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Q: I've never been to a professional portrait studio before . . . is it expensive?
A: Compared to lunch at McDonalds--yes. Compared to a new Mercedes--no! All things are relative, and so is the price of a custom portrait. The price of portraits has risen far less than comparable items over the past twenty five years. They are a bargain, offering a lifetime of memories for just a few dollars.
A: It's very simple, completely painless, and actually pretty fun! Check our step by step guide HERE.
Q: What is the average cost of a professional portrait?
A: It is impossible to give an averge, because the cross section of our clientele is so broad. The average engagement, anniversary, or “friends” portrait order ranges anywhere from $200 and higher, while it is not unusual for a studio bridal order to much higher. Family orders normally begin at around $300. You can spend less, you can spend more. It's all up to you.
Since a number of families use their family portrait for holiday gifts, they have large orders because they are purchasing portraits for gifts as well as for themselves. In addition, most families purchase a Wall Furniture portrait. However, we have beautiful portraits to fit everyone's budget. You will not have to sacrifice to have one of our portraits!
Q: What is the difference between a discount store photographer and a professional photographer?
A: All the difference in the world! The discount store photographer has little or no training, formal or otherwise. Their goal is to “shoot” as many people as possible in a set amount of time. They do not care about asthetics--they want you to “grin and git!”. You have little (if any) input on the finished product.
The professional photographer has had extensive training. Mr. Bohne has studied under no less than 100 recognized experts in the professional photography field. And, his own expertise has been recognized to where he has served as a teacher to thousands of professional photographers himself. In addition, Mr.Bohne must continually attend classes and seminars to keep abreast of the latest in the profession.
He does not want to rush you through so he can get the next warm body on the posing stool--he can take his time and do the best possible job for you. He also works with you to create the final piece of personal art that you will so proudly display.
Now you see there's a big difference between the two!
Q: Can you help us with clothing selection?
A: Absolutely! Once your Creation Fee has been paid, we can help you decide on your clothing.
Q: When is the Creation Fee paid?
A: When you make your portrait appointment.
Q: Do you offer portrait consultation sessions?
A: Yes. Once you have paid your session fee, you may bring your outfits to the studio and we will assist you in making outfit choices, or we can help you over the phone. There is no fee for this service.
Q: When will my Portrait Originals be ready?
A: Normally, 4 to 7 days after your session. If you have a deadline, make us aware of it. Chances are good we can meet it...or beat it!
Q: Can I buy my proofs?
A: We don't use old fashioned proofs which were small. We use ON SCREEN VIEWING where you see your images much larger than the old fashioned paper proofs. You can still purchase portfolios, however we no longer sell individual originals (because we no longer have them!).
Q: The last time we had portraits done by you, we purchased a portfolio. Since you now use on screen viewing, does this mean these are no longer available?
A: Absolutely not! These are still available, just as in the past.
Q: When do I pay for my portraits?
A: You pay for the session when you make the appointment. When you arrive for your portrait session, you pay a $100.00 deposit that applies towards your order. Your portraits will be ready for viewing about 2 weeks after your session. ALL PORTRAITS ARE VIEWED AT THE STUDIO; you will place your portrait order at the viewing appointment.
At the time you place your order, you may leave a two-thirds deposit on any remaining balance (and pay the balance when the order is ready), or you may pay in full at the time of order. There is a bonus when you pay in full with cash, check, or ATM debit card on qualifying orders. Be aware many specials are required to be paid in full at time of order to qualify for the special--these do not qualify for paid in full bonuses.
Q: I have relatives that live out of town ... how can they view our portraits?
A: You can pay $35 and have them uploaded to the Internet. The fee is applied towards an order (minimum qualifying order applies, please call for complete details).
Q: Can I just “drop in” to the studio to be photographed, view originals, or pick up my portraits?
A: No. We ask that everyone have an appointment.
Q: Do you have charge accounts?
A: No, but we accept all major credit cards. You can also make payments on an order on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
Q: Do you offer Christmas Cards?
A: Yes.
Q: When will my finished order be ready?
A: Most orders will be ready in 33 days after you place your order and required deposit. Orders that need an art quotation, include large portraits, or have extensive digital correction may take a little longer, but rarely.
Q: Can I order more portraits later?
A: Yes, but keep in mind you will get the best price at your initial order.
Q: Can I scan or make copies of my portraits?
A: Sorry, no. All our portraits are protected under Copyright Law, and making copies is against the law. Please refer to our Copyright Page for more information.
Q: What if I want to have invitations made?
A: We offer that service; we do not permit others to copy our copyright protected photographs.
Q: Is there anything I can do to protect my photographs and make them last longer?
A: There certainly is! Check our Care & Feeding of Old & New Photographs Page for complete information.
