We recently worked with Lois on headshots for my teenage son. She came highly recommended by an industry professional. Lois was professional, super-organized, and detail-oriented, She worked with my son's look (wardrobe and hair) by going beyond being just the photographer. The gallery of amazing photos captured every facet of my son's personality. The most important part of the session was that she made my teenage son at ease and confident. When we left, I could see him feeling more self-assured and feeling handsome. In scheduling the photos, Lois gave us detailed information about hair (even recommended a stylist), wardrobe (do's and don't's, bring 5 wardrobe changes), and a list of items to bring, like water and snacks. It was easy to find a day/time/location for the shoot. She choose an outdoor location that had options for multiple looks (foliage, brick walls, fences, etc...) When we arrived at the location, Lois reviewed his wardrobe and hair. Her demeanor with my son made him relaxed, comfortable, and feeling more confident. She asked if we brought water and when we replied that we forgot, pulled a couple bottles from her car. She was prepared in every way! Although we booked to shoot for a certain time period, she went beyond to ensure she had what she wanted. We never felt rushed. The photos in the gallery were plentiful and it was hard to choose options. She captured all facets of my son's personality. So many types of looks (smiles and serious) and wardrobe. We couldn't be happier with Lois and the headshots. I would highly recommend her! read more

Lois Tema Photography - Event Photography Near Me - San Francisco, California

I am a professional musician, returning to my performing and teaching career after a brief hiatus to raise a family. It had been a good solid couple of decades since my last real photo shoot, so I realized it was high time I updated my pics. I had admired Lois' beautiful work at NCTC, where my kids take theater classes, so I suspected she was the photographer to go to. And boy was I right! Lois was quick to respond to my inquiry and set up a phone call right away where we discussed what I was looking for. She emailed a detailed list of preparation guidelines, including COVID-19 safety protocols, and clothing, hair, and makeup recommendations. Then, (and this level of care blew my mind!) she set up a pre-shoot Zoom meeting and we spent an hour going through my closet and jewelry box, and managed to put together about 8 outfits with a great variety of looks that would all work for the shoot. I'm generally a "blue jeans and black t-shirt every day" person, so her expert eye through that process was wonderfully helpful. Because of COVID, we did the shoot outdoors up in Marin. We first met on her back patio at home. She has a makeup artist, Jackie, who did beautiful, subtle makeup that looked very natural on camera. (Again, not my forte, so I was happy for the professional help there!) Then we headed in separate cars over to the site for the shoot. With just her camera, a reflector, and the sun, she worked MAGIC! First off, Lois has a relaxed, fun, positive energy which put this camera-shy girl at ease right away. She scouted out multiple spots at the site with an incredible variety of backgrounds, and I managed costume changes in my car (she had advised that I wear shorts and a cami underneath to make this less awkward, which was a great suggestion.) She was tireless in the heat of a 90 degree day, and kept checking in with me to make sure I stayed hydrated. Through it all she was very attentive to detail and helped me find the most flattering poses and expressions for my middle-aged countenance. A few days after the shoot, she selected over a hundred proofs for me to choose from. I had expected that I might end up with two or three headshots, but because of the variety of settings, outfits, and hairstyles, I ended up choosing about fourteen, ranging from super casual to concert formal, and now have everything I need to rebuild my outdated website, to sell myself as a teacher, and to send to concert promoters. I might even have a new CD cover or two! As a not-insignificant side note, Lois is also an extremely talented high art photographer whose work we had the good fortune of viewing at a recent local gallery show. I cannot say enough good things about Lois Tema. If you are looking for a consummate professional, whose rates are reasonable, who does beautiful work and is a great communicator, go to Lois! read more

If you are looking for a professional AND personable photographer, look no further! Lois worked on some recent head shots of mine and, let me tell you, it was nothing short of a great experience! Lois met with me in her San Francisco based office for a consultation on whether we wanted an indoor shoot, outdoor, or both. We also talked about wardrobe, hair and makeup options. We worked out payment options and scheduled the shoot. Just like that! For the shoot date, we chose to meet near her home in Marin for an outdoor shoot. We tried several different looks (five changes of "tops") and worked with various backgrounds. It was a relaxing Sunday and mostly we joked and laughed as we set up for each shot. This helped me to relax, enjoy the day and settle into each shot. After two hours, we had about a hundred fabulous shots! Lois quickly added the best photos (around 80 or so) to her website for me to choose from. After I narrowed my choices down, she met with me to discuss which shots she liked and why. This was particularly helpful since I am using the shots for commercial and theatrical auditions. Her package included two shots edited and enhanced with an option for additional images at a small fee for each. Her work was so good, I ended up buying five images from her to use at auditions and to post on my website! In fact, this was the most difficult part of the whole process - narrowing it down to five favorites! I felt like Lois, through her demeanor and professionalism, really helped my personality to shine in each of my images. Each shot shows very vivid and human eyes reaching out to the viewer - exactly what I need to land my next acting job! Thanks Lois! read more

