FAQs
What can I expect from our Portrait session?
Before being able to schedule your portrait, you'll have a phone call, and officially book your date on the Studio Calendar. At that time, we will begin to plan and design the perfect portrait session for your family. We'll ask you a few questions to get a sense for all of the personalities in your family and what's most important to capture for you at this time. Having this short conversation before your portrait sessions makes a significant difference in your results.
On the day.
Some families get dressed for their portraits in the changing room while others arrive ready to go. (This often depends on the ages of the children in the portrait as well as snacks eaten in the car!)
As soon as everyone is ready, your portrait artist creates your portraits in front of a carefully chosen backdrop, hand painted and imported from Europe. They will pose and direct you so you know exactly where to put your hands and which way to stand and position yourselves. They will create something truly meaningful and beautiful for you and your family that at the same time is very "you."
What should we wear?
We work with you to help select the right clothing for your custom portraits. Many families opt for a formal or semi formal classic and timeless look, while others prefer a more casual style, such as dark jeans, button up shirts for men, and casual dresses or skirts for women, or textured shirts and sweaters for all. The Studio provides all scheduled portrait clients with a detailed guide that includes wardrobe suggestions and ideas and she is available to discuss various options as well.
What else do we need to do to prepare for our Portrait session?
Here are a few suggestions…
Ideally men will have haircuts 1-2 weeks before the portrait session and not immediately before and close shave the day of the session for gentlemen is also recommended, unless they go for the beardy or designer stubble look.
For women, touching up hair colour if needed is also ideal 1-2 weeks before the session.
Celebrity/high profile makeup artistry and hair services available to come to the Studio. Please inquire if you're interested in adding these services to your portrait session.
Simple manicures and getting a good night's rest before your portrait session are recommended. Any additional time you invest in preparing for the portraits will pay off.
Consider bringing your child's favourite toys, instruments or karate/Ballet uniforms etc. This bring some real personal character to your images
Do you shoot only in Black and White or do you provide colour?
Alexander is known for his beautiful and luminous B&W photographic portraits but a handful of his clients prefer colour and that's within his expertise too. If you prefer colour, please indicate that in your consultation call and we'll help you to plan your clothing and our portrait session accordingly.
How long will the session last?
Your actual portrait session lasts approximately 1-2hrs depending on number of people or dogs in the session. Ultimately it depends on hold long we can hold the kids attention for. Either way we will get plenty of gorgeous and memorable images of your beloved family together.
Where should I display my artwork?
Most commonly, clients choose to hang their artwork in their dining room or above the fireplace in their living room where they will see it frequently. Others enjoy hanging their portrait where it can be seen as soon as they walk in the front door of their home.
Some of our clients who already have original art throughout their homes choose to display their portraits in the children’s bedrooms and playrooms, in their Master bedrooms, or in hallways dedicated to family portraits and family history, i.e. gallery walls. The stairway is also a popular option.
When do I see the images?
The best news is you get to see the images straight away. Right after the session you will get to enjoy a custom slideshow showing you all the best images from our session. This is then the time well will discuss your printing and display options. All orders are taken at this point so it's best to make sure that anyone who wishes to have input in the product options chosen are here at this time.
I love them all! How will I choose?
Many times clients are genuinely surprised by how moved they are by their portraits. The Studio's in person ordering meeting and selection process helps clients to decide and order with confidence--even those who are more visual and who need to see something first before choosing it.
At your selection and ordering appointment, you'll be able to see your portraits, as Alexander guides you through this fun and poignant meeting. And, for those that do fall in love and need assistance with purchasing, interest-free payment plans are available for many artwork options.
I hate pictures of myself! Help!
You are in for a treat! All ordered portraits are finished with the Studio's gorgeous signature style and lavish artistry.
The portraits that you select and order receive our highest level of Artistry, including complimentary additional modifications at your request to make your portraits even more beautiful and striking.
Past requests have included softening lines, stray hair removal, whitening teeth, filling in missing or crooked teeth, braces removal, "slenderizing" waists and arms, reduction of double chins, and adjusting clothing, etc.
Perhaps most important to keep in mind is that creating a portrait like this is a true gift for your children. Parents tend to see themselves critically while children simply love seeing the family together. Family portraits are a powerful nonverbal way of showing our children how much they are loved and valued.
If you are the parent who is always behind the camera, or if you dislike yourself in most pictures, please know that this will be a unique experience for you. Portraits by Alexander use their expertise in posing and lighting to create flattering portraits that also feel very "you."