WARDROBE
The clothing that you decide to bring should reflect your own individualism and style. There are, however, a few guidelines that will make the end photograph a bit more powerful.
Solid colors work better than prints. A solid color will enhance the face instead of compete with it. A tight plaid or a subtle print is fine, but try to stay away from a pattern that is bold. Wear clothing that you feel good in. Clothing should be ironed or dry-cleaned beforehand however, there is an iron in the dressing room for touch-ups.
My general theory is to bring five to six different outfits that you feel good about and I can select what will photograph the best. The studio portion of your sitting is generally more formal than the location portrait. Dark colors tend to make the subject look more formal. Pearls against a black top is a classic look for girls and navy blazers with a light shirt and tie is a classic for guys. 3/4 to long sleeve dark tops work well for girls, so their arms don't compete with their faces. Sleeveless and short sleeves can be worn outdoors. It's pretty easy for a guy to bring several different ties and shirts. We can work with the best combination.
Ties and dark tops and pearls aren't for everyone. Bring outfits that reflect who you are and what you're all about. Remember that the photograph will be appreciated for decades and generations to come. Stop by our studio and look at hundreds of other senior photos and you may get some new ideas about not only wardrobe, but locations too.
LOCATION
The studio is willing to try new locations to suit the customer, but there are four specific ones that we have used over and over again with amazing results.
LAW QUAD
The most popular one for seniors is the University of Michigan LAW QUADRANGLE. Located at the corner of South University and State Street, the Law Quad is rich with architectural detail and history. Its columns and stonework is especially nice for a collegiate backdrop, while the trees and well maintained gardens offer a colorful green and floral backdrop. It is a gem in the middle of Ann Arbor and can provide a spectacular backdrop for pictures of all kinds.
BARTON PARK
This setting is off Huron River Dr. (about 1/2 mile west of N. Main St.) and offers the subject with a natural, wilderness backdrop of trees, grass and water of Barton Pond. It is a more suitable setting for casual clothing, such as jeans and casual tops instead of formal suits and dresses ( however sundresses work fine). Jeans and shorts and white tops are my favorite outfits for the dock on the water.
BANDEMER PARK
This setting is on the other side of the Huron River under the viaduct of the M-14 expressway. The subject is surrounded with concrete, cement and steel, often with water in the background. It is a modernistic setting of shades of gray that create a neutral backdrop that enhances the subject's face and body. The preferred clothing here are shades of black, gray and white and I prefer the finished pictures to be in black and white (however, sometimes color works fine). Suits and ties (loosened) for guys is a good wardrobe selection along with T-shirts or solid colored sweaters. Black dresses are great for women or anything solid and simple.
LAKE MICHIGAN
This setting includes the shores of Lake Michigan. This is a family home that is located 5 miles south of Frankfort, Michigan near Crystal Lake and 30 minutes south of Traverse City. It offers the subject with water, sand, bluffs, dunes and grasses and is truly phenomenal setting. Pastel tops, khakis, polo shirts, sweaters, sun dresses and Capri pants work well here. A nice place to say for one or two nights (if you are traveling north for this sitting) is Watervale Inn in Arcadia which is a 10 minute drive south. www.watervaleinn.com They have quite affordable rooms in the lodge.
There are four locations that I am very happy and comfortable with. They have enough unique characteristics so that each sitting should have its own signature. The studio is willing however to consider other places and possibilities that are meaningful to the customer.
PACKAGES
We have organized our packages to try to accommodate various needs and situations. It's impossible to predict, however, each individual family's needs and concerns. You may trade certain units of pictures, i.e., 16 wallets, 2 5x7's, 4 4x6's and 1 8x10 are interchangeable.
The studio is pleased to offer framing options for clients that may be in addition or included in packages. Many orders become ready around the holidays and framing can be an added asset during this busy time of the year.
Not all packages meet every family's individual needs. If a senior would like to add any additional reprints to their package, these reprints will be charged at 20% off our portrait prices which are available upon request.
Some seniors choose to be photographed at TWO locations instead of one. There is a $100.00 additional fee for this and the senior will be pesented with 15-20 additional proofs. Some seniors will wish to add a sibling or a friend (or friends) to their sitting. The customer is presented with 15-20 additional proofs and there is a $50.00 additional fee. Reprints are 20% off our portrait pricing.
FRAMING
The studio offers framing with several packages or framing may be added to a package. Our studio uses archival mattes and one type of wood molding in a variety of shades of wood which range form oak, cherry, walnut, white or black. A collage type method is popular with three different pictures in one frame. A canvas stretcher is also available which gives the images a painterly look. There are samples of all our different types of framing at the studio.
RETOUCHING
The proofs which are presented to the customer within one-two weeks after the sitting are NOT retouched. The poses that you order from will be retouched for skin blemishes, bags, etc. Any specific retouching, such as braces, eyeglass reflection, or birthmarks should be discussed while placing your order and an additional retouching fee will be added to your order. There is a $50.00 fee to remove braces from one pose while birthmarks or scars are generally less expensive.
PROOFS
Proofs from sittings may be emailed to the customer (low resolution and watermarked) OR a spiral bound proof book may be presented within 1-2 weeks after the sitting. The proof book will be 4"x5" spiral bound book. Both electronic and proof books may be printed in color or black and white or a combination of both. Reprints may be ordered in both black and white and color. The proofs are not cropped, not retouched and primarily used to judge the subject's expressions. The difference between a proof and a finished print is considerable. Proof books are included with all senior packages. RAIN DATES
The sitting begins at the studio for the formal portion of the package, immediately following the location portion of the sitting. Michigan weather is unpredictable. If the weather isn't conducive to good pictures, we will go ahead with the studio portion of your sitting and plan a rain date for your location portion of the sitting.
PAYMENTS
There is a $250.00 deposit required at the time the appointment is scheduled. The studio accepts all credit cards or if the customer is more comfortable mailing a check or stopping by with cash, that is fine too. Another deposit is requested the day of the sitting depending on the package. Yearbook deadlines require most orders to be placed by early October.
DISCOUNTS
There is a 10% discount for repeat customers at any time. There is a 15% discount for sittings that take place before July 31st, 2010. Discounts are not combinable. The senior is encouraged to drop in our studio and look at hundreds of other senior photos, along with meeting us. Seniors are also encouraged to check out samples of our work on our website at www.johnshultzphoto.com. Our studio was founded in 1982 and we pride ourselves in supporting each customer's individual tastes. We encourage our customers to communicate their photography, printing and framing needs and we will look forward to working with you.