What should
I wear?
Solid colored clothing with
long sleeves generally serves to eliminate distractions in a portrait and
place the emphasis on the subject's face. Wear classic styles of clothing.
Trendy fashions tend to date the portrait. When two or more people are
photographed together have all subjects wear similar styles in the same
color family. This helps place equal emphasis on individuals and eliminates
the possibility that one person will dominate the portrait. TOP
Do I have
to be photographed in the studio?
Portraits should make a
statement about the subject. Having portraits done in an environment that
reflects your lifestyle and interests is a great idea because it shows
people what you're all about. Photographic artists are pleased to make
house calls! We'll even photograph you at church, office, the beach, or
on your boat! When environmental portraiture is made outside the studio
we will schedule the session at the time of day when the light is most
flattering to the subject. TOP
My kids won't
sit still. What do I do?
In this day and age most
of us teach our kids not to befriend a stranger, so it sends the wrong
message if we sit them down in a strange place with a strange man behind
a camera and ask them to say "cheese"! We encourage you to let kids be
kids. Provide them with props and toys and let them have a good time in
the studio. The expressions made and the actions that occur make for priceless
portraits that truly reflect the personality of your child. The Kids Gallery
displays samples of some great portraits of children. TOP
Are you going
to tilt my head into some crazy and uncomfortable position?
People have a natural tendency
to make themselves comfortable. Unfortunately, relaxing one's muscles leads
to poor posture. Poor posture leads to rounded shoulders and double chins.
To look one's best it is necessary to win the battle with gravity. Therefore,
in order for a person to look his/her best, it is essential that each body
muscle work in tandem with the one to which it is attached. Ken is proficient
at proper posing, lighting, and composition and is quite capable of seeing
you at your best. TOP
What type
of portrait do you suggest?
Personal tastes dictate
the type of portrait you might consider. A literal portrait is one in which
the subject looks directly at the camera. It is excellent for depicting
the physical characteristics of the subject. When you wish to portray
more than just the physical look of the subject you may wish to consider
an interpretive portrait. TOP
What is the
difference between a high key and low key portrait?
When a light subject in
lightly colored clothing is placed on a light background we have a high
key portrait. Color coordinating all of the elements in the image insures
that the face becomes the darkest part of an otherwise light image. Consequently,
one's eye is drawn naturally to the subject. Conversely, the face becomes
the lightest element in an otherwise dark image when a dark subject is
placed in a dark environment, creating a low key portrait. TOP
What is meant
by "painting with light"?
Traditionally, artists like
Rembrandt posed subjects lighted by window light and painted what they
saw. Photographic artists, people who make photographs (pictures
made with light), utilize the same techniques as the painting masters.
A subject is posed so that either the ambient light or the studio light
gives dimension to it, flattering it where possible and playing down any
deficiencies it might have. When the lighting and the pose are correct
the photographer can work for good expression and make the exposure. The
result can be an image just as classic and beautiful as any that is painted.
TOP
Why don't
professional photographers center their subjects?
Believe it or not, the center
of interest in an artistic composition is not in the center! Professional
photographers utilize the "Rule of Thirds" to place subjects within the
frame. Imagine dividing the interior of the camera's viewfinder into a
Tic-Tac-Toe grid. The four points of intersection within the grid, called
"saddle points", indicate the best possibilities for subject placement
that produces the most interesting and dynamic composition. This simple
rule is based on mathematically sound principles that are inherent in nature.
A detailed analysis of composition can be helpful to anyone seriously interested
in photography. TOP
How should
I display my portrait?
The most exciting use of
a special portrait is as wall decor in home or office. A distinctive professional
portrait, a unique work of art, serves as a focal point over a fireplace
or sofa and is a constant reflection of the pride you have in the people
you love. It is a one of a kind home furnishing that just happens to hang
on the wall! In your photographic consultation you should discuss your
plans for displaying your portrait. Our staff can help you coordinate the
image with the furnishings in the room and even make decisions regarding
appropriate format and composition. TOP
What is
the appropriate size for a wall portrait?
In order to achieve maximum
impact a portrait or group of portraits should occupy a minimum of 50%
of the space available. If the artwork occupies less space the empty space
surrounding it becomes the focal point instead. An 8x10 displayed over
a piece of furniture, for example, draws attention to the walls instead
of to the portrait. When investing in portraits for wall decor remember
that this is simply one design element which must relate appropriately
to the others in the room. Therefore, size and proportion are just as important
considerations as are color and style. TOP |
