Portrait Sessions

     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.  Share the files and make prints without going through me.  You and your family can make as many reprints, enlargements, albums, photo books, etc... as you want at the photo lab of your choice, or use one of my recommendations.  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.

     Portrait sessions include a set of 4"x6" prints, and a disc with the fully edited, ready to print, high resolution image files.  Also included is a set of "web friendly" sized image files for sharing on Facebook or email, and a private, online gallery (see my Weddings page for more info).  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.

The Short Session            180.00
    A 30 min portrait session at a single location for up to two subjects.  10+ finished photographs are delivered.  Additional subjects are +50.00 each.

My Normal Portrait Session            360.00
    A 1.5 to 2 hour portrait session for individuals, couples, families, and small groups.  Multiple locations are fine.  I deliver 24+ finished photographs.

Portrait Photography FAQ

      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.
 
 
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.  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.


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.  Bring snacks and drinks for young kids.  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 within a week or two.   I work on portrait sessions and weddings in the order they were photographed so it just depends on how busy I am.  For instance September & October are very popular for weddings and portraits.  At that time of the year I tend to be very busy, and it will take me longer to have the photos ready for you.


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 share as many of the photographs as you want for personal use.  Basically you can do anything you want with them except sell them.  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...

All Photo Galleries
Wedding Slideshow
Portrait Slideshow
Contact Matt
About Matt

Matt Needham Photography