I like to have a FREE, NO OBLIGATION, Planning Consultation with you where I can go over all your options and help YOU tell ME what you are looking for and what you like. We will discuss questions I have for you about your portraits like: What aspects of the personalities of the person or people in the portrait do you want to portray? What are the favorite activities of the person/people? Where can we take the portraits to portray the personalities? What props do you want to include? Where will you display the portraits? Do you know what clothing you want, or do you need suggestions? What is the best time to create your portrait for the people in it? Do you prefer interactive portraits where the person or people in the portrait are looking at something or each other? Or, do you like portraits where everyone is facing the camera? Do you like close up or full length portraits, or a mixture depending on the portrait? And many other things that can make your portrait be just what you want.
During the Planning Session I will answer all of your questions and go over all of the costs and options. I will ask you lots of question and help you find the answers to them. I want to know what will make your portraits special to you and make them unique to you. What will give them emotional impact for you?
After all this planning, I GUARANTEE you will receive portraits that you will treasure for a lifetime.
YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE, a beautiful portrait does not just happen. There are many details that, if carefully planned for, will make a substantial difference in the quality and appeal of your photographs. Your help with these fine points can transform an ordinary photograph into a work of art that you will treasure for years to come.
FROM PHOTOGRAPHY TO ART. Since, in most cases at least one of your portraits will be hung in a highly visible part of your home, it is very important to plan the portrait to fit the decor of that particular location. Your photograph will become a decorator accent piece if you plan the clothing colors to match or compliment the predominant or secondary (accent) colors in the room where the portrait will hang. You would not display any other artwork that didn't fit the decor of the room, and your portrait should be no exception.
CLOTHING should be SIMPLE so that the attention in the final portrait will be focused on you. Solid-colored fabrics photograph best because patterns such as plaids, stripes, polka dots & flowers will distract from the faces. Outfits that have opposite colors or hues in them will attract more attention than your face in the portrait, so it is best to wear clothing that is all dark, or all medium, or all light. Long or 3/4 length sleeves (particularly on adults) are better to keep the arms from distracting, especially if you don't want larger arms to show. Finally choose a style of clothing (either dressy or casual) that will fit into the room in which you plan on displaying the portrait.
It is important in a GROUP PORTRAIT that colors and styles of clothing be compatible so they do not clash or distract. Laying clothing out side by side in the room where you will display your main portrait will help in determining colors. Of the predominant or secondary room colors, choose colors that best compliment hair and skin colors. The person dressed differently will stick out. Stand back from the laid-out clothes and squint at them to see what, if anything, sticks out. Full-length poses may be included in your session, thus emphasizing the importance of appropriate shoes, socks, and skirts or pants. Shoes and socks should not be lighter in color than the lower portion of your clothes. Sleeveless or short-sleeved outfits may show distracting bare arms making them look larger than they really are. Children seem to be most natural and relaxed in informal clothing.
An easy to remember recap on the clothing is: solid colors, similar in lightness and darkness as the background, longer sleeves for adults, and in the style of your preference.
LADIES, to look natural, wear your normal evening or special occasion makeup. Use eye shadow to bring out eyes. An extra coat of mascara will make your lashes appear larger and fuller. Lip gloss adds a sparkle. Blemishes can be minimized with a cover stick.
MEN should be sure to shave shortly prior to the portrait session if you don't want a "five o'clock shadow" as it is an additional cost to hide one in the finished portraits. A cover stick can be used to minimize blemishes.
HAIR should be worn the way you like it best. Don't try a new style for the session unless you're already sure you like it. If you plan a new hair cut or perm, try to schedule it one week before your session so freshly cut ends won't stand out. Hair spray will help loose ends that might pick up light and show prominently. Clean hair makes a healthy appearance, but just-washed hair may appear frizzy. Please make sure bangs don't cover the eyes -- a very important part of the portrait.
