FAQ

What kind of sessions do you have?

To schedule a session call Melissa at 707 479 7876 or email melissa@melophotos.com

I specialize in outdoor sessions utilizing the natural light. I offer session at my studio location {5082 Hall Rd., Santa Rosa} in my beautiful garden as well as on location shoots all around Sonoma County I have 3 portrait packages (see pricing) to accomodate all budgets and still provide you with the images you want and need. Call to discuss on location session options for travel beyond 20 miles. I have a simple studio backdrop that I use for the classic drape/suit & tie shots if you are interested in that type of photography as well; I usually suggest if your school requires you to wear the classic attire; have that image done by the school photographer and come to Mel O. Photos for your fun portraits.


Why should I have Mel O. Photos take my senior portraits?

INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION! You may think you have to go to your school's contract photographer, but you don't. They photograph everything from babies to kids to seniors... and lots of them. With that type of diversity and quantity to deal with, you practically get snapshots that are convenient and easy for the photographer and end up with pictures that are ordinary and look just like everyone else's. I think that is the wrong approach for seniors. Being a senior in high school is major milestone in your life - a special time that deserves special images. I photograph a small fraction of seniors compared to other studios. I enjoy getting to know you individually, have a great time creating your photos, and actually remember who you are next time I see you!

Need more reasons?

OK, how about these: You want your photo shoot to be fun... you want to work one-on-one with a photographer instead of being part of a group... you want lots of variety with a bunch of outfits... you want fashion poses that remind you of what you see in magazines and modeling portfolios... you want lots of pictures to choose from...you want color, black-and-white, sepia and other toning options with no extra charge... you want your wallets to stand out... you want a session album to take to school to show your friends...you want a cool slideshow set to music to share with your family and friends... you want copies of your favorite images to share on MySpace or FaceBook...The list goes on and on!

What session tips to you have?

What to Wear...
Something About You... sports, music, art, vehicle...
Something Classy... when you look at your portraits 20 years from now
Something Different... if you like to make a statement
Something Casual... what you like to wear everyday, your own unique style

Hair... I suggest no new styles
Nails... Your hands will be in your portraits. Have your nails done.
Tops... Feel free to add sweaters or jackets. I suggest covering arms in one or more out fits.
Make Up... Girls, we suggest an extra application of mascara and bring powder and lipstick for touchups.
Brow and Facial Hair... Please remove any unwanted brow and facial hair. Guys have a fresh shave.
Tanning... Avoid being overly tanned for your skin type as it will add weight to your face . Also avoid sunburns, uneven spray tans and tan lines.
Bumps and Blemishes... We remove them all, so don't worry!
Glasses... Remove lenses from glasses.

Is there a limit to the number of outfits I can bring?

No way! Bring them all... including your prom or homecoming dress if you want. It is actually better to bring too many choices so that I can better coordinate your clothing with various backgrounds. We may not use all of them all, but it's better to bring them rather than saying "I have an outfit that would've gone perfect!" We will typically use 3-4 outfits in a session. The more time you spend changing, the less time we have to photograph you. We'll help you make the best choices.

* Make sure everything is ironed and on hangers. Put each set of jewelry in a plastic baggie and hang it on the hanger with that outfit. This will save you time and we will get to shoot more if you aren’t having to untangle all your necklaces.
* Make sure you brring shoes, accessories and jewelry for each outfit.
* Bring the proper undergarments for each outfit. Guys-if you are going to wear a t-shirt under another shirt, make sure you match dark with dark and light with light. Girls, make sure you bring the proper bra for each top.
* Wild to mild, I don't really tell you what you can and cannot wear. A little sexy is ok, but don't make all of your outfits that way. I photograph everything from prom dresses to swimsuits, cheerleading outfits to raggedy jeans and novelty t-shirts, party dresses, your boyfriends football or baseball jersey, baseball caps, hats,helmets, heels, and boots, layers, jackets, sweaters, hats, gloves, skirts, dresses, pants, capris, jeans, jeans with holes, your senior jeans, winter hats and scarves, coats with hoods and fur. Check out fashion magazines for ideas on new trends and fashion. Never under estimate how gorgeous you might look in a cowboy hat. Winter hats, brimmed hats. Accessories take your session from blah to FABULOUS!

What about clothing suggestions? Should I bring my sports equipment or instrument?

Definitely bring that stuff along! Also bring along glasses, sunglasses, your letter jacket, a jeans jacket, your leather coat, hats, umbrellas, parasols, scarves, boots... anything that helps portray who you are and what you do... clothing is a big part of awesome-looking senior pictures, and the more stuff you bring, the more variety there will be in your poses!

How many poses will I get to pick from?

There isn't really a set number since our photo shoots vary from client to client. Each photo shoot is tailored to each individual person, the clothes they have, the props they brought with them, etc. If we see something we like, or if we have an idea, we may spend more time on it. Typically we will show around 30-40 poses during a client's Preview Session, but often it is up to 50-60, especially if sports or other hobbies can be incorporated into photos. Basically, it all just depends on your outfits, props, attitude, personality, energy, etc.

Can I bring a friend or Mom with me to my session?

Definitely! I actually require that somebody accompany our clients during their photo shoot. They are a second set of eyes to help make sure you are looking your best. And if you bring a friend and want them to be with you in a few of your pictures, that's no problem. However, one thing I don't recommend is having your boyfriend/girlfriend around for your photo shoot. They tend to be a distraction and can prevent a natural expression of your personality.

What if I got a big Zit yesterday?

Almost everyone has days with less than perfect skin. Proper make-up application is very important and can help immensely in making sure your images look as good as possible. We'll digitally retouch and take care of any problem skin at no additional
charge.

Where are you located and what are your hours?

Mel O. Photos is located in Santa Rosa. Due to the individual attention given to each of our clients, all hours are by appointment only. Travel for outdoor and on-location work is included within a 20-mile radius, so contact me for rates beyond that. We are always up for new places to shoot cool senior pictures, especially if they are meaningful to you. If you have some ideas in mind, just let us know.

Do you offer weekend appointments?

Yes... but they fill up fast; most of my sessions are during the week starting no sooner than 2 hours before dusk.

Do you take credit cards?

Yes... cash check or credit (via paypal)

Do you print your own photos?

No. I send all of of my images to a highly skilled, professional photographic lab for processing. The lab then mounts each photo (8x10 and larger) to a thick backing board and sprays it with a protective satin coating so it is ready for framing. This provides the quality and true archival life that you should demand for any professional portrait. All orders are shipped directly to you with an expected delivery time of less than 10 days.

Do you sell the CD?

I do sell the cd

with package A it is $100.00

with package B it is $200.00

with package C it is $ 500.00


with the purchase of the cd you will have copyright privilages to print the images for your personal use (no contests, commercial or advertising use without my permission).

I use a great lab that produces beautiful images so I encourage my clients to buy prints if your family wants the cd I can suggest some good on-line labs that do a good job at a good price.

Thats a lot of information I know; but being prepared makes your session fun and easy going and the result is beautiful images you will cherish for a lifetime.