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Album Alert
There have been a number of problems identified with older plastic page photo albums, we all use to store our personal albums. Album pages made from PVC contain a chemical that can degrade your images over time. You can identify PVC pages by the smell. PVC smells like one of the old shinny green plastic garden hoses you grew up with. Many better albums are made from polypropylene or polyethylene, which offer archival storage. If you're still uncertain, give us a call and well be glad to schedule a time for you to bring in your albums.
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Holiday Photo Tips
This holiday season don't forget to pull out your camera and take your own fun pictures at family gatherings, from carving the Thanksgiving turkey, to decorating the tree. Here is a great photo tip. Ever notice that big empty space above the subjects in many pictures that people take? There's a natural tendency to push the button right after you place the subject's face(s) in the center of the viewfinder for focusing. Next time you're about ready to create a beautiful photograph, after you focus and just before you push the button, ask yourself "is this the exact composition I want for my photograph?" Pausing to ask this mental question will encourage you to drop the camera down a bit, or even move in closer to create a picture perfect image.
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Camera Courtesy
Have you ever wondered why art museums don't allow flash photography? The photography department of the Philadelphia Museum of Art tells us that besides being very distracting, another major reason is ultraviolet (UV) exposure. UV exposure similar to what we get from the sun is also present in the electronic strobes on cameras. This UV exposure can destroy colors in the same way as our skin.
It seems that most museums have favorite exhibits that visitors like to frequent and photograph, thus if flash photography were permitted, the constant UV exposure from flashes would accumulate enough to damage the painting's color.
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Gadget Review: Digital Cameras
These days, our clients often ask our thoughts about using the new digital cameras for such things as their vacation photography.
Here's what we've found…the consumer digital cameras are great for websites, and loading or storing images on a computer. The hard part is getting quality prints from the digital files. The color and overall quality of digital prints from today's consumer cameras is not (yet) as good as prints from the better grade consumer film cameras.
Also, it's not widely known, but the folks who make the Epson computer printers report that the longevity of Epson prints on display is only 2 to 10 years. So your conventional photographic prints last a lot longer, and usually have much better quality. This will certainly change in the years to come. It‘s more like a question we asked ourselves years ago, "do you want to own one of the first calculators?" The first ones didn't do much and they were expensive. Today you can get a really powerful calculator…free when you open a checking account.
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PORTRAITURE
The purity of White {used in Expressions mock-up}
(White Sale Tie-in)
Using a white background, often referred to by professional photographers as "High-key photography", is a specialty of our studio. We can work with you to coordinate light clothing and light props with the white background, so the darkest element in the portrait becomes your faces and expressions. That's what catches your eye. When the high-key portrait is placed on a white wall, the personalities of your children and family really "pop out", and are suspended in time.
To enjoy some additional examples of high key photography, call us at_____________/visit our web site at www.creativephotographs.com.
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Outdoor Family Portraits
One of the most important photographs you'll ever have taken is a family portrait. Beautifully designed outdoor family portraits make fine wall decor. Why?
Stop and think about your family room or living room. We invest thousands in fine furniture, window treatments, and carpet, yet most of us give little thought to what we put on our walls. This is the weakest element of home interior design. Most wall "art" options are purchased off-the-rack at a store and they are chosen mainly because they might match the colors in the room.
Imagine, instead, a nicely designed outdoor family portrait created in soft evening light near a lake with well-coordinated clothing, and expressions that reflect a pleasant moment in your lives. To hang this portrait in your home is much more personal than buying a print of a bowl of fruit from a chain store.
When family portraits are taken to a level of fine art wall decor, your guests will spend all their time raving about your portrait and not even notice your new sofa or leather chair (which cost a lot more than your outdoor portrait). Most importantly, in years to come...when you're older and wiser, the Family Portrait is going to provide far more enjoyment than that old sofa which by then has been replaced because it went out of style. Your family portrait never will.
Have your family portrait done this Fall. You and your family never looked so good!
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Holiday Portraits
Hanukkah and Christmas are the two biggest holidays of the year, and they are really right around the corner. So, what will make the perfect presents this year? You already know our thoughts…portraits of your children or the whole family! Why? Answer these simple questions and you'll understand. Grandparents adore their grandchildren…plain and simple, so isn't a portrait of the grandchildren a better gift than socks or another sweater? Don't most of us have enough "stuff" anyway? Well thought out and tastefully done portraits are gifts from the heart, for the heart. They never wear out and only get better with time. They are the perfect gift of love.
