Looking for help enhancing a photo? Try our Photo Consultation service. LEARN MORE

Everyone knows a “photographer”. With today’s technology just in our cell phones, let alone the digital cameras we have access too, many people have taken over the roll of being their family photographer. That is an accepted fact today. However when you have that special occasion that is so important that you desire to have top notch, creative images of your family, or your once in a lifetime family event, I’m still here, offering over 30 years of experience, imagination, and professionalism to ensure your family has the keepsakes on your wall, in your true archival albums, and even for your computer. Having access to modern photographic technology alone is no substitute for the experience and knowledge you have at your disposal from a seasoned professional photographer like myself.

commercial-photography-king-08-8
comp5
Fall-Port1
family-fall-portrait-2
family-fall-portrait-3
family-fall-portrait-4
family-fall-portrait-5
family-fall-portrait-carpentersville-il-1
family-portrait-elgin-fall-port1
family-portrait-elgin-family-tree-1

 

Portrait Prices

Session fee covers the time with our professional photographer, shoot consultation to set up and talk through the session such as planning on wardrobe and time of day as well as the items listed under each package heading.

349.00
Location 60
60 Minute Session
Up to 2 Location Choices
5 Social Media Images (5x7 at 72-dpi)
Garment Changes
Internet Proofing
265.00
Location 30
30 Minute Session
1 Location Choice
5 Social Media Images (5x7 at 72-dpi)
Internet Proofing
    • The Best place to photograph your newborn is at your home, all your stuff is there, the room is warm if necessary, and if baby needs a few minutes to rest, or Mom, then it’s easy in the comfort of you own home.
    • Schedule your portrait session during your child's upbeat time of day, after naps and meals so that he can enjoy the experience. No one knows that time better than you.
    • Newborn’s outfits are not that critical, in fact most of them fit poorly and bunch up around the neck and face. It’s better to leave those kinds of outfits for when they grow into them.
    • Newborns look best in skin. The close up of their tiny hands and feet don’t need to be obstructed by “Grandmothers special outfit”.
    • Many newborns are still getting their color and may have patchy or blotchy skin tones, It’s ok. It’s for that reason most NB shots are shown in Black & White.
    • Be Open Minded~ Sometimes a frown, a wail or even a sleeping baby can make a great portrait. Don't shy away from capturing a variety of expressions that capture your baby's personality
    • Include other people in these photos, a sibling, or Parent holding hands or kissing the forehead or nose. Other family member too like Grandparents or even the family Pet.
    • Toddlers- think bold and bright, something simple, no busy stripes or patterns.
    • Bring a couple of changes of clothes, for a variety and because toddlers are toddlers and thinks happen to their clothes. Since we may show your toddler from hear to toe, make sure they have shoes on, and that their socks match, We can always take them off, but matching is nice.
    • Bring along necessary items to help keep your child happy and clean, including diapers, wipes, snacks, favorite toys and blankets.
    • Bring along some personal props - costumes, hats, or toys that showcase your child's personality.
    • Add your own special touch with item of meaning or accomplishment.
    • A Band instrument, a guitar, or other musical instrument.
    • A trophy or certificate of honor.
    • A sports Letter Jacket or uniform.
    • Hobby props like a snowboard or a bike.
    • Think about something fun like a derby, fedora , or other type of fun headwear.
    • Maybe a pair of mirror sunglasses or a pair of Groucho Marx glasses
    • Some families have an heirloom piece of a special something that would personalize your portrait.
    • Any hair cuts should occur at least two weeks before the session so you are used to it and it does what you want. Make sure to cover up all tan lines, and remove excess body hair.
    • Do not do the spray on tan since it looks orange in photographs and it looks streaky 90 percent of the time. Even the expensive ones.
    • Dry or chapped lips are not attractive and can ruin any lip look instantly. Look for a lip balm that contains natural oils and moisturizing ingredients. It will help you instantly.
    • The very best photographs are definitely the ones that show you as naturally as possible (no makeup). But if you have to wear cover up make sure you go easy and use a good quality foundation. Cheap foundations reflect flash and over highlight the face. Use a powder based cover up when at all possible to avoid shine.
    • Avoid bright eye make-up
    • Dark roots are not very flattering. Dye your hair several days before the shoot.
    • If you do not trust yourself to be able to get the shape you want, go to a professional and have your brows waxed or threaded. Also, in case you have facial hair and you’re a girl you have to have it waxed two days before the portrait session.
    • Drink plenty of cool water, because it helps you improve blood circulation and overall condition. And if you feel good about yourself, you’ll exude confidence - it shows and it will definitely help to make the photographs the best they can be. Two days before the portrait session, avoid alcohol as well as coffee.
    • Make sure you don’t over condition the hair before the portrait session.
    • Toenails as well as fingernails must be well manicured, one length, and your nail polish has to be either French or colorless, unless your portrait session calls for color.
    • Get plenty of rest. It is important to have a good night’s sleep the night before the portrait session. Make sure you avoid partying the night before your photo session.
    • Make sure you invest some time to make yourself look the best you can be. This way you will feel confident during your portrait session.