Setting up your portrait session
Together, we’ll plan every aspect of your portrait session. I’ll start by asking about your vision, preferences, and needs, and we’ll discuss possible locations, color/clothing selection, and scheduling. For small children, it’s best to select a time when they’re rested, comfortable, and ready to play with someone new.
Once we schedule your session, I’ll email you confirmation of our appointment and an agreement form. Complete and return the form (with payment) within 5 days to hold your date.
Choosing a location
Outdoors: Favorite locations include the Nichols Arboretum, the Matthaei Botanical Garderns, Island Park, downtown Ann Arbor, and others. Also, don’t overlook your very own front- or backyard.
In my studio: My studio is located in downtown Ann Arbor (corner of Main and Washington). A studio session is ideal for formal and professional portraits, as well as for graphically bold portraits. Another advantage of working in the studio is that it’s never weather dependent.
Inside your home: For portrait sessions with babies, your home is the very best location — let me come to you! Some of the my most widely successful portraits were taken at home with only window light. When we schedule your session, we’ll discuss which areas in your home get the best light. If necessary, I’ll bring portable lights.
Clothing
Babies and young children: If you love the way they look in an outfit, and they enjoy wearing it, that’s a great place to start. Just a diaper is another adorable option. And if they don’t mind clothing changes, I’m happy to photograph them in a variety of “looks.” All clothes should be clean and unwrinkled, and should fit well. If the session will be at your home, or if you bring several outfits to our location, I can help you choose.
Seniors: I used to recommend that seniors bring only 2 outfits to the shoot (lest we get bogged down in umpteen “costume changes”). I’ve come to relax that guideline, however, as I’ve discovered that some people express different moods with clothing — dressy, urban, casual, sporty, funky, mismatched, etc. We’ll discuss clothing in detail when we schedule your session.
Ordering prints
Within 2 weeks of your session, I’ll post your proofs to an online, password-protected gallery that is set up for convenient, secure print ordering (Visa & MasterCard are accepted). There will be a mix of color and black+white images to choose from. Please feel free to share your gallery with family and friends.
If you’re interested in storyboard compositions, framing, albums, printed announcements/cards, or volume discounts, please don’t hesitate to ask.