We have put together a guide that explains the steps in which we will be taking to creating your perfect family portrait. We allow you to see each step so that you will know what will be going on so that you are more familiar with the process.
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Click on any of the following links to learn more.
The Auction
Call or visit our website
The Studio Visit
Home/Location Visit
The Session
Image presentation
Frame consultation and delivery of unframed work.
Installation
The Auction
Congratulations! You have been the successful bidder for one of our wonderful auction packages. To insure that you do not forget about or loose your tremendous family experience please be sure to call us or log in to our website, www.ThePortraitMaker.com/auctions to activate you gift certificate. You must schedule your studio visit to occur within the 90 days immediately after the auction.
Call or visit our website.
You may call us directly at 248-347-1641 to set up your studio visit. Or, you may go to www.ThePortraitMaker.com/auctions and fill out the required information. When we receive the information requested we will send you an email with possible telephone times. Select one and we will call you to chat about the studio visit and set up a time for you to visit with us.
The Studio Visit
Our studio is designed to be comfortable and for us to become acquainted with each other. We will discuss the desires and aspirations you have for your family portrait. We have completed 100’s of family portraits and can help you in turning your vision into reality. This whole process is an artistic collaboration. The portrait session may be in our studio, or as is most often preferred, on any location of your choosing. We can and have travelled to several remote locations to capture images the family desired. Every family is unique and there is no “standard” portrait look to our portraiture. It is the families look that we are after in the portrait. By the conclusion of this visit we will have arrived at some basic ideas about the portrait we will be creating, and will decide on dates for the next steps in the process; the home/location visit, and the actual portrait session.
Home/Location Visit
The first purpose of the home visit is to learn about the family’s environment and how we can create an image that will fit into that environment. We can make some more educated suggestions about clothing that will be suitable at this time. Especially important is taking into account the location the portrait will be displayed, and the appropriate size for that space. Knowing about the final size of the portrait is important in determining the composition of the portrait.
The second purpose is to take a look at the location where the images will be created, either indoors or outdoors. This is best accomplished if the visit is made at approximately the time of day the session is to occur so we may see how the light falls on the location. This is not absolutely mandatory, but is extremely helpful. This planning makes the actual session go much more smoothly because it allows us to know what we are working with and how we can best capture the image you have your heart set on.
The Session
Finally the day of the session arrives. This is a pleasant experience for everyone involved! Creating the image is relatively easy with the preplanning we have done together. Everyone has a fair idea of what to expect. We will arrive about a half hour before you need to be ready to get everything set up. Relax and let us direct the portrait session. This is often difficult for parents, but we have done this many times and can handle most anything. The idea is for everyone to have an enjoyable time, without too much stress.
Image Presentation
During you studio visit we will have shown you our viewing room. Now it is your turn to see your images on our screen. Please be sure that everyone necessary in the decision making process is at this very important session. There is a $50.00 fee if a second image presentation is necessary. We are going to select your portraits from the results of all your great effort. Nancy has by then edited the several hundred images we make in typical session down to a very select group for your selection. After you have determined the images you desire us to print for you and the appropriate size for each we will determine your investment and determine how you desire to take care of the required 50% deposit is required to begin work on your selections.
Framing consultation and delivery of unframed work.
Your order has been printed to the highest standards and is ready for your first look at your completed portraits. Gift images without frames will be ready for you to take home. Together, we select the right frame's for your wall portrait collection based on the image and the display environment. The frame selection is made after the portrait is printed and stretched. When you have approved the completed image the final payment on the portraits is due. The frame price is determined at the time that the order is made and paid in full unless other arangemnets are necessary.
Delivery of the framed piece & Installation
One of our special services is to install your portraits collection for you in your home. When your piece's are completed in their beautiful frames, we will call to arange a convenient time for installation. Let us know if you prefer to "do it yourself" This convenience is part of our Swearingen Fine Portraits committment to service at the highest level.