Lensflair Foto+Film
FAMILY PORTRAITURE 2013
Welcome
about family portraiture As a father of two beautiful little girls, I know from experience that our children are the most precious gifts that we have in our lives. They grow up ever so quickly and they will never again be as they are right now. The gift of freezing time and helping families capture the joy of their children means that the satisfaction that I get from what I do is quite unique.
Family portraiture is something that will be treasured in your family for countless generations to come, so do not trust such an important task to just any photographer. This publication will give you the tools to ensure that your Family Portrait experience creates artworks that will capture the joy of your family and become priceless
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newborn children family
CONTENTS about the lensflair portrait experience
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preparing for your amazing creation session
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our unique unbeatable satisfaction guarantee
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reason why you need to commission a photographic artist right now
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excuses people use not to invest in family portraiture
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frequently asked questions
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select from our amazing range of wall art products
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nine huge mistakes most people make when choosing a portrait photographer
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Meet The Team
about the lensflair portrait experience Professional Portraiture should be looked at the same way as a purchase of a TV for the theater room or the planning of a family holiday. It is an investment that you should not take lightly nor should you entrust it to just any photographer. You want to make sure that with such a precious investment you commission the right photographic artist. You already realize this; that is why you are reading this right now. You are ready to begin the process of creating one of the most valued and important investments you can make. You are ready for the Lensflair Portrait Experience. For the absolute best results we ask that you invest your time and energy wholeheartedly into our proven creative process. We schedule a Design Consultation to help you plan your session. This is the first stage of the process and helps ensure that you are ready for your amazing Creation Session. The process is rounded off with a Cinematic Viewing Session where you get to see what we have created and where you are encouraged to select your amazing wall art products.
It can sometimes seem a daunting experience with other photographers, but don’t worry as we are here to guide you every step of the way.
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Pro Tips
preparing for your amazing creation session Take the time to invest in haircuts before the session. You want to look your best in every way possible. Organise your wardrobe the day before so you are not rushed and stressed getting to the studio. If you have pets, check your clothing for hair and lint (especially blacks).
Organize to bring a few different outfits and jewelry items.
Avoid loud prints/patterns and minimize colours that clash.
Do whatever possible to ensure your children are in a good mood even if that means not telling them off for the morning of your creation session. Let them help to choose what clothes they will wear. Take the time to speak to your photographer well before the shoot about styles you like, creative ideas that you may have or things you don’t want shown in your photos (If you are like me and have one ear higher than the other).
Relax, you have chosen a professional portrait photographer so you will look amazing in your photos, guaranteed
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Your Guarantee
our unique unbeatable satisfaction guarantee If you are not THRILLED with your photographs - if you are dissatisfied for ANY reason at all, I will do two things for you: At absolutely NO CHARGE, I will be happy to create additional images for you. We will make sure that anything that wasn’t perfect is fixed to your liking. If we’re unable to create a photograph that you feel you will cherish forever, I will refund EVERY CENT that you have invested. You don’t pay for your photographs unless you love them beyond your expectations! If we don’t end up being your Studio, make ABSOLUTELY SURE the photographer you choose offers this strong of a guarantee. If they are true professionals they should back up their work by taking all the risk away from you. “IF YOU ARE NOT THRILLED WITH THE IMAGES THAT WE CAPTURE FOR YOU, IF YOU ARE NOT FILLED WITH TEARS OF JOY WITH WHAT WE CREATE FOR YOU, WE WILL RE-SHOOT FOR FREE, NO QUESTIONS ASKED, AND SHOULD YOU STILL NOT BE 100% THRILLED WITH WHAT WE CREATE FOR YOU, WE WILL REFUND YOUR MONEY FOR YOU, EVERY LAST CENT, GUARANTEED”
Most photographers WILL NOT DO THIS! Just suppose you had a portrait created, and your son or daughter didn’t look natural in it. The photograph was “ok,” but it didn’t turn out to be spectacular. Should you have to pay for it? ABSOLUTELY NOT! I believe strongly that no one should ever have to pay for a photograph that isn’t PERFECT. That’s why I am the only photographer in Perth to offer this guarantee, up front and in writing. Some studios might reluctantly agree to this guarantee if you press them on the issue, but they do not advertise it. Our guarantee is the first thing you know about us, it is up front and it is the core belief of our business.
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“i leave you my portrait so that you
will have my presence all the days and nights that i am away from you �
Frida Kahlo
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Photographic Art
reason why you need to commission a photographic artist right now
When is the best time to capture you and your family in a professional portrait? The best time is right now, today, this minute. Your children will never be like they are right now ever again. They change and grow up so quickly. Also there is no guarantee that members of your family will be around when you decide to get around to organising a portrait session. Life is fragile and fleeting and once a loved one is gone so is the opportunity to capture them. My father-in-law passed suddenly a few days after our first daughter was born. He never got a chance to meet Zahara and she will never have the privilege of knowing one of her grandparents. Luckily we have a portrait of Barry in our home so at least our children will know of him, what he looked like and hopefully they will get to know him in their hearts through the stories and memories that we have of him.
