Thank you for your interest in Tracy Adams Photography. Whether you choose to have your portraits taken in your home set up as a studio or using your home as the backdrop; you will
find working with Tracy Adams Photography to be a service oriented, one of a kind experience. The personal attention that you and your family will receive is largely in contrast to the often rushed feelings and lack of service you might get elsewhere.
Q: Is using a professional photographer the way to eliminate the hassle of going to the
nearest chain studio? Does it produce a better portrait?
A: Often the assumption is that chain studios are busy and rushed, with little attention to
detail, but did you also know that you might experience that even with a busy high end
photographer?Often, since these baby, children, kids, and family photographers have such a large client base, they cannot take the time to
personally connect with you and your family. Because of the large number of clients served
each week, the sessions may not allow for the creativity and freedom of expression. The heavy
workload of these busy photographers can drain them creatively, emotionally and physically,
leaving them unable to meet your personal photographic needs.
Q: What are the benefits of you to coming to us?
A: Beyond the obvious lack of travel time on your end, the hassle of loading everyone and
everything in the car, traffic, and getting to the studio on time... a huge benefit is the
personal service you will receive.
With young children I often like to work in your home, where your children already feel
comfortable and are more likely to act naturally. This also allows the portraits to
include the beauty of your home or garden if you so desire, and imposes less of a disruption
to your normal schedule. These are commonly referred to as
lifestyle portraits, or lifestyle photography.
Instead, if you are looking for studio work and prefer to for me to set up my studio in your
home, that is also an option. The benefit is that you will enjoy a sense of privacy and exclusivity that comes with my full service approach. This is your own private "photo shoot" where you and your family are the stars.
With teens and adults, it is really a matter of preference. A lot of seniors and teens love outdoor, magazine type photos. They love the personal attention and the ability to be themselves. I do minimal posing and the ideas can come from your teen. I capture the personality of your young adult in as natural and flattering way as possible. I also offer retouching for more glamorous portraits.
For that very reason I limit the number of sessions I take per month. I will not allow my
schedule to be over-booked. I want to be able to provide you with the highest quality,
selection, and exceptional service.
In addition, most on location photographers only offer "natural light" as an option. That means that if the light is not acceptable in a room or on a rainy dark day, the session will not be
optimal. This often takes the form of substandard pictures, or the requirement to reschedule.
Because I shoot a combination of "studio lighting" and natural light, you get the best of both worlds. I am flexible and able to find natural light, use ambient light in conjunction with studio light, or create a “natural light type” portrait with professional studio lighting.
Q: What happens before the day of the session?
A: Before the scheduled session I will consult with you to plan portrait style, backgrounds,
location, and clothing choices. It is best if you can have the pre-session survey sent to me
before this consultation. This allows for the most focused, time efficient planning we can
accomplish.
Q: How long will my session last?
A: The portrait session typically lasts (but is not limited to) one to three hours, and may
include clothing changes, and many different “poses” or styles.
Please be aware that outdoor portraits, in order to have the very best lighting should not be done in the middle of the day. Usually the harshest, most unforgiving light is present from 11am-4pm. Please take that into consideration when scheduling an appointment.
Q: What are the expectations of us during the session?
A: There is no pressure on the parents or the children, the session can be very low key if
desired. I strive to be successful in capturing something unique in each child's personality, and if
this requires me to spend more time playing or talking with a child, then I will do that.
Posing is completely optional and if used, will be more "passive posing" than actual posed
shots. A special portrait is often times one that is carefully thought out, creatively set up and then allowed to happen naturally.
Bringing a special item such as a hat knit by grandma, a special blanket, an over loved bear, other stuffed toy, heirloom blocks, or even a silver rattle used by previous generations can add a unique touch that will make the portrait all the more timeless and original.
For teens, shots with their car, a group session with friends (a great way to capture those friendships that your teen has made in these special growing up years), and their favorite outfits are a great way to remember this time in their quickly changing lives. Soon they will be in college, getting jobs and apartments, homes of their own and starting families. This memorable session may contain the very last professional shots you have taken before they are out on their own.
This is a convenient way to include out of state family, grandparents, and those who could not make it to an ordering appointment. This is all done on your own time. There is no other appointments to schedule. Of course I am available to consult with you during the entire process. You can always feel free to contact me with any questions. Please refer to my policies for order deadlines and other ordering information.
NOTE: For those serious about quality and interested in the highest level of service, I do offer a deluxe ordering appointment that allows me to come to your home and consult with you and make the selection process easier and orderly.
This service is included as part of my collections for
1. no extra fees,
2. often come with “little extras” that you would not receive otherwise,
3. as well as a substantial portrait discount on additional print prices beyond the collection.
A deposit of $250 is required which will be applied to the collection of your choice. If you decide you would like this service and know you want a collection; please contact me and I will make arrangements to best fit your schedule.
Q: Do you shoot in color or black and white?
A: I can create color and/or black and white portraits. I shoot digital, in color and can
convert to black and white in my post processing. I often show a combination of shots in both to give the most variety and selection.
Q: Where do you get your prints processed?
A: I work with one of the best professional photo labs and suppliers in the country. All
prints are printed on the highest quality professional Kodak paper. This is the highest
grade quality to ensure that the colors and clarity are maintained for years to come.
Q: Do I receive anything for referring a friend or relative?
A: As a testament to my clients' satisfaction with my results and personalized service,
many of my new customers are referrals. With that in mind, I feel your referrals are of the
utmost importance. Because of that, I would love to reward you for referring those you feel
would benefit from my service.
After a referral that mentions your name is booked and their session deposit is received, you will receive a desk portrait complimentary. It's my way of saying, "thank you" for letting others know of your good experience.
