Retouching and Corrections

We are often asked about retouching and corrections. We do minor corrections like removing facial blemishes, whitening teeth, and softening wrinkle lines. We also often get asked to do more drastic corrections such as digital liposuction, if requested (although you’re beautiful just as you are!). Often, in large family groups with children, we do head-swaps. Repairs to your old torn, scratched, discolored and otherwise damaged old photographs are done as well.

Clothing Information & Suggestions

We truly appreciate your interest in scheduling a portrait session with us. Creating the perfect pictures does take a bit of planning, but it will result in a striking portrait. Below are some recommendations that will make your session enjoyable. Plan your portrait session; discuss your ideas with us and get involved so that your portraits will help share the story of your family. If you have any questions about preparing for your session, please call us!

Use your imagination and take a moment to think about what would make your photograph unique. Consider hobbies, interests, and activities your family likes to do together. Are there any special places to you where your portrait would look great? Would you prefer outdoors, indoors, at home, or on the water?

Clothing

Selecting the right clothing and accessories will prevent unnecessary distractions and make your photo fun to look at and special to you. A great portrait will direct your attention around the photo and back to the faces. Take the time to plan your outfits so you will have plenty of STYLE. Have FUN with colors, layers, textures, and accessories; they will make a big difference in the outcome of your portrait.

There are a couple of ways of deciding what to wear. Families can either pick some colors that look good together and keep everyone in shades of those colors or colors that coordinate together. Very light and dark tones together can create visual confusion; typically you want to select clothing so no individual stands out in the picture (like everyone in earth tones and someone wearing lime green). It is also easy to find a special outfit for a baby or child, and then use those colors in everyone else's attire to coordinate, or just find some colors that work well with each other and find shades of those.
There are some general ideas, but put together outfits that are you and have fun!
* Generally speaking, lighter colors should be closest to the face with darker colors on the bottom. Also, light clothing looks best on fair complexions with white or light backgrounds. Conversely, medium and darker clothing looks better on dark complexions and dark hair, with deep backgrounds; particularly true for individual portraits.

Other clothing tips . . . .
* Simple attire photographs best- what this means is to avoid really busy patterns (big stripes and plaids all together). Chose solid colors that coordinate if you have a very large group (10 and over). Also, in large groups, long sleeves and long pants or skirts with dark stockings are best. The most skin should be seen on the face- bare arms call attention to themselves. With suits, a shirt that is pastel or has muted pattern might work better than a plain white shirt.

* View the ENTIRE OUTFIT TOGETHER with socks and shoes to make sure nothing sticks out. Accessories should match and fit the style of your photo.

Props

Items that display your hobbies and interests are great additions for your portrait. Let us help you out with any ideas you have.

Time

To make sure you won’t be rushed, please schedule appropriately so we may enjoy a full hour to two hours (depending on type of session). Just call if you need to change your scheduled time. Make sure you give yourself extra time to get ready so we will have enough time for you!

Glasses

Light glare and lens distortion from your glasses is difficult to repair. Your eye doctor may remove the lenses, or loan you a similar pair of frames. We can also try to keep them at a proper angle; however we can only do our best.

Makeup

We suggest bringing makeup for minor modifications and touch-ups- especially a light powder to eliminate shine on a hot day. Avoid white or silver makeup- around the eyes, or in lipstick or nail polish – it does not photograph well.

And Last …

* Get plenty of sleep before your session! It will show if you are overly tired.

* Relax and HAVE FUN with your session. This is the most important part!

Special Note for Babies and Children

For birth announcements, we suggest calling a few weeks BEFORE your "due date" (you probably won't have extra energy to plan after) and then scheduling a session when you return from the hospital to shoot in the first three weeks after the birth. This may seem really soon, but babies are more "bendable" this early and we want to capture this precious time before it is gone all too soon!
Also, in a newborn shoot, we suggest parents to wear LONG SLEEVES, both mom and dad. Have BLACK (because we'll be photographing you, too, even if you are just holding your baby) and also a soft pastel color or a color that matches the nursery or room where you will be displaying the photograph. We may also (if you want to) photograph you and baby with bare feet- so make sure your TOES are freshly painted if you like them that way.

Being a mom of two myself, I am learning a little bit about children everyday. If we are taking photographs of your children, please keep some things in mind. If your children have eaten, they will probably be happier. Especially true for babies and very young children- they run the session. Everything is up to them and if we need to take a break for feeding or reschedule, we will be patient. Also, plan on at least one accident with a unclothed newborn; they ALWAYS happen, so a towel on hand is great to have :) Much of the time spent will be waiting for the right moment. You know your child best- what makes them laugh as well as knowing when they've had enough and need a break. Thanks!

Pricing & Print Information

We try to keep things simple with a single session fee of $45*and then you may order prints by the sheet (same image), see below. Without "packages" you are free to order any combination of sizes and quantities you'd like. Enlargements from 11x14 and up, custom sizes available.

Call 801.597.5683 to set up an appointment.

Christmas cards and baby/ other announcements, e-mail for pricing
For weddings and large events, please e-mail for availability and package details.

*Prices subject to change without notice. Session fee includes travel within specific area, will travel, ask for quote and availability.