HOBBIES or INTERESTS add a nice dimension to your portrait. Items which show your personality can be included like a doll, toy car, sporting equipment, pet, model airplane, collectables, etc. No matter the location, children usually enjoy having a SMALL favorite TOY to hold and play with during the portrait session. One that matches the color of the clothing is preferable.
The LOCATION of your portrait may indicate your personality: a lake, park, or your yard may show where you enjoy spending time. Having your portrait made in your own home with your own furniture for props may make your portrait more special.
PETS are important family members and can be included if you desire. Try to make the preparations and any travel as relaxed as possible so your pets do not get tense and over excited. When pets are included, it is often best to consider as first choice for the portrait location your home, yard, or a location your pets are familiar with.
When you discuss the upcoming photographic session with your CHILDREN, do not instruct them to "smile," or "do exactly what Lisa says," etc. Also don't bribe them that if they "do . . . , I'll get you . . . ." Children seem to know you want them to do something they don't want to do when you offer them a treat for doing it. Simply let them know how excited you are about playing with Lisa, and leave everything else to me. You don't even have to tell little ones we are taking photographs. Just that Lisa is coming to play with them or that they are going to play with Lisa. I have found that no one smiles naturally when told to smile, so I play with them. I have miles of patience with children and have no problems getting beautiful, natural expressions from them.
Please make sure EVERYONE who will be at the session is WELL RESTED and NOT HUNGRY. It is hard to be relaxed, be happy, have fun, or be patient when your stomach is growling or your blood sugar is low. If your children are involved, your appointment should be at a time best suited for their schedule.
If there is anyone in your family who is worried about the portraits, or has a particular PROBLEM, be sure to let me know, in private, before the portrait session. There are countless techniques and special methods which I can use to minimize these problems. The secret here to success is communication. I want to help you, and my objective is to create an outstanding portrait, which you will treasure forever!
VIEWING YOUR PORTRAITS. When we take your portraits
we will schedule you, and anyone involved with the decision of
purchasing your portraits an appointment to view and order your
portraits, approximately 4-7 days after your session. With our
unique projection viewing system, we will show you your portraits
in all the available sizes so you can see how they will look in
the sizes you are considering. You will be able to compare multiple
images, see and choose cropping, and even choose matting and framing.
And we will be there to answer all your questions so you will
know exactly how your portraits can be enhanced and the way to
get the best prices.
YOU DECIDE HOW MANY & WHICH PORTRAITS TO BUY. You may purchase your portraits individually or in flexible packages, containing multiple poses and your choices of sizes. You may buy as many or as few photographs as you want.
You get to see your portraits BEFORE they are printed. At which
time you get to choose which ones YOU like, how many you want
of each, and in what sizes. We will be glad to assist you and
make recommendations, if you desire.
PAYMENT FOR PORTRAITS. If you paid a Minimum Purchase
Fee or Reservation Fee (not a Session Fee) it will be subtracted
from your total order, and the remaining balance paid when you
order. If you can not pay your total balance, you may pay as much
as you can when you order and then set up a personalized layaway
with one or more automated payments either via bank draft or credit
card. On a layaway your portraits are not ordered from the lab
until your final payment is being processed. If you want unique,
personalized portraits, then I want to help you get them.
DELIVERY TIME. It usually takes 2-4 weeks for finished portraits to be ready from when they are ordered. If you need them faster, please let us know. RUSH is usually available for an extra charge and can be as fast as 48 hrs. Some finishes (Old Masters, Sovereign & Pastel) can take 6-8 weeks to be ready for delivery.
WHERE DO I HANG MY PORTRAITS?
You'll get the most viewing enjoyment from your portraits if they hang in the room where you spend most of your leisure time. For most people, this is the family or living room. When selecting a location, consider a wall that is within a comfortable viewing distance and angle from the main seating areas. If you have to get up to see the portrait, you probably won't (at least after awhile). It is also hard to enjoy a portrait when you only walk past it, or it is in a room you don't use much. The most popular places for hanging portraits include over the fireplace, above a sofa or love seat, above a TV or piano, or in the dining room. Places that generally don't work well are: in a hallway, foyer, bedroom (except for more personal portraits), or in conjunction with a grouping of other photographs.
