Details

CLOTHING

Professional portraits to me is about the people in the image – so I always recommend clothing without distracting numbers, letters, or logos. Similarly, non-distracting patterns are fine but very bright patterns tend to make pictures very busy and fight with the natural surroundings.  But don’t get me wrong, I LOVE fun & bright clothing!  Let’s talk about some ideas before your session.

Dressing in layers & adding accessories are always a great idea.

Bringing a few changes of outfits will give you great variety in your pictures. Often, you’d be surprised at how one outfit really looks better than other when you see it in print.

For family or group pictures, nothing is better than coordinated clothing in the same shade. Having everyone wear jeans and shirts or dresses of the same color really shows the unity and intimacy of that family. And it makes for beautiful portraiture with the focus on the people rather than the clothing.

I’m not opposed to playing dress up.  I have two little girls and am still a child at heart.  Tutus, capes & cowboy boots make me happy.

BEFORE THE SESSION

Let’s make sure everyone is fed, rested and happy before the session.  For young babies and children, please avoid staining foods like tomato sauce, mashed carrots or pumpkin before the session since it’ll show a yellow remnant on your child’s face.   We’ll communicate via phone or email about the upcoming session.  We’ll talk about location(s), outfits, style, poses.

DURING THE SESSION

Expect me to go crazy!  I’ll be all over the place and taking pictures from sometimes very weird angles.  Just bear with me, I promise that I have an idea for an image in mind.  I’m very casual and love to talk to clients.  I love getting down to the baby or kid’s level.  Sometimes I sneak in a bit of playtime.

If your child has a hobby or a special toy or if your teenager has a special talent or sport they’d like to spotlight, bring it along so we can include in the session.

LOCATIONS

If we do the session in your home, let’s choose a location close to a big picture window or sliding door.  We’d like the best lighting possible for the session.  You’ll probably want to tidy up so images aren’t overly busy and images show off the best of your home environment.

If we want to head outdoors, I could suggest a few places.  Downtown Portland, the Pearl District is very hip and edgy, PCC/Sylvania Campus , Upfactory area near the U of P Campus has great grafitti’d art walls, Laurelhurst Park, Mt Tabor Park, Washington Park will be in bloom with roses in the spring & summer, Waterfront in downtown Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA, your favorite place to hang out, a family farm, an orchard or neighborhood park would be cool too.

Arrangments may be made for more than one location or places out of the Portland Metro area with an additional transportation fee.

AFTER THE SESSION

Two weeks after the session, a password-protected online gallery of 10-50 images will be available to you depending on the session you choose.  The online gallery will be available to view photographs at your convenience for two weeks.  We’ll make printing arrangements via email or phone.   Feel free to share your gallery with family and friends.  Maybe they’d like a print or two?