Family Photo Before Retouching

Photo by Till Hezel

Especially in light of the events that occurred on September 11, 2001, more and more families are having family pictures and portraits done for holiday gifts this year.  Here's some basic common-sense questions and guidelines every consumer needs to ask and be aware of when selecting a photographer to freeze a moment in time.

 

Family Photo After Retouching

Photo by Till Hezel

With almost 20 years of well-documented experience around the world and in North Texas, Ben's expert, Till Hezel (Master Photographer certified by the PPA and by the Texas Professional Photographers Association) of Smiley's Studio in Fort Worth (817) 738-2175 answers some key questions hoping to enlighten consumers before they make an appointment:

 

1. How should you choose one photographer over another?  Check out their history and reputation.  References speak volumes; who's gotten pictures/portraits taken by this person/studio?  Every photographer should have an album with samples of their work.  Famous faces don't waste their time with amateurs. 

 

Do they have formal training or certifications?  One of the largest associations is the Professional Photographers of America [PPA] based in Atlanta.  There are three parts to the Certification program; the PPA requires members to go through a certification process that includes:

1. Proving their technical knowledge by passing an in depth written exam.
2. Prove their creative ability by having images judged to meet a high standard.
3. And candidates' business practices are reviewed through a reference and credit check.
4. Certification lasts for 5 years and can be renewed by continuing to accumulate credits for education courses and workshops and submitting images for review.

You can even add a smile!

Photos by Till Hezel

 

Master's of Photography is an even higher level of certification: All applicants regardless of join date must be PPA Certified as a professional photographer before they can be awarded the master of photography (CPP), as a photographic specialist before they can be awarded the master artist (CPPS) or as an electronic imager before they can be awarded the master of electronic imaging (CEI) degree.  It's mandatory that all requirements of the Certification Program (1) Application and administrative requirements; (2) Exam passed; and (3) Images accepted are completed by the conclusion of the Annual PPA International Image Judging.

 

2. What are the steps involved in getting a studio portrait photograph?  Take a moment to define/determine why you're capturing this moment, portraits of your child to keep and share, to record a birthday or other milestone in life, a family reunion or other special event, a holiday portrait to send to loved ones, etc.  This reason will also help you decide the mood of the portrait, the clothes you'll need, the backgrounds and props you use, and even the number of portraits to buy, as well as the sizes and finishes that would be best for you.

3.  A photographic "sitting" is the next step. This is when the photographer actually takes the portrait.  Appointments are crucial; you'll want to let the photographer know what you want and together decide what would be best for you. The photographer will take a series of poses or photographs, from these poses your portraits will be printed.

 

If you decide to an outdoor shoot, scheduling the best time of day is imperative.  Outdoor shoots almost always utilize traditional film, whereas studio sittings can utilize either traditional film shots or state-of-the-art [and studio quality] digital photography.

 

When the finished portraits are ready (film takes about 10 days to 2 weeks...but digital can be viewed instantly, right on the spot) you can select the ones you want, order more, or custom order select sizes or finishes, as well as other portrait products.

 

4. Which way should I go...film or digital?  It depends.  First off as I just stated, outdoor shoots utilize the traditional film photography, studio sittings can go either film or digital.  How fast do you need your photos?  Executives frequently need "as-fast-as-I-can-print-‘em" photo sessions and the digital is perfect, although more and more studio sessions utilize the digital format.  What's going to be your end use of the photos?  Film is always going to deliver the highest quality end product...something that's important to consider when printing large portraits.

 

Plus as I showed on a recent TV segment, digital manipulation of photographs allows every photo to be perfect.  Whether it's losing a few pounds, removing some wrinkles, adding some hair, or even altering the color of the hair show in the photograph, Till Hezel is a master when it comes to delivering a perfect photo, every time.  In some cases he's even been able to cut-and-paste members from one photo to another to create the "perfect photo" with everyone looking the same direction at the same time and smiling perfectly [a valuable tool for photos with screaming or crying children or even blinking adults].

