Kathryn's Philosophy...
A portrait, by definition, should portray. It should go beyond showing just a view of a face to reveal the soul of a person. Anyone with a camera can take a picture, but it takes a special degree of sensitivity and craftsmanship to create an image that stirs the emotion of the viewer.
This is the goal that I have for everyone who sits before my camera...to bring out the inner beauty and personality each of us shares. It might mean showing the closeness of a family, the bonding between a mother and child, the love shared by a couple celebrating an engagement or anniversary. If the final portrait is to be a gift, it becomes my duty to ensure the feelings the subject has for the recipient are brought out in the images.
The key to the success of your portrait lies in spending some time prior to the photography session talking about your needs, your desires, and your objectives. The more prepared you are for your session, the easier it will be for you to be relaxed, look better and create a portrait you will be proud to own or give as a gift.
The difference between creating a great portrait and a mediocre one goes far beyond using the "right" camera, or knowing all the "tricks" to make people smile. Rather, it requires a supreme command of the craft and tools plus a strong commitment to excellence in every detail. I aspire to produce the finest photography I am capable of, without compromise, because quality never goes out of style, and is appreciated by those who know the difference.
You have asked me to create your images because you have seen and recognized that difference. I want to earn the trust you have placed in me by working with you at every step along your portrait experience. This personal approach is what will make your photographs unique. Thank you for your confidence, and I look forward to working with you!
A La Carte sessions...
All of my photography sessions are custom...i.e., no 2 are exactly alike. You can choose to have your photography done in the studio, outdoors around the studio or at a location of your choosing.
Location sessions, regardless of where taken, require a $175 reservation fee that is paid at the time the session is booked. These sessions also require a minimum purchase.
Studio sessions require a $75 reservation fee that is paid at the time the session is booked.
Your reservation fee includes time set aside for a design consultation...I urge you to take a few moments to come into the studio, or time to do this over the phone, so that we may discuss all aspects of your session--backgrounds, clothing, vertical or horizontal orientation for wall portraits, and the mood you wish to convey with your images.
If you find that you need to reschedule your session, I ask that you make every effort to give me a 24 hour notice...I have a waiting list (particularly for those hard to come by Saturday appointments) and would like to be able to accomodate another client.
The studio gladly accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover for reservation fees.
Portrait Finishes
Your selections begin with deciding on which styles (or finishes) you prefer. None is "better" than another...it is a personal choice based on the mood and feeling you wish to convey with the portrait. The price difference is determined by the additional handwork involved.
A rich and very durable lacquer glaze is applied to the wall portrait surface for protection and to eliminate the need for glass in front of the photograph.
You will choose which finish you prefer (gallery wrap, canvas, luster) during your ordering appointment.
Displaying Your Portraits...
You'll get the most viewing enjoyment from your portraits if they are displayed in the room where you spend most of your leisure time. For most people, this is the family or living room. When selecting a location, consider a wall that is within comfortable viewing distance and angle from the main seating areas. If you have to get up to see the portrait, you probably won't. The most popular places for displaying include over the fireplace, above a sofa or loveseat, or above a piano or other piece of furniture that draws attention to itself.
Your Image Presentation...
At the completion of your portrait session, a time will be selected for your image presentation. We will be able to answer any questions regarding adequate sizing, finishing and framing for each area in your home. This appointment is scheduled for a period of one hour. We find, however, that most people have no problem making their selections in much less time. Including small children in this visit is strongly discouraged.
Your images will be viewed via our digital projection system, giving you the ability to see them as wall portraits, and easily visualizing how they will lend themselves to the enhancement of your home decor. All details such as cropping, retouching, finishing and framing can be discussed while seeing your images in the sizes to be made. We urge you to make your selections carefully.
Please be prepared to make your selections during this initial visit, as additional showings are usually not possible. We ask that you bring EVERYONE who is involved in making final decisions to your image presentation.
The time for your image presentation is set aside especially for you. If it becomes necessary to reschedule your appointment, kindly give us as much advance notice as possible so that we may attempt to accomodate someone from our waiting list.
Images selected for printing at your presentation will be archived and available for future orders. Images not selected cannot be retained.
We will notify you when your images are ready so that you may reserve a time to pick up your order.
Studio Policies...
Your session fee covers all costs involved in the creation of your portraits, including time and materials, and does not include any finished portraits.
High School Senior sessions have no session fees, but do require a minimum order.
Due to the custom nature of your portraits, full payment of your order is expected when you make your selections. Other payment plans can be tailored to meet your needs, although no portraits are permitted the studio until the order is paid in full. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover are gladly accepted for creation fees, order deposits and final payments.
We cannot stress enough how important it is for you to make your portrait selections carefully, as the studio does not refund monies nor accept returned portraits because it doesn't "work" where you thought it would, or you have decided you need a larger size.
Your order will be reviewed with you once you have made your selections. You will be asked to authorize the creation of your portraits and any accompanying artwork with your signature before your order can be processed. Your order cannot be changed (i.e., one pose changed for another) once it has started through the creation process. You may, however, add to your order while it is in process.
Again, due to the custom nature of your portraits, we do not give cash refunds, only studio credit.
Our studio holds itself to the highest standards of quality and service. If you are unhappy with your portrait experience in our studio, we will do everything we reasonably can to address your concerns.
About Kathryn...
Kathryn has earned both the Master of Photography and the Photographic Craftsman degrees, along with the PPA-certified designation from Professional Photographers of America, the world's largest assocation of imagemakers.
In addition to being a member of PPA, she is a membr and twice past president of Professional Photographers Association of Northern Illinois, and is a member and currently is president of the Associated Professional Photographers of Illinois. She also is on the newly formed board of govenors for the Mid-America Regional Conference - a new regional affiliate of the PPA.
She has won state and national awards for her photography, with several of her images being selected for PPA's loan collection, highlighting some of the work of the nation's finest photographers.
She lives with her family of animals in Onarga, and is currently single.
