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What are Fine-Art School Portraits?

Not your average school photo! I take the time to talk to each child and draw out what makes them unique, so that I can capture glimpses of their personality in their photos. The result is more natural, fun photos of your child! What if you really love an authentic portrait but still like the cheesy school picture grin (because they’re just so funny!)? Don’t worry, we usually get at least one of those in an effort to show the genuine smile you are used to seeing! And if you child doesn’t feel like smiling, I won’t force them to. I promise they’ll still look like the kid you know and love.

BALLARD PRESCHOOL CO-OP PICTURE DAYS

Friday, May 21st

If this date doesn’t work for you, I will be in my studio in Lower Queen Anne/North edge of Belltown on Sunday, May 16th. Please email me directly to schedule.

WHERE WILL SESSIONS BE HELD?

Outdoor sessions will be at my house, either in my yard or driveway. While I am fully-vaccinated and will also wear a mask, for the safety of all BPC family members, I ask that everyone wear a mask until your session begins, and maintain distance if I am finishing someone else’s session when you arrive. You will be sent my address when you sign-up.

WHAT DOES A SESSION LOOK LIKE?

I take approximately 5 minutes to talk to each child and draw out what makes them unique, so that I can capture glimpses of their personality in their photos. The result is more natural, fun photos of your child! What if you really love an authentic portrait but still like the cheesy school picture grin (because they’re just so funny!)? Don’t worry, we usually get at least one of those in an effort to show the genuine smile you are used to seeing! And if you child doesn’t feel like smiling, I won’t force them to. I promise they’ll still look like the kid you know and love.

Sibling sessions are done after individual photos, and I get photos of the kids both looking at the camera, and interacting with each other. If you are doing two children and a sibling session, it will take approximately 15 minutes to get it all done.

WHAT DO I GET WITH A SESSION?

Each individual session includes a carefully edited proofing gallery of images in both color and black & white. You choose 1 DIGITAL IMAGE of your choice from the proofing gallery. Each sibling session includes 1 DIGITAL IMAGE of EACH CHILD PLUS 1 DIGITAL IMAGE OF THE SIBLINGS TOGETHER, all images will be of your choosing. You also have the option to purchase the entire collection of digital images and both package or à la carte prints.

After picture day, I review all the photos and select my favorites. After editing these, I put up individual galleries for each child that contain both color and black and white images. Most galleries contain 10+ images, the number in each gallery will vary depending on how comfortable a child is in front of my camera. There will usually be at least half a dozen images to choose your favorites from. When the gallery is ready, a link will be sent to your email, your favorites for prints. You may also order additional images, print packages (sent directly to you), or the whole digital collection at that time. Prints start at $5 and digital images start at $45.

 

SIBLING MINI-PHOTO SESSIONS

• • SAMPLE SIBLING GALLERIES (aka WHY YOU NEED SIBLING PHOTOS HERE)

    • these are a few example galleries that show a portion of the images we can get in the short time frame of a sibling session.

• • The sibling sessions are an opportunity for you to get photos of your children together. This will be an approximately 10-15 minute session with all siblings, focused on the interactions between them.

• • The longer time frame allows the kids to get comfortable and to allow for a greater variety of images. Most galleries have at least 10 images, presented in both color and B&W.

• Sometimes with the really little ones, a grown-up needs to assist. I try to do some creative framing so you can remain out of the photo but in rare circumstances they may just need to be held close, so if you wear black or dark clothing, you’ll fade into the background better.

SNEAK PEEKS

I always love taking these photos and would love the chance to display some of these beautiful images as part of my portfolio. The bonus for you? An early sneak peek into your child’s portraits before the entire gallery is released!

• Please consider signing a MODEL RELEASE, it will take you less than 30 seconds!

PICTURE DAY INFO, TIPS, & FAQ

WHY A BLACK BACKDROP?

• • So the focus is on your child!

WHAT SHOULD THEY WEAR?

• • Something that reflects who they are, and what they look like on a usual basis!
  • Collars look great, small florals, layers like a shirt/vest, dress/jacket.
  • Note about clothing color:  please try to avoid black and navy, as they are hard to see against the black backdrop. Also, fluorescent or super bright colors can create a strange color cast on skin.
  • It is best to avoid logos, text and large, distracting patterns on clothing, so the attention is on that adorable face!

WHAT IF THEY DON’T SMILE?

• Please refrain from coaching your child and telling them to smile their best “cheese” smile. That prevents get their true personality from shining through, and it puts pressure on the kids to perform.
• I know many kids are conditioned to smile in front of a camera, and I will work with them to get more authentic expressions.
• I will never force a child to smile. I may give them a little break, I’ll make a fool of myself to get them to laugh, and encourage them to get silly, but some kiddos are just a little more reserved and I capture them as they are.

WILL YOU EDIT OUT SCRATCHES, STAINS OR SCARS?

• Please try to wash off marker or tattoos off visible areas if you don’t want them in photos. While I do edit all the images, I cannot do detailed editing like removing temporary tattoos, scratches, etc without an additional fee.
• Send “neat” food for snacks and lunch on picture days, we try to do our best to get all faces wiped if necessary before photos but can’t do anything about stained clothes!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m looking forward to taking photos of your child!

~ Kellie  (mom of Reese, 7 (BPC alumnus) & Carli, 11)

 

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