TOUCH UPS You may find that there isn't that one "great" shot where you immediately look at it and say "perfect!" This is not uncommon when working with groups of people in an extended family situation, or with families that have young children. There are shots that you look at and say "if only so-and-so was looking" or "that would have been a great shot if..." We can transfer a body, head, face or eyes from another photo and place it on that "if only..." picture and turn it into that great shot you were looking for! The cost for a head swap is $25 which is extremely reasonable for the kind of work it entails. Swapping eyes (i.e. opening eyes) is $12.50. Please note that these charges are a one-time fee to alter the photo. It is then saved as a new image so that you can order whatever sizes you want from the edited photo without incurring additional touchup charges. Same holds true if other family members are ordering from that image. The touchup fee only has to be paid once.
Most other touch ups, such as removing a blemish or skin irritation, fixing fly away hairs, removing a spot on clothing, or something in the background will usually run much less than that. So please do not hesitate to ask for a quote if there is something you would like changed in order to get the perfect portrait. Please see the bottom of my portrait price sheet for details on Level 1 and Level 2 type touchup pricing (click here to go there now).
CROPPING Custom cropping is available in order to eliminate background, zoom-in on the subjects, or possibly even change the orientation of the photo (landscape versus portrait). You can also make a whole new picture by only choosing to keep a small section of the photo, thereby creating a new image from an existing photo. Sometimes this is a great way to capture a really great facial expression or other "moment" within the overall photo. Please be aware that there are some limitations as to how a photograph can be cropped based on the ratio of the print size you are requesting. Cropping is provided free of charge.
COLOR OPTIONS
B&W Conversion. Any color photo can be converted to black & white. B&W conversion costs $2 per image, regardless of how many different sizes you choose from that image.
Sepia Conversion. Any color photo can be converted to a sepia tone, which gives the photo an "old-fashioned" or "antique" look. I normally convert it to a tone that looks like a brownish copper but you can request it lighter. Sepia conversion costs $3 per image, regardless of how many sizes you order from that image.
Color Tinting. This is my own unique conversion which I think also gives a photo an old fashioned feel to it. Essentially, it is a hybrid between a color photo and a black & white photo. By reducing the color saturation to a point where it leaves just a hint of color, you can sometimes get a more pleasing result than by removing the color entirely. This process costs $4 per image. If interested, please ask to see a sample.
Fine Art Textures.Working with textures is an artistic trend in digital photography that turns an ordinary photograph into a work of art.To create this effect, we tend to go heavy on texture and color at the expense of detail.Sometimes this effect works to turn your focus away from a distracting element in the photograph.If this intrigues you, please ask for more details.Cost is $10.Samples will be coming to website upon it’s completion.
Color Spotting. This is a digital technique where a portion of the photo can be kept in color and the rest converted to B&W. For example, a photo of a bride can be converted from color to B&W but her flowers can be kept in color or a Halloween picture can have the pumpkins stay orange and everything else in B&W. There are endless possibilities! This is a custom service and is priced by the job.
CUSTOM MATTING & FRAMING
With the exception of the Canvas Wraps, any wall portraits should be properly matted and framed. I provide custom framing services and have over 100 frame mouldings and 50 double mats to choose from. Matting serves a purpose other than enhancing the looks of the photo. It provides spacing between the photograph and the glass so that any moisture or humidity can exist without causing damage to your picture.
If it is difficult to choose your frame choice from a small proof, we can wait until the wall portrait is available to schedule a framing session. This will serve us better in choosing the proper frame and mat colors that will not only enhance your photograph but coordinate with your home décor. Your framed portrait comes completely assembled with glass, mat, backing board and hanging hardware.
To get a more detailed description about the styles of frames and mats to choose from, please click here.
Too see samples of frame mouldings, click here. To see samples of mat choices, click here.
I also offer ways to display mutiple images in a framed collage. To see different layouts for muti-opening collage frames, click here.
You may also utilize my matting and framing services for photographs, prints or artwork you already own. In addition, I will cut any custom mats needed for pictures or collages.
DIGITAL CREATIONS Options for digital creations are below, but that is only the beginning. If you can think it up, I can create it. If it involves more than photos and scanned images, I have a graphic artist available for consultation.
DIGITAL MATTING Recreate the look of a single mat or double mat with digital openings and borders. Display a photograph in an oval or other shape with soft or hard edging.
ARTISTIC EDGING Have your images printed with creative edging. Black or white textured lines or rippled, torn or jagged edges. Utilize one of my masks, vignettes or effects to give your photo a little extra kick.
MEMORABILIA Provide scrapbook items to be scanned and blended with photographs. Newspaper clippings, tickets, awards, etc. can be combined for a unique display.
CARDS / THANK YOU'S / INVITATIONS Besides the ever popular holiday cards, you can create a card for any occasion. Other holidays, birthdays, communions, birth announcements, etc, etc. Also consider sending out photo thank you's or invitations.
HOLIDAY GREETING CARDS I have many different ways you can display your photograph in order to share it with friends and family during the Holiday Season. Please click on the holiday cards link for detailed information.
