What’s The Problem?
(But before we get into that let’s find out a little something about you) -
Do You Qualify?
Answer the following questions honestly....and just to yourself:
1) Do you appreciate great photography or are you satisfied with just ho-hum results?
2) Are you looking for backdrops that truly reflect your personality and are not “what everyone else gets”?
3) Do you have definite ideas about how you would like your senior photographs to look?. (That is posing, lighting, props/backgrounds you’d like to use)
4) Do you want a photographer you can work “with” and not “for”? Wouldn't it be nice to be able to have an advanced planning session with your photographer? A period - well in advance of your photo session - where the details of the looks you want, the places for those images and all of the items you need to bring and prepare for, are comfortably planned. Wouldn’t that be helpful in getting the images you want?
5) Are you looking for something truly custom - not cookie cutter results that so many of your friends “settle for?”
6)Are you wanting to find a photographer who will listen to YOUR ideas and help make them happen?
7)Are you looking for package choices that are flexible to fit your needs?
8)Do you want to be photographed at a specific location? Not just the photographer’s routine route but a place that holds significance to you.
9)Do you want a lot of nice pictures but are a little intimated with the “posing thing?”
10) Are you trying to find a photographer who will help you “get it right” one who is not there just to slam you through a fistful of poses so they can quickly get onto the next appointment?
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Steve, thank you so much for your excellent work. It was fun during the photo session and we really got a lot of great images to select from. I will recommend your photography skills to anyone looking for professional results. Stephanie Gilmore, Ferndale |
In a nutshell, timing. That’s right - if you answered yes to the majority of the previous questions, then you are the exact person I am looking for. I am not interested in photographing every senior in Whatcom county just a select few (honestly I can’t handle more than 63). Once that number is reached then I will have to close down further senior photo appointments. My commercial clients, and families and children require an equal input of time and concentration to provide them with the quality of time and product that they deserve.
Why Should I Care?
Well, if you truly believe in your response to my earlier questions then you’ll know that Whatcom county has over 2000 Jrs. (to become Srs. for 2008) and if I am only taking on - at the most - 63 students then...... well you do the math.
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Your green screen work is really great. It has so many advantages of creating backgrounds that really make for a “custom fit”. It truly defines the word “professional imagery” to coordinate the background so perfectly with the pose and outfit that a person is wearing. Thanks Steve........love my pictures. Jordan Courtright, Bellingham, Squalicum High |
What Makes you so special?
I would like to think that it is because I am putting You First! I hope that you will find my photography and business organization and personality the one that would best fulfill the yes answers to the previous questions.Simply listing my awards and achievements will not mean much to you but take a look about my web site. Check out the testimonials from some of the students graduating this June. Ask around, contact some of the seniors you know and ask who did their photography and why they would or would not want to work with that photographer again.
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Hey Steve, great job on my photos. Really like how your retouching skills made my skin look fantastic. And your prices are better than all the other places we checked out. Jimmy Zourkos, Bellingham, Squalicum High |
Check Me Out!
You’re seeing my web site, viewed some of the work I’ve done for other students but really the only way to truly satisfy your understanding that would make us a “proper fit” is to meet and talk with me in person - no cost, no obligation. Give me a call - 671-5381 - or come over and meet with me in person. This is the only true way I can rest your mind by answering all of your specific questions. Still not convinced?.....then read on.
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Take a look at the different sessions and styles of photography we have to offer.
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I really appreciate Steve’s artistic eye, his sense of composition, his experience and ease, and his inimitable way of making me comfortable while he works. The background, the lighting, the poses, it all worked. Thank you so much, I will recommend Steve Peterson Photography to all those who are seeking the best in personal portraiture. Sara Prendergast, Squalicum High |
The Most Important Photos In Your Life?
That’s right. Statistically, the average person sees a professional photographer only about 3 or 4 times their lifetime. Maybe some childhood photos, your senior pictures, when you get married and perhaps family photo sprinkled in as you begin the process of raising your own family. Out of all of those times, are you at your best? When is all the attention directed just at you? When can you experiment with different looks and let loose with wild and crazy creative ideas, exploring your potential?
That’s right.............Senior Photos Rule!
Unless you become an actor or a model, perhaps never again will you really get the chance to be a STAR! It is your time, your day, your chance to explore and present the best of yourself. Who knows what it might lead to?
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Thank you again; I believe you have captured some great memories for us. It was especially nice that you could get some images of Sara with her dog - we will forever treasure them. Sara MacKenzie, Bellingham, Sehome High |
Do you have the qualities to become a Star?
Perhaps not, but you never know and for your time with me, you will be a star. All your best qualities will be captured for all time. Remember, you will never again be so young; you will never again have such a small waist; you will never again be so at the edge of your potential; at the very threshold of fulfilling your hopes, plans, expectations. It is at this entrance of “your time of life” that lights up your personality and pours into your expressions, hopefulness, seeds of confidence, an innocence and excitement all bundled together that perhaps will rarely -all at one time - be visited again .
This demands a Photographic record!
Being at your best will both serve as a benchmark of who you are at this station in life but also a position of inspiration. Your captured moments can serve as a reference point - a source of grounding or inspiration, if you will, - which can help to reset your purpose in life. When life gets frustrating and you begin to question “is it really worth it?” your favorite senior images can help you to revisit those happy and optimistic periods in your life and help you to rededicate your efforts by reliving those feelings where all is possible.
