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Yes,
I still photograph weddings, but this page is not
about wedding photography, it’s about how you can get
wonderful, natural-style family portraits!
And, you’ll learn how I discovered the
“secret”; how a simple change in the way I do weddings
completely changed the way I look at family portraits, and
how you benefit from the discovery!
It’s
a problem you have probably encountered many times over the
years. The
traditional style of family portrait photography usually
results in a series of rigid, unnatural-looking poses.
I’m
sure you’ve seen the results from the factory-style
“line ‘em up and shoot ‘em” photography – stiff
poses, forced smiles, ugly backgrounds, etc.
I don’t know about you, but I find it awfully hard
to “connect” with the people in this type of photograph.
They don’t look real.
Not
surprisingly, most people actually hate this type of
photography, but think that’s all that is available to
them. Or they
think it’s “just the way it’s supposed to be done.”
Or they do it because they think it’s quick and
cheap, and end up not really liking the results.
This is a
shame, because families who are trying to preserve precious
moments – their family history – end up having these
moments “robbed from them.”
This
is not unlike a situation that existed in wedding
photography some years ago . . .
It used to
be, the dominant style in wedding photography was to provide
the bride and groom with an album of 8 x 10 photographs of
the “formal” wedding poses. For
example, bride and groom at the front of the church, the
wedding party, and the family groups.
But as time
went along, I found myself taking more and more
“candid,” or photojournalistic images that really told
the story of the relationships, the emotion,
and the fun of the day.
But limiting the bride and groom to just “12 - 8 x
10s” really didn’t give them an album that would bring
back the feeling of that special day.
After all, weddings are not just formal ceremonies.
They are emotional family days.
So I
started adding more and more pages to the bridal album, and
laying it out in a “storytelling” fashion. Finally,
it got to the point where I just couldn’t throw out any of
the great photographs, so now I just “give them
everything” in their album.
And you
know what, brides love it!
I get all kinds of wonderful comments from brides and
grooms, about how they love this storytelling style.
One recent bride said, “I didn’t even know all of
those things were happening.
You did such a wonderful job of preserving all of the
little details and fun things that happened on my wedding
day.”
Then it occurred to me . . .
WHY
NOT TREAT FAMILIES TO THE SAME
EMOTIONAL
STORYTELLING PHOTOGRAPHY!
That’s
right. It seems
to me that family portrait photography should be treated the
same way. Create
a portrait session that shows all of the special
relationships in the family.
And,
why not let families enjoy all of the photos from the
session, finished, matted and ready for framing, instead of
making them agonize over dozens of “proofs” to pick just
one for the “family portrait.”
It seemed like such a natural way to really be able
to enjoy family portraits.
You
see, families are more than just a “stiff, formal pose in
front of a brown backdrop.”
Families are people relating to each other, so why
not do family portrait photography in a “storytelling”
style.
And
that’s one of the neatest things about this kind of
portrait session. It
reflects how families normally interact and combine:
father with son, brother with sister, mom with all
the kids, brother and sister with the dog and cat, the kids
individually, the whole family together.
I like to photograph people in various combinations.
It’s fun! So
if you’re thinking about having a photo session done, why
not get everyone in on it?
Don’t forget the dog and cat!
Favorite toys and hobbies, too.
You’ll get a wonderful collection of
photographs. And
I guarantee you will actually enjoy the session!
You
may ask, why would I want so many photos of my family?
It’s because people and families are dynamic
and interactive. We are not
“one formal pose.” We
can’t look natural when run through a session quickly and
not given time to “loosen up.”
“Normal” photography makes us look awkward.
It forces us to pick one or two shots and trash the
rest. While that
may make business
sense for a photographer, it makes no
sense from the perspective of documenting your
family.
And
isn’t that what family photography is all about?
Documenting your family? . . . so you can share with
others . . . so as time goes by, you can curl up in your
favorite chair, look back, and remember “this is how we
were.”
