frequently asked questions
Do you offer portrait photography?
Absolutely! In addition to producing award-winning cinematic wedding film, we also offer portrait sessions for couples and families! We especially love working with families with young children (and we’ve had a lot of practice photographing our own two girls over the years)!
What is your photography style?
Our approach to portraiture is similar to that of our wedding films… we like to keep everything looking natural and relaxed. The best moments are the ones that happen organically, on their own, without much direction. That said, we will make suggestions on best poses and arranging groups for a flattering look. But we want to see smiles and laughter that are genuine, because those are the ones that look best in photos!
How long is a session?
Photo sessions are typically about one hour from start to finish. This allows ample time to photograph multiple poses in a few different locations, as well as minor changes of clothes (see below). When photographing younger children, we try to get photos involving the children first (as their attention span may not last the full hour) and then focus on the adults afterward.
What are the ideal times/weather for portraits?
Well, there’s really no “bad” time for a photo! Even in inclement weather, we can get some truly stunning images! That said, ideal times for lighting are early morning and late afternoon… that’s when the angle of the sunlight is more horizontal and less overhead, providing a more dramatic lighting setup. How about cloudy days? Awesome… cloudy and overcast days are actually fantastic for portraits, as the lighting tends to be more even. Skin tones look especially flattering during overcast days.
How should my group dress for the session?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer for this…. but we can share what approaches have worked well for our prior clients. Color coordination always looks nice, but subjects don’t necessarily need to all wear the same colors. Pick a color theme (ie yellows and greens, or oranges and reds, or purples and blues) and find clothing/accessories that elements of the colors. There doesn’t need to be 100% uniformity in the colors…. mixing in other colors can add a “pop”! There are countless websites to check for color/clothing coordination. Our one suggestion is to bring a couple additional accessories (scarfs, hats, backup shirts) if the mood calls for it and do a “quick change” in the car if needed!
Do you offer studio or on-location portraits?
We prefer being outdoors and using all of nature’s ambient light (though we can always supplement portraits with off-camera lighting if needed). Studio backdrops are great for a “formal” look, but our style is to tell the story about the couple or family in a more natural setting. Wooded areas, lakes, beaches, even backyards can make for unique and exciting backdrops! We suggest bringing along a blanket or throw to sit on for some fun “sitting” poses!
What will I receive?
All our portrait services include high-resolution digital files delivered via a password-protected online gallery. Clients can download the files (along with a print release, just in case the printing facility asks for copyright information). Of course, we offer print services (both in-house and offsite) for prints of any size. Our in-house service can generate prints up to 13”x17”, typically delivered next-day for super urgent turnaround. And for all other prints, we use highly-respected and well-known professional print production house… the same service that creates our stunning wedding albums. All prints are generated on acid-free, archive-grade matte-photo paper to preserve the memories for a lifetime.
Are you insured?
Absolutely, we carry full liability insurance coverage. If you need details, just ask!
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, we gladly accept all major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express).
I can’t wait to book you! How do I reserve my date?
Just shoot us a line or give us a call. We typically respond within 24-hours to all messages/inquires and we’re looking forward to learning more about your portrait needs!