SELECTING THE PROPER SIZE
Three factors determine the proper size for a portrait:
1. Face size. The most important part of the portrait
is the expression. Being able to see the expression is the key
to enjoying your portrait. For a viewing distance of 8-10' a face
size of about 4" is recommended. With a viewing distance
of 15-18' a face size of 6" is recommended. Any smaller and
the expression will not be visible, and you won't get the viewing
pleasure you paid for and deserve.
2. Viewing distance. What it takes to have a 4, 5 or
6" face size depends on whether the portrait is full body,
3/4 length, or close up of a family, children, or a baby. With
our innovative viewing system, we can show you your portrait in
every size so you can see what the face sizes will be.
3. Horizontal wall space. This sometimes determines
the exterior dimension of your portrait. You can get a "ballpark"
measurement of the space you wish to use to hang your new wall
portrait by measuring exiting art pieces before you come to view
your images.
We realize that some people prefer smaller photographs. You may substitute smaller portraits in our packages.
SELECTING A STYLE TO FIT YOUR NEEDS
Your selections begin with deciding on which styles (or finishes) you prefer. None is "better" than another, rather, it is a personal choice based on the mood and feeling you wish to convey with the portrait. The price difference is determined by the additional hand work involved.
ALL STYLES INCLUDE (unless otherwise noted): A rich and very durable acrylic lacquer finish applied to the portrait surface for protection from finger prints, moisture, and ultra violet light (which is the number one cause of photographs fading.) This coating eliminates the need for glass in front of the photograph, so there won't be a glare and they won't stick to the glass. If a portrait is matted, it will need glass to keep the mats flat, but then the mats keep the portrait from touching the glass and sticking to it. Each portrait is mounted to masonite or foam core (11x14 or larger) or artboard for 8x10 and 5x7 portraits for added durability.
PASTEL. An ordinary color portrait is turned into a Personalized Pastel Piece of Art. This is our most popular finish. Using state-of-the-art computer technology the photograph is changed into a piece of art with the look of a fine pastel around the edges. The combined effect is soft and elegant. Due to the pastel process, the acrylic finish cannot be applied to the pastel without causing damage, so these need to be framed with glass to protect them and matting to keep them from touching and sticking to the glass. We recommend a higher grade glass than normal non-glare that has more Ultra Violet inhibitor in it to protect from fading since there isn't UV protectant in the finish on it. Pastels are most enjoyable with face sizes of 4" or larger.
OLD MASTERS. The finest techniques are used to produce
the Old Master's Portrait. The emulsion is carefully adhered to
artist's canvas and is beautifully textured with hand painted
brush strokes. This finish truly resembles the paintings of the
old masters and can be displayed with great pride. Recommended
for 16x20 and larger, and only with face sizes of 4" or larger
so the texture doesn't distort the face(s).
SOVEREIGN. The Sovereign Portrait is beautifully applied
to canvas, which gives it the texture of a fine painting of heirloom
quality that you will treasure for years. Recommended for 16x20
and larger, and only with face sizes of 4" or larger so the
texture doesn't distort the face(s).
COLOR The Color Portrait brings gift portraits at a very
affordable price. The surface is smooth, untextured. These can
be made in any size.
BLACK & WHITE There is nothing like a traditional black
& white portrait. Due to the process, the acrylic finish cannot
be applied to a black & white without causing damage. So,
these have a special photographic laminate applied to sizes 4x5
and larger. Black & white portraits can be made in any size.
SEPIA TONE. Rather than black & white, Sepia Tone is
a subtle brown and cream-colored portrait. This look was achieved
with old photographs from a process used to preserve them. Now
it is used to create a nostalgic effect. These can be done in
any size.
