The Studio

ART FACT - Portraiture has been an important part of the human expression and culture for eons. Archeological discoveries of ancient cave drawings depicting important people and events date back thousands of years before Christ.

Choosing the right studio for your photography requires a little research. Unless you are an art director or graphic designer, for most, purchasing photography isn't a routine event. The emotional value of the picture you wish to create should do well as a guide on which type of studios to shop.

Basically there are three types of studios available for family photography. Each type of studio has both pros and cons that will directly relate to the amount of emotional value you have placed on the portrait you wish to create . See Fig.1

Determine the importance of the particular photograph you plan to create. A quick glance at the questions below should pinpoint the importance or emotional value.

These determinations will help guide you to the perfect studio for your needs. One unique factor of Ric Farrah Photographs is the time and effort we take to find out what is important to you. Every RFP portrait starts out as a free, no obligation, in-studio consultation. Feel free to take advantage of the free consultation to see what is available. In the few minutes we meet you will be amazed at what you will learn. Things you never thought to ask when having a portrait made. Time and time again, my clients tell me they had no idea of what's available and the different choices and elements that comprise an art piece portrait. The outcome is always worth the few moments to chat. Even if you are just gathering prices!

Here's a story of a delightful family in Old Hickory, TN. Mary and Ed Wilhelm recently moved here from East Tennessee. While we were chatting, Mary mentioned how they had put off for years a family portrait. However, one of their children was ready to leave for college, another one was already attending school out of town, and their eldest, now serving our country, was being transferred to Kuwait. At the moment, they were all together and the time was now. At first Mary and Ed didn't really understand the need for a "Portrait Consultation" Ed is a very busy executive and both Ed and Mary have a lot going on.

With permission, here's the heartwarming note Mary sent me and quite frankly the very reason I'm so passionate about family portraiture:

From: Mary [mailto:mary@XXXXXXXXX]
Sent: Friday, December 30, 2005 2:01 PM
To: ric@farrahphotos.com
Subject: RE: Portrait

Well Ric, This is it!!!! You have brought tears to my eyes. You put in the proper perspective before we started. It isn’t just a picture to have as I thought. When I look at this photograph, I see the past flashing by. I see the years of: ups and downs, tears and laughter, successes and failures, and much prayer. I thank God for bringing us through it all, and I thank you for being able to capture this in a photo. God bless you and your family, Sincerely, Mary Wilhelm

Another reason for the consultation is to develop a comfort level in working together. My portraits are a collaborative effort and getting the best results require a certain level of trust. In addition, I learned early on that most people are uncomfortable in front of the camera. "Breaking the Ice" with a consultation works wonders for the actual shoot. This is particularly true with Senior portraits. We have met, you have seen the studio, given your investment a great deal of thought and armed with confidence and knowledge of the info we discussed. We on the same page, ready to create. We know what we are going after in terms of the shot, the colors, clothing, hair, makeup, style, design, framing, even where the portrait will eventually be displayed and how the portrait will blend with existing art and decor. All this leads to a level of confidence transforming anxiety into fun.

In choosing your studio you should determine the level of privacy you require. Another unique factor of RFP is that all of our sessions are by appointment only. There are never long lines in which to wait. Our studio is not the large volume, glass bubble aquarium style of studio. Every session is shot in private where each light is set to you and adjusted to achieve the specific style we are shooting. However, with all that said, the first suggestion I offer, particularly with family portraits, is to throw out the studio altogether and shoot at a location that is emotionally special to you. We can achieve the same studio quality at a location that speaks to your family, your emotions, and your personality. In my opinion, to create a portrait that speaks to your family, that captures who you are, should not be shot in a studio in the first place. RFP will go to your location! One of my husband and wife clients are doctors in this area and share a family practice. The have a special spot on a bluff that overlooks Priest Lake. This spot is emotionally special to them and both being outdoor enthusiasts they enjoy hiking to their special hideaway. So off we go! After that shoot, hiking some two and a half miles through the woods with all the equipment necessary, I can honestly say, we will go anywhere that captures a portrait that speaks to you!

In choosing your studio you should consider the time frame in which you need your portraits. Admittedly, this is where RFP falls a little short. While we continually look to improve every aspect of the business including turnaround time some things may just take a little longer. We build heirlooms intended to be passed down through the generations and last a lifetime and beyond. Every one of our images are painstakingly processed individually. Each image destined to be a gift or a wall portrait is retouched for blemishes and other imperfections. Every portrait is mounted with an acid free backing and then lacquered for protection from scratches, fingerprints, ozone, ultra violet rays, sunlight and everything else that turned your grandparents old photographs yellow, faded, and cracked.

Another unique factor is that a Ric Farrah Portrait with proper care is warranted for life. And heaven forbid, if one is damaged by fire, flood or some other natural disaster, we will replace your portrait exactly as the original.

Finally, if it sounds like we are a studio you would like to pursue, mention this article and receive a free tanning bed session from my pals Rich and Julie at TanSation just for dropping by for a chat. Call now while you are thinking about about an appointment. (615.773.1702) It won't matter what time it is now, our voice mail will pick up the call after hours or if we are on a shoot.

Studio Type	Pros	Cons
Event / School	Convenience Shoots on Location Volume Pricing Some Aftermarket Products	Limited If Any Preview Choices Assembly Line Operation Flat or Poor Lighting No Retouching Style choice limited to Black and White or Sepia Lower Grade Photo Paper - Possibly Dye Sublimation Unpredictable color Entry Level Photographers
Discount Chain	Good Locations No Appointment Required Volume Pricing Package Choices Varied Selection of Aftermarket Products Lots of Backdrops Seasonal Themes	Waiting in lines on peak days Little or No Privacy during photo session Often others can view the session One size fits all lighting Medium - Low Grade Photo Paper Choices limited to available backdrops Companies limit creativity to a standard look Companies limit poses to their approved posing guide Entry Level Photographers Limited retouching Hit or miss with children Limited Time Spent With Customers Can't shoot at an emotionally special location Increased chance of print fading, tearing or cracking overtime Not Heirloom Quality
Creative - Fine Art	Superior Quality Materials and Craftsmanship Personal Service Preplanning Consultation* Enjoyable Private Sessions More variety to preview Creative Collaborative Designs Custom Look and Style Entire Portrait Creation Designed around the Client Professional Photographers experienced in multiple disciplines i.e. editorial, fashion, commercial, etc. Photographers understand art elements i.e. shape, form, lines, texture, color, perspective, depth of field, and composition. Attention to Detail - Craftsman Quality Complete Retouching and Image Processing Available Can Shoot on Location** Custom Frames Custom Made - One of a Kind Work of Art Offers both packages and ala Cart Generational Heirloom Quality Warranted for Life* * Ric Farrah Photographs ** Ric Farrah and Mark Martin plus many others not listed as examples.	Appointments usually are required May be difficult to get an appointment Turnaround time could be slower More Expensive May Offer Too Many Choices, Become Overwhelming May require a pre-session meeting or consultation More effort in preparation

Ric Farrah Photographs "Photography that mirror an honest reflection of the magic within" S