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In most School Districts across the USA students choose their senior photographer, just like they choose the dentist, the doctor, or the supermarket that they shop at. Unfortunately in most of the SC School Districts, the school administrators do not allow choice when it comes to photographers. Instead they continue to keep the local independent studios from doing business with their students by forcing them to have their portraits made by a large company based out of state. There are essentially two of these "mega studios that have controlled the senior market in SC for years. They produce their work in mass with minimal creativity. In most cases students are told that in order to have their portrait in the yearbook, they must have their portraits made by the contract photographer. As a consumer this is not such a great deal because you are left with what they take. You have little choice in the style of your portraits and you are forced to pay their price on whatever you purchase. At Gissendanner Photography we believe that you should be allowed to choose not only what photographer you want, but also the style of your photographs, the location, the digital effects, etc. that make your portraits truly unique. After all you're not like every other senior. You have your own special interest that you might want portrayed in your photographs.

At Gissendanner Photography our goal is to create portraits that are right for you! We encourage you to call us today for an obligation free appointment to look at our work and see what makes us different than the contract studios. You'll be amazed at the diversity of photographs that we produce, our service, and of course our cool, state of the art digital effects!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q. Don't I have to use the photographer selected as my school's contract photographer?

A. NO! Absolutely not! The school and the contract photographer may try to convince you that you have to use them but you do have a choice, just like you choose where you buy your clothes and school supplies! Quite often the contract photographer has held the contract for years and often their contract isn't even based on performance or quality of work. Essentially the schools receive a large portion of money as a commission from underclass photographs by contracting with the major school studios. This sounds great on the surface but you as the consumer get a cookie cutter product, instead of the creative portraits you deserve.

2. Q. Why should I have my portraits made at Gissendanner Photography?

A. As an independent studio, we can offer you award winning, unique portraiture using a theme or your interest. Our state of the art digital studio is comprised of 6 high powered work stations and full time graphic artist to create your finished portrait. At our studio you'll never be a number, we offer personalized service to all of our customers, and we appreciate your input throughout the creative process

3. Q. I didn't like the portraits that the school's photographer made, what if I'm unhappy with the ones you make?

A. We create unique portraits of you by first talking with you to determine what you like. Then we do the photography. Students love what we do and we guarantee that you will to. If not, we'll reshoot or refund your money, whichever you prefer. Your satisfaction is guaranteed 100%!

4. Q. My school says that they will only use the portraits made by the contract photographer for the yearbook and I really want to be in the yearbook.

A. Of course you do!. Unfortunately this has been a manipulative trick that the schools and the contract photographers will use to force students to let them make the portraits. To keep it simple we suggest having the contract guy shoot the shot for the annual, then come to us for the really cool stuff. Usually they don't charge for the basic session for the annual anyway so you have nothing to loose. If they do charge then bring us the receipt and we'll discount our session for the extra that you paid them. * Note - There is no technical reason why your school can't use our black and whites for the annual. As a matter of fact many of the private schools do use our black and whites routinely. Again this is just a method of trying to force you to use their photographer.

5. Q. I've heard that you do something special for students who get other students to use your studio?

A. Yes we do! Send us 3 more students that book sessions and your session is free!

6. Q. I like the cool stuff you do, but mom wants me to have the tuxedo shots done.

A. No problem, we have tuxedos for the guys and drapes for the girls. You can choose from our traditional session or choose one of our advanced sessions which would include these.

7. Q. I've heard that you do Black and White portraits. Do you offer other cool things?

A. Yes!, That's where we're really different. We offer black and white, Hollywood glamour, color tinted black and white photographs as well as a variety of incredible digital effects. Since we are a state of the art digital studio we can offer you all kinds of great products that are personalized just for you. These include albums, signature books, folios, DVD's with your photos set to music.

Why you should choose Gissendanner Photography for your Senior Portraits

1. Variety of backgrounds, locations, and looks.

2. All portraits are digitally retouched to make you look your best - no more acne and blemishes.

3. Theme and Lifestyle Portraits are our specialty. We want to create portraits that make a statement about you!

4. We have the most flexible portrait packages available. You can choose multiple poses to mix and match as you want.

5. Fun and exciting new products. Signature books, storybook albums, DVD music videos starring you, you ask - we can do it!

6. Cool digital effects to set your portraits apart.

Gissendanner Photography is Charleston's Premier Studio of Photography. We are a full service studio and production facility utilizing traditional film and the latest in digital technologies. Our studio is dedicated to creating unique, creative and high quality photography for our many wedding, portrait, and commercial clients.

Notice - All images and text found on this website are the property of Gissendanner Photography, Inc. and are protected by U.S. Copyright law. No images or text may be used or copied without the written permission of Gissendanner Photography, Inc.

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site by Lightworks Graphics update November 21, 2005