Click here to find out How to Prepare for your Portrait Session.

1) Design Consultation (this can be a phone consultation)
2) Portrait Session
3) Projection Presentation

DESIGN CONSULTATION:

Our success comes from a timeless concept. We take the time to get to know our clients, starting with our first meeting and continuing through to the delivery of your finished portrait creations. The design consultation is to communicate about what styles, subjects and ideas a client has. The web site has allowed potential clients to see what we have done in the past and the variety of art we offer. Communication is very important. We need to be on the same page with each client. For example, if a client wants contemporary images of their family and we dress their 3 year old daughter in a victorian dress and have a tea party in the garden then never include the parents in any images, we have failed that client. Communication is the foundation from which we work.

CREATION FEES:

Creation fees cover the cost of time, equipment and talent. They range from $100 to $150 for a studio session (free sitting for a newborn) to $200 for a session conducted on location. Additional locations available by quote.

PORTRAIT SESSION:

Our policy is to focus on one client at a time. Our portrait sessions normally last about one hour. Sometimes it will be less, sometimes slightly longer, particularly with large family groups. Our portrait sessions will include a variety of looks which may be indoors and outdoors. They may be formal or informal. These decisions are made during the design consultation. Please contact our studio should you have any last minute questions or concerns. We take 100 to 150 images during a normal session. However during editing we narrow that down to 50 or 60 of the best for you to view. We never overlap or double book a photo session. The hour you have scheduled is exclusively yours. If you arrive 5 to 10 min. early we can get acquainted with your children, and help you get ready for the session. If you are 15 minutes late, your session will only be 45 minutes. Make the most of this time you have. Our job is not only to photograph you and your child but to provide a private, relaxed and fun atmosphere which allows the wonderful relationship you have to express itself.

PROJECTION APPOINTMENT:

One to two weeks following your portrait session, your images will be ready for viewing. You will see the results of your portrait session as projected images in a large format, enabling you to see full detail of each image. We Do Not Use Paper Proofs. By projecting your images you see the image in life size as you decide the correct size for the location you intend to display your portraits. Before you see the results of the portrait session, we will prepare the images in a slide show for you to enjoy. Some of your image will be edited, some will be converted to black and white to show you the difference in the look. Any of your images can be printed as color or black and white. Throughout the presentation, we will provide you with the guidance and information you will need yo make your choices. You will need to make your portrait purchase decisions at this time so make sure all those needed to make this important decision will be present. Allow about one and a half hours for the projection presentation. We love children but you will want to leave them at home during this important decision making time. Measure your display space. Choose three or four different areas. Think about dimensions (vertical or horizontal). At the conclusion of your projection presentation, you will be confident you have selected the "right" poses, sizes, finishes, and frame.

PORTRAIT PRICING:

You will be provided general pricing information over the phone, at the design consultation, during your creation session and detailed package pricing at the time you place your order. Your portraits are hand-finished by us; the photographers and artists. Your selections are then custom printed by a professional lab outside the studio.

IMAGES ON LINE:

After you receive your finished order ask us to put your images online for your family and friends to see. You will be given a password to pass on to anyone you want to view your images. This feature is for viewing only. You will not be able to order online.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR PORTRAIT SESSION

Prenatal

It can be conservative white on white with your tummy showing. It can be dark and dramatic. It can be naked with netting to cover your privates. it can be naked with your hands covering your privates. There are many extremes. It is best to see samples on our web site for this special portrait. It can be with your other children and your husband.

Babies

Of course I prefer to photograph babies as they are - natural and naked. We us materials and netting to hide privates, but what better way to capture their miraculous little features like toes and fingers, or their fat little bellies and legs. If your child is walking and running we are probably past the naked baby stage.

For the images with clothing keep in mind the idea is to capture your child's personality, character, mood and wonderful features. Clothing should be comfortable and fit well. Try it on them to make sure it fits and looks good. Bare feet are best, however, some clothing choices do look better with shoes. Even at 3 months old we can photograph them in their christening gowns or a special little outfit.

Solid colors or very small print is good. Contrasting colors and loud prints are bad. Texture is good. Blending colors are good. For girls long flowing lace is good. Hats are good. Personal props are good. (Small stuffed animals, personal blankets, etc.) Personal items from mom or dad are good.

We want to focus on people and not clothing or backgrounds. Avoid dating your portraits by using outfits with cartoon characters on the material. No need to bring too many changes of clothing. We'll do two different looks. Remember, we have an hour, so we have time to give your child a break if they get hungry or tired or fussy. Be ten minutes early for your appointment and there will be no need to rush.

Families or Siblings

The same rules apply. Just make sure their clothing blends.

Mommy/Baby

Again, keep it simple. For the pure look, white turtle neck or v-neck, white or khaki pants. White or pastel night gown with sleeves or a matching robe. For a very emotional look, black or dark turtle neck or v-neck, black or very dark pants. Skin on skin close ups are very intimate. No privates show, but mom is nude from the waist up.

Adults

Sleeveless tops and tight short skirts are bad. Do not overdo your makeup. We edit everything anyway, including highlighting the eyes and removing flaws. If you are still not sure about what to bring, bring it all and we'll pick.
Our policy is to focus on one client at a time. We never overlap or double book a photo session. The hour you have scheduled is exclusively yours. If you arrive 5 to 10 min. early my assistants can get acquainted with your children, and help you get ready for the session. If you are 15 minutes late, your session will only be 45 minutes. Make the most of the time you have.

Our policy is to focus on one client at a time. We never over lap or double book a photo session. The hour you have scheduled is exclusively yours.

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