WHAT TO EXPECT
We are at the leading edge of painterly creation of portraiture. We go through extraordinary steps to produce every stunning piece of art.
Through exceptional and lighting techniques a keen to the Old Masters style of creating portraiture as well as post production new state of the art enhancements, your images will be breathtaking on your wall.
It all starts with these 11 phases of your journey.
1 - PERSONAL CONSULTATION
This is a creative meeting to discover your story to be told in your session. During your consultation, Cathy will answer any questions you have and will listen to what your vision is for your portrait is. If you don't really have one (which is often the case) she will share what she would like to create based on just a little in person conversation and observation of the subject.
2 - CLOTHING & LOCATION SELECTION
Clothing will depend on the type of session you choose. Cathy is here to help guide you every step of the way.
For a Forgotten Age session, we have an assortment of coutour studio dresses in our wardrobe. She will make the selection for your little girl based on many things – age, skin tone, personality, as well as size. We also have many other resources for some amazing coutour dresses, it may take longer to get one of those for your little one as they are custom made. They are however worth the wait. Cathy will talk to you about this at the consultation
For a Celebrating Women session - just for you - she will give you a list of suggested clothing styles, colors and ideas as well as all the accessories you will want to bring. We have a few adult dresses in our studio wardrobe also as well as some accessories. Do not be afraid to bring what you already have or by all means “go shopping” and make buying new clothes a part of your photography experience.
In Family portrait sessions, Cathy will make solid suggestions for your family based on the home you live in (which is where your portrait would be displayed), your lifestyle and the age of those in the image. We are here to guide you every step of the way.
Locations -most clients prefer the studio location (which also has a studio garden just outside) for their Forgotten Age and Celebrating Women session, however, many beautiful and meaningful location may also be your location of choice. And don’t forget your home is a beautiful location for your family session – home is always a great place to consider.
Cathy is happy to visit your home to discover how to display your images. Whether they are on your wall, in one of the stunning image folio boxes or album, you will enjoy these images for generations. This visit also give her a better idea how she might design your portrait session.
3 - BEAUTY & STYLE
The beauty application for your session is another important part of what we do. Cathy and her professional stylist will walk you through our clothing selections and take care of every aspect of beauty and styling for you. We offer many options. Hair and makeup are an essential part of the styling the Forgotten Age and the Celebrating Women sessions.
4 -ART PRODUCTION
After your session you will come to the studio for your selection process. Your images will be expertly narrowed down and selectively retouched. You will view your images for the first time through our state of the art "viewing system" projecting your images on the wall. Cathy will be there to help you with your selection and to answer any question you may have.
Projecting your images on the wall give you a better idea what a wall portrait would feel in your home as well as showing you many details that otherwise may be overlooked. Cathy will be there to help you with your selection and to answer any question you may have.
Cathy then completes your images by applying her artistic, creative skill and create a breathtaking portrait or set of portraits for you.
This is a very exciting part of the process.
Production time may vary but generally takes 4-6 weeks depending on the products you have selected.
5 - PRINTED IMAGES
Canvas and Photographic printed images
With the help of the finest labs in the world - we then have everything printed and mounted on the best quality substrate for your images. Many wall portraits are canvas images however there are several finishes for these artful images. Cathy will guide you as to the best choice based on the images you select. Both the canvas, inks and methods are 100 percent archival. Generally, the final portraits take 4-6 weeks to complete.
Beautiful folio image boxes and Crystal cover albums are also made of the highest quality available. All are simply stunning.
6 - ARCHIVAL FINAL COATINGS
This process is extremely important to the structure of your artwork. A canvas is coated with multiple thin layers of a gel medium or a transparent layer of spray. All other prints are sealed with a high quality medium/spray. This is a final step that ensures the archival qualities of your images.
7 - SIGNING THE PORTRAIT
Cathy not only does all the art work on each piece, but she also signs each piece. This signature on your artwork is recognized as a sign of exquisite craftsmanship and artful caring to the subject matter.
Clients look for the signature on their art pieces…it’s that important.
8 - FRAME SELECTION
Choosing just the right frame to complicate your image as well as the room you will display it in is the final step. We are here to professionally assist you in frame selection.
9 - CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY
The portrait will be accompanied by
Certificate of Authenticity featuring the name of the piece, the client and the artist.
10 - INSTALLATION
White glove installation is an option with every portrait commissioned. You need only request it.
11 - SHARING IS CARING
We are sure you will want to share this experience with family and friends.
Why not have a get-together to celebrate your new art?
As Thomas Merton once said “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”
See who we are and who we can be in these works of art.