(FAQ)

When is the best time to have a portrait done?

A portrait is a wonderful and loving way to capture a little slice of life so there's never really a bad time to have us create that special image for you or your family. There are however some times that are strongly recommended...

Family portraits...when there is a new addition to the family, when the oldest starts or finishes school, when the youngest starts or finishes school, prior to a wedding, 25th anniversary or greater. Family portraits can be created to fit your family's lifestyle and also designed to match the decor of the room they're going into.
Children's portrait...because children change so fast, we recommend having your child photographed twice a year for the first three years and then annually after that.
Senior portraits...This could very well be the most important portrait we ever have done. It's a time in our lives when we've become an adult, developed a sense of personal style and are starting to know who we are and what we're all about. Senior portraits are traditionally done in the summer of your senior year. While some people enjoy trying to wrestle with school, work and activities schedules...most find it easier and more convenient to come in during the summer...we photograph seniors from all over Illinois so call in the spring for best summer time slots.
Business portraits...Because our business portrait often makes our first impression for us, it's important to have one that can project the image you need. Generally you need it yesterday so we offer digital portraits on Kodak paper up to 5x7 that can be ready the same day if you need it fast.
Glamour & Romantic portraits....when you're in love! Nothing says I love you like giving a little part of yourself in a portrait.

How far ahead should I call for an appointment?

Generally 2-4 weeks in advance will get you a time slot that agrees with your schedule.......Prime time slots (Saturdays, evenings and late afternoon) will fill up anywhere from 5-8 weeks ahead and outdoor sessions are generally sold through the end of the season by early August (the season generally ends in October)

When & how do I pay for my session/portraits?

Prime-time sessions need to be reserved with a credit card (just like a hotel room), other sessions can be paid for the day you come in. Most people pay for portraits when they place the order however, others may find it convenient to break the total up into 2, 3 or 4 installments. We accept Visa, Mastecard, Discover, AMX, personal checks and U.S. Currency.

What Should I wear for my portrait?

Every portrait session is different. In general, you should select clothing that reflects your personal style but does not dominate the photograph. Clothing should whisper...never scream...you're the start of the show. When in doubt, ask for a free clothing consultation...we can help you avoid mistakes that even the most fashion conscious person can make. Here's a few common clothing questions...and answers:

If I wear white will I look washed out or pale.....No! Just the opposite is true, lighter colors will make you look darker by comparison. Darker colors (i.e. black, navy, etc.) will make you look lighter.
Does the camera really add 10 lbs....it can however, our photographer is specially trained to help you look lighter through proper lighting, posing and camera angles...we can even use digital enhancement to help you take off a few extra inches if you'd like...the models we work with commercially call it "digital dieting"
In a family portrait should we all dress alike...Generally speaking yes...our eye tends to notice what's different, by keeping the clothing pretty much the same, you'll notice the faces more. There are exceptions of course which is why we recommend a free clothing consultation prior to your family portrait session.
Which is better patterns or solids.....As a rule solids. Pattern is the first thing to change and go out of style...It's always a good idea to include some "timeless" items when selecting clothing for a portrait (i.e. solid oxfords, jeans, khaki's, solid sweaters, etc.). Don't let this keep you from bringing your favorite outfits though, they may very well become a fashion staple...they just don't have a track record yet.

I keep hearing all this new stuff about digital photography...will it have anything to do with my portrait?

All of our model portfolios are now done digitally and we'll be adding new digital items to our senior portrait service soon. While digital may sound new to the average person, we've been involved in digital imaging in one form or another for almost 10 years. In the last two years we've added digital wallets (one wallet with your 3 favorite poses on it) to our senior portraits and "One Face Many Personalities" portrait featuring one image with 3-5 great poses digitally merged to create a fun image of all the "real you". Now with the recent acquisition of a new digital camera capable of producing photographs (yes real photographs) from file, equal to 35mm quality, you can expect to see exciting new offering this year. Among the new products/services either in development or currently available....

Multiple image wallets (one wallet with your 3 favorite poses on it...cool designs and you can even add text if you'd like) Currently available
One Face Many Personalities (you change outfits, change poses or both but we put it all together in a fun images that's all about you) Currently available
Digital Models Portfolio (from start to finish, 100% digital all the way with photographic prints up to 8x10 and inkjets to 10x15. You get all your pictures on a CD and "magazine style" retouching is available if you really want the cover model look...) Currently available
Portfolio CD (for the professional model who wants to stand out, this drop and play CD showcases your talent like no comp card ever could) Currently available
The Ultimate Senior Portrait (a blending of digital and film to create what amounts to a professional portfolio package including, prints, CD's and posters) Coming Spring 2000
"Ladybugs" (We all consider our children a precious work of art but "Ladybug" prints take it one step further by creating an art print from your child's portrait session. Available either as a soft water color or a color tinted brown tone) Coming Spring 2000
Magazine Style Retouching (the same special treatment professional models get before their image goes on the cover of a magazine but when done digitally, there's no way to tell what's been done. From more colorful eyes to "digital dieting" MSR gives you the look you want.) Coming fall 2000