Year after year, moms and grandmas get the traditional gifts of flowers, cards, a nice meal, maybe something sweet, chocolates being top of the list. But what else can you give her that will last longer than a few days?
A professional portrait stands the test of time, and continues to give pleasure every time it's viewed. Kids grow up fast, families change and scatter. But with a portrait, you're always together, no matter where you are. Photographer Lori Sorrells strives to capture the moments that become your memories. Looking back on some of the work she has done over her 30 year carreer fills her with emotion, remembering little ones who have grown up... grandparents who are no longer with us... and knowing that her clients still treasure their portraits years later brings a satisfaction that something of real value has been created.
Now, it is your chance to have a special portrait created, one that will become meaningful to your family. There are so many questions though. Where to photograph it, what to wear, how to fit it into the schedule... these are ususally the first questions clients have before calling us. But with our full consultation service, we help answer those and many more that you probably won't think of. After all, you only do this a few times in your life, but we do it every day, and want to help you create something truly special, reflective of your family's personalities, tastes and lifestyle.
To help you along with your plans, we have decided to offer three special gift certificates for Mother's Day. They each present an excellent value, as much as 40% off the regular price. The best part about the certificate is that you CAN'T make a wrong decision. Instead, you get to be the hero, giving mom or grandma a certificate and then letting HER plan the details. Women usually have specific ideas of what they want and finished portraits are not the kind of surpise that is always appreciated. Once she has the gift certificate, she has the incentive to get it done. Let her choose the clothing, decided where to display it and make sure she gets the exact look and style she wants. It is a very personal choice, and one that requires some thought and planning.
Through Saturday, May 12th, we are offering the following special packages:
1. Studio Session and 1 - 8x10 Retouched Portrait for only $150.
This has a regular value of $260, saving you $110.
2. Outdoor Session and 1 - 11x14 Retouched Portrait for only $200.
This has a regular value of $370, saving you $170.
3. Outdoor Session and 1 - 16x20 Retouched Portrait for only $250.
This has a regular value of $520, saving you a whopping $270.
All you need to do is call the studio and let us take care of the details. You can pick up the certificate at our studio the same day, or we can mail it. We can also deliver it to you if you can't make it here, and we will be offering them through Saturday, 5/12/12. We take all major credit cards by phone, and are ready to help you with your questions.
Call us now at 708-246-4511. We take calls from 9 am to 9 pm daily.
Don't forget grandma, either. A multi-generation portrait is a treasure for all, as the adults appreciate it today, and the grandkids will love it when they are grown and their grandparents are no longer with them. A professional portrait truly is the gift of today that continues to be a gift for years to come. Make this the year you finally get it done.
You know how it goes... you are asked to provide a headshot for your website... business cards... or advertising piece. You cringe because you know the one you have is outdated. Or maybe it is one a friend took when you were out at an event last year, but the quality is off, the picture looks orangey and ameturish. Take a closer look at it... is that really what you want to use to promote yourself? You've been thinking of having a new one taken, but you are just so busy...
If this sounds familiar, it is because it happens to everyone. Photographers hear all the time, "I hate to be photographed..." or " I never take good pictures..." yes, most of us have said those words. But the truth is, you just haven't had a good photographer. Until now, that is.
Lori Sorrells is a photographer with 30 years experience behind the camera, making people feel comfortable so they look natural and relaxed. Your own personality will shine through as you work together in a collabrative effort to capture the best look for you. A typical studio session will include 20 or more poses to start. These will be immediately reviewed with you and she will help you select the one that makes you look the best. If for some reason, you don't see one you like enough to use, additional poses will be photographed immediately so that you leave feeling confident that you got the job done right.
"I know how much work my clients go through just to schedule time to be photographed, and I want to make it work their while" says Lori. "I never want anyone to leave feeling like they settled for less than the best. I work hard to make sure every image I deliver is exactly what my client wants."
As an additional service, she offers the option of using multiple backgrounds and outfits to give you a variety of looks and styles. "It's a little more time and work at the session, but gives so many more options for my clients to have on hand." she says. "They may not need more than one image to start with, but ordering an additional pose a month or so later is a lot less time and trouble than having another session photographed. They can just call me to get another pose retouched and sent to them, and solve the problem of having one iconic image that represents them in every marketing piece. And today, many business professionals want a more casual look for some photos in addition to the traditional business suit."
The standard studio session includes one outfit on one background. Your favorite pose is fully color corrected, retouched and saved off in multiple file versions.You will get a variety of cropping formats, including a square shape for uploading to LinkedIn, that has the proper head size. "There is no use showing a lot of body in a tiny avatar" she says. "People don't always understand how cropping the image changes the impact. If the purpose is to show who you are, a small image will work much better if it has a tight crop on the face. A larger size needs more body to balance it out. I do this for my clients because I have seen too many images improperly used. I don't want them to lessen the positive impact their image can have".
March is Business Professionals Month at Sorrells Signature Portraits. Your studio session and retouched files are only $95. Location photography is also available if you book for 5 or more people to have individual portraits.
You can call the studio at 708-246-4511 for more information. Appointment times are currently available both weekdays and weekends, but are subject to availabliity.
This special is good through March 31, 2012. Do it now and you can save over 50% off the regular cost of $225. Tell a friend and have them come along. It's a lot of fun... and one more thing you get to check off your list!
