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 Need
some tips on setting up your beach portrait session?
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FAQ & Tips
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• Why
Choose a Professional Photographer?
The
photographs of your family, your wedding, your children,
and other important events can be a treasure of intensely
memorable feelings and a joy to revisit throughout your life
- but only if your photographer has the talent and skill
to focus, shoot and capture those defining moments. While
many people immediately think of newborn babies and weddings,
a professional photographer can preserve any memory that
is important to you. Many parents have photographs created
at different stages in their child’s development,
creating a "portrait history." Graduation, religious
ceremonies, family reunions, pet portraits, birthdays and
anniversaries are some of the reasons people hire a professional
photographer. Businesses, large and small, use professional
images to advertise their products - whether in print,
broadcast, catalogs or direct mail. Other business needs
include executive portraits and press release photos. Membership
in a professional association, certification or a photography
degree shows a certain level of commitment to the profession.
These types of credentials can help you determine which
photographer is right for you. Every day professionals
help record the most important moments in life. And while
every situation brings new challenges - you can be assured
that the professional has the creativity and skills to
deliver the best possible images for you. The images created
by professional photographers touch every aspect of your
life and give you a beautiful way to preserve those memories.
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• Why
choose a Certified Professional?
PPA
Certified: A Symbol You Can Trust When you hire a photographer,
you want the best. Unfortunately, anyone can claim to
be a professional photographer - so ensuring that you
get the best photographer for the job can be a difficult
task. To make it easier for you to find a truly professional
photographer, Professional Photographers of America offers
the PPA Certified program. As the leading certifying
agency and association for imaging professionals, PPA’s
Certification program is recognized throughout the industry
as a sign of excellence. When you see a photographer
displaying the PPA Certified seal, you can be assured
that he or she is among the less than 3% of all imaging
professionals who have successfully completed and maintained
our requirements. What is PPA Certified? PPA Certified
is a designation granted by Professional Photographers
of America, the world’s leading certification
agency of, and largest Association for, imaging professionals.
Those who have earned PPA Certification have passed
a comprehensive written examination measuring their
technical expertise, and have successfully submitted
their work to a panel of judges for review and approval.
Every five years, a PPA Certified must renew his or
her credentials by participating in continuing education
programs and periodically submitting work for critical
evaluation. This helps assure you that PPA Certified
photographers maintain their level of expertise and
continue to develop new skills and techniques. Your
Assurance of Quality Every day PPA Certified professionals
help record the most important moments in life. And
while every situation brings new challenges - you can
be assured that the PPA Certified professional has
the creativity and skills to deliver the best possible
images for you. Whether you’re looking for a
wedding, portrait, commercial or electronic imager -
or even someone to restore precious photographs to their
original condition, there is a PPA Certified professional
who can meet your needs. Be assured that whenever you
enter a studio that displays the PPA Certified emblem,
you will be dealing with a professional who is dedicated
to providing you with the highest level of professionalism
and expertise available.
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• How
long will the session last?
Your session
will usually take about 30-90 minutes, depending on everyone's
cooperation, size of the group, and weather conditions.
We may have to wait for the right light as the sun is
setting, too. Make sure everyone (especially the children)
have had a good nap and eat dinner or at least a good
snack before the session. They will look much happier.
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• What
should we wear?
Similar
styles and colors look the best. You can also coordinate
colors to match where you will hang your portrait at
home. Try to keep it simple. View the photo gallery for
some ideas. Avoid patterns, they are too distracting.
Solid colors, khakis, denim, light or pastel, earth tones,
blue, white, and tan look appealing. Light and white
fabric may be more "see
through" with the flash. Wear only high quality tight woven
fabric. Avoid sleeveless tops, long sleeves are preferable.
Button up and V neck shirts look very nice. Dress to your
personality. Please take time in deciding on your attire,
if you do not like your outfit you may not be happy with
your portrait. Keep your makeup light, and don't over do
it.
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• Should
we wear shoes on the beach?
It is
very casual in the sand. Shoes are up to you. Most people
take them off.
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• What
if we wear glasses, sun glasses, or jewelry?
These
items can cause glare and distortion. If you prefer to
have glasses in your portrait, have the lenses removed
from them or from an extra pair. Touch ups will cost
extra if there is too much glare. Your eyes may appear
as big white spots. Try to keep your jewelry to a minimum.
It can be distracting as well. Remove your sunglasses
well before you head to the beach. Your eyes need time
to adjust to minimize squinting.
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• What
do I do with my hair?
It is usually
breezy on the beach. Your hair may not stay perfect.
Hairspray will help. You may also tie your hair back
if it is too windy. Make sure the guys have a recent
shave and trim. A five o'clock shadow cannot be touched
up.
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• Can
we do different poses or separate family groups?
We
can break down into smaller groups and individuals if
time and light allow. If you have any ideas or particular
poses in mind, I will be more than happy to try.
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• Where
do we meet?
You can meet me at the parking beside the
Rehoboth Beach- Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce next to the
light house in the circle on Rehoboth Ave. if you are in town.