I know first hand the importance of professional portraiture and what it is really worth. It is an investment in your family history. Our business model is based around the understanding that the true value of what we provide is always in excess of the actual price paid, in other words we make sure that we give out more than we get in.
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Excuse Me...
excuses people use not to invest in family portraiture Professional portraiture is too expensive In reality, to be expensive something has to cost more than what it is really worth. All our work is infinitely more valuable than the actual amount that you will invest. A typical average investment made by our clients, if you look at it over a 12-month period is less than five dollars per day. Most people spend far more on coffee or music downloads.
We are moving house and we don’t know what will fit You will always find a place for your wall art once you move in. I have dozens of clients who can testify to this. You wont always know if your lounge suite will fit properly and wall art is a lot easier to accommodate than any lounge suite. We only rent and we are not allowed to put hooks in the walls You wont be renting forever probably or you wont always be in the same house forever either. Most landlords will agree to hooks in walls if they are done properly or patched when a tenant leaves. If you continue to wait until the “perfect” time in your lives to capture the importance of your family you will invariably find that it never arrives and you will miss out on one of the most valuable things you can ever have.
I need to lose a bit more weight or I have bad skin at the moment Let’s face it. Most people will never be totally happy with the way they look. Many of us will always want to shed an extra dress size or shirt size. A good photographer can shed those last few kilograms for you and remove acne, wrinkles or bags under the eyes from over working. I am not photogenic Being photogenic is not a gene you are born with, it is not something you can buy, it is not something you can learn at school. When people come into the studio and say that they are never happy with how they look in photos, what they are really saying is that they don’t have confidence in themselves. All of our clients are photogenic because a truly professional photographer knows how to make people comfortable in front of the camera. I don’t know what size will fit on my wall All you need is the 60/40 rule. Take the width of the wall space you wish to utilise (say 2.0m) and take 60% of the width (2.0 x 0.6 = 1.2m) and that is the width of the frame that you need for that space. Alternatively you can use three frames that equal that size (40cm x 3 frames).
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“my job as a portrait photographer is to seduce , amuse and entertain � 16
Helmut Newton
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Question Time
frequently asked questions How many people can attend a photo shoot?
Up to 7 people ($35 for each additional person). How many images will I see?
Around 30 - 50 images are usually presented.
Do I have to place my order at the time of the Cinematic Viewing Session?
Yes, this is the time we are able to advise you on getting the best from your photographs; so all the decision makers should be present. Can I get a CD of the images?
While Lensflair specialises in wall art products, there are image disc products available for purchase.
How do I know what size will fit my wall?
We are experts in advising our clients the best solution for their individual needs. We run through this at the viewing session.
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Can I see my photographs online?
No, this is best done in your viewing session and is a difference between a Professional Studio and a backyard weekend photographer. We prefer to show you all of our finishes, cropping, collages and framed products to make your decision making easier. How long does my order take to complete?
Orders usually take approximately 6-8 weeks. Is it possible to layby my purchases?
Full payment is generally required on all orders but no interest Take Home Layby is available for orders over $1100, subject to approval. We also offer payment plan options on request. Do you take credit cards?
Yes, we take Visa and Mastercard. Can I bring my pet?
Yes you can, just inform the studio prior to your shoot. Once I place my order can I change my mind?
Yes you can so long as production has not already started but note that changes to your order may attract an admin fee.
What happens if I am not photogenic?
Really, we are all photogenic. A true professional photographer will make sure you are shown at your best. All our clients at Lensflair look amazing and so will you.
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Products & Pricing select from our amazing range of wall art and presentation products
Frames
From Only $870
Fine Art Canvas
From Only $1600
Storyboards
From Only $2200
Acrylic Frames
From Only $1700
Iceblocks
From Only $350
Matted Prints
From Only $320
“the true value of what we produce is far greater than the initial purchase price �
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“Had so much fun at the photography session and Paul put us at ease so quickly. We had a fair idea of what we wanted, but Paul had some even better ideas of his own. He is very professional and friendly - he didn’t rush us out the door, he took his time to get the shots perfect...I declare him a magician for making me look so good!”
