Sorry, Millcreek, but I have to differ. I've seen horrible photographs from discount stores. Usually the photographers have no training, and the lighting setups are a formula the "photographers" are given in their manual.
.Cheese, why not check your Yellow Pages for portrait studios? Before selecting a photographer, ask to see examples of his/her work.
A good professional will know how to pose you to show you at your best. Try to avoid a photographer who's trying to sell you all sorts of extras (linen-textured prints, etc). It sounds like you need a good, basic portrait.