If you are planning a portrait session, you will find this section extremely helpful in creating harmonious and beautiful portraits. Please take the time to read through this page as we give you some extremely helpful background ideas, clothing tips, additional prop ideas and general valuable information on how you would expect your portrait session will enfold from the moment you book your session to the final delivery of your prints.

Beautiful portraits don’t just happen by chance. By following these guidelines, you can expect a truly, memorable and personalized portrait that you and your family can treasure for many years to come. Please feel free to discuss any questions or ideas you may have with us in advance to your sitting.

Background and Portraiture Styles
 
One of our most popular looks is the simple yet sophisticated “High Key Portrait”. This is basically a white or light coloured background, and generally works best when light coloured clothing such as white, ivory or pastels are worn.
Another favourite is the “Low Key Portrait”. This projects more “mood”, and has a dramatic effect that works best when you dress in darker tones. This helps attract attention to the face (the most important part of this type of portrait).
Of course our most popular children’s look is our Enchanted Fantasy Themes. We do have a small selection of children’s costumes available for use with our enchanted themes.  In general, girls are dressed as fairies, boys in old time vintage gear. Please ask if we have the sizes available for your child. Due to the huge variance in children’s sizes and shapes, we are unable to cater to everyone, however, if some certain costumes are not available, we can give you some suggestions on how you can dress your child to achieve the perfect look.  A few quick suggestions can be overalls and straw hats for boys, or pretty party dresses for girls. Of course, you may dress your child in whatever he/she feels comfortable in. The choice is up to you.
*Please note these images are best suited for children aged 6 months to 12 years. We even offer custom themes if you have a particular look in mind and will work with you to help create that “look” you’re after.

Dressing For Your Portrait Session
 
For group portraits of 2 people or more, please choose a colour theme that will “simplify” the look of your portrait. Try to co-ordinate clothing so that all persons are dressed in the similar tones. Colours do not necessarily have to match, but should remain harmonious. Please avoid busy patterns as too many differentiating colours and patterns are distracting and ultimately detract from the overall look of your portrait. Colour co-ordination lends to harmony, so if you are going for a “darker” look, please ensure everyone is dressed in darker colours, and vice versa.
Sock and shoes are sometimes (often) overlooked. Full length shots, as well as head and shoulder portraits are usually taken in any one sitting, so please take this into consideration and ensure you bring along footwear complimentary to your clothing.

HERE ARE KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER
•    Simplicity is the keynote. Avoid busy patterns and bright colors.
•    Darker clothing tends to minimize body size and light tones tend to emphasize body size.
•    Light colors are best with light backgrounds and fair complexions.
•    Darker colors look better with deep backgrounds and dark hair or complexions.
•    White, ivory, khaki or pastels are best with a white or high key background.
•    Blue jeans work well for all types of backgrounds.
•    Avoid wearing yellow or green as they can adversely affect skin tones and color.
•    Shoes and socks should be in compliment with your clothes.
•    Long sleeve dresses and shirts are recommended.  They draw attention away from the arms and focus on the face.  (Short sleeves are acceptable for infants and small children.)
•    In a group portrait, skirts should cover the knees.
•    Avoid clothing styles that will become out of date soon. (Think 1980s)

About Eye-Glasses:
 
If possible, please do not wear eye glasses. They are extremely difficult to photograph as they compromise the lighting and can distort facial lines. If you do have to wear glasses, try to get a set of empty frames in the same style that you normally wear so there will be no glass glare or corner refraction problems.

General Questions:
 
Can I have colour, sepia or black and white prints? Are my portraits retouched or enhanced?

Yes and yes. You may choose to have black and white or sepia versions of you images. These can actually be previewed in the online proofing process. As a complimentary service, all portraits are subtly enhanced such as blemish removal and skin softening. This combined with our carefully placed studio lighting setup ensures that you will always look your very best. If you do not want any touch ups or enhancing done to your portraits, please advise us beforehand.

When do I see the proofs?

Once your session is complete, the proofs (usually between 20 and 30) will become available online via our secure password protected proofing gallery within one week. From there you have the option to view, compare and choose your images and place your order right in the comfort of your home. No sales pressure (Our images sell themselves, as it should be). If you have received credit with your session fee, this will automatically be included in your order. In order to keep everything running smoothly on this end, we do ask if you could place your initial order within 14 days of viewing your proofs.
Our online viewing system enables you to change your colour images to black and white and sepia to see for yourself the different effects that can be made, however please note these are just a rough guide and will not be a true indication of the final print. If you wish to order a sepia tone, vignette or black and white image from the proofs, please indicate this on the “notes” of your chosen image and a new proof of that image will be available for you to approve before placing your final order.

How long before the portraits are ready?
 
Most orders are ready within 2 – 4 weeks after placing your order. It takes time to work on the images and have them printed professionally by our lab. If you have special time limits, we may be able to help you. Just ask
 
What if I don’t like the images you created for us?
 
Rarely, if ever, is anyone not satisfied, however we fully guarantee our work and if you cannot find a single image that you are truly happy with, we will happily offer a refund of any deposit made to us. There are absolutely no hard feelings.

When do I pay for my portrait session?
 
We do ask for a deposit of the session fee of $160 on the day of your session. You may pay by Visa or MasterCard, cheque, bank transfer, PayPal or cash. Sorry, no EFTPOS available. Remember, our work is guaranteed. If you are not happy with your images, your deposit is fully refundable.

Scars, pimples and braces???
 
Scars are not automatically retouched, but can be removed or softened at no additional charge. If you wear braces and don’t want them to show, don’t fret, we can remove them in post processing. Don’t try to hide your natural smile because of them. We also are able to retouch blemishes, so don’t worry about any breakouts.

Can we bring our family pet?
 
Your pet is most definitely welcome at the studio provided they are well behaved and house trained and can be easily controlled by a member of your family. Who knows, maybe they will even be included in your family portraits.

What about our own props, can we bring these along too?
 
Bring them!!! Bring props that define who you are. Sports equipment and uniforms, musical instruments, and activities such as dance leotards, and shoes etc.
 
Can you post my prints, or do I have to pick them up from the studio?
 
The choice is yours, we can do both. A minimum postage and handling fee of $15.00 is added to your order should you wish for us to package and send it off to you by registered post.  Of course, there is no charge for you to come pick them up from us.

So where exactly are you located?
 
We are located at 61 Grantham Street, Wembley right opposite Grantham Street Vet Clinic. You will find us nestled in a block of businesses between “All Perth Plumbers” and “Kobe Cut” hair salon. We have a reference map on our website on our “Contact Us” page.  We do have convenient client parking at the rear of the studio.  Please remember, we do run by appointment only, and as our work takes us to many places, you may not find us there during working hours. The best method to reach us is by email (the easiest method) or by phone 0412 858 284.  

So how do I book a session?
 
After reading these tips and you feel you are ready to go ahead and book your session, please call Linda or John on 0412 858 284 or click on "Contact Us"  to arrange a time for your appointment.