This week we will let our interviewer ask Ron some of the common questions from their customers each week.

Interviewer: When someone asks about a family portrait; how does a typical correspondence go?

Ron: Our clients usually ask about how to make a family portrait that has lasting quality. Whether that be indoors or outdoors; we discuss where the portrait will be taken, what type of background we would want to use and then the clothing that would make the portrait TIMELESS. Time of day for the session is discussed and scheduled by factors such as children, outdoor lighting and of course; weather. Being flexible makes the session go much better; but we always say we have a PLAN B.

Interviewer: How about for childrens portraits?

Ron: A lot of the same questions come into play. Time of day and clothing are the top items to be questioned. With children; more flexibility is allowed in the sessions. Spontaneity plays a lot higher than in other portraits. Children can change their expression very quickly; both good and bad. They might also need a few breaks to stay fresh. Portrait sessions can be very taxing on children.

Interviewer: In todays market of ‘digital’ cameras in almost every home and the fast-paced lifstyle; many young families are opting to skip or not take portraits very seriously. What’s your take on that?

Ron: Nothing is new with this. It’s just a different time. Our clients that ‘value’ photography and portraits know that the time spent on a ’special’ portrait is well worth it. Yes, in the short term. But even more valuable as time goes by. These memories can never be reclaimed. We also know that everyone doesn’t value portraits and ‘quality’ the same way. Many are satisfied with just a ‘record’ photograph that either they’ve taken themselves or an inexpensive portrait studio. That’s where our education comes in. We’ve spent years perfecting our posing, our lighting and our use/control of backgrounds to capture each subject in the best light possible. We aim to make everyone look their best in their portraits. And the hardest challenge we face is to take control of a ‘relaxed’ portrait and make it look like it just happened.

Interviewer:  So what type of client are you looking for?

Ron: We are looking for the client who has high values. Who knows how much these portraits are worth. Not only in money; but in family memories and history. And that they also know and like art. Being a photographer is only part of the BIG pictures of being and Artist. That’s first and foremost. 

Interviewer: Let’s go off the photography subject a little this week. What do you think is the most important part of your business?

Ron:  It’s a good thing you bring that up. Many people think ‘the’ photography is the most important piece. In my opinion, it’s “ONE” of the most important pieces; not necessarily the top every time. Our ‘relationship’ to our clients is first and foremost. Making a client feel at ease. Capturing them the way they really are is vital to doing a good job. In other words; getting to know our clients is at the top of our list.

Interviewer: What makes that so important?

Ron: Well; if it’s only a mechanical operation like sit here and smile: it will look like that. We pride ourselves on natural, relaxed portraiture. Even if it’s a formal portrait; expression means a lot. In fact, expression is number one to us. Then it’s posing and all the little nuances that go with hand, leg and body positions. And of course, the lighting that goes with each style. Whether that be dramatic for effect; or soft lighting for a glamorous look. And that’s what photography is….painting with light.

Interviewer:  What else is important other than the photography?

Ron: Well, we covered a lot of the ‘taking’ photos part. One other important area is the products available. Since we have taken so many good and different images of our clients, we have designed a number of products that allow our clients to have many of their images. Some of these are wall folios, albums and books. There is a wide range of prices so our clients can choose items based on their needs and wants. 

Interviewer: Thanks Ron for taking time to talk with us today.

Here’s some of the childrens’ portraits from recent weeks. Some are Birthday shots and some are just fun ’summer’ shots. Think about what kinds of portraits we can do for your child or your grandchild. Remember they change way too fast. Don’t catch yourself wishing you had taken that portrait while you had the chance.

This is a continual interview with Master Photographer Ron Jacobson about Portraits and their business that involves many aspects of photography. This weeks topic will be Childrens Portraits.

I:  There are so many different types of Portraits out in the world today; what portrait is the most prevalent of all your product lines?

Ron: Well, that’s pretty simple…..childrens portraits! Children change so fast, that portraits are able to capture a time in a childs life that’s soon gone.

I: How often do parents have childrens portraits taken?

Ron: Some of the age old, tried and true rules still go for today. That is newborn photos, 3-6-9 month photos, then the yearly photos starting at 1 year old. Sometimes parents will take them at half birthdays such as 18 months or 30 months as well. Plus, we have many parents who will take advantage of our specialty or limited edition type sessions. These might include our ‘fairy’ book session, Christmas with Santa, fishing dock, grandmas closet and many others.

I: Wow, that’s a lot of different photo opportunities; doesn’t it seem like they’re taking photos all the time?

Ron: No; but it can sure seem like it during the childs first year. That’s when most of the physical changes take place, so it’s the time to take the most portraits as each one will be drastically different. Once a child has reached 3 or 4; then once a year is usually good because the changes slow down. And it seems once they enter school, they use the school photos as record shots. At the same time, these the school ages are some of the most fun for capturing lifestyle or limited edition type portraits where the children actually understand and can become part of the portrait session; not just plop them down and click the camera.

I: So, those ideas all sound good. Are there any other tips for parents who would like to have their childrens portraits made?

Ron: Yes, lots of them. We get asked a lot of times about the “big box” portrait studios. You know, the ones where they’re connected with a department store; and their low prices. We don’t even think of being compared to them. They have lights that are nailed down so anyone can expose an image properly, and they are usually a very small area for taking the photos. So we come at it from a different angle. It’s about an ‘experience’. You shouldn’t have to be hurried, and you shouldn’t have other people staring at your child or standing in line waiting for you to be done. Your time with us is your time. No other appointments; and we usually have soft drinks or refreshments along with toys for the children to play with after the session. In fact; many times during the sessions, the children don’t even know they’re having their portrait taken. We discourage the “smile” attitude; but we also understand that sometimes a fun smiling photo is what our clients want. And we offer everything in the way of products from regular prints to bookmarks, books, canvas and fine art prints and much more. We strive to please our clients.

I: Thanks for sharing the information and time with our readers today!