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Nine Huge Mistakes nine huge mistakes most people make when choosing a portrait photographer Mistake #1: Not Insisting On A 100% Money Back Guarantee. This one is no surprise is it? Always ask the photographer, “What happens if I’m not happy with the photographs?” This will immediately tell you how this photographer feels about taking really good care of you, and making sure you are truly happy with the photographs and his or her service. I feel very strongly about this. Most photographers would never think of guaranteeing their work. They will say “but it’s ‘art’, and you can’t guarantee art!” Well, I think that’s crazy. You’re investing your hardearned money in these photographs, and I believe you should ONLY pay for them if you’re absolutely thrilled. That’s why I offer a complete 100% guarantee. No kidding, if you are not completely thrilled with your photographs, I will either create additional images for you at no extra charge, or I will cheerfully refund all your money. So, make sure that any photographer you are considering offers this same guarantee. Just make it one of the first things you ask when you call on the phone: “What’s your guarantee?” If they don’t immediately, and without hesitation tell you that you don’t pay if you’re not thrilled - go to a different photographer! Mistake #2: Most People End Up With A Photographer Who Doesn’t Meet With Them, FOR FREE, Prior To The Actual Photography Session. Make sure the photographer, or at least the “portrait consultant” meets with you personally BEFORE the photographs (at no extra charge) to help you with every decision (such as what to wear, style of photography, what will look best on your walls, hair and makeup etc) - this insures you and your family will look perfect in your photographs, and that the photographic artist fully understands what’s most important to you about the photographs. There are only a handful of photographers in Australia who do this, and it’s such a vital step. You see; a fine family portrait is much like decorating the inside of your home. It involves careful planning, and everything must work together to make a great result. For example, if you were redecorating your living room, you would NEVER choose what color wallpaper to put on the walls if you didn’t know what color carpeting you were going to have. Or, imagine shopping for new furniture for that room, without knowing the exact dimensions and layout first. It’s the same thing with your family portraits. Any photographer who claims that he or she can just “plonk” you and your family down and “snap” the photographs and have them turn out great is NOT a highly disciplined, accomplished photographer. That’s someone who is not concerned about creating a fantastic, perfect photograph of you and your loved ones – that’s someone who is only interested in cranking through as many clients per day as possible – like a factory.
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We meet with you, FREE OF CHARGE, and without obligation so that you can see for yourself the amazing experience that we offer each and every client.
You Are Commissioning An Artist To Create A Bespoke Piece Of Artwork For Your Home. Our Design Consultation is an essential and distinctive service offered to our portrait clients free of charge. We will schedule a time to visit with you privately in our Studio prior to your portrait session. At this time we go over your ideas about clothing, the setting and just simply chat about the theme and feeling you want to portray in your exclusive portrait. Every portrait we create is custom designed and completely original. This service helps refine the final images and hopefully makes your experience at Lensflair Foto + Film even more enjoyable Mistake #3: People Select A Photographer To Take Photos Instead Of Commissioning A Photographic Artist To Create An Invaluable Family Treasure. I cringe when I overhear photographers mention that they “have a quick job that involves a few quick snap shots”. Professional Photographers do not take snap shots – People with iPhones take snap shots. Your uncle Jack uses his Canon 60D to take snap shots at birthday parties. No, you are looking for a photographic artist who uses his or her Hasselblad as one step in the process of creating your portrait art.
Mistake #4: People Think That A Professional Portrait Photographer Is Just Someone With A Camera. Anyone can purchase a basic SLR camera, tidy up their lounge room before you arrive, put the cat outside, come up with a business name and then call himself a “photographer”. Many of us own a car, but that doesn’t mean that we are all F1 drivers does it? No of course not. So what do you need to look for before even deciding to meet with your photographer? A professional photographer should be able to answer YES to the following questions. Do they operate from a professional, state-of-the-art studio? Is their studio centrally located with dedicated space for you to view your images? Is photography their full time profession, not just a part time activity? Do they have tertiary photographic qualifications? Do they have many years of experience? Do they use only the best pro gear? Are they an accredited member of a major photography body such as the A.I.P.P. that ensures professional scrutiny from their peers? Do they have a significant investment in their business, their premises, their equipment and their training? After only a few minutes in our East Perth studio you will understand what I mean. Being a true professional portrait photographer involves an incredibly large investment in not only the studio itself but also the right equipment. I shoot on the best camera system money can buy – Hasselblad digital medium format, and if anyone tries to convince you that any 35mm camera is as good, walk out the door.
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Mistake #5: Undervaluing The Skills Of Professional Retouching Professional retouching is an art form that a lot of people think that they can do but that very few get right. Many photographers outsource their retouching, some overseas and this is fine in itself but retouching is a critical step in the artistic creation process and the best photographers shoot with specific retouching in mind and retouch in-house so they create a purely integrated and seamless workflow. Did Picasso outsource his masterpieces? Would Michelangelo have outsourced work on the statue of David or The Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel to a factory in China? We hear “just fix it in Photoshop” a lot and the problem with this is that it becomes an excuse for mediocrity, for sub-standard shooting. Retouching is there to enhance the image, not fix flaws that a professional photographer would not have allowed in the image in the first place. It forms a critical part of the creative process and photographers who do not shoot with an integrated approach have great difficulty creating what you really deserve.
