Summer is in full swing and if you are a rising senior, now is the time to think about where you are going to have your senior portraits taken.   There are a lot of choices out there now days.  Most people used to have them done at their high school, now they are venturing out for something different.  There are many benefits for choosing to have your senior portraits done somewhere other than school.

1) TIME:  Having your pictures taken at school limits how much time the photographer will spend with you.  Most local portrait studios will spend much more time with their clients.  At Martha Peoples Photography, I devote 4 to 5 hours for my seniors choosing the Premier Session and 1 1/2 to 2 hours for the Classic Session.  There is no rush and no one watching you or waiting for you to finish.

2) VARIETY:  There are only so many backgrounds a school photographer can use for your senior session.  A local studio will have a more of a variety of backgrounds and props.  I am always adding new backgrounds and props throughout the season.  I have so many different choices of backgrounds that your pictures will definitely be unique! Bringing your own props and hobbies is also encouraged.

3) LOCATION:  A school photographer is not going to be able to photograph in a variety of locations.  If they even offer outdoor shots, it will be limited to one area.  A local photographer will know their area and be able to take clients to different locations.  Your portraits will look like no one else’s!  I have two different gardens and a wooded lot that I use.  I also am willing to go to a location that the student wants to use if it is within 20- 30 miles.

4) VEHICLES:  School photographers are not going to be able to go out to the farm and photograph on your tractor or your car.  By choosing a local studio, you have the option of using your vehicle as a prop!  I have not only photographed on farms, I have gone to the fire department and used the fire truck!

5) PETS:  It is rare that you can take your pet to a studio.  The photographer the school hires would more than likely not allow you to be photographed with your pet. Some local studios may let you bring in a pet. Not only will I let you bring your pet, I will even go out on location if you have a large pet (horse, cow, donkey, etc.).  I have photographed seniors with cats, dogs, horses, cows, donkeys, chickens, a snake and a tarantula!

6) CONVENIENCE:  When having senior portraits done through the school, you have to work around their schedule.  Area photographers are more flexible.  I am willing to work around your schedule if at all possible.  I even work on Saturdays.  I am conveniently located between Kinston and Goldsboro.  Martha Peoples Photography is just a short drive from the Greenville and Deep Run areas too!

7) AVAILABILITY:  After you have your portraits taken, it is sometimes hard to contact the school photographer if you need more prints or want to make a change.  By choosing a local studio with regular office hours, it is easy to get in contact with someone.  I am available by walk in, phone, email or social media just about all of the time!  Knowing that your photographer has an actual studio can be very comforting.

8) SOCIAL MEDIA:  School photographers are not going to post your pictures on Facebook or Instagram for you.  You would have to scan your pictures to put them there and that is against copyright laws.  I always will put my clients few favorites up for them to share on social media.  That way, they get a good clean sharp copy and are not breaking any copyright laws because I posted it.  With certain spending levels, I also offer a digital album of all the images purchased to my customers to use in social media and to share.

9) COMFORT:  Sometimes school photographers have to set up at the school.  There is not much privacy here.  Most local photographers will have a studio that offers more privacy.  I have a 5,000 square foot studio with a large shooting room where your favorite music will be playing, changing room with your name on the door and even a snack room! My seniors get a senior survival jar filled with goodies and coupons from local boutiques.  There is a gallery where I have senior portraits up on display on the senior "wall of fame" where students autograph the wall!

10) FLEXIBILITY: The packages from the school are usually preset and are not flexible, limited poses and sizes.  A local photographer usually offers packages or options where you can get more for your money.  My packages offer a variety of poses and size options.  I also offer a senior book (our bestselling item) that allows you to have 10, 20 or 30 different poses. I have all the newest novelty products as well, from license plates, phone covers, image blocks, dry erase boards and collages.  I offer personalized graduation announcements which you can use several of your senior pictures.  I even have a payment plan.

Senior portraits are how you will be remembered by your classmates forever.  They should be unique and show your personality.  The EXPERIENCE is just as important as the photographs.  Choose a studio that makes you feel comfortable and where you can relax and have FUN!  At Martha Peoples Photography, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime EXPEREINCE!