that we can allow for extra session time.

Can I Bring Someone With Me?
Absolutely! Some people find it more comfortable to bring Mom or Dad, a friend, brother or sister along to help ease the “camera room jitters.” You are welcome to bring someone with you, but because of space limitations we ask that no one accompany you in the camera room except for the “ Friends” photography special . There is plenty of space outside the camera room.

What About a Suntan?
Too much sun darkens your skin unnaturally, dries out your hair, makes skin appear shiny and greasy and shows bags under your eyes. Strap marks will show as white marks on draped poses or bare shoulder poses. Keep your tan even. Don't overdo the sun for a portrait; it looks great, but use in moderation.

What About My Hair, Make-up, Glasses, Jewelry, 5 o'clock shadow?
? HAIR - Try to have your hair cut and/or permed at least one week before your session, to give it a chance to “fill in” a little. Don't try a radically different haircut or style - chances are you won't feel it expresses the “real you.” Don't cut it until you have seen your previews, too.
? MAKEUP - (Guys, too)- Here's a quick hint that will greatly enhance your portraits: Just before your session, stand two feet in front of the mirror. Dab a small amount of cover-up make-up on any noticeable blemishes. That's it - if they're gone in the mirror, they'll be gone in your photographs! Severe acne will require additional retouching at an additional charge. The studio representative will provide notification if the additional retouching is necessary.
? GLASSES - If you wear glasses most of the time, you'll want to wear them in your portraits. To eliminate glare and reflections, call your optician and arrange to borrow a pair of empty frames like yours, or have the lenses removed from your own glasses. Most opticians will gladly do this for free (make sure you give them plenty of notice, though). This totally eliminates glare and distortions and is the most important way to improve your portraits if you wear glasses. It doesn't take much effort - and it sure makes your pictures look better!
? JEWELRY - Avoid wearing flat jewelry. It can cause glare and is expensive to correct. Removal of any body jewelry will be an extra $15.00. Braces can also be removed for $15.00 extra.
? 5 O'CLOCK SHADOW - A 5 o’clock shadow can’t be removed through retouching. Please make sure that you shave right before you come, not just that morning. Within the hour before your session is best.

What If It Rains?
COME ANYWAY!! We'll complete your indoor session and reschedule the outdoor portion. Also, summer and autumn showers come and go quickly - it might be raining where you are, but sunny here. It is easier to re-schedule the outdoor session instead of the whole session.

How Much Money Should I Bring?
The only money you need to bring to your session is the SESSION FEE. This covers the cost of the photographer's time with you plus the expenses for your portrait session. It does not include any photographs, but it DOES include the best senior photography you can get ANYWHERE!

What are Preview Appointments?
Once you get the notification that your preview disk is ready, call to set up your preview appointment. You may view your previews in our studio and place your order at that time, or if you wish to take the preview disk home for two weeks you must leave a $100.00 refundable Deposit. This $100.00 advance simply goes towards your order and is subtracted from your balance when you place your order. REMEMBER - Your proofs cannot leave the studio without your deposit - no exceptions, please!


ANY QUESTIONS?

CALL (203) 758-6132
or

peteway@aol.com