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Lois is fantastic! I had to have photos taken for work and was so pleased with the photos Lois took. I am not very photogenic and was dreading having this done but Lois really went out of her way to make sure I looked my best. She also made it a really fun experience for me. So grateful I found Lois. read more

If there were a 100 star rating, Lois would get it. During this C-19 shut down we managed to keep our distance, had a blast and time flew by. It took us nearly 1 month to choose our final picks, we had so many truly good shots to choose from. That's not easy with the wind, allergies, runny eyes and nose, aging skin and no toilets where we were shooting this day. This is only my 2nd shoot with Lois, I went back to her because the way she captured me and made me come alive the first time, there were no others to chose from. I have to share I have never had so much fun or laughed this much on a shoot in my 30 year career. Lois is a perfectionist with the artist eye, be prepared to laugh-she is witty and fun. Thanks to her passion to make sure we truly had different looks, I have never been busier. Lois is worth the wait to get in, and not overpriced. For this end result? I would have paid double. Lois is a gift to photography, my career and my heart. read more

Lois Tema Photography - A surprise shot by Lois. X - Event Photography Near Me - San Francisco, California

I have worked with Lois as an actor in several shows and most recently had her do my headshots. I'm not great at having my picture taken. She made the whole experience very relaxed and easy. My headshots came out looking natural and very like me, which is exactly what I'd hoped for. She's straight forward and honest about what works and what doesn't, helpful with wardrobe selection, and has a really good make up artist. I also think she's really good with hair - I have a ton and she always makes sure it looks great! read more

If you need photos, and want to look your best look no further! Lois Is the absolute best. She has been taking my photos since I was 10 years old. I am now 35 and she is my go to photographer. Kind, fun, relaxed, and has no problem guiding the shoot and telling you what works and doesn't work. Her pricing for the time and quality you receive is extremely reasonable. Don't waste time looking at any other options. Call Lois. You will be glad you did! :) read more

I needed some professional headshots and wanted to find someone who had experience and a history of good referrals. After looking through dozens of photographers sites I came across Lois Tema. And I'm glad I did! She has years of experience and understanding "the biz." There were examples of headshots on her website with several familiar Bay Area actors and personalities. Lois was incredibly helpful and provided a full list of things I should do to prepare for our photoshoot. In the day of the shoot she was great! I felt very comfortable and I got over 300 photos taken. It was very hard to choose which one to use for my new main headshot. I highly recommend Lois for your photoshoot. Moderately priced and totally worth it! read more

I have always dreaded having pictures taken as I never like myself in photos. But, my website photo had become quite dated. On a friend's recommendation we spent a lovely Saturday with Lois. I love how natural the makeup looked. Jackie did a great job. Lois was extremely generous with her time. She was encouraging both verbally and in showing the shots on the camera in between clothing changes. I actually liked many of the shots right away...a first for me. The atmosphere was congenial, supportive, fun and put me at ease in a situation in which I am usually tense. Lois is a gem and I recommend her highly to anyone who wants to look their best. read more

I did a headshot session with Lois years ago and managed to get away with using those pictures for nearly 10 years for the simple matter that she makes you look the most like yourself. There are a number of theatrical and commercial photographers out there that do the "industry standard" look but the problem is you look just like everyone else and your headshot looks like every other headshot in the bunch. I've been casting for theatre and film for nearly 10 years and seen thousands of headshots, the ones that stand out are the ones that actually look like the person who auditioned... Lois takes the time to get you that perfect shot. She's patient, methodical, and really knows how to make you shine.This is all before she does any touch ups, color correcting, etc. etc. After the touch ups: you wish you could look that good on a daily basis! This is my second time doing headshots with Lois. I've done a few sessions with other services at varying price points with various success, which is why I came back. She really knows how to work with actors. Some of us stage actors take a while to get accustomed to working with a photographer, Lois makes it painless and efficient. For those of you who aren't actors and looking for a professional look for business cards or anything else publicity related: Lois is a one stop shop! I'm a jack of all trades and in one headshot session we managed to shoot: my theatrical headshot, commercial headshot, professional headshot (for business cards, etc.) and my dance full body shots. You won't be disappointed! read more

