What types of props and/or backgrounds do you use?
I have an uncomplicated, modern classic, relaxed style of photography which means I do not rely heavily on formal posing or props. We use very basic backdrops, usually a solid black and a solid white, or grey. (We do have a few beautiful damask backdrops too.) Our goal is to create classic images for you that will stand the test of time, and be enjoyed for many years to come, still looking great 20 years from now, as opposed to dated and out of style. We also want the focus of our portraits to be on the person, not on a fake looking background.
How long will my portrait session take?
A photo shoot usually takes about 2 hours. I would rather take the time to give you great photographs, than rush you through the process for convenience. Children often need time to get used to being photographed, and the parent’s favorite images are often the ones shot at the end of the session, when the children become more relaxed, and show more of their true personality.
*Please have your children fed and well rested before their photo shoot, you will get much better portraits when the children are feeling their best.
*We do take time out for feedings for infants if necessary. Newborn babies can sleep through their whole portrait session, and still get beautiful portraits.
Why do we sell digital images on cd’s or as a download?
* You get more portraits for your money. We like to provide value.
* You can make as many printed portraits as you’d like, and have them printed anywhere you’d like, at very economical prices.
* You can give them as gifts.
* They are great for digital and regular scrapbooking.
* You can email them to family and friends.
* You can put them on your blog, myspace, or facebook.
* You can create holiday cards, invitations, and birth announcements.
* You can put them in a digital frame to create a beautiful slideshow.
* You can use them as custom screen savers on your computer at home or at work.
* You can put them on a purse or jewelry.
* You can archive them for future generations. We suggest making one back up copy right away, and keeping it at a location away from home. It is also important to make updated copies every few years as technology changes over time.
Please print these and follow them carefully to insure success for your portraits:
What to wear for your portrait session:
Clothing is a very important part of your finished portrait. Clothing, in medium or dark tones photographs best. Solid colored, but textured fabrics photograph very well, especially in black and white portraits. Please do not wear any shade of green for outdoor portraits. Red clothes usually look great in outdoor photos.
You’ll want to avoid wide or deep necklines. On teenagers and adults long sleeves look best. Short sleeves or bare arms can appear to add weight in teenage and adult women. Be sure to bring matching shoes for each outfit if some of your poses will be full length.
Avoid white socks, as they will show, and are very distracting in your finished portraits. Make sure that your hands and feet are well manicured. Your hands will show in many of your poses, and many people choose some poses with bare feet- this is optional.
*If you wear glasses and want to wear them in your portraits, ask your optometrist if you can borrow a pair of glasses without the lens in them on the day of your portrait session, this is the only way to completely avoid glass glare in your portraits.
Group portraits: It is extremely important that everyone wear coordinating colors in group portraits. The colors should complement each other. Medium tones usually look best. Again, please do not wear green clothes for outdoor group portraits.
Makeup: It is unnecessary to wear lots of extra makeup, simply apply your makeup as you normally would for evening, and this should be enough to photograph well. Avoid makeup or nail polish that is glittery, sparkly, or frost; matte makeup or nail polish always photographs better. You may want to put mascara on female children with blonde or light eyelashes, to bring out their eyes, this is optional. Some children benefit from clear lip gloss, but please keep it uncolored. You’ll want the child’s portrait to look natural, not made up, or adult-like.
Jewelry: Less is best. Subtle jewelry is okay, but too large, or too much jewelry can be very distracting.
When will my order be ready to pick up?
Your order will be ready to pick up in 2-3 weeks.
* All orders being placed for Christmas cards or Christmas gifts must be placed by November 10th, due to the extreme business of this season.