Professional Portrait Prints or Pictures on a CD?

There are some photographers who offer their clients images on a disk; however, I believe it’s best to create beautiful fine art prints for my clients. Many of the photographers who offer images on a disk may not know much about how to artfully craft a final printed piece. Some of them are weekend hobbyists and don’t have time to spend on anything but snapping the pictures. They let the client worry about getting prints, and the final quality really suffers when photographs get printed at the local drug store or one hour shop. This type of offer should raise a red flag for anyone who values quality photographs and considers family portraits to be meaningful heirlooms that will last for generations.

There is a lot attention that goes into the creation of a finished portrait compared to the actual taking of the pictures. When I work on a portrait in Photoshop, I think of it in terms of classical painting. I have a huge toolbox of effects and software I rely on to enhance photographs in so many ways. I can control the tone and atmosphere of the setting which compliments the family relationships. I use techniques to uniquely frame and highlight the photograph, and most importantly I lightly re-touch the subjects in the image so they look their familiar best to loved ones.

One of my favorite techniques is to find the most attractive expression for each of the subjects in all of the images, and create the ideal photograph that captures everyone at their best. We call this a “head change” and it’s wonderful because it makes a group picture of everyone perfect! When I find an expression that really enhances the feeling of the overall portrait, it helps tell the story better.

Our portrait finishing is handled by a professional lab for high quality printing. For the past 25 years, I’ve had a close working relationship with my color lab and I have a high level of trust in the work they help me produce. In addition to a well printed image, there are options for dry mounting, UV lacquering that protects the piece and surface treatments that enhance the fine art quality of the image. There are choices for types of paper such as canvas, watercolor, luster, and even metallic. I also help advise on display choices and will mat and frame the work.

By the time the artwork is finished I’ve put my heart into it completely and given families an heirloom they’ll cherish forever. The care, attention to detail and passion I have for creating a beautiful final print is what my clients truly deserve!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 Tips for Capturing Great Vacation Pictures

You wouldn’t want to miss a fun candid photo moment on your family vacation, would you? Snapshots and group pictures are a favorite American pastime during summer vacations, so here are some tips to make sure you’re prepared:

1. Make sure you pack your camera battery and charger if they are specialized for your model. If your camera doesn’t require a dedicated battery, make sure you have a pack of triple A’s. Buy them before you leave home; sometimes in tourist areas, the price is higher.

2. Before you leave for vacation, download your memory card onto your home computer, and then clear the card so you have plenty of room for new photographs. This will safeguard your photographs just in case (heaven forbid!) something happens to your camera on your trip.

3. Pack a lens cloth for wiping clean any salt air, sand, or water that might cause your images to look blurry or dusty.

4. Remember to bring your camera strap; you just never know what will happen next!

5. Keep on the lookout for iconic scenes in the area. In Virginia Beach, for example, that could be the Neptune Sculpture at 30th Street, the Cape Henry Lighthouse, or maybe that two-story high gorilla at Ocean Breeze Waterpark. These types of backdrops tell a story about your family’s good time in a fun place.

6. If you’re going somewhere water-related, invest in a waterproof case for your camera. This will not only give you more opportunities for cool shots; it will also give you peace of mind that your camera is protected.

7. Pack your camera manual so you can learn how to work the self-timer on your camera (this could be one of your “beach reads”). That way, you can set the camera down and run into the family photo. Just because you’re the one taking pics doesn’t mean you get excluded from them!

8. Don’t shoot pictures with the light behind your family grouping, or they will be in silhouette. A better option is to let the light come from the side or the front.

9. If you go to a museum (like the Virginia Marine Science Museum) where the exhibits are behind glass, be sure to turn off your flash if you want pictures of what’s in the cases. The flash will cause an ugly glare. You may also want to put the lens directly up to the glass to avoid any other reflections.

10. If you’re gathering a group together for a photograph, make sure your camera settings are ready to go. Kids especially get impatient, so take the picture, move on, and everyone will stay happy and willing to be in more photos as your vacation continues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peaceful Maternity Photography for Expectant Parents

Shane and Natalie are expecting their first baby, a girl, at the end of July and wanted some artsy and unique images to remember and cherish this time in their lives. Here, they share their impressions of the shoot:

Ritchie: So, when we had our planning session, you let me know that you guys were interested in being outside instead of in the studio. What was it that inspired that choice?
Natalie: We feel like the whole experience of our pregnancy has been natural and has made us more in touch with Mother Nature, so we wanted to have that reflected in our portraits.
Shane: Plus, we’re both outdoors a lot running, walking, going to local parks, and the beach.

