Portraiture

Session fee of $250 includes $175 print credit and is due in full on day of session.

Headshot mini-session $150 We'll spend an hour together in the studio and weather permitting, also do some outdoor portraits. Within in a week, you will be emailed a gallery of 10-20 images to choose from. Choose one image to be retouched and presented in digital format for both web and small print use.

Event session $350 a first birthday celebration, or any other milestone you would like documented. I will come early and photograph the details and do a few portraits of the star. I'll be there for the party documenting the event in a journalistic style. We will meet a few weeks later so that you can choose your favorites to be used to create a custom hardbound, 8x8 keepsake book.

faq

What should I wear? clothing is important. It can really influence the feel of a portrait. Please don't dress your children or family in matching outfits, rather think about choosing one piece as a starting point and work from there. Or choose a couple colors and wear different combinations of those colors. Don't be afraid to accessorize. Layer and bring more than you think you'll need. Think: hats, scarves, funky jewelry, jean jackets, boots, hair flowers. Use white sparingly, it reflects light and does not photograph well. Avoid wild prints, large logos, words and cartoons. These can be distracting and draw attention away from the face.

My favorite look is a vintage, bohemian feel. Peruse an Anthropologie catalog for inspiration. You don't need to spend a fortune on new clothes, you probably have pieces in your own closest that will help make a great portrait.

Some ideas

Men- think comfortable and casual: Vintage tees, jeans, bomber jackets, cardigans, vests, linen trousers and shirts.

Women- soft feminine: silky dresses, layer and layers of jewelry, lace, cashmere, jeans and tanks. fun shoes and boots. Jackets, belts, scarves.

Children- casual and comfy: jeans and tees, bare feet, cotton dresses. Please carefully consider big bow hair pieces, usually more of a distraction than you think. Rain boots and cowboy boots can be fun and sparkly girly shoes. Seated studio shots ALWAYS are better in bare feet, otherwise you end up with a shot of the bottom of your kids shoes with the logo, tire treads, gum or dirt. Soft bare feet.... much more appealing.

Newborns- naked bodies preferred but consider bringing favorite blankets, knit caps, very petite hair accessories, diaper cover, plain fitted onesie, any small toys or props that have special meaning.

How will I view the proofs? we will schedule a viewing session about 7-10 days after your shoot. I have invested in a beautiful large screen to show your images along with software that makes the selection process easier by comparing images side by side and narrowing down to your absolute favorites. I can provide you with an online gallery to share with family after the viewing session. This gallery will be online for 7 days. Please come to the viewing session without the kids so you can give yourself the luxury of a stress-free viewing.

How long will you keep my images on file? all ordered prints will remain archived for one year, all un-ordered printed will be deleted one month from viewing session. All concierge client images will remain on file for two years.

Who owns the copyright? Melinda Downing Design retains copyright to all images. Images may be used in a variety of marketing media, including but not limited to web, blog and print. All clients will be asked to sign a modeling release prior to session.

Pease do not copy, scan or reproduce the photographs, it is illegal to do so. I take great pride in my work and scanned images devalue and distort the quality of the image. Thank you for respecting my work and not reproducing without my permission. I'm happy to provide facebook sized images of your order to share with your on-line friends and family. Just ask.

When can I expect my order? orders usually arrive within two weeks of order session. Gallery wrapped canvas orders may take up to four weeks.

Do you do weddings? no, sorry.

How about huge group portraits? nope. I'm really not even fond of traditional family portraits. I'd much rather chase you around the yard playing with your kids than plop you under lights in front of a backdrop and try to get a "real" picture of you.

what's the best photography advice you can give a new parent? never ask your child to say cheese. It will result in a lifetime of forced smiles for the camera. Encourage them to say words that begin with the letter "M" or just engage in funny conversation, having them repeat silly words and phrases. Or have them quickly and alternately frown and smile, soon they will be laughing and you will get a natural smile every time.