Q. Posed or Candids?
A. Why not BOTH? Posed are always great, but people don't always like the stiff look. We like to get a combination of posed and candid shots - sometimes it takes longer, but especially for kids - the candids
Q. Matte or Glossy?
A. For posed formal photos like weddings and senior portraits, we recommend matte. For candids and scenic shots we recommend glossy. But most professional photo labs now offer an in-between option with Lustre or Semi-Gloss. But these vary from lab to lab, so see a sample or try it out first before ordering a lot of enlargements.
Q. Digital or Film?
A. We are moving towards mostly digital portraits and weddings now as it offers more opportunities. The digital file sizes are now large enough (and getting larger) that images are equal and better quality than film. In a few years this wonÕt be a question anymore. Although, if you prefer film, we will be happy to accommodate film clients.
Q. What Should I Wear to a Portrait Session?
A. We always recommend solid colors Š patterns distract too much from the people's faces. Blue jeans are usually fine if it is a casual portrait. For children's portraits, especially with blue eyed children, blue jean overalls or dresses always look nice. Some families choose identical colors and some choose similar colors that look good. For large family reunions, we suggest color coordinating family groups - one family in blue, one in red, one in black, etc. Forget those old stories about not wearing white, white looks fine in most picture. Most of all, wear something you are comfortable in.
Q. Pre-Wedding Jitters?
A. Some options for reducing the stress of photos include: a. Ask your wedding party to do the formal portraits before the wedding. The more photos you are willing to take ahead of time saves your guests a lot of waiting around. b. Even if bride & groom don't see each other before the wedding, you can do both sides early and save on your precious time with guests. c. Schedule a bridal portrait a week or two ahead of time so that you already have great photos of you in your wedding gown and won't have to worry . d. No problem, just elope. They have photographers in the Elvis Chapel and no appointments needed. CLICK HERE for LAS VEGAS ELVIS CHAPELS
Q. What about the Terrible Twos?
A. It's hard to get a toddler to take a posed photo - they just don't get it. Once the flash goes once, they think it's all over. Why keep sitting here and shooting the same photo when there are so many things to explore? We recommend letting them be kids and trying NOT to push too much. The more you push the more they resist. Sometimes a stranger can coerce a reluctant child into cooperating! Sometimes they can be bribed, and sometimes we get cute candid shots in between the more formal shots. Lots of praise and encouragement for the most reluctant usually goes a long way. Before, during and after the shoot.
Q. Are you related to fashion photographer Cecil Beaton?
A. Although owner Kay Beaton's heritage is Scottish, we find no direct links to famous British fasion photographer, Sir Cecil Beaton. Sir Cecil Beaton was a photographer, designer and writer, Beaton was the most famous British photographer of the first half of the twentieth century and also a successful writer and designer for stage and films including "Gigi" (1958) and "My Fair Lady" (1964). You can see 875 of his photos on National Portrait Gallery.
