Preparing For Your Portrait Session….
What to Expect, Process and Investment…
If you found this page you most likely have inquired about Potthast Studios portrait services and products. We want to make the process as simple as possible and be able to prepare you for how we create portraits for you and your family to enjoy for generations to come.
Determine the type of shoot you would like to capture….
First, we need to determine whether this will be a Studio Session or a Location Session. Each type of session offers unique benefits that can greatly impact what we aim to capture for you and your loved ones. Most importantly, it is essential to consider which option best tells the story of you or your family. If you find yourself needing some guidance in making this decision, we would be more than glad to help suggest the best course of action tailored to your desires and preferences.
Studio Session
We like to consider our studio style to be casual classic. The studio lends itself to be classic in style with perfect lighting and backgrounds. However we love to add a bit of casualness to our images which allow our subjects to be a little more free and fun. The two main styles in studio are high-key (meaning light and airy) or low-key (mean dark and mood setting). Both styles can sway a studio portrait in many ways.
Location Session
Location (also called environmental portraits) can mean several things. Your house, backyard, favorite destination, a friends property, or allow us to help find a great setting for an outdoor location. In handling hundreds of shoots similar to yours, we know many locations you may not have even considered. What we see with our eye, is often captured totally different on camera. We prefer our locations to be non-descript, meaning somewhere - but nowhere at the same time. In the end the people in the image are the focus, the background should tell the story and create the setting.
For More Samples of Portrait Styles [ Visit Gallery Pages ]
Scheduling the Shoot…
Studio Sessions can be scheduled any type of day since lighting is fully controlled indoors. If small children are in the photoshoot, we have found earlier mornings are best. Studio is great during the hot summer months as well. Studio portraits convey character and can be uniquely styled. And yes, pets are more than welcome to our studio and preferred. They add plenty of character to our portraits.
Location Sessions are usually considered to be the first few hours after sunrise or starting about two hours before sunset (not a rule, but those are the ideal times outdoor). If you have a specific location in mind, we will help determine the best time of day to shoot by either scouting that location before hand, or doing some research with online maps. The subjects in the portrait also have much to say about the time of day we schedule an outdoor session, not everyone might be available at an ideal time, and thats ok. We know plenty of solutions even if its not the ideal time of day.
Studio Session or Location Session, weekdays usually are the most available. Weekends are available also, but are in demand with fewer openings and we charge an additional fee.
Register as a New Client
If you are a new client or haven’t seen us in a while, please register into our system so we have updated names, phone numbers, emails etc. This will save you time day of the shoot.
Clothing
Clothing can be very important in creating harmony and bringing a tone of an image together. Learn all about clothing suggestions at [ Our Clothing Guide ]
During the Shoot…
A very common question is how long does the shoot take? We don’t time our shoots, typically it is very rare our portrait sessions go longer than 30 - 45 minutes. After 50 years in the business, we know how to accomplish the images you want efficiently and professionally. Another reason we work quickly is the Florida heat. Small children typically wont last longer than about 20 minutes with a good attitude and expressions. We do work with our clients via a tethered computer or iPad and share the captures along the way and this can help put your mind at ease we are capturing the images you want.
After the Shoot…
Online Gallery
We utilize a third-party gallery service to make it easy for you to preview the images captured during your shoot. This gallery is typically made available for viewing a couple of days after your session concludes, allowing you ample time to reflect on your photos. The images presented in the gallery are watermarked and can be accessed for two weeks from the date they are uploaded. This feature is particularly convenient for families who may be situated in different parts of the country and want to coordinate their orders or for clients with hectic schedules who prefer to take their time perusing the images from the comfort of their own homes.
Investment and Pricing….
Our Pricing Schedule for 2025
Other Products and Services…
We Offer Full Service Framing
If you are ready to move forward or if you should have any further questions about our portrait process please feel to contact us. We are looking forward to working with you.