Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much is an 8x10?

A. No, I am not THAT kind of a photographer. I don’t see myself as a retailer of sheets of printed paper. My clients commission me to create one-of-a-kind portraits for them and pay me a creation fee to do so. I charge $500 for a portrait session with up to two hours of photography time. (I may recommend to add additional time for some relationship sessions or if multiple changes of clothing are involved. Additional time is charged at $150 per hour.)

My creation fee includes the pre-edited original files (digital ‘negatives’, high resolution files) of the session. Location sessions are $75 extra plus any admission or location charges.

Children’s and pet sessions are available with only one hour of photography time for $425 (limited to one subject).

Q. Who is your typical client?

A. My clients are curious about themselves and open minded. They appreciate photography as art. They do not want a portrait in a staged pose that will not reflect themselves. Status is not important for them. They are not interested in fancy fake background sets nor ‘fairy tale’ or ‘angel wing’ looks.

My portrait clients are looking for an exceptional and genuine image of themselves that shows who they really are. They are looking for an image that will allow the viewer to engage in a mental conversation. A portrait that speaks to the viewer.

Some of my clients commission portraits as gifts to their loved ones and to themselves, so that they can be seen and remembered how they really are. Models, musicians, book authors, and business people commission me to create images because their personality is the deciding factor for potential buyers of their products, services or arts. They want portraits that are believable.

Q. Why is your preferred printing method Black & White?

A. The main focus of my images are my clients’ faces. I feel that they are best presented with as little distraction as possible. Props and fancy backgrounds are distractive. That’s why I don’t use them. But color is distractive as well. Some clients require color - typically for commercial uses. All images are all available in color, but I really prefer to see them printed in Black & White.

Q. What are your Art Prints about?

A. I personally retouch and optimize every detail of a portrait for an art print. The image file is then printed on archival quality Watercolor Paper with a set of four pure pigment monochromatic inks (quadtone). These giclée prints show more detail than any traditional black & white print and are much more durable as well. The prints have a life rating of about 200 years without noticeable changes. All art prints come hand signed. They are framed using custom archival mats, non-reflective glass, and gallery style frames.

Q. Why do your Sessions take so long? Please tell me more about your approach.

A. If you come in for a personality portrait session, we will spend approximately 2 hours together, sometimes more. I don’t start a session with a pre-conceived notion of how I want to make you look. I am really interested in getting to know you. This approach allows me to capture your essence. Don’t be scared. I am warm, approachable, and non-judgmental. I open myself up to allow you to be yourself. A session is more like a long conversation that involves me taking photographs of you.

Q. How does the whole process work?

A. You contact us, schedule your session and pay the creation fee at that time. We can also discuss any detail questions about clothes, hair, and makeup before you come in. During your session we will get to know each other while I capture you with my camera. I will try to do that using available light to make the session as stress free as possible. We may do a little relaxation exercise at the beginning or at another time during your session. We may play soft classical music in the background as well. (Please feel free to bring in your own CD’s for the shoot!) I do everything I can to make it easier for you to be yourself.

Approximately 2 weeks after the session, sometimes sooner, you will receive a CD and an image catalog with the best images of your session. You can use the CD or the catalog (or, if you prefer, our website) to select the images that you would like to have printed. I will be happy to let you know which portraits are best suited for art prints. You can order regular photographic prints from any lab of your choice, or of course through us. Retouching and other image enhancements are available from us at an extra charge.

Q. I heard that I can get a Face Analysis with my Session. What is that?

A. Every face has a story to tell and there is a method called ‘face reading’ that allows us to tell a lot about a person based on their facial characteristics. With my personality portrait sessions you can get a written analysis of what your face says about you. Though this may not tell you anything new, it can re-affirm positive things you know but may have forgotten about yourself.

Q. How do you approach Headshots?

A. Like in any personality portrait session I will get to know you with my camera. You will look comfortable and relaxed in your photographs. You will look like yourself. The focus is clearly on the eyes. Your images are full of life. Viewers will be able to connect with you.

Q. I would like to get Portraits with my Partner or Spouse. How does that work?

A. Ideally both of you would first come in individually for personality portrait sessions. This would allow all of us to really get to know each other. With this preparation I will be able to get the best possible results from your relationship portrait session. If that is not an option, we can schedule a longer relationship session. I will start out spending some time with each of you individually. I will take a few individual shots to get a sense of who you are without your partner. This makes it easier for me to better understand and capture what is special about your relationship.