Ritchie: Did you enjoy the actual process of being photographed at the Botanical Gardens?
Natalie: Yes! The light was beautiful, the setting sun was relaxing, and I felt peaceful. I also liked that we all talked about ideas for what images to take. It was a creative and collaborative experience!

Ritchie: What do you like most about the final images?
Shane: I think it’s really important to have pictures of this time in our lives. It’s such a brief time in our lives. It shows our closeness and our love for each other and our unborn daughter that will be ingrained in our family.

Collaborating closely with a couple ensures the images and session is unique and personal, creating lasting memories of a special time.

Clothes That Work for Women on a Beach Portrait Session

A Beach Portrait Session is a time to focus on the relationships and love you share with your family; so here are some tips and suggestions for clothes that work best for women so you’re confident (and not worried a bit) about how you look!

DO: Families with similar eye colors should think about choosing a shirt color that repeats a highlight found in the iris. For example, blue eyes may have flecks of warm brown which is likely to be a flattering shirt color. Hazel eyes may have touches or grey or green that can be pulled out and accentuated by wardrobe color choices. Brown eyes may be highlighted with burgundy colors.

DO: Ladies may consider bringing a light cardigan or wrap to wear over an outfit to add some variety to their ensemble. It looks feminine, and adds a pretty rhythm to the family portrait grouping. If the color of your wrap is a darker color than what you have on underneath, it creates a vertical and slender area that is totally slimming!

DON’T: Don’t choose a garment that’s too tight. This is a problem that is usually obvious in the images. Unfortunately, it just adds weight and we’re striving for just the opposite of that!

DO: Quarter length and long sleeves are usually the very best option for a woman’s shirt because it helps keep the focus on the face. Bare armpits and elbows steal away that positive emphasis.

DO: Darker clothing (especially pants) creates a slim line for your figure. Light colored or white pants add weight. Consider wearing capri pants, long slacks, or a skirt that hits below the knee so that you can sit comfortably in the sand. Too much bare leg can compete with the attention drawn to your pretty face.

DON’T: Avoid horizontal stripes which are widening as well as light colored belts. Both serve to cut your figure in half and seem to expand anyone’s width.

DO: Similar tones on top and bottom lengthen your height in a portrait. On the flipside, outfits with a lot of contrast, such as dark pants with a light top, can make you look shorter and emphasize the width of your waistline.

It also never hurts to make sure your hair is done in a way you’re used to and your makeup and nails are done nicely. But the very best thing you can do to ensure that you look terrific in your Family Beach Portrait is to relax, have fun and enjoy your family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Choose a Family Portrait Photographer

I think about how and why people choose the professional family portrait photographers they do, because I’m constantly considering the hopes and wishes of my clients and how to match them. Some people trust the recommendations of their friends and neighbors, some look for the best prices and deals, some see advertisement booths in the mall. Deals and bargains are tempting, but with so many inexperienced and untrained photographers out there, you’ll want to be wary if something seems too good to be true. One of the most important, but often overlooked ways to choose a photographer is by doing a bit of research about their qualifications, and getting a sense of how well they seem to understand and empathize with you.

When you choose a photographer, look at examples of the portraiture on their website and give them a call to get a sense of their personality and manner. A portrait requires a partnership of working together, and you should make sure you’re on the same page. The photographer should be able to set you and your family in a positive, up-beat and relaxed mood so the images reflect this quality.

A very important thing to be aware of is that there is NO requirement for getting a business license to operate as a “Professional Photographer.” To be very clear, many people who are hobbyists and weekend photographers can get into the business with no real credentials or understanding of quality. This is a BUYER BEWARE situation because your experience will likely suffer due to people who just want to make extra money on the side. You’ll be much more satisfied by choosing a photographer who has dedicated their life’s work to keeping up with their education, assuring that they meet professional standards, and committing to their clients happiness.

One way of guaranteeing that you and your family have a thoroughly professional experience, is to look for photographers who belong to Professional Photographers of America (PPA), and Virginia Professional Photographers Association (VPPA). These are organizations that require photographers to adhere to standards of quality and ethics, and offer education for their members. Membership requires a sincere commitment to excellence, and will insure that your photographer has a fine sense of craft and integrity.

Finding a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) is also key, as there are rigorous requirements and standards for carrying this title; not just anyone can claim this honor. The Professional Photographic Certification Commission is the leading certifying body for imaging professionals in the world. For a photographer to gain certification, they undergo rigorous testing, which assures that your photographer is truly knowledgeable:

• Pass a comprehensive written exam measuring their technical expertise.
• Successfully submit their work to a panel of judges for review and approval.
• Renew credentials every 5 years with continuing education and submitting work for critical evaluation.