1. A Desire To Please

A photographer must have a burning desire to please the client and not just do it for the money. For over 20 years, nothing is more gratifying for me then to see the tears of joy in the eyes of a Mother when she sees the personality of her child captured like never before. Or hear the enthusiasm in the voice of a High School Senior who can hardly wait for their portraits to be finished so they can show them off to all of their friends. To me, there is absolutely nothing greater in life then to positively touch someone at such a deep level of emotion and to know that I made a difference in their life. Ask some of the people we have had the pleasure to work with and read what others have to say about their experience with us. If you can find a photographer who is willing to put more of their heart and soul into your portraits than us, hire them.

2. "No Nonsense" Guarantee

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a photographer is to ask if they have a "No Nonsense Guarantee." If the photographer is properly trained and experienced, the portraits should not be disappointing to begin with. However, if for any reason if you are disappointed with anything, should you have to pay for it? Absolutely not.... We proudly stand behind everything we do and our goal is to please everyone. However, if for any reason you are not absolutely "thrilled" with our quality and service, we will gladly refund all your payments. We want you to be so thrilled you would recommend us to everyone and basically, it's just the way I would expect to be treated.

3. Looking Good

For most people, (unless you are a movie star) being in front of a camera is somewhat an uncomfortable place to be. People often feel like they will look silly or be asked to do something that may be embarrassing. I know the feeling well and believe it or not, I hate to be in front of the camera too. When I was in photography school, we would use each other to practice on. You would think in 2 years I would get used to it. Anyone who really knows me well knows I am a terribly SHY person anyway.

Possibly someone who knows me really well is reading this right this minute and saying WHO is he talking about? Ok possibly I may only be a tiny bit shy, but I'm working on it OK.... Anyway, I got better about being in front of a camera in about a year. After a year they didn't need to go find me hiding in the woods anymore. Now, in my case it's more of a subject matter then being uncomfortable in front of the camera but that's another subject altogether.... ha I feel MUCH safer looking through the camera. If you experience similar fears, I can talk you through it... In fact, you are going to have fun... I Promise...

"Wearing the wrong clothes can make up to a 44 pound difference in the way you can look in a portrait."

Anyway, because I do understand your fears, I won't do anything that will make you uncomfortable or feel silly. Most of the time, I will show you what I want you to do before I have you do it. That way you are able to see what it will look like.. but much better with you in the portrait than me...

4. Clothing

Did you know that one of the biggest mistakes people make is wearing the wrong clothes? Even if you were a professional model, you still wouldn't know what to wear in a still photo. The "Art Director" would tell you what to wear. The model would just show up and do what they were told. The hair person does the hair etc. The Art Director plans everything and tells the subject what to do next. Did you know that the wrong clothing can add up to 44 pound difference in the way you look? Wrong clothes, wrong pose... disaster. This is another area where planning plays an important role and most studios don't even talk about. We pride ourselves in helping everyone look their best including advice on clothing. We want you to look great and feel great too!

5. Each Portrait Is A Work Of Art

Another quality that separates us all other portrait studios in the country is the way we carefully craft and artistically enhance your portraits. Each portrait from very small all the way up to a 36x48 Old Master Renaissance canvas is individually and creatively enhanced. When we began our business in 1985, we had the choice to work as a high volume, low quality business or to take all the additional steps necessary to create portraits that will last a life time. (Actually now it's around 200+ years) We carefully make everything for your family the very same way we do for our own family. All additional steps are completed and it certainly does take more time. Many studios would rather throw your order in a plastic bag and send you on their way. I would rather go through your order with you and show you the quality and then carefully repackage it again just like it's the most important order in the world, because to you and me, it IS...

6. Location

Many people we talk to say the same thing.. We want something different. Usually most studios can not or will not go to locations because again, it takes more time. They have to get as many bodies through the doors as possible, "Get em' in Get em' out" mentality. They have to have 500 people through the studio ever hour to keep it running. Do you think that can affect quality? Hummm So anyway, many will not offer location portraits and instead, everybody in all the communities will have the same old background... Boring... If that's what some people want, we have backgrounds, they work for some things OK.... BUT... If you want to be different, we can go to your home, the park, the lake, California, The Galapagos Islands, France, (Islands, States and Countries DO require additional fees) to create portraits that you will not only cherish, but will also be handed down from generation to generation. We love being different and so will you!

7. Our Time Is Your Time

We actually photograph fewer sessions because we want to take the time and do it right...the first time. Our guarantee, clothing, location, looking great and now the time we invest in creating this portrait, will have your friends and family just marveling at what we have accomplished. All of these steps are important to the quality of your portrait. We don't want to rush the quality process. It won't take that much extra time to make sure everything is perfect. If you want something fast that may or may not turn out, then hire a high volume studio that needs to get 500 people through every hour, that's up to you. If it's important enough to you to have a portrait taken, then why not take the time to do it right. We live in a rush rush lifestyle and I'm no different. But when it comes to getting quality, you MUST take the time to do it correctly. You just don't get it any other way.... Our clients know how careful we are and are always anxious to see what we have created and can't wait to see them...

8. Planning

Oh this is a biggie! The planning of the portrait is just as important as the portrait itself. A photographer must be dedicated to creating the finest portrait possible. In order to do that...planning of the day, time of day, clothing, location and all work in harmony to create a one of a kind masterpiece to proudly display in your home. Most studios are too busy to talk to you beforehand or even care about discussing these things. We are proud to spend time with you before, during and after the portrait. It's all vitally interconnected to be part of the You Are Going To Be "THRILLED"..........