LOCATION

    Choose a location that makes you feel comfortable and perhaps has a special meaning for you.  The best time for taking photos outside is early morning or late afternoon, but if we can’t schedule during these times, it is best if we work in the shade.  If you would like for me to take photos in your home, look around your house and notice the light coming through the windows.  We are looking for soft, diffused light and not direct sunlight. 

    I can also make some suggestions as to location, if you prefer.  In addition, I have access to the William Harris Homestead in Monroe, Georgia.  Check out these photos I took there and let me know if you’d like to have your family portraits taken there!

CLOTHING

    Most importantly, you should wear clothing and colors that you feel good in.  Having said that, I do have some suggestions.  I discourage shirts with heavy patterns and logos or anything that might distract a viewer from your face.  Solid colors work best.  Keep in mind that light colors may help reflect light into your face, which helps to eliminate shadows, but again, wear a color that you feel good in.  Sometimes the colors yellow and green can alter the tone of your complexion, so you may want to avoid these colors.  In family or group photos, everyone should wear colors that are in harmony with each other.  Think about clothing that will stand the test of time.

CHILDREN

    Parents should not worry too much about making children behave or pose perfectly for their portraits.  I am a mother, and I’m accustomed to all kinds of behavior!  Letting your children be themselves can yield some authentic expressions and personalities.  Of course, you know your children best, so please bring snacks or toys or whatever you feel your child needs to feel comfortable during the session.  We will take breaks when they are needed.

A NOTE ABOUT THE FINAL PRODUCT

    After your session, I will provide a password-protected gallery with the best, retouched photos from your session within three weeks.  This site will be available to you for at least 30 days, and you can share it with anyone you like.  You will be able to leave comments on each photo, and you will also be able to order prints of almost any size and other products as well. 

    Recently I have begun using SmugMug to create galleries and allow you to order prints that I take for you directly from the printer.  Using this service saves me considerable time and money, which is why I can pass this savings on to you and offer prints at an excellent rate.  Please be aware that my print prices do not include the shipping price, and there will be no fancy packaging either.  However, the prints are superb quality, and they are guaranteed.  If you have any problems receiving your prints, please let me know IMMEDIATELY, and I will take care of it for you.

    If you opt to buy the disk for $150, I will provide these same photos to you on a DVD, and you can print them wherever you want.  Keep in mind that not all printers offer quality printing, and I will not be held liable for any problems you have with prints, if you do not purchase prints through my gallery.

    If you desire additional post-processing than what I initially provide, additional fees may apply.  For example, you may see some photos that you want converted to black and white, or there may be some detail you want removed from the photo.  Fees will depend on the time it takes me to do this.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to e-mail me.  shelli (at) mamaofletters (dot) com

Thank you for your interest in S P Photography!  I look forward to working with you!

 

GENERAL

    Most of all, I want portrait sessions to be fun and relaxed. I have allowed enough time during the sessions for us to chat and get to know each other.  Getting to know you will help me take better portraits of you, and getting to know me may help you relax in front of the camera! I also want you to tell me whatever you have in mind for your portraits.  Of course, if you say, “I don’t know,” that’s okay too.  We’ll try different things, and I’ll make plenty of suggestions.

I like to take a mix of posed and candid photos.  We’ll begin with the posed shots, and then we can walk around, and as you interact with each other, I’ll keep shooting.  For example, if we are at your home, children love to show me their toys, and an activity like this can offer some beautiful, candid shots.