Offering traditional and
creative
portraiture for teens and adults.
Individuals Couples Families Groups
Senior Pictures Engagement & Anniversary Portraits
I want to hear your ideas!
Portrait Sessions Individuals Couples Families Groups
Senior Pictures Engagement & Anniversary Portraits
I want to hear your ideas!
A variety of portraits are created at your home or the location of your choice (I have ideas if you don't). You keep the fully processed, ready to print, high resolution image files of the finished portraits. You and your family can make as many reprints and enlargements as you want at the photo lab of your choice, or use one of the labs I recommend. I typically deliver a mix of color and BW portraits, but I'd like to hear your ideas and what you want. Sepia tone, color tones, partial coloring, digital illustration, "hand" coloring, and other creative services are available.
Special: take $100 off portrait sessions
Portrait session for individuals, couples, families are 250
My typical 1.5 to 2
hour portrait session for individuals, couples, families, and small groups costs
350. Portrait
sessions include a set of
finished 4"x6" prints, and a disc with the fully edited, ready to
print, high resolution image
files. Payment is
due at the time of the portrait
session; see Matt
Needham's Portrait
Session contract
here. If
you need more time, need a price quote, or have other ideas and
questions please contact me.
Scroll down for my Portraits Frequently Asked Questions section
(if you decide to hire me please take the time to read it)
Portrait Photography FAQ
Please email or phone if you have any questions.
How many photographs does Matt deliver?Please email or phone if you have any questions.
It depends on what we are doing, but I usually deliver 24+ finished photos from most portrait sessions. Often it's more than that. Posed and lit photos take more set-up time , and result in fewer photos than available light candids or action shots. My portrait sessions are often a mix of both styles. Multiple locations and outfits may also influence how much time we spend shooting. I want to hear your ideas, and what you need from your portrait session. The portrait session price is for up to 2 hours.
Are the photos color or BW?
I would normally deliver a mix of both, but if you would prefer all color or all BW I can do that. If you've seen a style or effect you like in my galleries or elsewhere just let me know. There's a lot more information about my photographs on my Wedding FAQ page.
What size are the photographs?
You are probably used to 4"x6", 5"x7", and 8"x10" as standard print sizes, but do the math; if 4"x6" is the full print, then 5"x7" and 8"x10" have to have some of the photo cropped (see the example photograph below). Photographs from digital SLR cameras (and 35mm film) have an aspect ratio of 2:3 (two to three). This means the prints are normally 4"x6",6"x9", 8"x12", 10"x15", 12"x18", 16"x24", 20"x30", etc... Unless you specify otherwise, I will compose most of your portraits with this aspect ratio in mind. All full service photo labs offer reprints and enlargements in these sizes.
Other aspect ratios are available upon request, but I need to know before I compose the portraits. 4:5 ratio makes prints sized 4"x5", 8"x10", and 16"x20". 1:1 makes square prints sized 5"x5", 8"x8", 10"x10", etc... 5"x7" and 11"x14" are each different and unique aspect ratios. Often it will be possible to crop a 2:3 ratio photograph into a 5"x7", 8"x10", or 11"x14" without problems, but if you need your photographs to have an aspect ratio other than 2:3 it is best if you tell me ahead of time. If you would be interested in a few square or panoramic photographs let me know.
This photograph shows how the
aspect ratios of the various print sizes crop the full frame
image. In this example the crop is always centered, but most full
service labs are able to adjust the crop however you want it. For
instance, a full frame print is an 8"X12"; if you want an 8"x10"
you could crop 1" off each side (like in the example), or 2" off one
side, or 0.5" off one side, and 1.5" off the other.
Where I see most people having problems with this is framing. People buy an 8"x10" frame, and then try to fit an 8"x12" portrait in it. As I said above, it may be possible to crop an 8"x12" portrait to 8"x10", but with some photos where the important subject matter fills the entire frame cropping could be a problem. Stores that don't specialize in frames may not carry the sizes you need. 2:3 aspect ratio frames are readily available online, and I can direct you to the suppliers I use. Of course any framing store can make custom sized frames. Other options are to have photos matted or add borders to a portrait to create a different aspect ratio.
I know that this can be confusing, so please ask any questions you have. Many photographers don't even understand aspect ratio! I'm very confused myself as to why the camera manufacturers, frame manufacturers, and photo labs aren't all on the same page yet. 35mm film (2:3 aspect ratio) was introduced over 80 years ago, and has been the most popular film format for the last 40+ years.
Where are we going to shoot?
I do my portrait photography "on location" rather than in a studio setting. One of my favorite types of portrait is the environmental portrait: a portrait that shows the living or working environment of the subject, and tells the viewer something about them.
There are many beautiful locations around the Lawrence area, or I can come to your home. For locations outside of Douglas County there may be a travel charge. For the more adventurous I know of many dramatic locations beyond Lawrence. Think about having your portrait taken at your favorite locations or places that are important to you.