Q. Do you do Family Portraits?

A. Of course. However, you can not expect images from an extended relationship session (with 3 or more people involved) to go  to the same depth as my regular relationship portraits. Ideally I know at least some of the family members from a previous personality portrait session, or we break up the family group into pairs for the shoot. My family portraits focus on capturing the love and the dynamics within the family. If you are looking for the “classic look” of the formally dressed family posed around a grandfatherly chair, I am not the photographer you are looking for. These portraits do not show what I am interested in. There are many traditional photographers who will be happy to create images like that for you. My goal is to give you portraits that are real.

Q. What is your approach to Children’s Photography?

A. I will always establish a direct rapport with your child, talking and/or playing with her or him. For most of the session I will ask you to wait and relax in our consultation room, since I do not want the child to be distracted by parents or caregivers. With very young children or children with attention problems, I may ask parents to stay in the shooting area. You won’t see stiff poses, ‘angel wings’ or babies in a flower pot. I respect children. This is why I do not create a photograph that just happens to have them in it. Capturing your child’s essence is my goal.

Q. Do you photograph Pets?

A. Yes, I do. I believe that animals have a soul just like human beings. That’s why I take the time to get to know your pet and communicate with him or her. This will allow me to show  his or her personality. I will also actively involve you in the session and capture the emotional bond between you and your family dog or cat - or any other pet you consider part of your family.

Q. Do you take graduation photographs of High School Seniors?

A. Of course. And I take you seriously and give you all the interest and attention needed to create a true personality portrait. Extra time for clothing changes can be added to your regular session. But as you know by know, I firmly believe that clothes are not nearly as important as personality. Also, if you are looking for ‘High School Senior Props’ like styrofoam numbers, fake lockers or anything else in that direction, you won’t find them in my studio. My goal is to create Portraits that will show who you really are.

Q. Do you do Pregnancy Portraits?

A. Absolutely. I think that pregnancy is a very special time in your life and should be documented to preserve the joy that you are experiencing. In addition to capturing your essence and inner beauty we will work on showing the beauty of your pregnant body. It is completely up to you how little or how much you would like to reveal in those photographs. I will work sensibly with you according to your taste and comfort level.

Q. How about Intimate Portraits?

A. As in all my portrait sessions, capturing your essence is what it is about. Add the natural beauty of your body and we will create portraits that display your personality and sensuality. Often I add some figure studies to the session. We keep the setting simple and focused. No tacky fake roman columns to be found here. If there are accessories that are meaningful to you, please feel free to bring them along. I am open minded and look forward to working with your ideas. My images will always be artful and in good taste.

Q. Should I request a Studio or Location session?

A. Our studio provides a comfortable setting for your personality portrait. For many people it is easier to relax when they are away from home in a quiet studio. However, if you feel that you can relax best in your home or at your favorite outdoor location, then this may be your best choice. Also, if your ability to leave your home is restricted, an in-home session can be arranged.

Q. What Clothing should I wear for my Portrait?

A. Solid medium to darker tones (e.g. grey, black, navy blue) with long sleeves work best in most situations, since they help direct the attention to the face. Should you go out and buy new clothes just for the photo session? No. The above description is a good general guide line for clothing that is helpful for portraits. However, it is just as important that you are comfortable and feel like you are yourself in the clothes you wear. This will assist you to allow yourself to be who you really are during your session. And this is what my portraits are all about.

Q. What about Hair and Make-up?

A. Women should have their hair appointment no later than a week prior to the session. This will help ensure that you look natural in your photographs. Wear the least amount of make-up that you are comfortable with. I realize that some people don’t feel comfortable without any make-up. That is ok. Just keep it to a minimum. It is much easier to retouch a few blemishes than to get rid of the pasty look of make-up in a photograph.

Men need to consider their facial hair growth. If you have strong growth you may need to shave directly before the session. Also ensure that your hair looks natural.

Q. Why and how do you pre-edit the Images?

A. I see it as part of my service to select the best images from the session. Photo editing is a critical part of photography. Too many clients get caught up in the quantity end of things. Just as you trust me to know when to press the shutter you can trust me to pick out the images that best convey your personality. My job is to give you the best possible portraits.

Q. What if I have a question that is not covered here?

A. I you have additional questions please don’t hesitate to contact us through our contact form.