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Frequently Asked Questions - Portraits

2) When's the best time to have a family portrait made?

Answers

1) These days everyone has a digital camera that can produce high-quality images. But can they make great images that you'll want to hang on your wall? Just has having a great pen doesn't make you a excellent writer, having a great camera doesn't make you an excellent photographer. So it's not about the camera, but about creating an image that expresses who you are or what you want, looks great hanging on a wall, and is timeless. Making a great portrait is much more about lighting, directing (or posing), expression, location, the digital darkroom, printing and lots of details that make an image truly excellent. This all requires plenty of knowledge and experience. So if you want a portrait that best expresses you and that you'll value for a long time, then work with a professional photographer. Sure, it's more expensive than working with someone that has a great camera, but it'll be worth it in the long run. <Back to Top>

2) I frequently hear two things from clients or prospective clients: first, “when’s the best time to make a family portrait“, and second, “I wish I had you photograph us when we were all together last..." The answer to the first lies in the second. When’s the best time to make a family portrait? As one of my colleagues says: “now, or too late”. Or more specifically, the best times are major occasions in the life of a family such as

When children are born, grow into little kids and start school
Before they start and graduate from high school
Before the kids grow up and go their own way
When the family comes together for vacation or reunions
Other momentous occasions like weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries

Children grow up fast. Before you know it the family changes. A portrait is a great way to enjoy your family at a particular moment in time - forever. Lots of families make a portrait about every two to three years to capture the changes. So don’t miss an opportunity to create that piece of family art that you’ll treasure for a long time to come. Whatever you do, don’t wait until it’s too late. <Back to Top>

3) For a portrait to retain its timeless quality, understated clothing (no flashy logos or designs) and natural backdrops work best. We want the viewer to focus on the faces of the people in the portrait, not their clothing. Here are some general guidelines to answer this question, but we'll consult with you and what to wear based on the look you want and the location of the portrait.

Wear all dark or all light clothing to keep from looking too “busy”.
For family or group portraits, wear similar shades or complimentary colors.
Wear solid color fabrics; no-patterns or logos.
Long sleeves and pants are best and help reduce distractions
You can mix colors as long as they harmonize and are subdued.
Try this: Lay out everyone’s clothing together. Leave the room for a few minutes. Reenter & notice if any outfit jumps out. Replace them & repeat process until there is a good blend. <Back to Top>

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