You
know, what I have actually found over the past few years, is
that today’s families don’t really want just one large
“formal” portrait. They
would rather have a variety of photographs, some for
decorating in groupings, desk portraits for the office,
portraits to give to grandparents, the possibilities are
endless! They
love this approach to family portrait photography, because
it gives them so many options for enjoying the photographs!
And you know what, most families actually end up
investing less than they would have for a “traditional”
session and one or two wall portraits.
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHS ARE PRICELESS –
IF DONE RIGHT
As
you may have figured out, this is a whole different
approach to
family
portrait photography. Not
the usual “sameness,” over and over again.
If you’re like most families, photographs of your
children and pets are among your most valuable possessions.
Ask 10 people what they would grab in a fire (after
the living things, of course) and most, if not all, will say
“my family portraits.”
This
is not an unexpected response.
After all, photographs are a
powerful
keeper of what we are like.
That is, if the photographs are natural looking, and
show us how we really are.
QUALITY DOES MATTER AND ENDS UP BEING
YOUR BEST VALUE!
Through
photography, we can communicate who we are – share our
lives with friends and relatives – touch future
generations who will want to know what we were like – Isn’t
it worth it to provide them with the best quality available?
As
you would probably expect, the initial cost of this type of
photo session is more than bargain basement type of
operations. Getting
superior results requires superior effort.
Between session planning, the session itself, and
post-session work, I spend a lot of hours on every family.
Quality
demands it.
Plus,
I will personally meet with you before the session,
to get to know you and your family, to learn your interests,
and to carefully plan everything, so I know exactly what you
want, and what special relationships you want to include in
the photo session.
I
will do everything I can to provide you with family
portraits that bring out the natural best in you and your
family, photographs that are relaxed, natural and real.
And
just take a look at the value you’re getting . .
EVERY PHOTO TAKEN DURING THE SESSION
IS YOURS TO KEEP!
The
photo session will include at least 36 photographs, and when
you get your session package, you won’t have to worry over
which “one” to pick.
You’ll get
them all – professional quality, finished prints of
each photo taken during the session.
And you’ll never have to go over “proofs” and
try to pick just one. Your
package will be complete and ready for you to enjoy.
And the service is fast.
Usually, the session packages are completed, ready to
deliver, in about three weeks.
I
recently heard about a mom who had her children’s photos
done at a well-known studio in a large city.
She could only afford one “final” print since
they were so expensive.
The photographer showed her the
proofs.
The choice was difficult, but she finally decided
which one she wanted enlarged.
Then she asked the photographer if she could have or
purchase the other proofs.
The photographer responded by RIPPING
THEM
UP AND THROWING THEM IN THE TRASH!
True
story!
over, please . . .
A
heartless act, but many photographers are simply in the
business of selling expensive “over the sofa” portraits.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with large, gorgeous
portraits hanging over sofas.
Many of my images are right now beautifully framed
and hanging over sofas and fireplaces.
If this is what you are looking for, you won’t be
disappointed! But
do keep in mind, your initial session package is complete
and may be all you
need. I will
never try to pressure you into buying reprints.
And when you do want reprints and additional
wall portraits, you’ll get great prices.
The
matted prints you’ll get are extraordinarily useful.
You may keep them in the album or, since they are
matted to standard 8 x 10 size, you can easily pop them right into any standard 8 x 10 frame.
This can save you money on framing costs, so you can
surround yourself with great photos of your family, or give
some away, or send them “on tour”, to friends and
relatives all over the country.
ENLARGEMENTS
Also
included in your session package is an 8 x 12 portrait of
your choice, lustre coated and mounted on heavyweight
artboard, ready for framing.
And I can help you with the framing if you would
like. If you
would prefer a larger size, just let me know.
The cost is only the difference between the 8 x 12
reprint price, and the price of whatever larger size you
select. The
reprint price list is in envelope #2.
And
for these portrait packages, you will get great
prices on reprints.
