SEVEN SECRETS TO A G R E AT
FAMILY
Portrait
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1. BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND So, you’re due for a portrait. To get to your destination, you must know where you are going. The same is true for a portrait. Here are a few questions to aim you in the right direction: ▶Why do I need a portraits? For a loved one? An anniversary? The kids are of a certain age? Our family is overdue? ▶Who will be in the portraits? The children? The immediate family? The extended family? A couple? Solo? A combination? Pets? ▶Where are you going to put it? Will it go on your wall? Which one? Perhaps you need a custom size over a couch or above a fireplace. Maybe you need portraits that compliment a series of older portraits. ▶Are you looking for a wall display or a collage? Do you have limited wall space, or an open floor plan?
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2. CHOOSE WISELY When hiring a Portrait Artist (a professional photographer), learn about them. In this world of cell phones where everyone is a “photographer,” consider investing in a trained professional portrait artist. There’s a difference. A big difference. Here are a few questions to ask: ▶Do they offer any guarantees? ▶Have you seen a portfolio of work, not just a couple images? ▶How many years in business? ▶Do they have a studio? ▶Are they accredited with Professional Photographers of America (PPA) or do they have any other professional accreditation? ▶Do they have testimonials? ▶How do they handle retouching?
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3. CONSULTATION We recommend a one-on-one consultation with your photographic portrait artist for the best results. ▶At the Consultation, meet with the photographer to review finished work, tour their studio, talk about clothing, location, style of portraits, investment, and what to expect. ▶Discuss location vs. studio portraits. Formal or casual? ▶Describe the characters in your family. What does everyone do? Who is shy, outgoing, rebellious? Understanding the family, helps the portrait artist to capture their personalities and how they interact. ▶Get to know the photographer’s personality. Are they good with children? ▶Will you have a pet or two in the portrait?
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4. GUARD THE DATE Pick the date and keep it sacred.
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▶Guard this date like you would any family vacation. ▶Don’t let work or activities torpedo your battleship.
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5. DRESS WELL Clothes are essential to a great portrait. ▶The more you coordinate the clothes, the more the clothes fit the motif, the better the result. ▶Once you have determined the style of portraits, then you can start selecting colors and clothing styles. ▶Clothes should complement the portrait and the environment, not dominate it. ▶Avoid bold patterns and stripes in group photos, anything that draws too much attention. ▶When in doubt, limit your color palette, wear solids, long pants and long sleeves. ▶Having hair and makeup done professionally is a plus. ▶Jewelry and accessories often add to a portrait.
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6. VIEW & ORDER
Be sure to schedule a time when all the decision makers are there. ▶Ideally, you’ll want to view your images projected large on a screen. Select your favorites. ▶Choose the right sizes for you. ▶Consider where you’ll be displaying your portraits. ▶Do you want a wall display? ▶Do the portraits come framed? ▶Do the portraits have any guarantee?
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7. FINISH WELL Finishing well is as important as starting well. ▶Frame it well. Select the frame that compliments the piece. It is more important to match the frame to the portrait than the frame to the wall. ▶Hang it well. Put it at the right eye level and the right spot. ▶Light it well. Light your portraits (especially with can or spot lights.) It makes a huge difference.
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