FAQ
LOCATIONS
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Can you come to my city and create a portrait? I see you have other locations listed on the website.
We are marketing our Signature Portraits across the US and around the world. We recently have developed contracts with rental studios in major cities across the country. Now, a client can commission us for significant works, and we can come to their city to save them time. Because of the cost of renting these studios, we cannot rent a studio for an in-kind donation of portraits and portrait sessions to charities unless grouped with other commissioned sessions. Contact us for more details.
SIGNATURE PORTRAITS
You use "hot lights". Are they really hot?
We do use continuous lighting in the form of vintage movie lights. They are called "hot lights" in the industry but all our movie lights have been upgraded to modern LED bulbs which are cool and comfortable.
Why do you use that view camera? Isn't it harder to use?
The view camera is part of the process. Karsh and Hurrell used them in the 20th century and Stieglitz used them in the 19th century. Kevin loves the way the camera forces a slower and more deliberate approach.
How long does a session last?
For solo or couple's portraits, plan on around an hour to hour and a half, plus makeup time if needed. Note, for "Red Carpet" Signature portraits for women, we schedule longer session times to accommodate hair and makeup requirements. When we do family portraits the time requirements are longer as children are more challenging as well as large groups regarding everyone smiling at the same time.
Can I have my whole family photographed as a Signature Portrait?
Absolutely. We have had groups of 20 in the studio and Kevin is great at working with groups. Since our sessions are all unlimited, it is possible to get solo and couple portraits in the same session.
Do you print Signature Portraits in color?
Yes. Kevin's Signature Portraits are available in both black and white or color, especially his "Red Carpet" collection. They are lit for color and it is possible to get black and white and color portraits in the same session.
Do I get a digital file?
At the 24 x 30" size and larger, we release a digital file as a proof. We can provide a file for those wanting a smaller portrait, for a fee. This will be an internet-sized 1080-pixel tall image.
Can I print from a digital file? Will you give me the originals so I can print them myself?
No, as we control the quality by doing all printing in-house. We own the copyright and sell prints, so it is not feasible to offer digital files for printing under any circumstances.
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I got a paper proof print. Can I frame it?
No, we write PROOF in large letters on paper proofs as they are not sellable art in our opinion. If given a print proof without alteration, it is in good faith so you will use it to show others.
What frames are available?
Yes. We offer many different frames that are museum grade with closed corners. At the 24 x 30" size and larger, we add a frame light and custom 22ct gold leaf nameplate with our compliments. Premium custom lights are available at extra cost.
FAMILY PORTRAITS
Why the Dress Code?
A timeless heirloom portrait will be compared to other formal portraits over the decades and we encourage people to dress in a manner that is elegant and dignified. We don't have set rules but consider how you wish to be remembered through future generations.
Do you charge a session fee?
Never
How many portraits can we get in a session?
We will make as many portraits as you wish in a session. For instance, we can have a full family, mom and dad, kids group, and individual portraits all in the same session. The files will be kept and are available should a portrait be purchased in the future. Portraits created in a session do not have to be purchased in that session.
When will my portrait be finished?
We ask for four to six months to complete your portrait.
Do I need to measure my walls prior to the session?
That is a great idea. We can even work with you to photograph your wall with a reference letter-sized piece of paper in the place you are considering hanging your portrait and we can then use it in our projection session. Projection is key to your ability to visualize the right portrait size for you.
I have contemporary furniture and you only seem to have traditional frames. What are my options?
We get this question a lot. First, a fine art portrait at this level is comfortable in any setting because it will outlive your home and your decor. Traditions allow this portrait to go into a contemporary environment and even on a smaller wall than you would dare hang a contemporary art piece. The subject matter is what gives you this artistic license. We encourage you to consider "the portrait for the portrait" so you get a size that will stand the test of time, not be purchased for a short-term solution in your current home. It is a forward-thinking concept and please contact us with more questions. We have contemporary frames as well and our only goal is exceeding your expectations and delighting you.
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GRAND SCALE CONTEMPORARY ART
How do you print your art?
We can print Grand Scale art on many different substrates. Indoor images can be printed on canvas, metal, glass or other substances. We have the ability to print on "Gorilla Glass" from the inside to allow outside Public Art installations that are vandalism resistant.
Are they suitable for public art?
Of course. We compete with large sculpture murals and can provide a cost-effective art piece that will have a very predictable positive experience from all types of viewers.
What is a print license?
We sell a print license and then charge a percentage of the installation costs. The license becomes active again when a print must be removed or replaced. We charge a percentage of follow-on installation costs but the license is perpetual.
Who is your competition?
We know of no viable competitors in our Grand Scale Contemporary Art field and we compete with sculptures and murals in the public art arena.
Do you do work "on spec" or do you only do commissions?
We have done both but currently, we only do prepaid commissions. We can be commissioned to create a portrait or a Grand Scale work anywhere in the world.
Are there smaller versions?
Sometimes. We can create limited editions in smaller sizes to support a grand-scale work or limited edition set.
What are lead times?
Our work is usually completed within 4-5 months of the completion of image capture. Design, engineering, and installation may depend on other factors outside our control, so lead times vary.
How long do the prints last?
This depends on the medium and the location. Our canvas prints can last for hundreds of years.
What is the biggest Grand Scale image done to date?
Fifty feet wide at 300 DPI.