7 posts tagged “portraits”

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The Proposal

Mike proposing to Becky. Studio 11 was there to capture the moment...

The Proposal
Watch the music slideshow of their special moment.

Post a comment Tags: photography, wedding, portraits, engagment, studio 11, studio eleven

Mackenzie's Senior Portraits

I had two sessions with Mackenzie.  During the first session, we did a few portraits in the studio and then headed outside around downtown Frederick.  The next was in Harpers Ferry and was one of my first "Trash the Prom Dress" sessions.  We had a great time!  

Senior Portraits

Post a comment Tags: portraits, photographer, senior portraits, studio 11, photography studio, studio eleven

Framer's Corner - Matting

This month's topic is matting.  Matting artwork serves two main purposes, presentation and protection. 
 
Presentation:
Artwork is meant to be displayed, therefore a visually pleasing presentation is key.  So, what makes up a visually pleasing presentation?  Mat selection plays a very large role in the presentation, especially the top mat.  Matting should extend the artwork, rather than be the focal point.  When selecting mats, several aspects should be considered (color, texture, style, balance, and quality).   
 
Color:
The obvious first aspect of mat selection is color.  The top mat is typically the largest mat and thus the most important; it should complement the piece.  One technique is to look for the main "theme" in the piece and use that color.  If the top mat reflects the predominant color, then the theme of the piece may be lost.  The focus should be the artwork rather than the matting - ask: would the top color draw too much attention?  Should it be toned down?  What is the theme and how can that color be enhanced?  Using a color-wheel (you know ROYGBV for rainbow) to use the complimentary colors may help.  Experiment, it leads to creativity.   
 
Texture:
The next aspect of mat selection is texture.  Does the piece warrant a rough look or is it smooth or delicate?  Would it benefit from having a linen or suede mat?  Possibly a textured mat?  Mats come in many textures including  lines, patterns, random markings, cloth, smooth, rough and others.  Depending on the color, a textured suede mat can portray elegance, power or the softness of a babies skin .  
 
Style:
Mats come in various styles.  Let's look at mat thickness, typically 4-, 6- or 8-ply.  The most common thickness is 4-ply, about 1/8".  A 6- or 8-ply mat will add depth and draw a more dramatic affect.  Matting styles may include double or triple matting, bevels, v-grooves, and floats.  Where the outer, or top, mat extends the artwork, the inner, or liner, mat will accent colors.  Bevels, the angled cut that exposes the core of the mat, gives the appearance of depth and adds a border around the art.  Bevels can also be cut in reverse to hide the core of the mat.  V-grooves are grooves cut into a mat to expose the core.  This adds decoration and bordering.  Even multiple grooves can be added for extra affect.  Mats can be suspended, or floated, over mats which adds depth and shadowing to the package.  Some objects that are framed are thick and require this extra depth.  Extra depth, grooves, and liner mats can really make for a dramatic visual presentation.
 
Balance:
Balance, or weight, is the amount of mat to expose around the artwork.  Should the mat be wide or narrow?  Should the bottom border be wider than the rest to raise the artwork in the frame?  Should the matting be elongated?  How wide should the inner mats be?  Should the mat be wider or narrower than the frame?  Varying the weight of the mats will drastically change the presentation of the artwork.  Have you ever seen a small frame with a thin mat?  Does is look cheap, or even distracting?  Widening a mat can, and will, give the artwork the necessary visually pleasing space.  When matting multiple photos within a single frame if the photos are too close together or if the outer mat is too narrow the piece will look crowded and distracting.  Wider top mats with the appropriate color, texture and style can greatly add to the presentation.
 
