PROCESS OVERVIEW

APPOINTMENT ONLY - The dawning of online booking calendars has provided me the freedom to continue serving clients offsite, as well as in the studio. Should the door be locked on your arrival, I post my mobile. It’s rare that I’m late from off-site appointments, but with traffic - it can happen. My online calendar keeps me punctual and will send you auto-reminders if you keyed in your contact info correctly.

PREVIEWS 100% ONLINE - Though I once enjoyed having an office manager, pre-pandemic, that global shutdown allowed us all to embrace online shopping tools even more than we already had. Just 1-3 days after your session, previews are posted online. You’ll be notified via email to place your order from the comfort of your home or office. (yes, phones, but larger screens can help.) No more worries that we’re going to try to sell you more … this was never our way, but these time-saving tools have allowed us to keep prices sensible.

UNCOMFORTABLE ABOUT PORTRAITS.. You’re not alone. I hear it all day - “I hate having my picture taken … I don’t like this side of my face …” and countless other self-berating comments. Rest assured - I’ve got over two decades experience at putting people at ease in front of the camera. (Empathy from my life BEFORE investing 10 yrs in a speaker-training org. (more like therapy : ^) to help me become better at helping YOU!

That process all starts here with helpful info to get the most from your session. This usually starts with a brief chat before we even hit the camera room.

Want to chat BEFORE your session?.. (these will be via phone unless you prefer video - just say so in the notes and I’ll send you a Zoom link.)

THE STUDIO PHONE (503-246-3056) IS A LANDLINE - (NO TEXTS) I’ve had that SW Portland number for decades meaning it now has to “port-forward” to this location (Lake Oswego/Tigard area). That number will appear on your caller ID as 503-716-8031 - a number I’ve never memorized, but it will show on Caller ID.

DIRECTIONS TO STUDIO: (Disregard if you booked a Destination Session) CLICK HERE

SESSION PREPARATION

SKIN TONE

• There is a great deal of information at your fingertips to help you find your “season” of flesh tone. CLICK HERE for one example for women.

CLOTHING

• Check your clothes for wrinkles – Our digital artist is amazing, but ironing wrinkles (esp. if there's a pattern) is an extra service.
• Clothing should be flattering to the body, be it formal, funky or relaxed.
• Dark solid colors work well to slim down areas you don't want emphasized.
• Long sleeves to 3/4 length sleeves tend to photograph best, depending on the outfit and/or background.
• Avoid bright whites unless it fits the vibe of the overall image. Check out this blog post I wrote on the topic.

The goal is that the end result will draw attention to your face. If the background is white, it’s a great combo. If your needs are a neutral-to-darker background, the white will distract from your money-making smile. Other exceptions would be in colorful floral settings or beach sessions. Great with jeans, but even as professional attire – they can steal attention from your face if under a darker blazer - regardless of your flesh tone. Our eye will always go to the brightest element or highest point of contrast in an image.
• Some clothes with logos, stripes or other designs may distract from you. Solid colors are a great choice.
• Keep jewelry simple and coordinated to each outfit.

HAIR and/or MAKEUP

• Hair style changes prior to your session are *not* advised. Bring hair products, irons, straighteners etc. for touch up. I do my best to watch for hair concerns and will always pose you for the best facial framing. The saying “my best side” you can let go of. You’ve got two great sides that may just look better when lit properly.

That said - if you have insecurities or just concerns, I’m all ears to watch for the things you haven’t liked from past experiences.

• Make-up: In short - it's subjective and styles change. That said, bring your usual touch-up items. we recommend that you apply just a shade darker than usual (as for evening wear), especially if you wear lipstick. Bring make-up as needed for touch-ups.

Powder - helpful but not necessary unless your facial shine is strong. Moderate shine is easily blended digitally.
Unlike video, touch-ups can be done in post if blending is needed.

• Nails - hands may not be seen but nail polish should be fresh. Chips and color changes can be done digitally, but this exceeds "basic retouching"

• Facial hair, as in one or two, here and there – easy fix. 5 o’clock shadows… not so much. It causes over-retouching, which can look rather “pancaked” less facial dimension – in short – shaving is worth the time, unless you’re going for a more relaxed look.

PERSONAL PREP

IMPORTANT: About Your Session and Expression…

I do my best to take a little time getting to know each subject as we go. Your work might entail more hasty processes, but to deliver the best results - just go with the pace that I set. I’ll be seeing what you cannot. I work quickly and will usually have you engaged in a conversation AS you are being photographed.

With respect to your busy schedule, the rule of “haste makes waste” applies well. Investing just a few minutes in the exercise below, can save you from starting over because you don’t like your smile.

I may be male, but my attention to detail is only exceeded by my decades of photoshop experience. If I miss something, chances are it can be perfected in post… I married a professional sewist who has further advanced my attention to draping, pleating and other things "fabric".

If you've had any bad, prior experiences with male photographers, please read online reviews. I understand that trust isn’t a light-switch, but my reputation is consistent, and your comfort is my priority. (There was a spreadsheet circulating during the “me too” movement, of less-than-professional “professionals” - my name was not on it for a reason!)

EXPRESSION

Models, actors, authors and litigators - a smile may not be your intent, but this process can still be helpful to get “that glow” in your eyes, even as the smile fades to a subtle expression to match what you’d like to project.

**VERY IMPORTANT EXCERCISE** (likely out of your comfort zone).
The Studio B camera room is a Cheese-free Zone. Meaning: I have made it a career-long practice at extracting authentic smiles. Saying “cheese” is not the answer. Don’t take my word for it - try this!..

1 - Look in a mirror and forge a smile.
2 - Now say "cheese" to see just how fake it looks. Sorry, but if you must… tell your kids to say “easy”. The upper lips will lift more on the “ee”, and the “zee” will cause them to hold it longer.
3 - Make yourself laugh, as in out-loud laugh. “Ha-ha-ha…” Did you feel that?.. Fake laugh or not, you'll likely just laugh that you're laughing at a fake laugh, but notice how this feels, AND it causes your eyes to smile as well.

Real, post-laughter smiles, look more genuine. We want to capture your authentic, approachable, trustworthy smile (where smiles suit the pose).

Triggers - If you’re not comfortable with “ha ha ha…”, even under your breath, then give us a triggering statement that might suit you more personally. You produce the image or thought – we’ll capture it when it shows up.

My 5-star reputation was not earned by producing cheese - just sayin’…

I look forward to creating the best photographic experience you’ve ever had!