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  • Do you have a studio?
    We have a spacious and magnificent studio, a real studio, perfect for headshots (and groups as large as 15 people). We also have a full size changing room. Professional lighting. Multiple backgrounds. Convenient location near the Millcreek Mall, Erie PA. Plenty of parking. A professional staff.
  • Can I send you inspiration or style photos to show what I like?
    Yes, we love to know what you love. We'll create portraits with a similar vibe. To know your style, your aesthetic preferences, is enormously helpful. We welcome mood/style suggestions.
  • How will I receive my digital files?
    Digital files are emailed to you directly and will come from tom@loreiportraits or, with larger files, we use a service called WeTransfer.
  • What is your retouching (editing) philosophy?
    Our eleven-step reotuching is much loved and (almost) world famous. We take care of shine on the face, lines under the eyes, we enhance the eyes, brighten the teeth, smooth the skin, tuck, tweak, and slenderize. We also fix flaws in backgrounds. On group photos we often switch heads making sure that everyone looks great. We don't take it too far. You won't look fake or overly made up. Our goal is your best self on your best day.
  • Do you offer hair & makeup?
    Hair and makeup is an optional upgrade for ladies. Our stylist does your hair & makeup at our studio--and is an expert on creating beautiful portrait-ready makeup. She is excellent working with a variety of skin types/tones. It is a joyful experience and worth the $175 upgrade. You are in hair & makeup a little over an hour then go right into your photo session.
  • Where are you located?
    We are conveniently located near the Millcreek Mall, near Barnes & Noble, just west of MattressFirm. We serve the northwest Pennsylvania tri-state area. Lorei Portraits 5938A Spires Drive Erie, PA 16509
  • How far in advance do I need to schedule?
    Professional headshots can often be scheduled 1-2 weeks in advance--depending on schedule. If hair and makeup is included, we recommend scheduling 4-6 weeks in advance.
  • I hate having my photo taken.
    We hear that all the time. You are in good hands. We will direct you and pose you through your entire photoshoot. Clients tell us every day how much they enjoyed the expereince--even when they didn't think it was possible.
  • How much should I expect to spend?
    Signature Headshots start at little at $199. That includes the session and a fully retouched hi-res image. Personality Portraits start as little as $299 which includes an extended session, multiple outfits, multiple headshot and half-length styles plus your first fully retouched hi-res image. Beauty portraits start at $599 which includes hair & makeup, 90 min. to 2 hr session, unlimited outfits and your first fully retouched hi-res image.
  • I don't know what to wear.
    Many of our clients bring in multiple outfits the day of the session, more than what they are going to wear. We help them select outfits when they walk in the studio. And, depending on the type of session, we have some excellent suggestions/resources as far as styles and colors. We go into greater depth at your consultation. Check out What to Wear When You Don't Know What to Wear.
  • What is your contact information?
    (814) 868-0888 paul@loreiportraits.com 5938A Spires Dr. Erie PA, 16509
  • How do I sign up? / How do I book an appointment?
    Fill out a form on our website or call us at 814-868-0888. It starts with a short phone call and a consultation. https://www.loreiheadshots.com/book-now
  • What makes a professional headshot?
    A professional headshot is an inviting window into your personality. It exudes confidence and approachability. Think of it as a chance to show the world your best self — carefully crafted with perfect lighting and posing.
  • How long have you been in business?
    Since 1990 Lorei Portraits has served thousands of families, high school seniors and individuals. Paul Lorei, the owner, has thirty-six years experience as a professional portrait photographer.
  • Why Choose Lorei Portraits for your Headshot?
    We create stunning and beautiful headshots that project confidence and approachability...even if you don't feel worthy of the camera. Even if you feel like you never take a great picture. Paul Lorei has worked with hundreds, thousands or professionals, from the confident to the cautious for over 30 years. Great lighting, great posing, and great directing make for great headshot portraits. If your portrait is important to you, work with a master portrait artist.
  • What if I don't like my photos?
    That almost never happens. We are so generous, so careful in our shooting style, that our clients agonize over having too many images they love. That being said, we stand behind our work 100%. Love your images or we'll reshoot at no charge.
  • What color is best for headshots?
    Color is a bit personal. What do your friends/family tell you that you look good in? As a general rule, bring extra outfits. Solid colors are often best. Darks, lights, neutrals, and a splash of color all work well. You're generally better off to dress up rather than down--depending on the message you would like to send. (And, avoid bold patterns and stripes as they often detract from your face.)
  • How can I get the best results?
    We recommend that you schedule a consultation...either by phone or in person at our studio. It is a great opportunity for you to experience our portraits and ask questions. We’ll look at samples, talk about clothing, style of portrait, product offerings, recommended sessions, hair & makeup, investment, and more. We’ll answer all your questions. Besides that, we photograph friends better than strangers.
  • How do we review and select images?
    Time permitting, headshot images are reviewed right after the session. See your images in our Presentation room projected on the big screen. Otherwise, we schedule a time for a future date (usually within a week) to come back to our studio for your presentation and order day. We do not offer on-line galleries. For out of town clients we offer Zoom-style presentations.
  • I don't know how to pose?
    How you look is on us. We have spent years and thousands of hours perfecting our posing. You are in good hands. From serious and stylish to freewheeling and fun, we help you look and feel great.
  • Can you make me look good?
    Yes. Lighting, posing, coaching for expression and 36 years of experience at portraiture all make a difference. And that's not even counting retouching.
  • How long does it take to get my portraits?
    For headshots, digital portraits are emailed about 5-7 business days after the presentation. Finished printed portraits take 4-6 weeks.
  • I need to lose weight first.
    Professional lighting, posing and a little Photoshop magic do wonders for our clients. We specialize in all body types. Slenderizing is our specialty.
  • Do you have clothing suggestions?
    Yes, depending on the type of session, we suggest styles and colors. We go into greater depth with you at your consultation. Check out What to Wear When You Don't Know What to Wear.
  • I have nothing to post on social media.
    You’ll have impressive portraits to post all year. Selfies look like selfies. An accomplished portrait artist improves your brand, your confidence, your stature.
  • Will I look like myself?
    Yes, our goal is your best self on your best day. We want the authentic you, your pesonality, your expression, not too retouched.
  • I have put on some weight. I need to lose weight. How can you help me?
    You are in good hands. Great lighting combined with flattering posing and a little Photoshop magic does wonders. Slenderizing made easy. You will be amazed. Be sure to tell us your concerns. How you look in your portraits is on us.
  • When do we pay for our portraits?
    Headshot orders are paid for in full on the day of the order, unless other arrangements have been made.
  • What are your hours?
    We are open Monday through Thursday 9-5, Friday 9-2. On rare occasions we open up an evening or Saturday. Please ask.
  • How do you look good in a professional headshot?
    Take the time to create your ideal look. A good night’s rest, some H20 for hydration and professional styling are all essential steps. Pick clothing that make you feel confident – it’ll add an extra sparkle of confidence in front of the camera. When in doubt, bring extra outfits. We'll help you decide. Talk to your photographer about the message you want to convey, so you can project yourself at your very best!
  • Do you shoot on location?
    Most of our headshots, personality portraits and beauty portraits are done in our spacious and fully-equipped. We do, however, offer location headshot sessions. Ask for a quote. (And, if you are looking for outdoors headshots, we do have our own Portrait Park conveniently located next to our studio).
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