With so many choices, how do I decide what I products I want?

You have the gift of access!  All of your images will be directly linked to my Professional Lab.  Take your time and look through the options in The Store.  Enlargements are available on professional papers as well as on metal!

What does it take to deliver a high-quality finished product? 

1. Technology:  High quality images start with technology.  Your images will be taken with a 21 mega-pixel camera, which will allow them to remain sharp, even when enlarged.  As high quality paints and canvas are to an artist, so is the quality camera to the photographer.
2. Art:  If you are relaxed and playful, your images will evoke emotion and movement and will capture not only a visual impression, but will create a feeling within your viewer
3. Post-processing:  This involves both editing and retouching, as necessary.
4. Professional printing.

Is it possible to receive digital images so I can use them on Facebook or MySpace or on Singles sites? 

The short answer is, yes! There are numerous advantages to having licensing rights to use your digital images.  This concept has existed in the commercial world for many years, however, it is generally unfamiliar to the private sector. Commercially, an image may be digitally released to a client but licensed only for single use (one printed advertisement spread, for example).   

For private use, however, I prefer to keep it very simple.  Therefore, when I release digital images, they may be used for any private use (to make enlargements, share via Facebook, use on your phone etc).  They may NOT be used for any commercial use without written permission and a new license agreement (modeling portfolios are included in this restriction). 

If you have a few favorite images that you wish to share electronically, this may be a good option for you.   

Please remember that digitally scanning purchased printed images is against copyright law.   

What should I wear? 

There are many traditional thoughts on what to wear for portrait photography.  I would prefer that you know why these “rules” exist so you can decide for yourself!  Solid colors and simple patterns certainly have the advantage of ensuring that you become the main focus of the image.   This also lends itself to a more “timeless” portrait.  Simple jewelry also lends itself well to this concept.   

However, your sense of fashion is also a big part of who you are and will encourage you to be relaxed and reveal your “relaxed-self” to the camera.  Additionally, it has the advantage of placing you in the era in which you are living!   

Ultimately, there are no rules.  I would just encourage you to think of how you will use your images and with whom you will be sharing them. 

So, if I were to make a suggestion, it would be this:  Make several changes in clothing and choose later: 

1. Dress for one “timeless” image: simple clothes and jewelry
2. Dress to reflect your interests: sports, music, your pet or car
3. Dress to reflect YOU and to capture the current fashion and mood

What location should I choose for our shoot? 

Add-on options include extra mileage/time, so if your dream is to be photographed at Crater Lake or the numerous waterfalls on the way, this is possible! 

Perhaps your closest pet just happens to be your horse – then the stable could become our perfect studio. 

Are you a drummer who virtually lives in your room?  Then, by all means, your room should be our background. 

Musicians and artists are often captured on stage or in their studio. 

What do I need to do to prepare for my Senior Portrait? 

See also the “What do I wear?” section.  One advantage to high quality images is that you will notice the details.   However, sometimes this advantage can become a disadvantage without a little preparation time. 

Do you really want to look at your chipped nail polish for the next several decades, for example?  Spend a few minutes looking critically at your reflection in the mirror.  Many things can be retouched but anything that is easy to change on your actual physical being will save you additional money on retouching your virtual self.  On the other hand, if your complexion is not perfect on the day of the shoot – no worries!  Generally going light on the make-up will produce a more natural and beautiful image and we’ll digitally zap the blemishes later. 

Can you supply a hair dresser/make-up artist? 

Yes! I will happily supply you with contact information for stylists.  All arrangements with stylists/make-up artists will be arranged independently of the photographer, but they are welcome to join us for the session.

What paper choices do I have?

Lustre “E” - Kodak ENDURA professional photo paper with a fine grain  pebble texture. This is our normal surface paper. Also available in canvas and linen textures.

Glossy “F” - Kodak ENDURA professional photo paper with a glossy finish. Available in canvas, linen or pebble textures.

Kodak ENDURA Metallic paper – Glossy finish  with metallic appearance that creates images with exceptional visual appeal. In  addition to delivering rich, vibrant colors and flattering flesh  tones, this  paper offers century-plus image stability. Ideal for portrait (sports, special events,  youth, wedding mementos, greeting cards) and commercial (press kits, photo  decor, display) applications. 

Do you offer special effects choices?  

Yes! You can choose between vignette, B&W, sepia – available at no charge. 

What are my options for ready-to-hang prints?

Prints on metal.  This is different than metallic papers.  Your image is actually infused onto metal for a unique and modern look.  Ready for framing:  Specify mounting blocks or drilled holes (2 or 4) 

Or, stretched canvas (wrapped on a wooden frame) for that classic, painter look.

Can I hire you to come to my group or event instead of coming to your studio?

Yes!  I would be happy to join you on location for your event.

Can I move my event to your studio?

Yes! We are all very busy and sometimes photography feels like “just one more thing” on the list.  How about combining what you already do with a photo session? 

Reading Clubs: 

Have you been meeting with a Reading Club for years?   How about scheduling your next club meeting at the studio?  You can meet as typical and have beautiful images to remember your group.  These could be posed or completely candid. 

Dance groups:  (10 people or fewer) 

Solid, smooth oak hardwood floor specifically installed for dancing by American Hardwoods (recently installed the floor for the YMCA in Ashland). 

Musician rehearsals: 

Set up and practice while being photographed for use for self-promotion.   

Additional non-studio time available for $25/hour. 

Studio time at $150/hour for you and your 10 best friends becomes very attainable! 

Play groups:  

Small play groups welcome!

Other groups or events - just ask and we'll figure something out!