Paul R Farmer Photography
St.Petersburg - Tampa
Bay - Clearwater FL
Family Beach Portrait
Tips and Planning Information
Thank you for visiting my website! Listed below is information on planning your family portrait with Paul R Farmer Photography.
Beach portraits are scheduled for about sunset, since this provides the best light of the day. However, since the light changes quickly, I usually try to restrict my scheduling to one family portrait sitting an evening. Also, since weather plays such an important role, I always recommend that we try to set our appointment as early during your stay as practical, so that we have several options for 'rain dates'.
Please keep in mind younger children tire and get restless easily. If they have had a full day from a day trip to Disney or Bush Gardens we should schedule for another evening.
How early should you make your Portrait Reservation? To be safe, many people tell me that they called me as soon as their condo or motel reservations were confirmed. A few mentioned that they were making their housing arrangements after confirmation of their Portrait Reservation!
If you have any questions at all - feel free to call. The Studio number is 1-727-232-0397 or 866-858-1828.
I am looking forward to working with you!
Why Paul R Farmer Photography?
1) YOU!
You are the reason I'm here. It is my goal to create a portrait, which you will be able to cherish for years to come. I can only create such a portrait with your help. That is why "YOU" are so important. If every individual was the same, all portraits would be the same. However, it is the uniqueness of "you" which I want to capture - for you!
2) CAREFUL PLANNING!
Careful planning is just one of the differences that separates my work from other portrait photographers. By taking the time before the session to help you decide what clothing is most complimentary, the best use of make-up and the best time of day to take your portraits - you are able to relax and enjoy the portrait session without any worries. This helps in making your portrait truly outstanding.
Some Suggestions
Clothing:
For outdoor portraits, stick to lighter tones and pastels (these will give the most pleasing results.) Also, try to avoid prints and patterns. This is so the clothing does not become predominant over the individuals themselves. The clothing should enhance the portrait; not overwhelm it. Try placing all of the clothing side by side and seeing if any particular article "jumps-out" at you. If it does, it is probably not the best choice because it will "jump-out" all the more from the portrait, thus taking away from the overall beauty I'd like to capture for you.
The type of clothing worn can also make a difference. In general, long sleeves are preferred. Sleeveless should be avoided but short sleeves are OK! Long pants are more flattering than shorts for most people. Knits are usually best because they are not apt to wrinkle as easily as some other blends of material.
Make-up:
For the Ladies: Eye shadow should be applied lightly and with care; the center point of interest in a fine portrait is the eyes. Apply two coats of mascara - on both upper and lower lashes. Wear your other make-up as usual. Also bring your make-up with you, in case any "touch-ups" are required.
For the Men: While I don't recommend make-up, do keep in mind that an evening Portrait will benefit greatly from a fresh shave! Even with all of todays enhancement techniques, removing a 5 o'clock shadow is almost impossible, and costly!
Glasses:
If you wear glasses, try to get your optician to supply you with empty rims for the day of your appointment. I know that this may be difficult. However, glasses catch light reflections and may, at times, deform the face-line in some portraits because they are lenses. Photo-gray lenses always look much darker in portraits. If you wear Photo-gray lenses, a pair of "Solar Guard" sunglasses worn over your glasses will prevent them from darkening and are easily slipped off just as the Portrait is taken.
General:
My goal is to create a portrait, which will be a lasting memory for you to cherish. The key to this is SIMPLICITY. Simple, plain outfits and properly applied make-up can make a world of difference.
About My Policies
To aid you in your selection, the photographs you will see will be presented on-line. This ordering system allows you to view each image in color - black and white - sepia tone. Many people find decision making much easier using this format right from the comfort of their home. I will send you a link to the gallery page with your password to log-in.
For your convenience, I accept Visa, Master Card thru PayPal and personal checks.
SPECIAL NOTE
Relax!!!!
Everything will be great! If you are worried about the children smiling or listening - don't. Just tell them how excited you are about the portrait. Nothing else. They will get excited with you! Remember our objective - a sensitive portrait showing the personalities of each and every member of your family - TOGETHER!
Also, if there is anyone in your family worried about photographs, or who has a particular problem (self-conscience about a scar, weight, braces, etc.......) be sure to tell me. There are special techniques and methods, which can be used to minimize these problems. The key is "communication!" I'm here to help - so don't hesitate to call. Then, sit back and . . RELAX!!
Some Things To Think About Before Your Portrait Session!
1) Don't spend a lot of time preparing young children to smile. Making them smile naturally is my job! We almost never use the word "Smile", and never use the word "Cheese" when doing a Portrait. Unless a person has practiced in front of a mirror, you usually can't generate a smile on command. As every parent knows, children usually have their 'Cheese Smile', and it usually isn't the one you want in the family Portrait. Unfortunately, once a 4 or 5 year old starts using the cheesy smile, it's very difficult to get them to relax and smile naturally. (This sometimes happens with Dads, too!)
2) Everyone loves a "Kodak Moment", but there is room for only one camera on my dune....MINE! There are several reasons for this;
A) Children will always pay more attention to someone they know that's holding a camera than a stranger (ME).
B) Snapshot time at home is frequently time for clowning around. This is fun at home, but not conducive to a great family Portrait, and again it is hard to get children to relax and cooperate once the clowning has started.
C) When others take photos while I work, it frequently ruins what I'm trying to capture.
D) Remember, the best light last for only a short time; Please help me do the job you hired me for, with the least distractions.
3) Many times during the summer, I photograph young children who are experiencing their first family portrait. Experience has taught me that if I start by photographing the oldest generation first, the kids get a better idea of what is going on, and what is expected of them. By getting some of them to 'help' me, we become friends and things go very smoothly. Please remember that children follow the example of their elders. If dad or granddad sticks his tongue out at the camera, or put 'horns' on someone else, guess what happens when we have the whole family posed for the real Portrait! Please set a great example, we'll end up with a great Portrait!
4) Every once in a while, there is one family member present under protest usually it is a teenage male, sometimes an older male. The battle is half over if they actually showed up! A gentle reminder that it will be over sooner, and they won't have to do it over, if they just cooperate for a few minutes usually helps. If there is a real battle brewing just under the surface, let me know before we start; it helps to know to handle someone gently, or to avoid them entirely!
5) Finally, Relax! Plan to have fun and enjoy the experience, and everything will work out. It almost always does!
Paul R Farmer
Tampa Bay - St. Petersburg - Clearwater
Wedding Photography
PO Box 66173
St. Petersburg, FL 33736
Phone: 727-232-0397
Toll Free: 1-866-858-1828
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