Creating Real Portraits and Valuable Keepsakes.

Since I began as a photographer it has been my goal to provide more than just a photograph. I don't want to provide snap shots of a person but instead create something about the person. Just yesterday I heard an educator in the field refer to one of his friends who said that a photograph is OF someone but a portrait is ABOUT someone. And that is what I want to create for my clients, portraits about them, whenever I get the opportunity.

I've recently, thanks to my Fellowship, developed a style that is perfect for photographing a child that shows a little about themselves. And while creating my Fellowship I was fortunate enough to have a client like one of the images and ask for it for her daughter. She said her 3 year old loves dolls and doll prams and that shot would be perfect for her. So I asked her about her son and what he likes to do so I could come up with something for him. "He plays rugby", she said. Perfect I thought. "How do you feel about getting him muddied up for a portrait in his kit?"

I was so pleased she was keen on the idea.

I knew I wanted the intense stare for what would be the perfect portrait in my eyes. But just in case I made sure I got the a nice smiley one too. I know that artistically I am drawn to less smiley portraits but that not all my clients are, so I do like to play safe and capture a variety. In this case though my client chose the same one I did to be framed for their wall. I often find myself mesmerised by this portrait I love it so much. He did a perfect job. Although much to my surprise, it took him a bit to warm to the idea of playing with the mud. I think it was the idea of the obviously necessary shower he was going to need when he got him that was putting him off.

During these sessions I also create the standard simple portraits because I know my clients might need a variety of images for a variety of purposes.

I've recently had another opportunity for one of my real portraits which I am hoping to share here soon and I definitely hope to get more opportunities in future. If you're interested in having a personal portrait like this of your child or children please get in touch. I'd love to help you create a true keepsake. Give me a call on 01455 611069 so we can discuss.

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Christina Lauder Portraits

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