Mistake #6: Not Ensuring That Your Photographer Uses Nothing But The Finest Materials And Printing Processes Do you want your images to be vibrant, long lasting, crisp, have great detail and texture? Do you want to know instantly that they represent quality? Do you want the piece of mind that your most treasured memories will last a lifetime? Of course you do, we all do, but many people mistakenly think that all inks, all printing, all paper stocks, all frames are the same. There is a massive difference in quality between different papers, canvas, print processes and the like. We extensively test our products and production processes to ensure you get the best quality available. We don’t do cheep! Straight up, it is false economy. If you want the cheapest instead of the best then Lensflair Foto+Film is not the right studio for you unfortunately.
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Huge Mistake #7: They Hire A Photographer Who Isn’t A “People Person” – So He Or She Says Something Like “Say Cheese” When They Want Your Family To Smile. DISASTER! When I create a family portrait, natural expressions are guaranteed. Over my career, I not only have ‘focused’ (no pun intended) on my photography skills, but I’ve also mastered ways of working with people to get the best and most natural expressions every time. Your photographer should have done the same. We’ve all seen photographs where the subjects looked stiff and posed - and those photographs never look good. Why have a family photograph created if your family doesn’t look natural? There are a number of ways to insure that each of your family members looks their best in the photographs. And, I’ll give you a hint: it never involves having any of your family members “say cheese.”
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I’ve spent just as much time perfecting the “art” of human relationships and psychology as I have perfecting my photographic techniques. When all is said and done, the most important thing in your family portrait is - YOUR FAMILY. Their relationships - their expressions - their personalities.
If you’re at all like most of my clients, you don’t feel very comfortable in front of a camera. Believe me, I know how you feel. I’m a photographer, and yet I don’t even feel comfortable in front of a camera. That’s why I take the time to get to know all of your family members very well, so I can talk with them during the session, and have them enjoy the photography session – and look NATURAL.
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No one EVER looks stiff or “posed” in my photographs. Never. The one comment I get more than any other from my clients is: “We all look so natural, and so comfortable!” You’re trying to capture a priceless family memory here. To me, a family memory must look REAL, not fake or posed. Every photographer should think that way, but most of them don’t.
Huge Mistake #8: Most People Don’t Find Out Why This Photographer Became A Photographer In The First Place. Why Is He Or She In This Business? Does He LOVE it? Or Is It Just A Way To “Make A Living?” It comes down to love and passion for what you do. I enjoy working with people, I love working with children, I am passionate about the importance of family portraiture. I have my own family, my own children, I have lost loved ones and seen first hand how precious life is and how important it is to capture those precious memories and moments as they are all too quickly gone for ever.
I love my camera; actually I love all my cameras. They are an extension of who I am. They form part of me; they are almost organic in nature and are more than mere artistic tools. I feel as though in my hands they come alive. I definitely feel this ‘life’ in all the work I do. Huge Mistake #9: Most People Think They Are Best To Shop For A Photographer Based On Price. We have saved the most important piece of information for last. The biggest mistake most people make is that they treat engaging their photographer much like they would shop for a washing machine. They look for the cheapest price possible and judge their purchase solely on this one criteria. It is probably a reflection of our disposable society where we don’t seem to value things anymore except its price.
When I was putting this list together I ran a Google search for the “Cheapest new car in Australia” and here is what I got – “Move over Proton S16, there’s a new cut-price kid in town. Chinese manufacturer Geely’s first car is officially on sale in Australia, and it’s going cheap. The Geely MK city sedan is now on the market for $11,990 drive away…”
Now I don’t know about you but I have not heard of this car before and I have no idea if it is reliable, comfortable, able to hold its resale value, does it fit a family plus a dog inside, will it tow a boat, handle like a sports car, look good, have iPod connectivity, have power windows, leather seats, maybe keep up with a BMW, make my friend jealous and a million other reasons people buy a car other than price. If price was the best way to select a car then we would all be driving the Geely MK, but we are not. Why? Because like great portraiture, the decision and the choice is incredibly subjective. The lowest price will not get you the best product.
Low Price Does Not Guarantee The Best Product…But, We Can Guarantee You The Best Product At A Price That Represents Unbeatable Value.
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Lensflair Foto + Film www.lensflair.net.au hello@lensflair.net.au www.facebook.com/LensflairPhotography 36 Wickham Street EAST PERTH WA 6004