SPOT-COLORED BLACK & WHITE. Spot-Coloring is done with
digital technology, allowing whatever you desire to be accented.
This can look like a portrait from the early 1900's where the
hair, eyes, and/or clothing is subtly colored. Or accent items
can be colored like a bouquet of flowers in a Hallmark card. You
may choose what to have colored and the colors, or we can help
you decide. There is a flat, one-time fee per image for the digital
work, and then all of the prints you want are purchased at the
same price as Color prints. These can be printed in any size.
METALLIC. Your portraits will have an added depth and vividness
when printed on pearlescent Metallic Paper. The sharp details
and beautifully saturated colors make it look like the person
or people could just pop out. It is almost holographic. It is
best when the background has some lights and darks in it, like
sunshine thru greenery or a field of flowers. Metallic portraits
can be in any size and make stunning business cards.
Any kind of retouching or changing of portraits imaginable can be accomplished in this age of computers. You may have blemishes, bags or circles under the eyes, or maturity lines softened or removed if you wish. We commonly have glass glare and braces removed, eyes opened, smiles changed, clothing colors changed, objects taken out, people put in or taken out or switched from one image to another, double chins or excess weight removed. The list is endless. Most retouching is free, and if not it is a very reasonable price. Please, ask us about any concerns you may have. Please check out our "before and after" section for some examples.
APPOINTMENTS
Because we want to give you, and each of our clients, uninterrupted, individual attention for your Planning Session, Portrait Session, and Projecting your images to help you with your order, we ask that you have an appointment for each and EVERY time you come to see us. Even if you think it will only take a couple of minutes for us to help you when you drop off a payment or pick up your photographs, it still may interrupt the individualized help we are trying to give someone who has an appointment. Please call us if you don't have an appointment and need one on short notice, so we can let you know when we have an opening.
By the same token, please try to be on time, not early or late, to each of your appointments so as not to overlap someone else's appointment. We want to give you our undivided attention, but can only do that if you come at the time reserved just for you. Please call us to reschedule if you will be late or cannot make it to your appointment. If you come without an appointment, or late to your appointment, we probably will have to schedule an appointment for you to return. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
You may choose EITHER to pay a Session Fee (that pays for Lisa's time and does not go towards your portraits) OR pay a Minimum Portrait Purchase Fee that goes completely towards your PORTRAITS (it's like putting money on a Gift Card and then being able to purchase merchandise up to that amount before paying anymore.) Either way, the Fee is paid when you schedule your portrait session time to reserve your appointment. We can ONLY hold a session time for 24 hours until we receive your Session or Minimum Purchase Fee.
We have several different Session Fees and Minimum Purchase Fees depending on how many photographs need to be taken to accomplish what you want for your portraits. If more than one session time is needed to accomplish your needs, then more than one Fee is charged.
If you don't want to pay a Session Fee or a Minimum Purchase Fee, then maybe our Footsteps Program is right for you.
$350 Session Fee OR $800 Minimum Portrait Purchase -- I will take as many photographs as necessary in a portrait situation to get all the different desired photographs. This session is usually used for Extended Families or for Family Reunions where family, couple, individual, and multi-generation portraits will also be taken. This session could also be used for up to three locations of an individual or couple, and two locations of a single family. It lasts a maximum of 90 minutes.
$300 Session Fee OR $700 Minimum Portrait
Purchase -- This session lasts 60 minutes. It works well for
a Family, children, or a baby. In this session we can also take
couples, individuals, and multi-generation photographs. This session
can also be used for 1 or 2 locations of a couple, or individual,
in 1 or 2 sets of clothes.
$250 Session Fee OR $600 Minimum Portrait
Purchase -- This session lasts 30 minutes. It is recommended
for one or two adults, not for children. This session is in 1
locationo only, within 15 miles of the studio, and in one set
of clothes. This is NOT Available on Saturdays or Holidays.
