Q and A

How would you describe your photography style with portraits?

My style when shooting portraiture is subject focused, classic and simple. While I do have a variety of backdrops, props, chairs, stools, etc. for your portraits I do not typically use elaborate sets or scenes. I believe a good portrait draws your eyes directly to the subject and gives you a sense of their personality and soul. I love close up portraits of children and casual emotional portraits of families.



Yes, your portrait session can be in my home based studio, at your home, or outdoors depending on the look you would like. I have several locations I can suggest if you would like an outdoor session as well as tips on getting the best portraits in your home. Each setting will provide a different feel to your portraits and you should consider what style you would prefer before deciding on where to have your portraits.

Outdoor portraits are casual and are often driven by the season and the clothing required. Obviously winter outdoor portraits will be fresh, clean, and mostly high key in style with all of the snow. Bright colors can be dramatic and fun in the snow. Fall outdoor portraits are warmer in tones and can be very playful with leaves everywhere and gorgeous scenery. Summer outdoor portraits are typically cool tones with a lot of green grass and bright blue sky. Outdoor portraits also depend on the sun and in Alaska that is a pretty small window in the winter and a huge window in the summer!

In studio portraits can provide a more uniform, and clean, feel with fewer distractions in the background and completely flexible backdrops. Your clothing can be whatever you prefer and the backgrounds will adapt accordingly. In studio also gives you more options time and weather wise and can ultimately provide more flexibility. Studio portraits are a great choice for young children who would be easily distracted by their surroundings at a park or at your home. Because my studio space is new, and exciting, young children can sometimes be more focused in studio. In studio also gives you more options with clothing changes.

Portraits in your home typically have a photo-journalistic feel and incorporate your own surroundings into the image. In home portraits are a great choice for people with homes they want to showcase or fun backyards to feature. In home portraits can also be a great choice for newborn shoots as newborns, and new moms, tend to be more comfortable in their own surroundings with everything baby might need available. A black backdrop can usually be set up in your home for a few cleaner images but the most of the images will incorporate your home's features, furniture, and decor.



A good starting point is to think about the differences in locations, as listed above, and picture where you will be displaying your images. If you would like to showcase your family portraits in your living room consider the decor, colors, and feel of that room and how the different portrait styles will look displayed in there.

Another good starting point is to look through my galleries and take note of the images you like the best. Are they studio with uniform backdrops and simple settings? Or are they outdoors? You should select whichever style you are drawn to for your own family’s portraits.



You can reserve a portrait session date at any time by calling or emailing. We can discuss options and schedule something that works. To reserve your date and time 1/2 of your session fee as a non refundable retainer is required. Your retainer can be applied toward a rescheduled date and time within three months of your original appointment as long as you provide at least 24 hours notice to reschedule. If you fail to provide 24 hours notice to reschedule your retainer will be applied toward your missed appointment. The remaining balance is due at the time of your session.



Yes, I accept Visa & MasterCard for payment as well as personal checks with proper ID and cash. If you choose to pay with a personal check your retainer, or balance, is not considered paid in full until your check clears and payment has been received by ISG Photography. Checks returned for insufficient funds will incur a $30 NSF fee and all payments thereafter must be paid in cash or with a credit card.



You do not need to bring anything to your session. I have a host of backdrops, chairs, some props, etc. to use for your session. Because my style of portraiture is fairly simple and classic I do not use elaborate scenes or sets. If you would like you can certainly bring personal items to be photographed with and extra outfits, however it is not required. If you are coming with small children it can also be helpful to bring along a snack that will not make a mess on their clothing (goldfish are a popular pop in your mouth snack), extra diapers, or a special stuffed animal.



After your session your images will be ready for viewing online in approximately one week. You will receive a passcode via email to access your private online gallery and share with family and friends. Once you have viewed your images you can either order directly via phone or email or you may schedule an in person ordering session in my home based studio. An in person ordering session allows you to view the images on my large screen TV as 16x20 in size without the necessary internet watermarking. It also provides an opportunity for you to view different size image, wall displays, and the different products and finishes. An in person ordering session is not required but is recommended to be sure you are confident with your order.

Once your order has been placed your prints will be in in approximately 8-10 days. Other products such as jewelry, canvases, books, etc. will each have their own delivery timelines depending on my vendors.



Once you schedule your session I will email you a What to Wear Guide that gives specific clothing suggestions. As a general rule of thumb you want to coordinate everyone's outfits, think simple over patterns, and dress according to your setting. Long sleeves are typically more flattering for women and long pants for men. Clothing without logos, large patterns, or characters is best to allow the image to focus on the subjects face and not necessarily the clothing. It is helpful when coordinating several family members to think of everyone's clothes as one outfit. How would it all look if put together on one person? It is best to coordinate in color, style, and pattern but not necessarily be completely uniform.



Yes, I belong to several professional organizations including PPA, Professional Photographers of America.



Yes, professional photography is my job, and my hobby, which means I am constantly engrossed in the industry. While I have been a photographer most of my life growing up with a professional photographer father, I opened my own photography business in 2004. I have two components to my work, a full studio set up for families and high school seniors and location wedding photography. I am blessed to be able to do what I love as my career!



Yes, while completing my Bachelors Degree in Business Administration I took many photography and fine art courses at colleges in California and here in Alaska. I also belong to several organizations that offer certification, trainings, and seminars in photography. My “real” training, however, comes from growing up with a photographer father! I can’t even remember a time in my life that did not involve some form of photography.
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