Little Girls

Wow how the time files and trust me it does and will, there really is no time like the present to have those portraits made - you know the ones you keep putting off. As each day passes it is gone forever...

This beautiful portrait now hangs in the home of her proud parents. When Mom walked in her comment was


" Oh this is Fabulous, it is just what I wanted-I am so pleased."
              "Wilber you are such an artist!"


Needless to say we (I) love it when our clients are pleased to this point with the portraits we have helped to create for them.

The really neat thing about this is that they will enjoy these portraits everyday for the rest of their lives.

Now for the real treat - "Sisters". What a wonderful relationship - "Sisters" and to be able to capture that relationship makes me feel like I have really made the connection with the children. Not everyone can do that, I feel privileged that I can.

We start by having a planning session (takes about 15-20 minutes), this is when we get to meet the people that will be photographed (this step is very important with children - it puts them at ease). To look at the clothing and to get an understanding of what our client's needs and wishes are. Will this be a wall portrait, or a collection of portraits to hang, or images to sit on table or in a bookcase?

This gives us a chance to answer all your questions, as well as ours and to go over all the details about sizes, framing,
selection times, delivery times and pricing.

We want this to be a great experience for both the child, children and the parents.

Right now we are in the middle of our annual "Little Cutie Contest". When we're asked what it is I always tell folks

"Just a good excuse to come have some excellent portraits made of your most excellent Child."

 Please call 803-469-2440 and Margaret will be more than happy to answer all your questions. Plus you have a chance at winning some excellent prizes.



One question we are often asked is "How many poses do you

make during a session. I guess the best answer is too many! I usually don't stop till I am happy with the results we are getting. I always can tell when I have the winning image. So  anywhere from 25 to 45 and sometimes more sometimes less.

What about props - I don't use a lot of props as I want the Child to be the main focus of the portrait, in the same respect I work with simple backgrounds, you won't find giant crayons or Disney characters in the portraits we create. Simple is better and you may have noticed bare feet. There is a wonderful innocence about bare feet, but we will photograph you child in shoes if that is your desire.

Back to props, I usually suggest family items, items that you will not object to looking at for a long time in your home. No need to go buy the latest and greatest toy or doll - that is not what we suggest. You want something that brings about a memory or a feeling. Dirty is good (with in reason) as it looks loved and that is what this is all about. I'm talking about stuffed animals and silky's (not sure if that is a word or not) but I think you know what we mean-like a special little silk blanket, the ones they send home from the hospital.

Tutu's are also a big hit right now and have been for several years. The great thing about them is that they are timeless. White slips or "T" Shirts are also a timeless item.

Something that was a favorite of yours Mom when you were this age is always a winner - that is where the memory comes in, you not only see your baby but you get to do a little reliving of that time in your childhood.

Furniture, chairs, tables, tea sets are all thing that we have at the studio, but you are welcome to bring your own as well. We also have a selection of long pearl necklaces as all little girls love to play dress up. If you have have some fun floppy hats they would make a great prop to work with and are timeless too.

Remember this is a great time to do out door portraits as well.
We also are heading to the beach the first part of June and now would be a great time to get your session on the books. 1-803-469-2440 Margaret will be happy to help you with the appointment details.

How many changes of clothing can we do? This depends on your child, usually the fewer the better as I've found that most children are not crazy about changing many many times. We suggest you bring the outfit that you have your heart set on and then one or two others and we will go with the flow.

Now what do you tell your child prior to the session, we find the less the best. Just going to go have some fun. One thing we strongly suggest is not to prompt your child about their expression. Say Cheese or Smile or Say Popping Peas-are sure to get you a funny not natural smile and make your child look to you for what they are to do next.

BTW the big copy right symbol ©/2010 in the middle of all these images is done only for posting to the Internet and is as much for the protection of our clients as it is for ourselves. I do sign all of my portraits but it is done in a lower corner and is a hallmark of excellence that people have come to look for over the past 40 years.
Thanks for reading and we will post again in the next week, remember 803-469-2440 and we will be happy to see how we can help you.
Wilber and Margaret Jeffcoat.