There is a park and the Old Ice House there too. I drive
a Pewter GMC Yukon Denali XL with "Portraits In The Sand"
displayed on the sides and back of the truck. Then you can
follow me up to a great spot on the beach or I can meet you
at your favorite spot.
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• Should
we bring anything?
Bring your best
smile:) You may also bring your child's favorite toy
or stuffed animal friend. You should even bring a toy
and some treats for your pet too. If you are having a
longer session, you can bring props, a favorite item
from a hobbie, sports equipment, extra outfits, hats,
shoes, or bathing suits.
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• What
if the weather is bad or it rains?
It
rarely rains the whole day. We get beautiful portraits
on cloudy days when the lighting is very soft, similar
to a studio setup. We can still photograph in a light
rain, drizzle, misty, and foggy conditions. We usually
photograph about an hour before sunset on sunny days.
If it is cloudy or rainy, your session may be earlier
depending on the weather. Sunrise is also an alternative
if the weather does not cooperate. Please leave your
day open for schedule changes if necessary. There are
options. If we have the next day available, we will gladly
reschedule or we may be able to photograph before an
already scheduled session. As a last resort, we could
even do something inside. It is a good idea to book your
session early in your stay, just incase.
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• What
is the deadline for holiday orders?
Orders
should be placed before November 1st. It can take up
to 60 days or so to complete an order. There are extra
charges for rush orders.
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• What
time of the day do you take pictures?
I
can photograph any time of day, but everyone will look
better in the later part of the day. We usually
start within two hours before sunset. This is the best
light of the day. You will also squint less at this time. Each
day and moment will have its own colors, lighting and
shadows. The exact time will vary according to the time
of year, weather, and clouds in the sky. We usually get
in touch on the day of your session to determine an exact
time after we look at the current satellite and radar
images to work around the weather. Cloudy days
give nice, soft lighting and allow more time of the day
to photograph. Please
keep your schedule open for time changes due to weather
and lighting conditions.
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• Can
we go on the sand dunes?
We can only
go by the sand dunes in designated areas. The State of
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental
Control have granted a special permit to Photos In The
Sand for our portraits. The dune line is very fragile
and provides habitat for many species, including some
that are endangered. Beachgrass helps build and stabilize
the dunes. Walking on or near beachgrass can damage its
brittle stalks and root system. We need the dunes for
everyone to enjoy as thier background. Also, without
the dunes, the ocean would soon erode through many properties
and even the highway. If we use one of these locations
for your portrait, there is State Park entrance fee of
$2.50 for vehicles with DE tags and $5.00 for out of
state vehicles. There is a $7 per vehicle enterance fee
or we can walk in from the street if you have a Rehoboth
parking permit, when we use the Rehoboth park area before
5 p.m.
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• Can
we use our own camera?
Sorry, no other
cameras are allowed to be used during the session. The
photographer has spent many years of time and training
in order to provide you with a great portrait. His camera
and film are top of the line. The subjects also need
to have their full attention on the photographer, not
distracted by other snapshooters to have their head or
eyes turned in the wrong direction. This can also waste
a lot of time, that is limited, as the sun is setting.
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• Are
there BUGS on the beach?
The flies
can be bad sometimes. They bite too. Usually on a warm
day with a westerly wind the flies are the worst. Wear
some good insect repellent and long sleeves and pants
will help also.
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• What
is so special about a canvas print?
The
depth and brilliance of a canvas print is wonderful.
This print reflects light in different directions as opposed
to a regular flat print giving it more of a three dimensional
appearance and reduced glare. It does not look like a painting,
it is a photograph. The print is adhered to the canvas
material under hundreds of pounds of pressure. Then it
is mounted to a masonite, hard board for extra durability.
Finally, an extra spray is added for more protection. The
only thing left to do is to frame the portrait. Glass is
not recommended. Most people have their portraits canvassed
if they will be hanging it on their wall.
The Ultimate
Canvas Piece
has many more layers and steps involved than our
standard canvas. Your unique wall portrait is finished
meticulously with artwork to enhance your portrait. There
is so much more depth and dimension that this piece stands
out far beyond anything else. You really have to see
this one. Experience the ultimate in print finishing.
You will be justly proud of this investment of your family’s
pictorial mural. It is indeed the heirloom to be admired
for generations and will become more valuable each day.
This is truly the finest canvas product in the world and
an investment your family will always cherish. Order
this one today! Click here for
more information on the Ultimate Canvas Piece.
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• When
should we schedule our session?
Make
your appointment for the first day that your entire group
will be available. It is nice to have everyone's portrait
taken before they get sun burned too. This may also allow
for backup days due to weather or other reasons, if the
photographer is still available. Images are usual available
to view the next day or so. You may place your order
at the viewing session at our studio. Payment in full
is due at the time the order is placed. Try to schedule
your photo session during the beginning of your vacation
so that we have a chance of viewing your images together
before you leave town. Please send your agreement/release
form and session fee as soon as possible, before your
date is taken. Contact us for availability first.
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