Aren’t All Portrait Photographers The Same?

No, portrait photographers fall into two main categories - high-service and low-service.

Most people are more familiar with the low-service model, or the “photographer-for-hire” - the photographer relies entirely on the client to decide all aspects of the session. They do not help plan what will happen to the portraits afterwards, often delivering a large number of digital files and leaving their client to figure out what to do with them. Sadly, precious family portraits often end up only being viewed on a phone, subject to data loss and never enjoyed in the home.

Figuring out how and where to display your portraits is actually pretty difficult and time-consuming when it’s not your profession - How do you choose which portrait is the best? What size is right for that place on the wall? Will what your are investing in actually last, or discolor and fall apart with age?

The high-service model is the model that I use and I know is best for my clients.

I believe that it’s my job to take charge of the entire portrait creation process from start to finish. Fusing portrait photography and interior design, I bring all of my 20+ years of expertise to bear in creating your portraits. My goal is for your portraits to truly capture who you are, coordinate with your style and the decor of your home, be sized appropriately and printed archivally to last generations.

I offer a carefully curated selection of the highest quality archival products that will stand the test of time and become instant heirlooms for your family. Your purchased portrait image files are archived both on and off site so that you are protected against hard drive failures. All of my wall art is created ready-to-hang because I do not want any barrier to your portraits being displayed in your home. I even deliver it and install it on your walls!

Why do I need a Pre-Portrait Consultation?

This is where I get to see your home and get a sense of your style. We get to know each other, take pictures of your rooms and walls and do all of the planning for your session! I will guide you in discovering and deciding what kind of portraits you are looking for and where they will eventually live - wall art or fine art book, or both? We will explore personalities and family dynamics, decide on the location and discuss wardrobe during this appointment as well.

We then plan the session according to your needs. Do you need an epic family portrait over the fireplace? Individual portraits of each child for your family gallery wall? Or a session that tells your family’s story in a beautiful fine art book?

Before we create the images, we will have a good idea of what our final goal is for your portraits. This allows the session to be focused and efficient, so that everyone has a great time - especially husbands and the kiddos! My sessions are very warm, calm and laid back, not formal or rigid. I make my clients feel very comfortable and always keeps an eye out for those little unplanned magic moments that can really tell a story.

What is a View and Order Session?

The view and order session takes place about two weeks after your session. Before this appointment, I go through each image from the shoot and do a professional edit of your images - I narrow down and present only the very best to you in a beautiful slideshow. Then we go back through the images and I help you select the portraits that you love the most and where they will live in your home - either wall art or in a fine art book. You will be able to see how your portraits will look displayed on your actual walls or how they might look designed in a book layout! You are not left to figure this out on your own. We work together to make the best choices for your home and family.