Professional photographers capture authenticity. AI headshots generate artificiality.   While AI headshots may look impressive initially, there is something odd about them. AI can look polished, even impressive at first glance. But they’re interpretations, algorithms. Artificial. They assemble a version of you based on patterns, averages, and prompts. A professional photographer, on the other hand, can capture the genuine you. Not a computer’s rendition of how it thinks you ought to look. A professional photographer, on the other hand, coaches you, draws out the best, guides you with intention and nuance. You get feedback in real time. There’s a feedback loop—human to human—something AI simply can’t replicate. The subtlety of your personality comes through. When someone sees your headshot—whether it’s a client, employer, or collaborator—they’re making a judgment about your character. Can I trust them? They’re also wondering: Is this person real? Or an imposter?  Can you imagine applying for a job with a fake headshot? Who would hire you? As AI images become more common, the public is better at spotting them. They smell funny. A real photograph holds up under scrutiny because it is real. It ages well. Be authentic, not artificial. You’re worth it.

With 40 years experience, we coach you through every step of the process. From clothing, to posing, to facial expression. Our goal is to bring out your most confident, authentic self. We don’t expect you to know how to look great—that’s our job. You get dressed, we do the rest.

Absolutely. We believe every face is beautiful--most people just don't know it about themselves. That's where we come in. We reveal your natural good looks.  Paul has spent decades studying faces, refining lighting, posing, and expression. Getting the eyes to beam with confidence and approachability is where we shine. And you look great.

We recommend bringing multiple outfit options so we can create a variety of looks. Solid colors and well-fitted clothing tend to photograph best. Don’t worry—we’ll review your wardrobe with you and help you choose what works best on camera.

Yes, we offer professional hair and makeup services in-studio (an optional upgrade.)  Our experienced stylist will help you look polished and camera-ready while keeping your look natural and authentic.

Your session is a relaxed, guided experience. It is very conversational. Paul is the consummate interviewer.  We’ll start by getting to know you and reviewing your outfits. Then we ease you into the shoot with test shots and coaching. Throughout the session, Paul will guide you through a variety of looks and poses. From subtle and serious to fanciful and fun. Sessions are intentionally low on stress and high on engagement. Our clients are always remarking on how much they enjoyed the experience.

We don’t believe in rushing great results. There’s no strict time limit—we shoot until we’ve captured a variety of strong, confident images you love. Shorter Signature sessions are about a half hour. Personality Sessions are often an hour. Some sessions go longer--depending on outfits.

Yes! Unlimited outfit changes are part of the experience. This allows us to capture different looks—professional, casual, approachable, or bold—depending on your personal brand.

100%. You’ll never be left guessing. We guide you through every detail—from your eyes and expression to posture and subtle movements—so you look natural, confident, and approachable.

We have a short phone consultation to better understand what you're hoping for. Then we plan the session with tips on wardrobe, and what to expect. Walk in feeling confident and ready to go.

Turnaround times can vary depending on retouching and selections. Most headshots are turned around in 3-5 business days. If you have an urgent deadline, we can usually accommodate.

Yes. Our semi-famous 11-step retouching includes: shine on face, lines under eyes, eye enhancement, brighten teeth, smooth skin, tuck, tweak, slenderize, and so much more. No fake, plasticized or AI images here. Our goal is your best self on your best day. You'll love how you look, we promise.

We have a 100% Happiness Guarantee. Love your images or we will capture more. No charge. As Paul photographs very generously throughout every session (often hundreds of images), it is rare that we don't capture the perfect you. Rest assured, you are in good hands.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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.)

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