What should you wear?
Disclaimer: Below you will find my clothing advice, but I freely admit I know a lot more about photography than fashion. For my own wardrobe I tend to follow the KISS philosophy (keep it simple, stupid). I think Stacy and Clinton of TLC's What Not To Wear give excellent advice.
Wear comfortable, weather and location appropriate clothing and shoes. Multiple outfits are okay with me. I've always been fashion challenged so my advice tends to be keep it simple. Simple, plain clothing creates an nice portrait where the main point of focus is the subject's face, and the style doesn't go out of fashion.
Avoid logos and writing. They compete with the subject's face for the viewers' attention. We can get portraits with logo clothing (school, sports, bands, etc...) if you want, but bring something else to wear too.
Be cautious with white and black. Anything white will attract attention in the photo. We really want the faces to be the main point of interest. A white T-shirt collar peeking out will tend to draw the viewer's gaze down away from the subject's face. White socks can stick out in full length portraits. If only one person in a group is wearing white they become the focus. White outfits are also stain and smudge prone. We've all heard that black clothing is slimming. The hard truth is that it's not. For some people the all or mostly black clothing look works; for most it doesn't. Colors and the right fit are much more slimming than black.
Avoid brand new outfits, styles, and make-up. Wear it several times before choosing to have your portrait taken in it. You'll know if it fits and looks good on you, and you'll feel more comfortable. The more comfortable you are the better the portraits will look. I think sometimes people feel they have to get all fancied up for their portrait session, but that's not the only way to get nice portraits. Casual and comfortable will look better than fancy and stiff.
On the other hand, rules are meant to be broken, and I'm not going to tell you what you have to wear. Clothing choice is a reflection of personality, and that's what portraits are all about. I would love to hear your ideas and photograph you in your most outlandish, fashion-rule-breaking outfits.
If you are planning on putting your portrait on the web avoid small, tight, high contrast stripes or patterns. These can create a moire optical illusion when displayed as low resolution images on a computer monitor.
If you still can't figure out what to wear consider who the portrait viewers will be, and put on what you would wear if they were coming over for dinner. If the portrait session is in a location that permits you to change clothing feel free to bring additional outfits.
How long does a portrait session last?
Up to 2 hours; usually around 1.5 hours. If you need a portrait session with more time just contact me with the details, and I can quote you a price.
What should you bring?
Bring additional outfits, combs, hairbrushes, and make up if you wear it. If it's chilly bring jackets. If it's warm bring a towel to dry your face. Favorite personal items such as musical instruments, family heirlooms, sports equipment, even vehicles and pets can add interest to your portrait.
Does Matt retouch the photos?
I clean up acne, scratches, and blemishes, but my normal style is a light touch as far as cosmetics go. I can do more retouching on request; I do not make judgements about peoples' looks, so if you want me to "fix" something please tell me. I can fade wrinkles, whiten teeth, even sometime straighten teeth, remove tatoos, etc... Usually I will have more success if I am aware of your concerns as I'm taking the photos, but if you see something after I've delivered the photos just let me know, and I'll touch it up. There may be an additional charge for extensive or complicated retouching.
Frizzy, out of control hair, and make-up issues can be difficult to correct and make look natural. Please consult your hair and make-up stylists, and use/bring hair spray, combs, brushes, and touch up make-up if neccessary.
How long before the photographs are ready?
My portrait session contract says they will be ready within 20 business days (4 weeks, not including holidays), but I know you are excited to see them so I try to have them ready sooner than that. I work on portrait sessions and weddings in the order they were photographed so it just depends on how busy I am. For instance October is very popular for weddings and portraits. At that time of the year I tend to be extremely busy, and it will probably take me the full four weeks to get to and finish the photographs. On the other hand, if your portrait session is in April you may have them sooner.
Who owns the copyright to the photographs?
Matt Needham owns the copyright to all of the photographs. You, your family, and your friends have my permission to reprint and enlarge as many of the photographs as you want for personal use. Written permission must be obtained prior to any use for business or monetary gain. Please read my portrait photography contract for more information.
Please contact Matt for information or price quotes on portraits created for commercial/business use.
Can you bring pets?
It's okay with me, as long as it's appropriate for the location. Bring pet supplies such as leashes, water bowl, treats, etc...
What is the plan in case of bad weather?
You never know here in Kansas… In the event of bad weather I would be glad to continue the shoot by moving indoors if a suitable location is available, or the portrait session can be rescheduled.
What happens if you are ill, or have some other emergency?
As much advance notice as possible would be greatly appreciated if you need to cancel a scheduled portrait session, but I understand that things come up. I'd be happy to reschedule for a more convenient time.
There's a lot more information
about my photography on my Wedding FAQ page.