When should the holiday portrait be done? For less stress, plan 6 weeks from photography day to delivery date desired. (Don't forget to allow for transit time if the portraits are to be shipped.) The portrait planning/booking appointment should be scheduled well ahead of the actual session date to give you time for coordinating clothing to the background you choose.
This year Hanukkah is XXXXXXXX, with Christmas XXXXXXXXX. October and November are the busiest months in any studio. BOOK EARLY AND YOU'LL ENJOY THE MOST CONVENIENT PORTRAIT TIMES.
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It's beginning to look like Christmas
Should you consider a holiday theme in your portrait background, clothing and accessories? Believe it or not, we've created fewer and fewer images with holiday themes each year. Why? What happens to the holiday china after February? It gets tucked away until next year as you decorate for spring. Many of our clients have found that portraits showing the red Christmas outfits in front of a Christmas tree, seem out of place in the spring, while a portrait showing the three kids in neutral colored clothes reading a book or petting the dog can decorate your home year round.
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The person who has everything
Gift Certificates
Deciding what to give the "person who has everything" can keep us awake at night. Well, choosing portrait Gift Certificates from our studio may let you sleep a little better. Most Holiday gift certificates return in the first quarter of the next year and we usually hear comments like, "what a great idea this was; we've been thinking about having a portrait for some time…it was the perfect gift". Call us for ideas on giving just the right gift certificate to fit your budget.
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Holiday Photo Tips
This holiday season don't forget to pull out your camera and take your own fun pictures at family gatherings, from carving the Thanksgiving turkey, to decorating the tree. Here is a great photo tip. Ever notice that big empty space above the subjects in many pictures that people take? There's a natural tendency to push the button right after you place the subject's face(s) in the center of the viewfinder for focusing. Next time you're about ready to create a beautiful photograph, after you focus and just before you push the button, ask yourself "is this the exact composition I want for my photograph?" Pausing to ask this mental question will encourage you to drop the camera down a bit, or even move in closer to create a picture- perfect image.
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COPY AND RESTORATION
September is Antiques Month optional title Go Antiquing in your own Home
Over time those antique photographs you've kept on your dresser, or framed up the stairway, have become very special memories to your children and grandchildren. They are true family heirlooms. You'll probably want to pass them along to your children, but you don't want to be forced to split them up. Our studio specializes in high quality reproduction and, when necessary, the restoration of your antique photographs.
There are many techniques available to reproduce images. Be careful, though, color copies from many other systems produce prints that only last 2 to 10 years. Our systems produce high-resolution images using the same long lasting silver halide technology and materials as your originals.
It has been very rewarding to see the emotion on the faces of our clients when they see a XXXXXXXXXStudio reproduction of their precious antique photograph, and with our new imaging computer system, your original print never leaves our studio. Security, economics and quality are three great reasons you should give us a call to discuss this unique service.
To show you what our artists can do, we've named September as Antiques Month at XXXXXXXXXXXStudio. Call us to bring in your special photograph before September 30th, and you'll receive a ___% discount on your first reproduction.
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FILLER QUOTATIONS
"Whoever is happy. Will make others happy, too."
Anne Frank
"Success is getting what you want. Happiness is liking what you get."
H. Jackson Brown
Let Me Be (Used bunny tales l0/99)
Let me be a little kinder,
Let me be a little blinder
To the faults of those around me.
What film should I Use?
You're going on vacation and you stop at the store to buy some film. Do you find all those film choices confusing? Here are some tips that will help you select the best film for your vacation or other family fun times.
First, if the film type name on the box ends in "chrome", it means you're looking at box of slide film, NOT print film. Consider Fujichrome or Ektachrome if you have a slide projector and you want to project your images on a screen for the whole family to see. Nearly 95% of us shoot print film, and these are clearly marked as "color print film" on the box.
The second thing to consider is the film speed (ISO number) which refers to the sensitivity of the film to light. The higher the ISO number, the more sensitive the film is to light, meaning the less light the film needs to record an image. The speed of the film is often incorporated into the name of the film. One example is Kodacolor 200, which means the ISO number is 200. When shooting indoors, you'll need to add light with a flash. Fuji color 1600 means this is a very high speed ISO 1600 film. Is the higher, more sensitive film better? Not necessarily. Higher speed (1600+) films usually have a noticeable grain texture in your final prints and may have slightly lower color saturation then the slower (200 ISO) speed films. Their advantage is that you can use these higher speed films in lower light situations, like your son's wrestling matches or photographing an indoor class play. Likewise, when shooting on the beach or the ski slopes in broad sun, the slower speed 100 to 200 ISO films are the best to choose.
