Portraiture
What I do:
For Portraiture work, I am an on location, natural-light only photographer. This means that I do not use
studio lighting. I prefer to use the natural beauty that only the sun can produce.
What does my session fee include?
Once a session is scheduled, the retainer fee is due in full within 5 days to hold
your appointment. This session fee includes a pre-session phone consultation as well
as a 1-3 hour session at a pre-determined location, hand editing of each photo, and a
private online gallery to view and order your portraits. Please note that this fee is for
time and talent only and does not include prints. You will have the opportunity to purchase
a High-Resolution DVD of your images from the session after the online gallery expires.
Session fees are not refundable, however you may reschedule at no additional cost
if more than 48 hours notice is given.
Where will my session take place?
Sessions take place in your home, my home or on location. Location shoots can be
at a place of your choosing around the Charleston area such as a favorite park, beach
or downtown. We will pick a place that lends to the style of photography you are
looking for.
What should we wear?
This is the age-old question. First and foremost, you want to be comfortable. If you
or your children feel stiff, your portraits will not look natural. Please avoid logos,
cartoon characters or bold stripes or patterns in your clothing. If I will be
photographing more than one person, it is best that your clothing is complimentary.
Bright and bold colors are encouraged for really fun and unique child portraits. Bare
feet are always preferred. Please feel free to bring a few outfit changes. We can go over
choices before the session and/or we can try out a few different looks during the
session. Textured clothing photographs really nicely as well; such as jeans, corduroy
and knits. Please feel free to bring family heirlooms, favorite toys, hats, blankets or
other items you with to include in the session. We may or may not use each item, but
it’s always nice to have more possibilities for your session.
If I am photographing your newborn, the best clothes are, well, nothing at all. We will
most likely use a bouncy seat, bed and different blankets/materials for support and
background. If you prefer, just a diaper or diaper cover may also be used. I always include
the parents in newborn shots, even if only as "props". There's nothing more precious than
the site of your child cradled in your arms. And so, I suggest parents wear solid white, cream
or black shirts.
What can I expect during the session?
I’ve never been a huge fan of studio-style portraiture where children are told to
“sit and smile” or “say cheese” in an intimidating environment. I learned this first-
hand as my own children have never given a natural looking smile in these locations.
My goal is to customize your session and take all the time we need for your children
to feel comfortable and free to be themselves. It is then that the true magic happens.
Please do not tell your children to “sit still” or “say cheese”. Occasionally, I will tell
them to look my way or smile, but some of the very best shots are not the typical sit
and smile type pose. The best shots come when children are running, jumping,
playing...when they have bare feet, wind-blown hair and salt water on their pants. I
love it when they feel comfortable enough to let their personalities shine and
act like children!
Please play with your kids during the session. Laugh with them, tickle them, run and
jump with them. Even if it isn’t your goal to do a family portrait session, I will try to
include the parents in the session in some way. I will help to capture the true essence
of your family. There are no time limits on portrait sessions to ensure that we have the
time needed to create unique, fun and beautiful images that you will treasure for a
lifetime.
My approach to youth sports photography is the same as with our portraits. I will attend a game and focus exclusively on your son or daughter. I will capture compelling images that reflect energy, enthusiasm, and individuality.
Newborns:
It is best to photograph newborns within the first TWO WEEKS of life for that fresh
baby look. It is during this precious time that they sleep well and are most easily
curled into womb-like positions. If you are expecting and would like to have a
newborn session, please contact me before your baby is born to ensure a tentative
date and time.
When will my photos be ready?
Within 10-14 days of your session, 75-100 images will be available in a private,
password protected gallery. You will have 3 months to make your selections for prints.
Payment for portraits is due in full at the time the order is placed and your portraits
will arrive within 2 weeks from date of payment.
Referral Program:
Clients who refer a friend or family to A Spot in Time Photography will receive a
$50 print credit upon completion and order from the referred client.
Copyright reminder:
Please note that every image on this website is protected by federal copyright laws. In
fact, not only the pictures on the website are protected but, all images (online proofs
or printed portraits) taken by A Spot in Time Photography are protected unless rights
are purchased with the sessions including the High-Resolution CD. And the
images on the CD are released with the agreement that they are to printed for personal
use ONLY. I pride myself on giving the best quality to my clients and therefore wish
for every image to be held to my very high standards, some of which include color
correction, attention to detail cropping and a quality finished product through my
chosen professional lab. All images printed from the CD provided with certain sessions
may be compromised through innacurate printing, so the client should be aware of
this.