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This is our second time of using your services for senior photography. I didn’t think you could top the excellent pictures we got of our first daughter Haley. However you equaled if not bettered your results with Sydney our second daughter. The pictures are absolutely gorgeous! Your work is consistent and able to capture the expressions of just who Sydney is at this time of her life. Thank you very much. Sheri Goebel, Bellingham |
A True Story......
Sally (not her actual name) was a junior, just like many of you right now. She had been dreaming for some time about having some great senior pictures made of her and was really looking forward to her “day in the sun.” Well, time rolled forward and with all the happenings of school and activities with her friends, it was suddenly the middle of summer.
Sally was beginning to get worried - “won’t all the good photographers be taken,” she wondered? “Naw” her friends said; don’t even think about it until you get a notice from the school about the yearbook picture - that’s what everybody does.
Well the school gave Sally notice alright, but this was towards the end of summer and what with her job, it was really hard to get a photography booking. "No problem," her friends said. They knew of one of their buddies who had a great camera and could take her pictures for 1/10th. the cost of a professional photographer.
Well that didn’t work out. The buddy did not have the right lens - at the right time -; and just said, “stand there and look pretty” Her “photographer” became aggravated when she said she was unsure of what to do and he had to cut the session short because of a softball game he wanted to attend.
The images she got (on a cd) were un-retouched, half of them were either too light or too dark, and the other half had her looking quite awkward. Quickly trying to make up for her error, she called around to several photographers. Most all of the ones she had heard about were fully booked. She finally found somebody, but he didn’t have a studio and with a bad stretch of weather she had to appeal to the school to accept her annual photo at a delayed date.
And when she did get her photos, they fell far short of what she really wanted. So she was out of time, out of money and out of luck!
Don’t Let This Happen To You
By contacting me Before Summer Begins to Think of Happening - you can schedule for a time appropriate for you (even - for you early birds - split your photo schedule if you’d like i.e., have your annual photo taken first then the pictures for you at a later date - all at no extra charge!) More about this later......*
Don’t forget, that by having your pictures taken earlier in the beginning of summer, your color will be at its best, the likelihood of good weather will be greater and your position to select your best day and time will be assured.
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It is quite difficult selecting the best images out of the many different poses and looks that were created. Thanks a lot Steve; the pictures turned out great! Peter Torkild, Bellingham, Squalicum High |
10 Reasons Not To Do Your Photography Before September:
1) I like to be last, in getting things done.
2) Love it when there are less session times and days left to choose from - fewer decisions to make.
3) Like to do it when I’m real busy in the fall as my stress lines really show nicely.
4) My tan fades out and I like the white look.
5) I prefer having my pictures taken in the rain.
6) When school starts, what with after-school sports and activities and a part-time job, my available photography time is limited to nights. Makes for interesting outside stuff.
7) I want to miss out on the freebies.
8) I’d rather play video games.
9) If I do it early then my parents won’t get after me. I really enjoy having them yap at my heals.
10) In September, I’ll be two months older; maybe I’ll be taller.Last Year’s Prices
That’s right, if you contact me right now then you can use last year’s pricing structure - this alone can save you a bundle of money. Normally I revamp my pricing structure to reflect my increased costs and anticipating the crush of business I have in the August - October period. But if you contact me before March to just get the ball rolling then I will extend this savings unto you.
But Wait, There’s More...
To further reward your conscientiousness you may have your choice of the following:
Call and/or meet with me and just schedule your appointment, and you may select one freebie from the the list of June Specials. To view them and to make your selection, CLICK HERE.
No More Excuses!
Follow the simple 3 step process:
1) Send me an e-mail requesting:
a) further specific information not contained on this web site
b) an appointment time for a free consultation
OR
2) Call (671-5381) discuss your needs and schedule your free consultation appointment immediately ( not later in the day or tomorrow). Those times will never come; be a person who determines his/her choices and do it now!
3) Congratulations, breathe a sigh of relief; you’ve taken that first all important step. And if I meet your standards during our consultation session, I will provide you with a color planning brochure which will help us both tap into your good ideas so you can get the best out of your portrait session.
Sincerely,
Steve Peterson
Professional High School Senior Photographer
P.S. Remember, right now you are just seeing if we are right for each other - sort of an initial interview. If you schedule for photography, this doesn’t have to take place for several months in the future. Just rest assured that you will best attention, and the best photography available.
P.P.S. Select the freebies you want now - this is a one time offer, not to be repeated.
*Earlier in this letter, I mentioned that for you early birds you could split your session with no additional charges.
Here is how that will work:
Call and schedule your appointment(s) BEFORE June 30th. and I will allow you to split your schedule. Your yearbook photo can be done separate from the graduation photos you really want for yourself.
How Does This Help?
To begin with - if your time is at a premium - the yearbook image will only take less than a half hour to get what you want. Secondly, the real photos you want for yourself, family and friends can be scheduled at a more relaxed time in your schedule. (You can even delay the second session until the spring of this next year if you’d like.) After all appearances, clothing styles, haircuts, etc. all change - you could be a changed person six months from now!
All For Free!
That is right, I will not charge you for your second appointment. So that is another $50-$75 in your pocket, just for deciding what you’ll eventually come to the conclusion on anyway. Call me right now and just schedule your time(s) - it is all to your advantage. Remember, this will not be an available option after June 30th.!