Our ABC’s of Family Portraits Selection post is offered to help you decide on the perfect size of your family portrait. While the typical thought is one of simply choosing the size to complement a wall space, it’s considerably more nuanced than that. The single most determining factor is the finished size of the faces in the portrait. Let’s begin!
A. Face Width – A portrait derives its emotional impact, or connection with the heart, depending on the prominence of the face – not the dimension of the portrait. Face width is the most crucial element in selecting a portrait – not the overall size of your portrait, and certainly not the most impressive finish.
– Temple to temple, an appropriate face will measure between 4 and 6 inches.
– For full length, family portraits, a narrower face width may be expected.
B. Quality & Style – Denotes quality of color and surface texture. We carry a wide array of portrait finishes from smooth and glossy, to soft, warm textures and Artist’s Canvas (with or without oils). We offer Automated, Custom and Signature qualities.
– All of our finishes are compelling, thereby making the selection largely a factor of personal preference and/or budget.
C. Artistry – Degree of retouching. When talking with others, we do not scrutinize every facial feature. This cannot be avoided, however, when viewing a portrait. Faces are best depicted as people remember them – not how they actually are if carefully examined in a magnified vanity mirror. Our objective, therefore, is to render every face in a natural, more “conversational” feel. Should you need our expertise, we can help you decide how much artwork is right for you.
Family Portraits Expression Exchanges
With the advent of digital photography also comes an exciting new option of selecting your favorite expressions for each person in your portrait. We then exchange their expression onto one composite, “base” image.
The process of “swapping faces” is included with our Masterpiece retouching, or can be requested a la carte, with prices ranging on the degree of difficulty. Average a la carte price is $75.
Should expression exchanges be requested, we suggest returning to the studio after we have made the exchanges and view them on our monitor. Once size/finish is selected, the order process is concluded by placing a 50% deposit on the balance. By law, a signature of approval is required before photographs can be printed. A “model release” may also be signed but is NOT required. All deposits are nonrefundable and once we begin the creation of any portrait, understandably, there cannot be changes of any kind.
Family Portraits Approval
Because of the highly subjective nature of Artwork, once a portrait order has been placed and retouching is completed, at your request, we can email you a Low-Resolution Approval File. If need be, we can then make the necessary changes to match your personal tastes. Don’t be shy to request a bit of tweaking…
Low-Resolution Approval Files are for evaluating completed artwork ONLY and are NOT intended for final color and detail evaluation. Should you desire to see your image in all of its glory before going to print, the best and only way to view it is on our monitor where we can enlarge each face to the size of your portrait. We are more than happy to help.
It may seem much to decide, but don’t fret, Mark will be there every step of the way.
As always, should you have questions regarding any aspect of ABC’s of Family Portraits Selection, no concern is too small.
Mark Jordan
Master Craftsman Photographer
American Society of Photographers
International Photography Hall of Fame & Museum
Orange County Photographer of the Year
3-Time Honoree -EPCOT’S World’s Greatest Photographers Exhibit
When looking for a professional Orange County Family Portraits photographer, or Orange County Headshots Photographer please call 949-888-8071 or complete our online request form.