Still confused? Many great photographers use a middle speed ISO 400 speed film for everything...not a bad thought in this rather complex world we live in. Now what brand of film is best? Both Kodak and Fuji films produce exceptional results. So, who is going to be the great picture taker in your family? Have some fun!
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Home for the Holidays
Kids really grow up fast. If your kids have gone off to college or are now starting out on their own, you still have an opportunity for a beautiful family portrait. Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here before you know it. These are also the times when most of the kids (even the ones who have left the ‘nest') return home to visit with their family and friends. Actually, Mom's cooking may have a little something to do with it. Whatever the reason, having the family together is the perfect time to plan for a family portrait.
Call the studio today for more information on holiday family portraits. You'll enjoy the results for years to come and the session won't take you away from the football game for too long. Holiday sessions book up fast, so don't wait too long to call. You can also visit our web site for some great examples.
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Easter Bunny Portraits
Did you know that the Easter Bunny visits our studio every year? This isn't some big fake artificial stuffed animal, but the "real" thing! Our bunny likes to play with kids and has been known to be in a portrait every now and then. For just a few days in April our studio becomes Bunny's Garden, and of course, when great things happen with bunny and the kids, great portraits are created.
On these Bunny's Garden days, our studio offers a discounted session, along with some portrait specials to allow you to save while we capture your children at this special time of year. Sessions are a little shorter than our regular sessions and the studio is totally set up as a Spring Garden with the Easter Bunny and your children for only these few days. So, call today to schedule your Bunny's Garden session, as these special portrait times will go quickly.
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Take a Walk on the Soft Side
Our studio has developed a style that is our interpretation of pure art. We call it our Impressionist Style, which is patterned after the soft warm and diffused style of the impressionist era of oil painting. Picture a little boy, launching a sailboat by a lake as the morning fog leaves the water. He's not looking at the camera, but he's blowing softly into the sails of his little boat as it leaves his fingers. The image is diffused and almost ethereal. It's art in its purest form.
We'd love to show you some of our Impressionist Style. It's not for everyone. But those who take the road less traveled, often enjoy some very special things along the journey of life. Come take a walk with us on the soft side.
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Kids are Morning People
Here's a common question..."what is the best time of day to have my children photographed?" 90% of the children we see come in the morning. Kids begin the day with fresh excitement and a natural curiosity. In fine children's portraiture and family portraits with youngsters, we seek to entertain, excite and amuse children in our effort to get the happiest and relaxed expressions that you see every day. Creating these images is easier when everyone is fresh rather than when your kids (and mom and dad) are wearing down after a long day. When your kids come in fresh and have some real fun, the resulting portraits are more natural and beautiful.
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Why Visit Our Studio before the Session?
A visit to the studio is the first step to a really great portrait. The advance visit for a consultation may seem time consuming at first, but you'll find it actually saves time and eliminates problems on portrait day. Our consultation is simply an opportunity for you to get familiar with our studio's latest work while you get ideas seeing portraits that are similar to what you're looking to do. You can check out our new backgrounds and outdoor shooting locations, and review our current pricing before you book a portrait time. Think about it...if you were going to buy a lamp, you'd go to the store and look at it before you'd commit to buying it on the telephone.
Another benefit of the Portrait Consultation is that you'll get great clothing ideas that will be in harmony with the background you select. In addition, we're able to have your chosen background already in place and lighting set up before you come in for your session, saving everyone precious time on that special day. Portrait Consultations are free, so if you are thinking of a portrait in the near future, give us a call. We can help you plan a smooth and "civilized" portrait day.
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Children's Value Days
The first quarter of the year usually brings weather that is not as pleasant as spring, summer, and fall. So, we'd like to offer you some incentive to bundle up the kids and visit our studio for a fun portrait experience. We've set aside two days each of the First Quarter months as Children's Value Days with session fees at 50% off. Our very special Value Days set will change monthly, from "snow" in January, valentines in February, to a "spring surprise" in March. The set-ups are really cute and are designed just for children under the age of 12. Call the studio today for more details.
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