Question 1

Why Choose Lorei Portraits for your Headshot?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

What are your hours?

Accepted Answer

We are open Monday through  Thursday 9-5, Friday 9-2.  On rare occasions we open up an evening or Saturday.  Please ask.

Question 4

Do you have a studio?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What is your contact information?

Accepted Answer

(814) 868-0888
paul@loreiportraits.com (paul@loreiportraits.com)
5938A Spires Dr. Erie PA, 16509

Question 6

How can I get the best results?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Do you shoot on location?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 8

How long have you been in business?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

How much should I expect to spend?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

What is your retouching (editing) philosophy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

How far in advance do I need to schedule?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

How do I sign up? / How do I book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

How do we review and select images?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

When do we pay for our portraits?

Accepted Answer

Headshot orders are paid for in full on the day of the order, unless other arrangements have been made.

Question 15

How will I receive my digital files?

Accepted Answer

Digital files are emailed to you directly and will come from tom@loreiportraits or, with larger files, we use a service called WeTransfer.

Question 16

Can I send you inspiration or style photos to show what I like?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Do you have clothing suggestions?

Accepted Answer

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.(https://www.loreiheadshots.com/post/what-to-wear-when-you-don-t-know-what-to-wear-1)

Question 18

I don't know what to wear.

Accepted Answer

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.(https://www.loreiheadshots.com/post/what-to-wear-when-you-don-t-know-what-to-wear-1)

Question 19

Do you offer hair & makeup?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 20

I have put on some weight. I need to lose weight. How can you help me?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 21

I don't know how to pose?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 22

Will I look like myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our goal is your best self on your best day.  We want the authentic you, your pesonality, your expression, not too retouched.

Question 23

What if I don't like my photos?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 24

Can you make me look good?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Lighting, posing, coaching for expression and 36 years of experience at portraiture all make a difference.  And that's not even counting retouching.

Question 25

I hate having my photo taken.

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 26

I have nothing to post on social media.

Accepted Answer

You’ll have impressive portraits to post all year. Selfies look like selfies.  An accomplished portrait artist improves your brand, your confidence, your stature.

Question 27

I need to lose weight first.

Accepted Answer

Professional lighting, posing and a little Photoshop magic do wonders for our clients.  We specialize in all body types.  Slenderizing is our specialty.

Question 28

What makes a professional headshot?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 29

How do you look good in a professional headshot?

Accepted Answer

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!

Question 30

What color is best for headshots?

Accepted Answer

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.)

Question 31

How long does it take to get my portraits?

Accepted Answer

For headshots, digital portraits are emailed about 5-7 business days after the presentation.  Finished printed portraits take 4-6 weeks.

814-868-0888 | paul@loreiportraits.com | 5938A Spires Drive | Erie, PA 16509 | Privacy Policy