Portrait FAQ

The first thing we will do is sit down and talk for a few minutes. We’ll explain the process, we’ll discuss possible locations, and we’ll get a better understanding of your needs and preferences. You’ll have an opportunity to explain the things that are most important to you and together we’ll plan your session. Depending on the session you purchase, the photoshoot 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 or more shots would not be uncommon. After the session, the photographer will reduce that to a more manageable number of the “best” shots. During the session, the photographer will show you to raw images to confirm we’re capturing what you want. Final images will be ready in approximately 5 – 7 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, 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 outfit and away from the face. 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. If the package you purchase includes a reproduction release, however, the 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 or family. Those not listed on the reproduction release should contact the photographer for reprints and all other uses.

We use PayPal, Venmo, and ApplePay 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.

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This would be a very rare occurrence (in fact, it’s never happened before) but your satisfaction is important to us. If, after reviewing the digital images during your session, you decide you don’t like any of them you have absolutely no obligation to buy any prints and there will be no sitting 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. Depending on the situation, sometimes it’s necessary to bring a few portable lights into your location to achieve a balanced color and adequately light large areas. This is especially true when shooting large families in open spaces.

These days many customers want to have digital images from their session. We try to honor their request but warn that this practice has both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantage: It gives you complete control over your costs and you can use the images for a variety of purposes (reprints, social media, books, videos, etc.). For many, this works out very well.

Disadvantage: Some customers get their photos printed based on a low cost or convenient location rather than evaluating where to get the best product. Some will also try to do their own retouching or color balancing. As a result, many photographers refuse to allow non-professional reprints because it negatively impacts the quality of their work and harms their reputation. For a photographer, quality is critical to their ongoing business.

I try to reach some middle ground by providing images for customers to use but encouraging them towards professional prints for display on for your wall or desk. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Better color / Better Paper
Professional print labs use higher quality ink, better equipment, and better paper that gives them more control to accurately reproduce your photos. Better ink + Better equipment + Better paper = Better prints.

The print services offered by drug stores and retail stores don’t even come close. Their prints are typically not as sharp, they’re frequently dark, they may have erratic cropping, and they frequently have red or green color shifts. Many retailers also print on thin lightweight paper.

2. Sizes and Options
Professional labs offer many more sizes and printing options. As one example, all of my large professional prints are mounted on a foam core or mat board. This produces a rigid backing for easy framing and long term display without wrinkles. Large prints from drug stores and retail stores are typically rolled up like a cheap poster and secured with a rubber band!

3. Consistency and Quality
People who work at professional labs are true print specialists. They strive to produce the best looking results since that is their only business. At a professional lab, each image is reviewed and the printer is calibrated by an actual human being. They are trained to produce high quality prints every time. With drug store and retail store prints, the quality can largely depend on who’s working that day. Many know little more than how to turn the machine on.

Does it really make a difference?
Absolutely. Professional prints are sharper, the colors are more vibrant and accurate, and you can feel the difference in the paper. Because of the higher quality, professional prints will stand the test of time.

What’s the bottom line?
As most things in life, I believe you need a balance. Most customers do a combination of professional and consumer grade reprints. If you’re just storing pictures in an envelope or scrap book for occasional review, or handing out large quantities of small pictures to acquaintances, then going the less expensive route is perfectly fine. It can save you some money. But if you need long term display of a treasured image, especially large framed photos for your desk or wall, professional prints are the only way to go. They are well worth the additional cost because you will notice the difference.