WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM OUR PORTRAIT SESSION?
Before being able to schedule your portrait, you'll have a phone call to discuss your session, pay your commission fee and officially book your date on our calendar. At that time, we will begin to plan and design the perfect portrait session for you.
On your portrait session day, Cyndi will welcome you to the charming historic destination studio.
Some chose to 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, snacks eaten in the car, or the amount of dog fur they transported with them!)
As soon as everyone is ready, your portrait artist creates your portraits in front of a carefully chosen backdrop, hand painted by Cyndi. We will pose and direct you so you know exactly where to put your hands and which way to stand and position yourselves. This will create something truly meaningful and beautiful for you and your family that at the same time is very "you."
DO YOU SHOOT ONLY IN COLOR OR DO YOU PROVIDE BLACK AND WHITE?
We shoot in color, but you can have any (or all) your images converted into black and white as you like.
CAN WE TAKE CELL PHONE PICTURES DURING THE SESSION?
Because phones can distract and impede the portrait making process, photos are not permitted to be taken by clients during any part of the actual portrait session or ordering appointment. When in doubt, please ask. Thank you for your kind understanding.
WHERE IS THE STUDIO LOCATED?
We are thrilled to have a spot in charming and historic Point Richmond, the hidden waterfront city of the East Bay.
Many clients enjoy hanging around in Point Richmond after (or before) the session to grab lunch or dinner, enjoy the cute shops, the art gallery, grab a beer at the local pub or head to the beach. You can learn more about what this hidden gem has to offerhere.
The address is 125 Park Place, Suite 122, Point Richmond
Please note, parking can be scarce on weekends. If you can’t find a street spot in front of the studio, drive around the block to Railroad Avenue (which is behind the studio) and you’ll see parking spaces there.
If the buildings front doors are locked when you arrive, please call the studio at 510-213-8038
HOW LONG WILL OUR PORTRAIT SESSION LAST?
Your actual portrait session lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of people or dogs in the session.
I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO WEAR, CAN YOU HELP?
Of course! When you book your portrait session, you will receive a list of suggestions and other ideas to help you prepare.
CAN I BRING OTHER PEOPLE?
Absolutely! We encourage all guests to bring anyone special to them. We don't charge anything extra to bring other family members!
HOW DO I SEE MY PROOFS?
This is an extremely special part of your portrait experience. No later than two weeks after your portrait session, you will be scheduled for your cinematic portrait reveal and ordering appointment via Zoom.
All orders are placed and taken care of at this meeting as online postings and printed proofs are not available.
I LOVE THEM ALL! HOW WILL I CHOOSE?
Many times clients are genuinely surprised by how moved they are by their portraits. Our in-person ordering meeting and selection process is designed to help you 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 Audra 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.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND THE PURCHASING APPOINTMENT?
Anyone who you want to help you select your images. If you are married or partnered, both you and your spouse or partner will not want to miss this appointment! In most relationships, both members have at least some input (either financial or aesthetic) in the selection process.
Experience has shown that clients feel much more confident in their choices and decisions when they are made together. If one of you is unable to attend, please call to reschedule. It’s that important!
I HATE PHOTOS OF MYSELF!
We hear this a lot and you are in for a treat! I have 14 years of experience helping people feel comfortable in front of the camera. Relax and trust the process and I promise you will be pleasantly surprised by the results.
The portraits that you select and order receive our highest level of post-processing, 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 a 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.