Earlier this year Travis was visiting Seattle from Las Vegas and he got to hang out with us a few times during his time here.  I was just finishing off a large print of him and Patrick his father that will be printing over the next couple of days on canvas stock and then wrapping around a wooden frame.  I like this photograph a lot, to me it shows the father-son relationship nicely and I like how Travis is looking into the camera while his father isn’t.  I’m still debating about the final tone, here it is with a classic sepia finish. 

This photo session was actually a gift for Patrick for his birthday and it reminded me how photography can be such a great gift for the significant people in your life.  Lets face it, we all have those friends & family members who are impossible to purchase for at this time of year, those folks that seem to have everything or have very specific taste that you can’t quite master.  The beauty of gifting photography is that it is truly unique, because the subjects are unique.   Maybe this might be the answer to the tough gift for that loved one - the perfect gift.  And because the photographs will be around for generations to follow its always something to remember this year.  Of course the gift can also scale depending on how much you want to spend and what you want to include. 

If you are interested in possibly purchasing a gift certificate for someone you love just drop us a note and what you would like to include and we can make one up for you. 

Although I have been thinking fondly of fall recently it’s not too far away to remember that lovely color.  Living on the West Coast we don’t have the amazing fall color that the East Coast does, but with some careful planning there is color here, all be it not as much!  Along with the boys Heather and Brian came by the other day to review the photographs that we took last month.  We spent a couple of hours that day exploring the Arboretum here is Seattle and had some fun playing in the golden leaves.   The photograph below was one of their favorites of the five of them all together. 

On Friday Haiden and Bryson came into the studio with their parents to make some additional photographs before the end of year gets here.  They were on fine form, talk about two boys with huge amounts of energy, they were completely enjoying themselves running around having fun as boys will.  Haiden remembered the cats from his last visit and was very keen to play ‘find the cats’ and it wasn’t long before he spotted Jester hanging out in a corner.  With boys of this amount of energy rather than setup a particular spot we cleared the studio and worked as they explored and had fun.  With the brilliant warm light that was coming through the windows it made for a lovely time.  

Ok, time for bed, I will review the rest of these photographs in the morning.

After speaking to an existing client and a couple of new clients we have decided to add a second offer for folks wanting to create some special photographic memories this holiday season. 

The first offer consists of one of our large framed artisan prints, then some lovely 5×7 holiday cards, combined together with our studio session. This offer is priced at $595, a great saving as the retail value is typically well over $1000. Because we know people like flexibility when it comes to presenting photographs we have chosen three different sized wall photographs and you get to choose which size & style you like.

The second offer is similar, but it doesn’t include the large wall photograph for folks that might not want one now.   It includes those twenty five lovely 5×7 holiday cards combined with our studio session. This offer is priced at just $350, its a great deal and something we think might have broader appeal.

We will hold these prices through December 22.  However we are getting more and more busy and we fulfill orders on a first come-first served basis.  We know holidays are really important and we will do everything we can do to make sure our clients are happy, however its worth noting that depending on how late you book your holiday appointment we may not be able to supply all products by December 24th. 

As with all of our sessions these will include a complimentary consultancy phone call or meeting prior to your scheduled appointment to allow us to learn more about you and what you’re looking for in your photographs.  We think that the easy-going atmosphere will enable us to bring out your holiday best and focus our attention on the little details that are so important — a facial expression, a certain glint in the eyes and of course a natural smile.

If you might be interested to learn more just complete the web form that is located here and we will be in touch.

One question that often gets asked by new clients is ‘can I bring my dog or cat?” and my typical answer is yes.  I’m a huge lover of animals be it on safari or the two cats, Jones and Jester, that have adopted me and I totally understand folks that want to have their pets photograph made to savor their memory for the future.  So if you have a pet that is special to you just ask and lets try and figure it out.  