I want you to be able to enjoy your photos as much as
possible; plus, having a lot of my work “out there” is
good for me too. It’s
my best advertising. Most
of my business comes from people who see my work, or know
someone who had a portrait session, and called.
Maybe that’s how you found me!
However
you found me, I think you’ll be very happy you did.
This style of photography and session packaging is
unique. I love
to create images that you will truly love, that show the
unique personalities and relationships in your family. They
get at the heart of living.
They show who we really are!
YOU’LL FIND THIS IS A PREMIUM-QUALITY
SERVICE ALL THE WAY!
What
do I mean by quality? Good
question. “Quality”
is a word that gets thrown around a lot today.
And it means different things to different people.
To me, quality is more
than just using professional cameras, lighting equipment and
film (which I do use). And
it isn’t
just
using a professional portrait lab to produce and laquer coat
your final prints (which I also do – these are not
grocery store “pictures”).
The
most important aspect of quality,
to me, is what is in the images.
The families, the relationships, the emotions, the
fun. When those
kind of natural-looking expressions and relationships are
there, it
makes
all the difference.
After all, a well-exposed, professionally-printed
enlargement of a boring pose is not what quality is
all about.
My
Triple Guarantee removes all the risk from
you:
GUARANTEE
#1: If you’re not THRILLED (not just
“satisfied”) with your portraits, I will do whatever is
necessary to see to it that you are
thrilled,
or I will give you all your money back.
No hassles and no hard feelings, either.
GUARANTEE
#2: If your family doesn’t have the most fun
they have ever had during a portrait session, and if they
don’t feel more comfortable with me than they have
with any other photographer, I will give you all your money
back.
GUARANTEE
#3: Your photographs are guaranteed for life!
If they are ever lost, damaged, or destroyed, for
any reason, I will replace them at no charge to you!
Quite
simply, I guarantee that these will be the best
family portraits you have ever had!
Why can I say that?
Because this style of photography and session
packaging is truly different than anything you have seen
before. It’s
unique, and it’s fun!
So
if you’re interested in premium-quality photography of
families, children, parents, grandparents or pets, that you
are GUARANTEED TO LOVE, write or call today.
I’ll be glad to answer any specific questions and
discuss your photographic needs.
No pressure, no obligation, of course.
Just call and we’ll chat.
And if you have any other upcoming events which may
require a photographer, such as a wedding, reunion, or
anniversary, let me know that too.
Photographically
yours,
Art
Sundquist
P.S.
I know how it goes. We
all get busy and never get around to doing
some
of the things we should – like our family photos.
Time slips by.
Kids
grow up. We lose the opportunity. A
“natural-style” photo session is something you’ll
enjoy for years to come.
And compared to the value you get, it’s bargain
priced. You
could easily spend two or three times as much and not get
nearly as good quality or a session
package
that’s as complete and useful.
Check out the rest of the
information
in envelope #2, then call me at 620-664-3703 if you have any
questions.
P.P.S.
(for guys only) O.K. I’ll
admit it, I don’t like having my
photo
taken either. Most
guys don’t. They
usually end up being dragged, kicking and screaming, to a
photo session by their wives . . .
over, please . . .
if
they show up at all.
I
really don’t know why
this is, but it is the way it is, most of the time.
It’s a shame, too.
I know that I’ve
always regretted not having
taken
more family photos . . . after
it’s years too late.
And
here’s another funny one.
Most guys would rather spend their money on some new
gadget than on a photo session, but, if they had to choose
between
giving up that gadget and their family
photos . . .
So
the point is this:
- Going
to a photo session sounds worse than it really is.
In fact, most people find that it’s actually a
lot of fun. And
you’ll be done before you know it.
- The
rest of your family really wants to do this and
most likely you have parents and relatives that deserve
some truly outstanding photos of you and your family.
- Five
years from now, you will be very glad you had family
portraits taken now.
Ten years
from now, you will be even more appreciative of your
foresight. And
your fancy new gadget will probably be broken.
So go ahead and do it now!
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