PORTRAITS

WEDDINGS

PORTRAITS

What to Expect

Tom photographs using professional grade Canon digital cameras and lenses.  This provides many advantages to his clients.  Now, any image can be rendered in either color or black and white. Also, turnaround time for viewing “proofs” is faster which allows for orders to be processed sooner.  Some people ask whether digital is as good as film.  All of the portraits hanging in our studio have been taken using digital cameras and we have never had a customer express any concern about the quality of the photographs.  Enlargements of up to 30” x 40” are possible. Come see for yourself! 

In addition, we use the finest professional photography labs to process our images.  All photographs are printed on the finest available archival photographic paper.

Portrait Sessions

All sessions are scheduled by appointment only. Our studio in Essex is designed to allow for a peaceful and relaxing photographic session.  Toys and books are available for children to play with so that they may “ease in” to the session.  Tom works at your pace and takes breaks when it appears that one is needed.  Outdoor sessions are available on the grounds around the studio or at a favorite location of your choosing. These sessions are ideally scheduled one hour before sunset to take advantage of the softer light.

Clothing

Choosing the proper clothing to wear can make the difference between an ordinary versus outstanding portrait.  Clothing should complement, not dominate, the portrait.  Busy patterns, bold stripes and trendy styles overpower the people in the photograph.  For the best image possible, solid colors (or subtle patterns) and classic clothing styles should be worn.  For group portraits, having everyone wear the same tonal range (light – white/cream; medium- khaki/denim; dark: solid/heavier colors) gives the best balance to the photograph. This does not mean that everyone has to wear the same outfits.  Individual taste and style can still apply.

For children’s portraits, make sure that the outfit has been worn before the session.  Uncomfortable clothing will not bring out the best in your child!  Also, it is best to schedule haircuts a week before the session, if possible, to allow for a more natural look.

Ordering

After the portrait session, an appointment will be made to visit the studio to review the images from the session.  Images will be projected onto a screen so that each photograph can be seen in the most optimal way. At that time, comparing photographs side-by-side, seeing them in black and white and trying out different crops can be done. It is important that all people involved in the decision-making process be present at the ordering appointment. As an optional service, Underwood Photography offers a full line of frames to display your portrait.

Once an order is placed, a 50% deposit is required and can be paid by either: cash, check or credit card (Visa and MasterCard). Portraits can be picked up at the studio, delivered to your home, or mailed, depending on the circumstances.

Pricing

Portrait pricing is a two-step process comprised of the session fee and the finished, custom-printed portraits.  Session fees are $125 for a studio or on-location session and last for up to an hour. The session fee is payable at time of booking.  Portrait prices vary depending on the size of the photograph and framing options. All portraits are guaranteed for a lifetime and will be replaced if damaged or defective.

WEDDINGS

Overview

At Underwood Photography, we approach wedding photography as an opportunity to tell a story.  We allow your day to unfold as naturally as possible, working unobtrusively to capture the magical moments as they happen. You will forever relive your wedding day as seen through our cameras.  The photographs we take are made with respect, a sense of playfulness and a passionate vision. It is a joy and privilege to photograph weddings.

What to Expect

If you are interested in learning more about Underwood Photography wedding photography, we suggest scheduling a visit to our studio in Essex. You will meet in a relaxed, comfortable environment and have a chance to ask all of the important questions that you might have. There will be a slideshow viewing of images from previous weddings and you will get a chance to see some of our custom designed Story-Telling Wedding albums. A full price list will be given to you at that time.  References are available if you would like to learn first-hand from other brides about their experience with Underwood Photography.

Retaining Underwood Phototography for Your Wedding

Once you have made the decision to retain our services, a retainer of $750 is payable to hold the date for you. Remaining payment is due in two installments: one, 2-weeks before the wedding and the other, when your proofbook is ready for delivery (usually 2-3 weeks after the wedding).

Plannning

So that all of the details of the day go just as smoothly as you want, we suggest a meeting at the studio within two months of the wedding. At this meeting, we will discuss the timing of the day, any photographs that are “must-haves” and go over any other questions that you might have. Please know that questions are always welcome at any time and can be asked via phone or e-mail.

Album Design

After the wedding when you have received your proofbook and viewed your proofs on-line, we will schedule a meeting at the studio to review the special photographs that you would like in your album. Depending on the album style and size, the number can vary from 70 – 120 or more. At that point, Jacqueline will design your album and have it available for you to review before sending it off for binding and production. From the time that you come in for the album meeting to the delivery of your album is usually two months.

Pricing

Wedding photography coverage starts at $1,590 for four hours of photography, a proofbook, low-resolution cd of the wedding photographs, and on-line posting of the photographs.  Additional hours, album choice and reprints of photographs determine the cost of other coverage options. Please call for more details.