Portrait FAQ

The first step in the process is having a conversation where I learn about you. I want to get to know your personality, your needs, preferences. hobbies, passions, etc. You’ll have an opportunity to explain the things that are most important to you and together we’ll plan your session. On the day of the shoot we will confirm the plans and make any adjustments that may be necessary. Depending on the session you purchase, the photo shoot could be up to two hours depending the number of outfits, the number of locations, and the number of people involved. The actual number of images will vary depending on the session type but 300 - 500 shots would not be uncommon. After the session, the photographer will reduce that to a more manageable number of the “best" shots. As an example, for a typical senior or family session I typically deliver 50 or more retouched images. During the session, the photographer will show you to raw images in real time on a laptop to confirm we’re capturing what you want. Final images will be ready in approximately 3-5 business days after your session.

For family pictures, slacks or jeans and a sweater are common. For senior portraits, worn-out blue jeans and casual shirts are very popular however you should definitely avoid shirts with a phrase or large logo. The viewer’s eye will immediately move down to read the shirt rather than to the subject’s face. If appropriate for the season, long sleeves may also help reduce distractions. Some seniors bring a few outfits but I recommend no more than two or three especially if we are shooting off-site since changing rooms will be limited. Extra earrings, necklaces, bracelets, sun glasses, a fun hat, or jacket great because they can quickly be mixed with multiple outfits. A school jacket, sports item, or band instrument can also produce some really unique photos.

 

In general, solid colors or very subtle patterns usually work best. Large, bold or high contrast patterns tend to pull the attention towards the clothing and away from the face as in this example.  Extreme patterns should generally be avoided.

Jewel tones (emerald, purple, ruby red, sapphire blue, turquoise, etc.) or earthy colors (brown, green, rust, wine, etc.) work well for portraits. Dark colors make you look thinner. White can work well if you have a dark complexion but, if you don’t, white can make you look excessively pale.

For family pictures, a common theme with similar colors can work well. This keeps the picture from looking "busy" and allows the faces to stand out. Even if you cannot get exact matching colors for the entire group, try to stay with a common level of brightness rather than having a few people in white and a few others in black. For extended families, having each family with a unique color sometimes helps the eye group families together.

One of the most important factors in getting great pictures is your attitude. If you're excited, happy, and have a positive attitude it shows up on every shot. In contrast, it’s nearly impossible to get a great shot of a bored and uninterested subject SO GET FIRED UP! We strive to make these session fun and low stress. The photographer will make posing suggestions but don't be afraid to try something different. The photographer doesn’t expect you to be a statue. After you take a few shots in one position move your head to different angle, change your sitting positions, hook your thumb on your pockets, fold your arms, shift your body, etc. Make yourself comfortable and remember that it's OK to move around and have fun. We want this to be a positive experience for you. Also, not every pose needs to be a huge smile looking directly at the camera. Let some of your pictures reflect your serious side. Since this is digital photography, it costs the same to shoot 25 images as it does to shoot 250 images. So put your inhibitions aside and have fun with this opportunity.

Bring make-up, comb, and a mirror. When shooting outside, it’s not uncommon for wind to blow your hair or wilt your make-up a bit. Bring anything special that tells the world who you really are such as your car / motorcycle,  band instrument, sports jacket or sports equipment, a hobby related prop (camera, bike, skateboard, etc.), a sign saying "I did it!", etc. These are your pictures so let's make them unique. Pets can be included in your portrait but make sure the photographer is aware of this in advance. For senior portraits, we also recommend bringing a friend or family member to the photo shoot. It helps you relax and can bring out additional smiles.

All acceptable images are cropped and given a high level retouching before they are placed on the website or thumb drive. All images that you purchase for reprint will be retouched in detail to remove blemishes and minor background distractions at no charge.

Major image manipulation including body sculpting, head transplants, background replacements, teeth whitening, removal of braces, etc. is also available for an additional fee.

CAUTION:  With today's software and large monitors, it's very easy to zoom in and view every flaw and imperfection we have (and yes, everyone has flaws).  Most imperfections will not be visible on a website, a yearbook, or on most prints.   So, unless the image will be used as a very large print, I suggest you proof your images in a size similar to how the image will be used.

The photographer retains copyrights to the images. Typically the package you purchase will include a reproduction release and the digital images will be provided to you on a thumb drive or download. The reproduction release grants you the right to reproduce and utilize these images for creating reprints, websites, and personal use for an unlimited amount of time without copyright infringement. The reproduction release is specific to an individual, family, or company. Those not listed on the reproduction release should contact the photographer for reprints and all other uses.

We accept ApplePay, Google Pay, Venmo, Zelle, and PayPal to securely process credit cards and electronic payments.  Checks and cash are also accepted.

Payment is required at the end of your session. If prints are ordered, payment is due when the order is placed.

Make a payment now

This would be a very rare occurrence (in fact, it’s never happened before) but your satisfaction is important to us. During the session, you'll see your images while we shoot so you can provide immediate feedback on what you like and what you don't like so we can make necessary adjustments. If, however, at the end of your session you decide you don’t like any of pictures you have absolutely no obligation to buy any prints and there will be session fee. You have absolutely no risk.

Indoor studio portraits can be taken any time of the day but the best time to take an outdoor portrait is in the hours just before sunset. The sun is low, thus creating rich details and providing a soft red tint that enhances skin tones. Just after sunrise is also a great time to take an outdoor portrait but generally early mornings may be inconvenient and most people don't look their best just after they've woken up. The worst time for an outdoor portrait is in the hours before and after noon (10 AM to 3 PM, depending on the time of year) because the sun is too high and its’ light is too harsh. The result is an image that is too bright, too dark, or both. It is very difficult to properly balance highlights and shadows when the sun is so high. The harsh mid-day sun makes natural smiles difficult plus the temperatures and humidity will quickly wilt your hair and your patience. Shade or an overcast day can be wonderful for outdoor pictures.

We have a complete indoor studio or we can come to your home or business with our portable studio including lights, backgrounds, laptops, etc. The portable studio requires 15'x20' of open floor space so a lobby or conference room will work well.

 

Our indoor studio is warm and comfortable with chairs and a sofa for your family to relax between shots.  We have a wide variety of backdrops and props plus with our studio lights we can create many different effects.  We have a laptop and a large monitor so you can immediately see each shot and we can make any necessary adjustments.  You'll mark images that you like as we shoot and then we will review all your selections at the end of the session to choose the best-of-the-best.

 

 

---

Our outdoor studio includes a wildflower field, multiple gardens, a swing, a lake, etc.  When outdoors or on location, we will use studio lights to create the perfect exposure in all situations.   You'll see the images and make your selections on an iPad during the outdoor session.

We can also bring a portable indoor studio or our outdoor setup to your location.