SATURDAY FEE. There is an additional $150 Fee for Saturday
Appointments that does NOT go towards your portraits and a $700
Minimum Purchase that does go towards your portraits. Both must
be paid at the time you schedule a Saturday appointment.
HOLIDAY MINIMUM. There is a $700 Minimum Purchase Fee for Appointments on Holidays that does go towards your portraits that must be paid when you schedule a session during a Holiday. Holidays are Conroe ISD Holidays plus the week of 4th of July.
TRAVEL FEE. There is NO fee for travel up to 15 miles from the studio. For locations that are father than 15 miles from the studio, there is a travel fee of $2.00 per mile round trip (from the studio to the location and back to the studio) to help cover the time I am unavailable to have other appointments and gasoline.
Sometimes you won't have a Session Fee or Minimum Purchase Fee, like when you are redeeming a gift certificate or have a coupon. In these cases, you will be required to pay a Reservation Fee to reserve your portrait time. The Reservation Fee is paid in advance, when you schedule your Portrait Session. We can ONLY hold a session time for 24 hours until we receive the Reservation Fee. The Reservation Fee, unlike the Session Fee, DOES go toward your photographs. It is used like a deposit and is deducted from what you will owe on the photographs you order. The Reservation Fee is normally $200. On Holidays the Reservation Fee is $600. On Saturdays, there is a $600 Reservation Fee PLUS a $150 Saturday Fee.
If for some reason you need to Reschedule your appointment time, your Session Fee, Minimum Portrait Purchase Fee, Footsteps Fee, or Reservation Fee can reserve a new appointment, if we get 24 hours notice of the change. With less than 24 hours notice, the Fee will be forfeited because we turn down other appointments at your time and may not be able to fill your appointment on such short notice.
If you wish to Cancel your appointment, we will refund your Fee, if we get 72 hours (3 days) notice of the cancellation.
If before the day of your portrait session you have a Planning Session with us, I GUARANTEE your portraits will meet or exceed your expectations. If, for any reason you are unhappy with your original images, just tell us when we are projecting your images for you (before you place your order.) Lots of times there are things we can retouch, crop, or do in printing that will make the portraits EXACTLY what you want. If not, we will schedule a time to take additional portraits to your liking at no extra cost to you, or refund your entire Session Fee, or Minimum Purchase, or Footsteps Fee, PLUS FIVE DOLLARS! Plus, if your finished portraits don't turn out exactly as you thought they would, let us know and we will make them over to your liking, or your money will be refunded, PLUS FIVE DOLLARS!
And, our photographs are also covered by the Kodak Promise of Excellence Guarantee which in part states: If at any time during your lifetime you are unhappy with your portraits due to Kodak's product performance, new prints will be made at Kodak's expense.
AND, if you have us frame your portrait(s) before you take them home, we Unconditionally Guarantee both the photograph(s) and the frame(s) for Life!
If you usually DON'T LIKE YOUR PORTRAITS, be sure to let me know what you don't like BEFORE the portrait session. There are countless techniques and special methods which I can use to minimize many problems. This will save you the time and aggravation of having to have retakes or portraits you don't really like. The secret here to success is communication. I want to help you, and my objective is to create an outstanding portrait, which you will treasure forever!
I accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover (Discover), cash, checks, and personalized layaway plans. If you can not pay your total balance when you place your order, you may pay as much as you can when you order and then set up a personalized layaway with one or more automated payments either via bank draft or credit card. You decide how long you want your layaway to be, thereby determining the amount of your payments. Your portraits are ordered from the lab when your final payment is processed. If you want unique, personalized portraits, then I want to help you get them.
Contact us NOW to Schedule Your FREE, NO-OBLIGATION Planning Session and to Schedule your Portrait Session: email: lisa@lisasportraits.com or call 281-419-7444 or toll free in Texas 1-800-558-LISA(5472).