Please check out the sample of different color palette ideas that complement each other very well.  We look forward to discussing your portrait design.

Clothing Selection

The clothing that you select does not have to be matchy matchy.  Colors that complement each other work much better. A few examples are, light blue, gray, or light pink for soft tones and brown, orange, maroon for warmer tones.  Solids work best as prints, plaids, and stripes are a big no no.  They tend to lead your eyes to the wrong point and not on the subject of the portrait (YOU).  

A few of our favorite choices for attire are maxi or mini dress, skinny jeans, cardigan, ankle boots, riding boots for the ladies, shirts designed to be worn untucked, blazers, chino pant, button downs with sleeves to be rolled up, slim-fit jeans, and leather shoes or boat shoes for the gents.  Children may add accessories such as headbands, bows, tights, bowties, and suspenders.

If you are planning to display your images in a particular room of your home, try to coordinate the colors around the walls and decor.  

Shoes are more often than not the forgotten element but they can make or break the outfit. You want to be comfortable with your shoe choice but shy away from bright white sneakers.  

The choice selection of clothing makes a huge impact on your session.  Coordinating your outfits can be an intimidating responsibility.  During your portrait consultation we will discuss options of clothing and draft a mood board which will alleviate the task.  

Portrait Design Consultation

A portrait design consultation is a personalized and collaborative process that takes place and serves as an essential preliminary step in creating a meaningful and visually captivating portrait that accurately reflects your personality.

During the portrait design consultation, we will discuss your vision, preferences, and the purpose behind the portrait. The primary goal is to gather relevant information and insights that will guide the creative direction of the portrait. Key aspects typically covered in the portrait design consultation include:

  1. Conceptualization: We will explore your ideas, interests, and emotions that you wish to convey through the portrait. This might involve discussions about themes, settings, moods, and any specific details you want to incorporate.

  2. Style and Aesthetics: Our clients often have preferences for certain artistic styles, whether it's traditional, modern, abstract, realistic, or a blend of different styles. The consultation helps establish the overall look and feel of the portrait based on these preferences.

  3. Background and Environment: If the portrait is intended to be contextualized within a specific environment or setting, the consultation will cover details about the background, lighting, and overall ambiance.

  4. Size and Display: Determining the size and intended display location of the portrait is important for ensuring it fits seamlessly within its intended space and serves its purpose effectively.

  5. Timelines and Budget: Practical considerations such as project timelines and budget constraints are often addressed during the consultation to ensure a clear understanding of the project's scope and feasibility.

  6. Client Input and Feedback: Throughout the consultation, the your input and feedback are encouraged, as your insights play a crucial role in shaping the final outcome of the portrait.

By the end of the portrait design consultation, we should have a shared understanding of the project's direction, goals, and creative aspects. This foundation enables us to move forward with the creation process, leveraging the insights gained during the consultation to produce a portrait that captures the essence of the subject in a way that resonates with both the you and the viewer.

Selection Appointment

The Selection Appointment is the time you will come to the gallery and view your AMAZING images as well as order your favorites to be printed as portrait art and albums.  We have state of the art software that allows us to project the images in your room that you have selected to display the portrait art (based on photographs you have uploaded).  Full retouching will be done for all purchased prints. 

We can show you exactly what the portrait art will look like on your walls using a simple picture of your room.  Please upload your room photographs by using the Image Projection Upload Form below.

We use the finest materials to custom frame the portrait we create for you. We can also handle most of the framing projects you have around your home such as fine art, photos, jerseys, autographed memorabilia, and more.

We have over 40 years of custom framing experience. Our clients have trusted us with our expertise and artistic vision to provide beautiful, heirloom portraits and wedding photography as well as completing the art with complementary framing.

Our custom framing services allow unlimited options to the final look of your cherished art. We have a large selection of frame mouldings and coordinating mat combinations.

Custom Albums

An additional option to display portrait images are custom albums showcasing all of your favorites from the session.  There are several styles and cover options to select from.  These albums are a stunning addition to your home coffee table.

Albums also make amazing gifts for grandparents to share in the milestone.  During the Selection Appointment we will walk you through the process to create a one of a kind conversation piece. 

Gift portraits are available as a popular add-on to your wall display and custom albums.  Starlight offers boutique items such as glass ornaments, custom designed holiday cards and announcements, curved metal tabletop portraits, fleece blankets and hand-crafted leather portfolios.  We work diligently to create a memory that will last a lifetime and to offer items that will complement your home and office. 

Gift portraits & boutique items

FAQ:

Q: Where will we take the portraits?

A:  I love working outside as well as in the studio.  With newborn sessions we tend to stay inside the studio or your home. During your portrait design consultation, I’ll help you decide which is the best location to tell your family’s story. We have an amazing garden area directly on our studio grounds.

Q: What is the first step in reserving our session?

A: I send out a pre-session questionnaire to get a better sense of what you are looking to achieve in your special portrait.  From there we will set up a zoom call or in-person appointment to go over ideas, any questions or concerns, and set the date for the portrait.

Q: What should we wear?

A: Outdoor family portrait sessions, especially with little kids, are fairly active, so expect that the kids may run around and get a little dirty, you may need to sit on the ground, and we may do some walking around. Comfort is important to make sure that you can relax and be yourself in front of the camera. We will guide you into attire details such as no prints, plaids, stripes, as well as color coordination which does not have to be perfect matches but complement.

Q: Does your style incorporate both candid and posed portraiture?

A: Absolutely!  I love telling stories of your family through photographs. 

Q: When will our photos be ready, and how many do we receive?

A:  Your photographs will be ready approximately one week following the session.  At that time we will have you visit our gallery for your Selection Appointment.  We will help you select your favorites and figure out which products make the most sense for you and your family.  Portrait art starts at 400.00.

Q: Can we incorporate our family pet into the portrait?

A: Absolutely!  We do reserve sessions with pets to take place outdoors as opposed to the studio. Treats, toys, and my personality always help to bring out the best in pets.