Graduation is the best accomplishment

Graduation is such a special time for everyone, not only the graduate but the families that get to watch their children finish such an amazing accomplishment. We received an inquiry about meeting on a college campus after the commencement ceremony in order to take some family photos, as well as, photos of the graduate. The entire family was coming in from Texas for this wonderful occasion and of course it needed to be celebrated with photos! Once we found each other on the campus Michael, the graduate, had a few important spots that he wanted to take photos. They were all wonderful locations – giving us various options for the session. There were many graduates around and as we walked the campus Michael seemed to know many people. He has a great outgoing personality which I’m sure will serve him well at his job position that is set up for him back home in Texas. He came to St. Louis to study and attended Washington University. He has enjoyed his time here in St. Louis. I hope that his family was able to enjoy time here as well and able to have fun while they visited him. During the photos you could really see moms excitement throughout the entire session. She was so proud of her son and all that he has accomplished. As we wandered around there were selfie stations for the graduates to take their own photos as well as professional stations however those lines were very long. Michael had the privilege of having his very own photographer walking around campus with him to take photos in all of his favorite spots and skip the line. What a great idea mom had to hire us to be there for her son! Don’t miss out on having professional photos taken whether it be on the commencement ceremony day or another day. These moments are too priceless to skip – happy graduation to all of the 2021.

#ravettaphotography #classof2021 #graduation #stlouisphotographer #campusphotos

 

Senior Session Information

Here at Ravetta Photography we work to make your entire experience with us as fun and easygoing as possible! It is important to us to build an ongoing relationship with all of our clients. From the first initial point of contact, whether it is via email or phone call, to your last appointment to pick up your order, we want you to feel both welcomed and valued each time you talk with us.

The ultimate goal is that you continue to choose our studio to help you capture the important milestones in your life! That’s exactly what we’re here for – you.

Senior year is an exciting time and we can’t wait to work with you and create unique senior portraits that reflect who you are! When you first contact us, we will ask questions to learn more about your senior, the look you’re going for, and anything else you have in mind. This is usually when we can determine what type of session and/or package will fit your needs. At this point, we will check our calendar to schedule a date and time that is perfect for both of us! Note: Choosing a full session gives you the option of splitting up your studio and location sittings.

On the day of your session arrive just a few minutes beforehand, like you would for any other appointment. If we agreed to meet on location, you will find us waiting for you there! After we introduce ourselves and catch up a bit, we will take payment, have you sign your contract, and move along with your session! Every second counts. We want to capture as many memories as possible during our time with you – don’t forget to have some fun!

Our studio is located just off of Hampton (3131 Hampton Ave), not far from Arsenal. There is street parking available along Hartford Street. Give us a call if you need help getting here!

Once you walk in, you’ll find our waiting room. Go ahead and make yourself comfortable, but keep in mind we do have a small dressing room within the actual studio for you to keep important belongings, and whatever props and/or change of clothes you may have brought with you. Don’t worry, it won’t be but seconds before one of our photographers greet you!

Next we will prepare the studio with any necessary changes based on outfit choices or what we decide to start with. In the meantime we will take you into the office to verify and update any contact information, take payment, and sign your contract.

After your session, it usually takes about 2 weeks for us to get your proofs ready for you to see. Once that process is completed, we will contact you to set up a viewing appointment at the studio. At this appointment, we will go over print sizes, prices, and packages for you to place an order. As a senior, you have the option of placing a deposit enabling you to take your proofs home on a USB. This allows you more time to make your decision and consult with other family members who may also want to place an order.

In order to get back any of the deposit; you must place an order by your specific deadline. Other than that, your deposit will be applied to your order total. Anytime within that time frame, give us a call to set up an appointment to place your order. After you order, we will contact you within a couple weeks, to let you know your order is ready to be picked up!

As you can see, the entire process is pretty straightforward and there is plenty of time to get to know you and your senior!

We understand everyone has a lot of other responsibilities in life and we are flexible when scheduling each appointment. Our office/studio is closed on Sundays and Mondays, and most Saturdays we may be out photographing weddings or other events. Be sure to schedule in advance to find the best availability for you. Tuesdays and Thursday are popular days due to our evening business hours where we are open until 7PM. Check out the rest of our website for more information about our services and studio.

We look forward to hearing from you soon! Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have.

The Ravetta Family

The History of Us

Since we have a bit of time on our hands we thought it would be a great idea to tell you how we got started. Ravetta Photography has been in business over 45 years! The photography industry was very different back then but we have changed and adapted to the way we run our business over the years.
Lou has always had an interest in photography, even as a young child, so when his grandmother passed away and left him $200 he wanted to buy a camera. He thought it would be a wonderful way to remember her as well as further his photo interest. Lou started by taking photos of his girlfriend, Karen. They went all over St. Louis taking different style images and having fun. Then a relative of Lou wanted him to photograph a small wedding, he said no because he wasn’t sure he could handle a wedding. He just liked taking photos and didn’t want the pressure of a wedding. After some convincing from the family member, Lou actually changed his mind and agreed to photograph the wedding. It turned out that he did such a wonderful job his family started telling other people about him. So Lou ended up doing other weddings and portraits, then those people told other people how much they liked the photos. The ball was rolling…45 years later here we are! Those referrals at the beginning of our business lead to more referrals which is what keeps us going. We wouldn’t be successful without our clients telling others about us.
Remember that girlfriend, Karen, well Lou married her and they have been running Ravetta Photography together since the very beginning. At first they met with people at their home, until they had a daughter…spoiler… that daughter was Rachel! Apparently even as a baby Rachel had a photography interest because she wouldn’t let mom and dad work without being involved. This distraction caused the company to move to its own location. At first it was just an office area to meet with people because all the sessions were on location. The success of the business allowed Lou and Karen to invest in a better camera, attend seminars to learn from the pros, move to a location that had space for a studio and add studio lighting to what they offered.
Years and years later that is exactly what we are doing each day. We have updated our equipment to the best digital cameras, we are constantly learning – however we are the pros now so we often help others too. Social media wasn’t even a thought back when the business opened but if we didn’t use it now then clients wouldn’t be able to find us. Our ability to adapt to the changing photography industry only enhances the fact that we are able to make each client experience with us special to them.
Please keep sharing our name so in 45 years from now Ravetta Photography can still be going strong taking images of the next generations. Think about it for a minute, wouldn’t it be so great to help a business be around for almost 100 years! Each person we photograph that mentions our name becomes a part of our history.
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#ravettaphotography #stlphotographer #photographersaintlouis