 

And there have been a few instances of creating a family portrait that includes a family member that was either out of town/out of the country when the photo was taken, and one situation that had him including a recently deceased family member in the group photo–making up for the lost opportunity, the chance for one last picture before it was too late.  Thanks to Till's photographic wizardry, the fond family memories were preserved forever.

Some of Till Hezel's Wizardry at work

Photos by Till Hezel

 

5. Money always matters: What are the sitting fees, prices, other charges, involved?  It depends, of course.  There are a variety of packages available, and everyone's needs are different.  Do your homework and call ahead of time to make an appointment, figure out exactly what it is that you're looking for, then work out the pricing.  Two things to always remember when it comes to photography: 

1. You get what you pay for.  If you want to be "penny wise and dollar foolish" when it comes to your image, then you've been warned. 
   
2. The customer will always be satisfied.  There's no reason to ever not be happy!  With the ability to [as discussed in the previous paragraph] digitally manipulate/  enhance any photograph, you'll always get what you want.

Another example of digital retouching

Photo by Till Hezel

 

6. Should I worry about certain poses or props that I want to include?  Tell the photographer exactly what you want ahead of time...they can't read minds!  Communicating clearly with your photographer will guarantee the success of your session.  Discuss poses, clothing and any props ahead of time, and let your photographer help you look your best.

 

Common props are pretty standard: Numbers (for birthdays), posing props such as blocks and stools (to help adjust children during certain poses), tables and cloths.  A variety of toys or other items will always help create a certain mood for any portrait. Check with the studio ahead of time to confirm that they have what you want or need.  (Of course, you can always bring in your own toys or props!)

 

7. What type of backgrounds are available?  Any quality photographer and studio should be able to offer a variety of backgrounds, as well as gels that can enhance and change the color of the background through special lighting.  Ask the photographer what they have available in their studio.

 

8. How long does a sitting/session take?  It always varies; the more people in your group, age and number of children, special requests or clothing changes will add to this time. Also, the day of the week (Saturday is the busiest) as well as time of day and holidays will extend the workload of the photographer.

 

9. I'd like to order more portraits. Is this possible?  Hmmmmm, let's think about that one.  Photographers make money by selling you pictures.  Yeah, I think it's possible. 

 

Seriously, ask your photographer what their specific policy is for re-orders.  Many studios will "make you a deal you can't refuse" on any photos or negatives in their possession 2 years after the photo session.  Why?  Because if you don't buy them, they'll throw them out when they purge their files...so keep that in mind as an option down the road.

 

10. What's a "Canvas-mounted" portrait?  The "canvas mounted" portrait is just that: the portrait is permanently mounted on stretched canvas which enhances the appearance of displayed portraits. Combined with an upgraded finish, they appear more like fine oil paintings than photographs.  They're very cool.  Kinda remind me of something you'd see in "the den at Southfork" with a picture of J.R. or Jock Ewing over the fireplace (I'm referring to the TV show "Dallas" in case I just lost you...)

 

11. What sizes are available?  What sizes do you want?  Just about any size and any combination of final prints/quantity of prints are available.  Be sure to discuss this with your photographer ahead of time.  Now's no time to set yourself up for a surprise.

 

12  Do you make black and white portraits?  Any photographer worth the cost of a roll of Tri-X [that's the standard brand of black and white film that newspapers used to use in the old days] can produce your photos in black and white.  Of course.  You can custom order any of your portraits in black and white...but again, be sure to discuss this with your photographer during the initial consultation.  

 

Make this holiday the most memorable ever.  Or maybe it's time to make reservations for the wedding portraits...or that anniversary or retirement party.  Perhaps it's time you update the pictures your loved one will remember you by.  Ben's choice?  A no-brainer...contact Till Hezel via e-mail to begin setting up your time with the master, or call him at of Smiley's Studio in Fort Worth (817) 738-2175.

 

No matter where you live in North Texas, it's worth the drive for a session with Till.  Some of the most recognized personalities in Texas have gotten their pictures done right the first time by Till and/or Smiley's.