PRODUCTS
WALL PORTRAITS
SIZES If you are interested in prints above 8X10, you have a few options. You can always have a custom print size made, but the standard sizes are 11X14, 16X20 and 20X24. I also offer other sizes such as 10X13, 10X20 and 12X18. 10X13's are a smaller alternative to 11X14 but the other two sizes I generally use for composites. Composites are also great on other panoramic sizes such as 10X30, 11X28, 12X24, 13X20, and 14X22. Larger wall prints are available up to 30X45, but I would need to analyze the image prior to recommending a photo that large. You should also be aware that not all photos fit into standard size enlargements. Some shots are taken tighter than others and may have restrictions as to what sizes would work best since some of the image is lost when blown up. Sizes that will show everything as it was shot are: 4X6, 8X12, 12X18, 16X24, 20X30, 24X36 and 30X45.
MOUNTING Each portrait 10X13 and larger comes mounted. The photograph is adhered to a cardboard backing which protects it from dents, dings, ripples, etc. It will also help deter the photo from curling or bubbling up even when framed. I typically mount it on 2mm styrene or matboard. Overall it is a great safeguard for your portrait. There are other mounting options (for an additional price) such as foamboard, masonite and a popular finished look called standout which is 3/4" thick, very lightweight and has hanging holes on the backside. See beveled mounts under the section entitled Alternative Presentations as well. While all wall portraits have mounting included in the price of the print, it is your option whether you want your 8X10's to be mounted at $5 each for matboard or $7 for styrene.
To see what a standout mount looks like, click here.
FINISHES Professional finishes offer increased durability and protection from UV fading. A matte finish reduces the reflective quality of your print and can soften it up a bit. The most common is a lustre coating, which is water based and simply adds a layer of protection while still giving it a surface texture similar to a traditional matte finished professional print.
COMPOSITES & CANVAS PRINTS
COMPOSITES This is an extremely popular way to display multiple photographs in one image. It is created in photoshop so all images are digitally arranged and printed on one surface. The photos can be a blended collage where images have soft feathered edging and overlay creatively with each other. The photos can have more defined openings similar to a collage mat, with hard or soft edging, with or without borders. "Dream" composites display images that have a soft feathered edge in a contoured shape around the subject. Your backgrounds can be white, black or any color that compliments the photos being displayed. Text is optional as well. The possibilities and creativity are endless. You can see many samples in my photo gallery.
CANVAS PRINTS Wall portraits can be ordered as a traditional canvas print.Canvas material is thick and has a textured weave to it.This gives the portrait more of an artistic look, similar to an oil painting.It is made using an actual photograph where the emulsion is peeled and bonded to a piece of canvas fabric using heat and pressure.The resulting material is most commonly stretched over and stapled onto a 1½”deep wooden frame (called a stretcher), but can be adhered to some of the mounting substrates mentioned above (see the float wrap option below).Unlike a photograph, if you choose to frame your canvas print, glass is not necessary as a protection due to the textured surface of the print so glare is not an issue.Canvas stretchers may be ordered in three ways:
A STANDARD stretcher has the photo end at the overlap edge and the sides are white with staples exposed.This is considered an “unfinished” look and I recommend this should be framed.
A GALLERY WRAP stretcher has the photo extended to wrap around the sides of the wooden frame and the staples are hidden on the back. Framing paper covers the back of the gallery wrap, bumpers are applied to the bottom corners, and metal sawtooth hangers on the top corners.This style is ready for hanging or to be placed on a display shelf or easel.While this is more expensive than a photograph, it ends up costing less because you don’t have the framing expense.
To see what a gallery wrap canvas looks like, click here.
A THIN FLOAT WRAP is a new product in 2009.The canvas is wrapped around masonite, a 1/8” rigid hardboard.To give it a more elegant raised look and feel, there is padding added between the print and the masonite.The “float” part comes from the ¾” gatorboard block backing that allows the wrap to extend out from the wall.The back is complete with black paper backing and the block contains holes for hanging.If you prefer to display the float mount on an easel, it can be ordered without the gatorboard block.
To see what a thin wrap canvas looks like, click here.
PHOTO BOOKS & DVD's These are wonderful ways to share and preserve the memories and cherished images we create during your photo session.
PHOTO BRAG BOOKS This is a nice way to keep all your pictures from our shoot together in one place. The pages are comprised of your photographs on regular photo paper. I do suggest that you get a texture to them for increased durability. They can have an optional black or white border around the picture. The book can be ordered in 5 sizes from 3 1/2X 5 to 5 X 7. They are bound with a black spiral binding that can go on the short or long side. Books smaller than 5X7 have a clear or frosted flap cover and the 5X7 size has an optional leather cover. Minimum 26 images, max 90.
PRESS PRINTED PHOTO BOOKS This for sure is one of my favorite products to offer and VERY popular! This is a perfect way to show off your family photos. You can take the 5X5 size brag book with you everywhere you go, or have the 7X7 or 8.5 X 8.5 coffee table size out at home for guests to enjoy. Other sizes include 8x8 and 8X11 that can display more than one photo per page.
