A portrait is an artistic creation of someone's likeness. Traditionally, portraits were representations of the head and shoulders...making it seem exactly like a headshot.

Today, we use the term "headshot" to refer to an image that is made with a particular marketing purpose in mind...usually related to ones business or profession.

Portraits on the other hand, can be expressive of any aspect of the subject's personality and are not typically confined to the head and shoulders, although they can be. Portraits usually allow for more artistic/creative license on the part of the photographer and are often the result of the photographer's impression or vision of the subject.

Before you book your session, we can speak on the phone about your purpose and goals for the imagery. We can discuss wardrobe at that time.

Yes. After you book your session, I will send you my tip sheet that includes everything from wardrobe to makeup and jewelry.

Good question. In this day of constant selfies, does anyone really need portraiture any more? You don't really expect me to say "no," do you? A selfie is a photograph of yourself taken by yourself. It is also your own impression or version of yourself and most people take that same "best" version of themselves over and over again. We have our favorite expressions and our favorite angles.

Portraiture is completely different. Throughout history, when artists made portraits of people, they created something that was neither wholly the subject, nor wholly the artist. A portrait is a collaboration between who you are, and how the world sees you. Often, the world sees us in much broader and more flattering ways than we see ourselves.

Most people know why they need family portraits...because while you can take a family selfie, they're very casual and you'd rarely want to frame them or put them on the wall. Some other contemporary uses for portraiture include documenting a significant birthday or stage in your life, capturing portraits for use in decor for a big party (think Mitzvahs or Sweet-16s) communions, moments with grandparents or parents, etc. Check out the portraiture gallery for other ideas.