This evening I’m finishing up some prints for Lisa for some holiday gifts that she ordered.  This shot was taken on a very sunny October day with her lovely hound Jake.  After discovering that Jake didn’t react too well to the studio lights we decided to take it outside to the terrace.  I’ve worked with Jake three times over the last couple of years and each session is very eventful and fun.  One of the things with working with animals you are always going to get the unexpected and Jake manages to keep things interesting for sure!   He’s a total cutie for sure.   

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday, hopefully lots of great food with your friends and friends. 

Now that the holiday is over I’m turning my attention back to the studio.  On Wednesday of this week we had the opportunity to work with two totally cool sisters that had decided that they wanted to surprise their family with some special photographs for their holiday gift.  Like many families these days they live in multiple cities and only get the chance to come together as a family occasionally and this Thanksgiving was one chance they had to make some beautiful photographs together.  We spent a bunch of time working together and the ladies brought a bunch of different outfits to try - here is one that I love that shows the interaction of the two sisters and their relationship.   I’m looking forward to reviewing the photographs with them later today.   

As many folks get into that holiday mode and start to plan holiday parties, family gatherings and of course holiday gifts its a time when we get really busy.  But heck, its a fun time for everyone and we aren’t complaining at all.    

Cheers 

Last weekend I was asked to photograph Melanie’s baby shower in preparation for the upcoming birth of their twins.  As you can imagine with a large population of ladies, many of them already mothers in attendance it was a totally fun afternoon with lots of animated conversation on motherhood amongst other topics.  Torri of A La Republica fame was running all the catering and put on a fabulous spread of delightful treats for everyone.   Here we have Melanie, left with her good friend Sarah hanging out on the porch deck. 

Amy and I just got finished this weekend with wrapping a lovely canvas print of Ben and Claire.  They came into the studio along with their parents for one of our holiday packages and we had quite the hoot with them.  This photograph was the final choice for the main canvas print that was going to be a gift.  I very much love this image as its shows the completely fun times that we were having that day and in many ways a reflection on their relationship.    

I’m hoping the parents love this as much as I do!

the fine art photography studio blog : Our Holiday Photography Package

Last weekend Jenny came over for a few hours so we could work on her first maternity session.  Her and husband Steve have just moved back to Seattle after spending a few years away and are settling back into Seattle just as other changes are happening - their first child.  We have spoken a bunch over the last couple of months and decided that they wanted to do one initial photography session just as Jenny was starting to show and then another one in the New Year closer to the birth.  This way we could show the incredible growth that happens especially during the last couple of months.   The session was a lot of fun with us working though a bunch of ideas, some more artist and classic and others just plan fun.

A couple of quick previews here. I’m looking forward to seeing them both again in the New Year for their second session.   

Many people often ask me for advice on how to choose a photographer, so I thought it was about time I gathered my answers all in one place. This list is a good starting point for figuring out what to look for when choosing a photographer who will be right for you.

1. Do you get along with them? This one is often overlooked, but it’s very important. Many people find having their picture made can be somewhat intimidating. It takes a special photographer who knows how to help you relax and bring out the best in you. Finding someone who can do that can be a challenge because it’s the sort of thing you really won’t know until you’ve worked with them. And by then, it can be too late. So ask the photographer if they have a special introductory package available at a reduced rate. Also, it’s a good idea to find out if they’re willing to get together before your session so they can get a better idea of what you’re looking for. Being comfortable with your photographer can make all the difference in getting results you will truly love.  

2. Does the studio offer lots of choice? When selecting a studio or photographer, make sure they provide a range of packages to choose from. Also, check to see that they offer both standard and custom prints sizes. When ordering prints, you’ll want to be able to select from a number of poses. Having a variety to choose from will help you reach a final decision. Unfortunately I have found that many photography studios have a set number of poses or shots available to choose from, which really limits your options. The more choices you have, the better your chances of finding the perfect images and sizes for you home.  

