Artistic Portraiture
My objective for an artistic portrait is to capture fleeting emotion with the help of the setting's mood. If appropriate, even special effects and/or specific clothing may be used to enhance the intended effect. You can choose from any style that suits you, including boudoir. I'm flexible with individual preferences but ultimately, I'm driven by artistic value, so your goal has to inspire me!
The first part of manifesting a dream is to have one...let's see if you can be inspired to escape out of the box... even if, only for a moment...
Can you imagine the setting for your artistic portrait?
What type of setting do you see yourself in? Urban, country? What would you wear in this scene, classy attire, relaxed threads or nothing at all? Are there candles, flowers? Is it spring, fall? Is the warmth of the sunshine bathing you or is the heat radiating from a fireplace? Are you wearing a hat, carrying an umbrella or is your hair blowing in the breeze? Shoes, boots or bare feet? Is there a tub, a calm lake or a waterfall? Are you surrounded by dramatic structures or smooth flowing materials? Is the backdrop gently bathed at sunset? Is your clothing gently swaying in a breeze?
You're getting the idea, the possibilities are endless! This visualization process demonstrates how easily imagination can transport our minds and stimulate our emotions. Step out of the mundane and take part in this fun filled creative process. It will enrich your spirit and that's always a worthwhile investment, especially when the finished product is a timeless piece!
Relaxed Portraiture
Every life creates precious memories accumulated from crossing paths with others. Wouldn't it make sense to honor those who's paths enriched ours? Photography is a wondrous key to humanity and a poignant witness to timeless existence. A portrait extends the memory of those who matter most.
Character Portraiture
My approach to a character portrait is aimed at revealing the subjects passion or occupation, persona, character, heritage or a combination thereof. For me, this type of work represents the ultimate challenge! It's profound and elevates the appreciation of those familiar with the subject's characteristics. This style makes a compelling alternative to the common "cheese" pose.
Artist's notes about this image:
My wife has a deceptively strong character and will readily defend her point of view in a patient, yet determined manner. I felt that her stance, "back against the fence" would project this trait. The warmth of the sunshine bathing her, makes a parallel to some of her other monumental qualities: she's a warm, giving and welcoming individual, her calm demeanor and open arms reflect these traits. Post-processing softening of the image and the use of a warm tone paper complete the desired effect. The fence post cap behind her is a fleur-de-lys, a fitting link to her French heritage. With uncompromising determination, she has an unusual ability to plan ahead and work diligently towards any goal, which I emphasized here by having her look away and down the street.
Artist's notes about this image:
My father in law is a jeweler by trade, but raced boats and snowmobiles on the weekends during the 50's and 60's. Judging by his endless 1st place trophies accumulated in both sports, he's done better than most! Boating was always his favorite, in fact, you can have endless conversations with him, as long as it's boating related! Remarkably, he designed, built and tweaked the many racing boats that crossed the finish line, without the benefit of a formal education. This sunset image of him at 85 years of age, standing on his boat and overlooking his stomping ground, is a great way to honor this remarkable man and his endless passion. Even though he's raced and won locally, provincially and internationally in varied venues throughout Ontario and Québec, many victories took place on this lake, where to this day, he owns a cottage and drives his current boat daily, at full throttle! People his age, if able at all, are driving pontoon boats! He embodies the conqueror spirit!
Details of your Portraiture Package
- $299 retainer includes:
- Sitting fee - shoot session - 1 custom print
- One subject
- One location
- CD with 6X9 @ 72dpi images for your selection convenience
- Touch ups and effects as required (artist's judgment)
- 1 Custom Art Print (max paper size) 22 X 17
- Image size varies according to crop required (artist's judgment)
- Travel fee may be applicable
- Enlargement is unmounted/unframed
- Taxes are not included
- Exhibition Gallery Art Print is optional for a $50 premium
Guaranteed results!
FAQs:
-Do you use a studio? - No! I prefer to work on location. It opens a larger window of variety, by providing natural backgrounds and lighting conditions that are best suited to my style.
-Can the shoot session take place at my home? - Of course, as long as it suits the desired effect. Once under contract, I invest a substantial amount of time, meticulously planning a shoot session. The setting and lighting conditions available must reflect the envisioned theme.
-How long is the shoot session? - It varies according to subject and location. I'm quality driven and only stop when exceptional results have been achieved. You certainly can't lose!
-Do you offer portrait packages? - Yes, à la carte! The rate is $299 and includes one large finished print. Additional prints prices/sizes can be found on the pricing page.
-Do you do "straight" portraits? - Of course! Your choice of formal or a relaxed approach, however, don't underestimate the value of a more creative approach by staying away from "cheese" poses!
-Do you do children portraits? -Yes and I would add this: as static subjects, I find that young children quickly become bored, frustrated and ultimately uncooperative as their way of expressing disapproval for having their freedom curtailed. The jittery types require even less intervention before acting up. I use a candid approach to maximize the quality of the results.
-Can we print photos from the included CD? - No, the 6X9 @ 72 dpi resolution is strictly intended for viewing on a computer screen and to order additional prints. Their other practical use is to be emailed to friends and relatives for their viewing.
-Can we get the CD with high res images instead? -Unfortunately no because the bulk of the workload (20 hours) is up front, making the initial hourly fee equivalent, too low! However, this approach works in your favor because for me to get additional orders and make it worth my while, I must exceed your expectations!
-Can we gather various families at a park for a shoot session and share the cost? Photographers who do business that way are using a cookie cutter approach to portraiture and primarily producing cheese poses. They're more concerned with making a few bucks than creating art or improving their craft. It's an approach to photography that has never appealed to me. I'm motivated by artistic value, not a quick buck! My time allocation is based on acquiring distinctive results for one subject.
-Do you do pet portraits? - Yes, but only horses!
-Do you do boudoir photography? - Yes, but classy and tasteful are the operative words! My results are guaranteed to meet your expectations!
-What if because of my portrait's intimate nature, I don't want it shown publicly? - I respect privacy and will contractually negotiate permissible uses on case by case basis.
-How can you guarantee the results? - Simple! After the shoot session, you can verify and approve the preliminary results on your TV screen and prior to my departure.
- What are Exhibition Gallery Art Prints? - Exhibition Gallery prints use the most coveted type of photographic paper. It was developed by Epson for Art Gallery exhibitions. It's a result of extensive research and development and in consultation with the who's who of photography - no compromises! Its look, feel and longevity put in a league of its own! This exceptional fiber media is offered at a premium and is worth considering!
-When do we pay you? - The retainer is due with your booking.
I'm a Dreamer...
and a Thinker !
I'm Curious !
I'm a Princess !
I'm Sweet !
