First, we take the time to understand what is most important to you about this portrait. This is also the time to discuss where the portrait will be displayed, whether horizontal or vertical formats will fit better, and whether you want a casual or more formal look. Then, as a team, we select a location that provides the ideal environment for capturing just the right mood. Finally, we choose a time that provides the best light, or when photographing children, when they are rested and relaxed.
A successful family portrait requires more than just a skilled photographer. The selection of proper clothing can make the difference between a personalized work of art and "just another picture". If possible, lay out clothing in the room where portrait will be displayed to ensure colors blend with your decor.
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| Stripes and patterns emphasize clothing | Solid colors keep emphasis on faces |
Press here for more clothing tips from our Gingerbread People.
Sessions are generally scheduled on weekends. We often photograph in rustic outdoor settings, so recommend that you wear sturdy footwear and change into your "portrait" shoes when you get to the final location. Patty's passion for photography is contagious and will put you at ease ... We want you to have fun at your session!
Order appointments are generally scheduled on a weekday evening about a week after your session and lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours. You will enjoy a musical slide show of your best images. Please plan to have all decision makers at this approximately appointment. We do not create paper proofs. Finished prints will be ready in 3 to 4 weeks and framed orders will be complete in 5 to 6 weeks.
Creation fees begin at $50 and vary according to the location and number of people to be photographed. Prints begin at $49 for a 5x7 retouched, mounted portrait. Duplicates are priced less than originals. Please contact the studio for more information.
We accept checks or cash and offer flexible payment options. Creation Fee is payable on the day of your session. There is a small travel fee for locations more than 20 miles from the studio. Please, no cameras of any kind during sessions. Our images are copyrighted and protected by Federal Law. It is illegal to copy them. What is the Copyright Act?
Here is a chart that shows how clothing colors will appear in black and white portraits. To get more SNAP in your images, select tops that contrast with the tones of your location. For example, a light or dark tone shirt will look great in a location with medium green trees, but a red shirt will just look " muddy ".

Here are some samples of text for holiday cards.
Here are some samples of text for birth and adoption announcements.
Here's a quick test to check whether your monitor's black and white points are set correctly. You should see a difference between each of the patches.