After over a week of rain, we are finally treated to sunshine and warm temperatures. The excessive moisture is actually beneficial this time of year, as it will keep the leaves on the trees until they have a chance to turn. Many trees are showing great color already, but the best is yet to come.
Book your family portrait session now, while there is still time! We are offering a portrait session and custom printed 8x10 portrait for the low price of just $99!
Call the studio now to check availablity and to reserve your time. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex and Discover cards by phone.
~ Lori
Thanksgiving is upon us, and with Chistmas right behind, families will be gathering together to celebrate and share special moments. The holiday season offers a perfect opportunity for family portraits, and we can do them right in your home.
If you book a session for and in-home portrait now, you can take $125 off the regular fee of $225, and still get our full service session. We will photograph multiple groupings to suit your family's needs, all at no extra charge. With our expert color correction and retouching, you're sure to have a finished portrait that exceeds your expectations.
Starting today, the session price is only $100.
Photograph by November 30th, and receive 25 Free Holiday cards featuring our custom designs, a $60 value.
This pricing is good for sessions booked and photographed through December 30, 2010.
Call today for best available times and more information.
708-246-4511
September is a time of change, and not only in the weather. Hot, humid days gave way to welcoming cool breezes as Melissa Bednar prepared to marry Christopher Mack. These long-time sweethearts were filled with a joy that not even rain could dampen.
These beautiful blooms were carried by all the girls in their bridal party.
The day started at Melissa's parents home. Emotions ran high as her mother and friends helped her get dressed in the same room had grown up in. After a short portrait session, we headed out to the ceremony.
There, I met up with Chris, and had time to capture these images of him.
A last minute change of plans was made to avoid the light rain that started, so the ceremony was moved indoors. The only dampness felt in the room came from tears of joy.
Afterwards, we were able to move outdoors for more pictures.
The reception was filled with warm moments between family and friends as everyone expressed their best wishes for the bride and groom. The speeches were heartfelt and filled with emotion, the food was great, the drink was plentiful and the dancing went long into the night.
We wish only the best for this sweet, young couple, and hope you've enjoyed this glimpse into the wedding day.
A full collection of wedding images will be posted on a special website in a few weeks.
You can sign up to receive a notice when the site goes live by clicking here: www.collages.net/ViewAnEvent/5903FDDD-DF58-40EA-9A76-CA9B544305D1
Any questions regarding this event or any of our other services can be sent to ssportraits@sbcglobal.net or you can go to our Main Site and click on Contact for a response form.
Thanks so much for taking time to share in the memories of this special day.
Lori Sorrells and Dave Gipson
If you are like most people, you are inspired by the beautiful Fall colors, and want that setting for your next family portrait. You may also be in the majority of folks who have been thinking about that portrait for a long time, but haven't taken the next step.
My goal is to help you move "get family portrait taken" off your to-do list, so your new creation can instead, be enjoyed on your wall. How will I do this???
With inspiring portrait examples and an incredible sale!!!
Here is the inspiration . . .
And, now for the sale.
If you contact me by September 30th, you can take $75 off the regular session fee of $125.
Your cost is only $50 for any prepaid session photographed in the month of October, at any of my locations.
There are limited dates and times available, so booking early is always recommended.
Our personalized service, including planning session and clothing consultation is included at no extra charge.
All portraits are retouched and custom printed on Kodak Professional Papers, and come with a lifetime guarantee.
I hope you can join me as I share the beauty of Fall with other families this season.
I'm ready to answer your questions and help you create the portrait of your dreams!
Thanks for looking,
Lori Sorrells
I have been working on a project for a few weeks, now, and thought I would post my progress. First, a little background story.
I was contacted by the O'Leary's in July about helping them get wall portraits printed from some pictures they had taken on South Carolina while vacationing. The photographer, Bonne Isenhour, had provided them with a disk, and they brought that to me so that I could help them with their selections and options.
Using my projector, we viewed the images in large sizes and selected a collection to hang as a wall grouping. Noticing the bright, saturated colors, and busy pattern on the girls dresses, I wondered how they would fit into the O'Leary's home decor.
I decided it was best to visit them so I could see the spaces that they wanted to use. We selected two places, one in their family room, which has a high two-story ceiling, and the second, just off their foyer, a smaller wall that you pass to enter the home. Both areas are highly visible, so they will be able to see and enjoy the portraits every day.
The decor was very neutral, with a beautiful silvery-champagne paint treatement accenting the foyer walls. I knew there would need to be some major changes to the pictures if we were to create something they would truly enjoy in those spaces. We contacted the photographer to get her permission and copies of the original files, which she graciously provided.
Here is the first image I've worked on:
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1. Color and contrast needed to be changed to a softer look. I achieved this by toning down the highlights, lightening up the shadows, and serious color adjustments and desaturation.
2. The busy pattern on the dresses needed to be softened and simplified. I envisioned a more abstract pattern, but had no idea how I was going to do it. I searched for information and found some new techniques to apply. Playing around with different tools in Photoshop, I eventually came up with exactly the look I was going after. Here is the result:
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By dropping the image to a warm black and white look, and bringing back just selected areas of color, I can create a soft, sweet portrait of these twin girls. In my opinion, this look better reflects the tender moment they are sharing, and will be a joy to their parents to see over and over as the years go on.
Watch here for more updates, as this is just the beginning of the O'Leary Project. I have more surprises to come!
For more information on how you can have your own photographs transformed this way, please contact Lori at 708-246-4511, or e-mail at ssportraits@sbcglobal.net.
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