They are available as soft cover, perfect bound books, or hard cover, hand-sewn books (recommended). They come in a variety of sizes and an assortment of vibrant colors. Cover layouts include several ways to exhibit your favorite photos and can be personalized with text. Various page templates are offered from one photo per page up to 9 per page, as well as choices for either full bleed images or different border options.
Books start at 10 pages (20 sides) but can accommodate up to 225 pages! Make the effort to commemorate your treasured professional images in a contemporary fashion.
DVD's Because I do not sell CD's of my images, DVD's are the only way you can view and preserve your photo memories from our shoot in a medium other than print. These professional images of your choice are showcased as a slideshow set to music. You can play it on your computer or watch it on your TV via your DVD player. The DVD is presented in a leather case featuring a favorite print from your event in a cameo opening on the case. Each DVD also comes in a gift box with a bow so it can be purchased as a gift for someone else.
While this option is mainly to present the images we created at your photo shoot with Sue's Point of View, you may also add some of your own images to them. Also... if you would like to have me create a DVD slideshow of another event you have images for, or even a "year in review" of your own family memories, we can do that too.
ALTERNATIVE PRESENTATIONS
PHOTO TILES Display your portraits on tiles for a unique decorating option. I offer two different tile surfaces which portray the images quite differently. The Tuscany tiles come in two square sizes (4X4 or 6X6) and give the appearance of old-world stones which have more muted tones and harbor an antique feel. The stone tile has imperfections and veins in the surface that will show in your image so if you don't like that look I offer a ceramic tile. This tile has more of a perfect reproduction of your portrait with soft smooth edges. These come in 4 sizes from 4X4 to 8X10. Both options are quite affordable, but you can also go for a larger tile mosaic which incorporates 6, 9 or 12 tiles in a rectangular or square format. Those sizes run from 12X18 to 24X30.
PHOTO PANELS These photo displays are great for shelves, bookcases, end tables, armoires and fireplace mantles. The panels have the photographs printed on them with great color reproduction and are scratch and UV resistant. The durability far surpasses a regular photograph since they are mounted on a 1/4" thick hardboard material. The panels are joined together with hinges and come in various sizes and styles. I have a 2 or 4-panel arched top, a vertical 3X5 with horizontal 5X7, or 2 5x7's horizontal or vertical.
BEVEL MOUNTS This type of mount adds elegance and sophistication to any photograph. Your portrait gets mounted on a heavy weight board that is substantial enough to stand on its own. These are great for displaying on an easel or wall shelf. The mount board is five plies thick and is beveled at a 40 degree angle to increase the effect of the edging and therefore enhance the appearance of your presentation. The edging comes in metallic gold, metallic silver or black lacquer. Available in standard sizes ranging from 4X5 to 20X24.
GIFT IDEAS Items listed with description are the most popular, but I can offer many types of gifts, many of which can be put to practical use around your house or in everyday living.
PHOTO KEY CHAINS Enjoy your photos wherever you go! Key chains can display a photo on either side of this acrylic casing.
LADY'S PHOTO WALLET This is a great accessory to have with a favorite image to enjoy and show off wherever you and your wallet go! The wallet has a soft leather appearance with a zippered compartment inside. It has 6 credit card slots and two separate inside compartments. It measures approximately 7.5" wide X 4.5" high. Ask about purses too!
PHOTO CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS Holiday ornaments are a great gift for grandparents, aunts, uncles and godparents.... or just get one for yourself! It's a great way to have a photo commemorate the year and have that memory live on each holiday season displayed on your Christmas tree. These personalized ornaments are made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic. The same photo is displayed on both sides and it comes in 3 shapes: tree, bell or circle. You can also have a photo "cut-out" whose shape conforms to that of the shape of the photo and comes in 2 sizes: 2X3 or 5X7. The cut out ornaments are a holiday favorite!
OTHER GIFTS Other gifts available include pencil holders, bookends, napkin holders, lazy susan with photo tiles, iron trivet, glass cutting board, coasters, mugs, mouse pads, huggies, purses in various sizes, tote bags, necklace, blankets, aprons, puzzles, clipboards and various sports plaques.
FINE ART
GICLÉE PRINTS Pronounced "jhee-clay". Giclée is a sophisticated printing method. It merges the use of professional grade large format printers with archival pigment inks, acid free watercolor papers and canvas. The result provides a brilliance of color that would be out of range with other technologies. Most papers used are made from 100% cotton rag and are long lasting, thick and acid-free. Your chosen photograph will be transformed into a beautiful work of art rendered with the highest image quality and great longevity.
DRAWINGS, SKETCHES & PAINTINGS Ask any artist and they'll tell you that all the tubes of paint in the world cannot replace the simple pencil when it comes to artistic potential. I work with a local artist that will do a pencil sketch, charcoal sketch or ink drawings. She will also do paintings in watercolors, acrylics or oil.
I also work with a company that does digital paintings that are true replications of the actual photograph since they work directly on top of the digital image. If you don't want to risk losing critical detail that a photograph provides, this is a great option. There is no risk of interpretation that you may get with an artist's rendition.