Protection:
One of the main purposes of matting is protection.  Protection is achieved by inserting a mat between the art and glass, preventing the artwork from touching the glass. Matting sits over the art allowing the art to expand and contract with changing humidity.  The chemical makeup of matting materials is important to the longevity of artwork.  Mats are typically made of cotton or wood pulp. Wood contains lignin, cotton does not.  We have all heard "acid-free", but have we all heard of "lignin-free"?  Lignin is a main ingredient of wood, which over time will break down and release acid.  Hmmm, not good.  Now there is buffering, which is an alkaline chemical added to matboardto capture the acid.  For most framing jobs, buffering is good, however will have a negative affect on organic materials, like leather.  Cotton is naturally acid and lignin free.  Mats vary in quality and degrees of processing.  This processing may include the removing of lignin, addition of buffering agents, additional thickness or the addition of linen or suede.  As the quality of a mat increases so does the price.  All of these factors should be weighed when making matting choices.
 
Studio 11 Framing Portfolio:
To view many examples of the above mat selections, please visit our Website's Framing Portfolio at www.studio11photos.com.
 
Matting class: 
If you are interested in Studio 11 offering a matting class, please let us know.  
A Moment in Time
A Moment in Time

Post a comment Tags: portraits, framing, custom framing

Studio 11 Models

Studio 11 Model
Studio 11 Model
I've had so much fun with our casting call sessions!  Here are a few of the adorable kids I've photographed so far.

Post a comment Tags: portraits, child photographer, children portraits

FREE Valentine's Day Sweetheart Sessions

Happy Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine's Day
A Valentine's Day exclusive!!   A FREE mini photo session for you and your sweetheart with NO obligation to buy anything, it's just our sweet gift to you. 

Session times are limited, so call 301-696-5944 or email barb@studio11photos.com NOW, to schedule your session.
1 comment Tags: valentines day, portraits, valentine gift, studio 11

Valentine Portrait Special

Would you like to give your loved one something really special this year?  Something that will last a lifetime?  How about an original, creative portrait of yourself custom framed or as a museum quality gallery wrap?  

You get all of this for one low price of $369 ($66 off regular price)
  • A fun, one hour portrait session with several set and lighting set ups created just for you. Makeup artist and hairstylist can be included for no additional charge (ask for the details!).  Bring me your ideas!
  • Professional retouching
  • Your choice of a Custom Framed 11x14 Wall Portrait or 11x14 Museum Gallery Wrap
  • 2 - 5x7 prints on metallic paper
  • 8 wallets printed on metallic paper
  • 25 - 5x5 custom designed photo Valentine cards with envelopes
Call or email me today to book your session.  You must book your session before Feb 5, 2009 to receive your portraits in time for Valentines Day.  301-696-5944 or barb@studio11photos.com


1 comment Tags: portraits, photographer, valentine, frederick

Photographing a Published Author

This week I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing Rita Gerlach, a local author of historic fiction.  Rita found my studio on the internet and wrote this about me in her blog before I even met her!

"Yesterday, my editor sent an email and asked that I send her a professional color photograph by December. I take terrible pictures. I guess I've never found anyone that can get the right angle and lighting, along with the right expression. I have one photo taken in 2001 that isn't too bad. But me and cameras don't get along. I always seem to shut my eyes or screw up my face just as the shutter is clicked.....

I did some research and found a fantastic photographer in Frederick, Maryland. Studio 11 is owned and operated by Barbara Campbell. She sold me when I saw her self-portrait on her blog. I'll be calling her for a head shot..."

Rita contacted me and made an appointment to come in for her headshot.  I was so excited about meeting and photographing a published author!  How great is that?

She seemed a bit nervous about being in front of the camera at first, but we talked, she relaxed and we had a great session.  Her eyes are really beautiful and are the emphasis in her photographs.  

I sent her the proofs yesterday - she loved them!  Here is what she had to say:

"Hi Barbara, Wow! My husband and I are just thrilled. The pictures turned out great. I especially like the black & white close up of #26. At last, some decent pictures of me. Thank you so much. Just to let you know, I linked to your site from mine, and I also let some of the local authors know about your services."
http://www.freewebs.com/ritagerlach/connectionslinks.htm

Thanks Rita!  I can't wait to read your latest novel!

Rita Gerlach
Rita Gerlach

Post a comment Tags: fiction, portraits, author, rita gerlach