Procedure
The procedure usually begins with an e-mail or phone call to me to tell me you are interested in a portrait. We discuss your wishes, goals, and ideas about the portrait, and set up a time for a photography session with the subject. This is usually at the client's home, but can be at some other place that has interesting possibilities for setting and background material. It should be a place where the subject feels quite comfortable, so we have a chance to get the pleasant natural expression that brings out the personality of the subject. The photo session can last an hour or a bit more. A contract is drawn up with a non-refundable deposit of 40% of the total fee.
After the photo session, I will review the photos, noting your preferences, and develope several appropriate compositions and suggestions for the portrait. If possible, we meet again to select and approve the final composition. Otherwise we can do this by mail or e-mail. Once the composition is finalized so that work can proceed on the portrait, the cost is adjusted and finalized. The finished portrait should be ready in two to six months, depending on the medium and my work schedule at the time.