Portrait Information

High School 2012 Seniors

2011-08-17T17:32:00.000-07:00

Its amazing how many different places I keep finding for cool spots for portraits just a short walk from our downtown studio. Atascadero High School senior portraits, Templeton High School senior portraits. Monterey Bay Academy senior portraits.

Kody from Templeton High School Class of 2012

Sevi from Monterey Bay Academy

Mat from Atascadero High School on the roof of the studio.

Studio or Location Clothing Tips

2011-03-04T13:49:00.000-08:00

The goal of any fine portrait is to direct the viewer’s eye to the faces in the portrait. Simple long sleeved garments in medium to dark tones of brown, gray, burgundy, green or blue are pleasing choices when photographed against a medium or dark background.

Choose clothing in the same tonal ranges so that no single member of the family stands out because the clothing is too light or bright as compared to the rest of the group.

Download our clothing tips here

NEW Line of Lifestyle Photography

2011-03-04T11:47:00.000-08:00

Want to play on the beach or the park with your family AND get exciting photography? Check out our latest Lifestyle photography called YourLife Vignettes.

See What's Been Happening

2009-09-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

To see what Dennis has been doing lately check out his adventures on his blog

Important Tips on How to Get a Great Senior Portrait

2009-02-28T12:46:00.001-08:00

The most important tip of all is to choose an experienced photographer that can take the style of photos you want and that you feel comfortable with.

Clothes:
• Bring a VARIETY of outfits. It’s a good idea to include both casual and more formal outfits in your senior portraits. You choose a couple and let mom choose one or two, that way everyone is happy. Make sure everything is properly ironed before you leave the house.
• Medium to dark colors are generally best. Warm tones are best for outdoor portraits. Remember, darker colors minimize body size.
• Select colors and necklines which are most complimentary to you. Some outdoor locations do not have private changing facilities. A selection of outerwear helps to make quick changes in looks (ie. sweater, jacket, scarf).
• Coordinate your outfit from head to toe. Some poses may show your shoes so don’t forget to bring shoes & socks for each outfit that you plan to wear.
• Traditional styles will stand the test of time and keep your portrait looking fresh for years to come.
• Busy patterns, logos, and loud colors can be very distracting in your portraits. Avoid large & bold patterns that might tend to draw attention away from your face.
Your face should be the focal point of your portraits. Long sleeves and solid colors or very subtle prints are usually the most flattering in portraits.

Hair:
• DO NOT have a fresh haircut. If you need a trim, have it done about a week before.
• Hair should be styled as you normally wear it. Be sure and bring a brush and mirror for touch ups.
• GUYS: Shaving just before your sitting is suggested.

Make-up:
• Make-up should be done prior to your appointment time.
• Finger nails may show so make sure they look good too. Avoid bright nail polish colors that may draw attention from your face.
• We can retouch blemishes that are bothersome to you, so don't worry.

Accessories:
• Don't forget your class ring.
• Props can help to show your personality and record the types of activities you are involved in.
• Be sure to bring some of your own props to your portrait session.
Here are some ideas:
• Musical Instrument
• Letterman Jacket
• Uniform
• Hats
• Sports Equipment
• Sunglasses
• Pets (check with the studio ahead of time)
• A Friend or Two

Friends:
• Everyone: Bring a friend or two for some fun photos
• Girls: Bring a parent or guardian.

Senior Portrait Tips (Download Printable Version)

Too Many Photographers! How Do I Choose?

2009-02-24T22:08:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of photographers on the market today. Here are some things to consider when you're trying to decide who to hire:

1. The Cost. Everyone is trying to save money these days but there's an old saying, "You get what you pay for," and that is especially true when hiring a photographer. Photographers who shoot great work consistently, pay to advertise, use the best equipment, have long established relationships with their vendors, and pay many studio expenses. They are the Rembrandts and the Michelangelos of today and their art is worth its price. These Photographers dedicate their lives to creating beautiful art have stood the test of time and stand behind their work.

2. Experience. Anyone can take pictures for a couple of years and look good by posting their best work on their website or by spending hours manipulating the images to make them look "edgy", but the real question is, is the photographer consistent? Don’t be afraid to test potential photographers–ask to see all the results from a recent session, or ask for referrals. This way you can see if the quality of their work last weekend matches up with what they advertise. Just as a means of comparison, Dennis at Studio 101 West has been shooting for over 20 years and is still here to tell you about it.

3. Specialty. Do you want a full-time pro or someone who likes taking pictures as a side job? Dennis is an artist, formally trained, but also a life long student in the study of light, color and gesture. Trained at Brooks Photographic Institute as a commercial photographer, then studied for a year in LA under several prominent commercial photographers and then a year at a busy wedding and portrait studio. That was over 20 years ago, so his breath of training and experience transcends what most any other full time pro photographer can claim.

4. Check the Portfolio. The bottom line is Dennis is an artist, who loves photography, and that is his specialty. If your still not sure please look through our galleries and judge for yourself. When you do, keep in-mind that all the images on our web site were created by Dennis in the last couple of years and they are ALL a result of paying jobs, not models that we hired, or personal projects he did just to build a portfolio.

5. Get an prints that will last. This is an area where choosing a friend or relative may be a regret you re-live every time you look at your portraits. And even if your friend does get great photos, do they know to make a wonderfull wall portrati or killer album that will last the rest of your life? We guarantee all our products to last a life time not to fade or fall apart and we've been doing it for 20 years.