3. Can they meet your schedule? We all know how hard it can be to fit everything in, so you’ll want to choose a photographer who is flexible enough to match your particular schedule. And it’s important to know that your photographer won’t keep you waiting and will be ready for you as soon as you arrive, especially if you have kids. You know how quickly those little guys can mess up their hair or clothes. At the same time, you don’t want to ever feel rushed. So it’s best to select a photographer who leaves plenty of time for your session and doesn’t take a revolving door approach to their subjects. Getting that ideal photograph often takes time. This is especially true with newborns and toddlers who sometimes need a break from the lights and camera. Choose a photographer that’s willing to spend the time it takes to get the results you want.

4. What lighting options do they offer? Lighting style is a key consideration when choosing a photographer. You want your photographer to be knowledgeable about and have access to a range of lighting styles and equipment. This will ensure that whatever lighting set up is used will be the most flattering to your skin tone, facial structure and the image as a whole. And don’t forget to ask if the photographer’s studio can make natural light available. Skilled lighting will ensure that you walk out with a cherished work of art, and not a stale, boring yearbook picture.  

5. Do they offer flexible location options? The ability to be flexible when it comes to weather and location is essential to getting exceptional results. Depending on your needs, you may want to select a photographer who is comfortable photographing outdoors. Outdoor settings can often add that perfect special touch to your photographs. In addition, it’s important to find a photographer you would be comfortable inviting to your home, and who’s willing to take the time needed, should you wish to have your photography session at home. And, of course, you should also seek out a photographer who is serious enough about their craft to have invested in a fully outfitted professional studio. By having all of these location options available to you, you’ll stand a better chance of getting photographs that really stand out.

6. What steps do they take to process your photographs? It goes without saying that capturing that initial image with the camera is a critical piece. But it’s just the beginning. Ask your photographer about their experience using traditional darkroom techniques in digital photography. It’s a good idea to be wary of a photographer who insists on using blanket settings to adjust images, or worse, doing nothing. Select a photographer who is meticulous in processing and touching up your photographs to achieve the best possible results for your images.

7. Will your prints last? Let’s say you’ve gone to the trouble of having professional prints made to hang on your walls. It’s obvious that you’ll want them to last for a long time. It may surprise you to learn that many photographers send their prints out to a photo lab, whose prints typically last only a few decades before fading or turning yellow. To prevent this from happening, choose a photographer who is professionally trained in printing techniques, one who is adept at producing gallery-quality artistic work using only archival stock, specifically designed to preserve your images for many many years to come.  

8. Are they professional? For the best results, it’s a good idea to confirm that your photographer is a genuine professional. In a world where digital imaging is so readily available, you should consider checking sources such as the National Professional Photographers Association, the Seattle Professional Photographers Association, and the Better Business Bureau.  

9. Do they have references? Client references can often give you the most reliable information about a photographer, because they come from first-hand experience with the photographer’s entire process. Ask your photographer to share references with you and follow up on them.

10. Do you like their work? Obviously this can be the deal breaker when it comes to choosing your photographer. Take a look at their portfolio. Analyze their work to see if their style and tastes match your own. Check out their Web site and look at the images carefully. See if they have the ability to create different moods and effects with their lighting style. Make sure that they present their subjects in the best possible manner, and see if they’ve taken the effort to display for you all the various locations available for potential sessions. You want your photographer to inspire you, so that when you hang your photographs in your home you may inspire others as well.

That makes ten.  Depending on what you are looking for some of these may be more important than others. I suggest prioritizing based on your own requirements and of course add other stuff that you feel is important. Good luck with your quest to find your next photographer and we hope this information has been helpful.   Of course if you happen to live or happen to be visiting Seattle or the Pacific North West please check out our services.

This week saw Halloween and to mark the event we opened up the studio for a fun day of silly photography.  Typically I’m not into the tacky backdrops and such but Amy persuaded me this time and seeing as the day was less about art and more about fun it seemed perfect.  

I think my favorite was the cemetery area with lots of spooky looking tree’s and of course the graves to entertain guests, especially fun when you are dressed up like Spiderman and you can’t stop laughing!  A little bit different from another cemetery in Australia that I love.  The day was a lot of fun for both the young and just the young at heart crowd!   

Halloween | The Fine Art Photography Studio | Presented by Phil Holden

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