I love working with Lois. She has taken my headshots a number of times. She also took photos of my son when he was auditioning years ago. Lois will make you feel special and your photos will get the attention of casting agents when you post to SF Casting. She is one of my favorite people. I can't say enough of how fond I am of her. Perfect for professional actors. (she knows what casting agents are looking for in the Bay area). Great with kids. Just my favorite photographer I've ever worked with. read more

As an actor, headshots are essential. I'm so glad I chose Lois for my first ever professional headshot session. She made things so fun and comfortable. Even with the wind blowing all crazy, we got so many really great shots! I truly had a hard time choosing my favorites. Thank you Lois for your wonderful work!! read more

I have loved working with Lois. I have collaborated with her on publicity shoots in the studio and on production photography for theatrical productions. The results have been stunning, and simply put, they get printed. Newspapers, national magazines, you name it. I am constantly amazed by her versatility, whether it be a studio shoot, an outdoor shoot, or production photography. She not only has impeccable taste, but really has the technical ability to get any shot - both her vast knowledge of photography and her equally incredible post-production Photoshop skills. She's collaborative, creative, organized, professional, works wonderfully on a deadline, and she really delivers. read more

Lois is fantastic. Marvelous experience getting my new head shots. Professional from start to finish. I felt like a movie star and she took the most amazing photos Highly recommend read more

A great experience. I almost never like photos of me, so I confess I dreaded the experience a bit. Lois not only made it fun, but produced pictures I actually like, and my friends love! She put me at ease while getting so many great shots it was hard to decide which ones to choose. Plus, she was generous with her time. We did the shoot outdoors with several changes of wardrobe and locations. I can't overstate how much fun it wound up being, and more importantly how much I like the results. read more

I would highly recommend Lois Tema Photography. She is excellent. I had head shots done for the first time in years. Her skill is amazing. She is professional through and through. She made someone like myself smile with her charm and wit while pacing photographs; this is no small feat in my case! I have had nothing but great comments on the head shots. And, the professional response has been favorable. You won't find a better portrait photographer in San Francisco. Matt Chappell. read more

I walked in for my acting headshots feeling totally stiff and feeling awkward, and Lois put me at ease and got so many amazing shots that it was hard to choose! She has an incredible way of noticing everything at once and fixing it -- not just facial expression but the way the hair falls, the tenseness of a muscle, the way the light hits, and so many more things -- but without making you feel like you're a dolt who's doing a really bad job of posing. It's an incredible amount of work, but she makes it seems easy, and she's very reasonably priced. I highly recommend her, and will go back if I ever change my look and need new ones. Big shout-out also to the makeup artist, Jackie Yost. I was worried that she would make me look so much better that casting directors would be disappointed, but really she just made me look like me on a really good day. I recommend using her as well, because camera lighting is different than regular light and you might look washed out or unnatural without the right makeup. read more

Lois Tema Photography - Dramatic acting headshot - Event Photography Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Lois was exactly what I needed! She made my whole start to acting/modeling a great experience and not only did she take amazing photos she made the whole process fun, interesting, and effortless. Scheduling was very easy to set up and she is a great communicator. Lois is very personable and you can tell that she loves what she does, it shows in her work. Overall, I had a great experience having my first head shots taken and have really enjoyed working with Lois! read more

Lois is a pleasure to work with and she is absolutely amazing with kids! We went to Lois for the new headshots for my daughter and the pictures turned out absolutely perfect! Not only we had the gallery back in less than 2 weeks, Lois took extra time to get to know my daughter before our session and gave me lots of tips on how to prepare for the big day! Lois's studio is located in the beautiful NCTC theater where my daughter was taking summer classes, and I thought it was very special of Lois to take the extra time to go there and meet my daughter after her classes in order to get to know her better and to help me decide on the right hairstyle and the proper outfits. Needless to say, we felt very comfortable and relaxed and ready to have fun on the day of the photoshoot! I highly recommend Lois to everyone, especially in the acting and theater business because she knows how to take a perfect headshot that will book you a job! read more

We LOVE her! Lois had an extra challenging assignment - shooting a married couple (neither of whom feels particularly photogenic), plus doing my individual shot. She knew just what directions to give us so we felt encouraged and positive while still getting good angles and expressions, and she made the whole experience fun. Plus she got so many great shots that it was hard to choose - that's not a problem we've usually had! I can't recommend her highly enough!!!! read more