What is a photo journalistic service?
Photojournalism is a type of photography that focuses on telling a story - capturing the essence of an
event or subject through the use of lighting, angles, filters, and imagery. We hear frequently from our
clients that we are able to capture a subject's personality, emotion, and attitude through our portraiture.
That's our goal - to create images unlike anything you have ever seen before. We like to create work
that is a little "outside the envelope", but we are happy to create traditional portraits as well. Your
vision drives our work; simply let us know what you have in mind, and we create a shoot just for you.
What types of portrait work do you do?
We have performed our distinctive portraiture for families, children, pets, seniors, sweethearts,
engagement & weddings, home and hearth, romantic, modeling, corporate and commercial, headshots
and more. We are always interested in new challenges. Just ask! To see samples of portraits, click
here.
Where do you shoot?
Wherever we need to! We shoot wherever you desire. Most of our portrait work is done in private
homes, parks, or locations chosen for their sentimental value. If you would like your family portraits
taken on your front porch or in front of your fireplace, we can do that. If you would like your
engagement portraits taken on the spot he popped the question, we can do that, too. Community parks
and museum grounds offer beautiful settings with a variety of "environmental looks". We would be
happy to make suggestions to meet your needs and location. Headshots can be done anywhere, and
often the best pet portraits are done in their natural environment. If you prefer a studio setting, we are
happy to invite individuals and small groups into the studio.
Can you do portraits of special needs children?
We would be honored to spend time with your special needs child and create a classic and emotional
piece of art. Your child's needs dictate the location and style of the shoot, and family members are
welcome to participate. If desired, we will visit homes, hospitals, rehab centers, hospice facilities, or
schools to capture their special personality. Utilizing a long lens and working from a distance, Laura
can document your child in a natural and intriguing way. It takes a special touch to photograph children
who may be intimidated by traditional portrait opportunities. Compassion and an understanding
mother's touch - no extra charge with LBP.
Can you do commercial work?
Absolutely! We are an excellent method of supplementing your company's marketing efforts, or as a
cost-effective out source for your firm. We have worked for years with not-for-profit groups, clubs,
organizations, small business, and professional individuals to boost their public profile and image. Our
corporate services include staff portraits, press release shots, publicity materials, building and
department documentation, event coverage, raw materials for in-house publishing, website material,
and more. Marketing and promotion needs are specific to you and your business; simply let us know
what you're thinking, and we will work to develop a custom package.
What is a headshot?
Headshots are 8x10 portraits used in the performing arts world and advertising industry for talent
auditioning and promotion. Typically containing only the head, shoulders and hands, your headshot
should capture your unique look or style, and accompany a resume. Headshots should be repeated once
every year or two, or anytime you have a major change to your appearance. It is important that your
headshot reflects what you look like right now, because casting agents rely heavily on them for their
work. To see samples of headshots, click here.
In the past, headshots were almost exclusively in black and white; however, this has been changing to
color. Laura regularly studies the industry on both coasts, as well as other larger arts cities to stay up on
current preferences. There is a different style between the east- and west coasts, so your choice of
industry will affect how we shoot your session. A headshot package includes everything you need to
promote your performing arts career. We offer two different sessions for different budgets; to get more
information on headshot packages, click here.
We would be happy to consult with you on the best image(s) for your particular needs. Tell us what
your goals are; we are happy to accommodate agents' requests.
How do Senior Portrait sessions work?
When you book your senior portraits with Laura Breece Photography, prepare for a unique experience.
Our senior shoots are approximately 2 hours in length, and include 4-5 clothing changes. Laura works
with you to create unique poses, unusual framing, and that "something special" that happens when
you're comfortable. Our clients tell us that their shoots are great fun, and that they were made to feel
like a model. We train models; why not you? We also take special care to make you look your best,
by bringing out your best features and minimizing those that are not.
Teaching posing and presentation is a specialty of ours. You'll take better pictures forever with the tips
we give you. Guys, we specialize in creating masculine, rugged, and handsome portraits. No cheesy
smiles and corny poses allowed! Of course, retouching is available on any of your proof choices. We
can erase pimples, wrinkles, birth marks, moles, shadowing, etc. We can even digitally remove your
braces or do spot color in your image. Standard retouching is included at no extra charge. Additional,
more extensive retouching will be at an additional fee. Contact our office with your request and we will
provide a quote.
To learn more about our senior portrait packages, click here.
Can I schedule my senior portraits in my own home?
An exciting new trend in senior portrait photography is having your shoot right in your own home.
What a great way to remember your environment at this time of your life! All of your clothes will be
available for creating the perfect look, your pet is nearby, and your special awards and belongings are
already on display. We bring in studio lights when necessary, to supplement the natural light available
there. We can also travel to sites that are significant to you. There is no additional charge for this
session, available with the Standard and Extended Senior Portrait options
What should I wear?
Your best choices in portraiture will be solid colors, long sleeves, with a variety of "looks". A more
formal outfit, 2 casual outfits, a team or club uniform, and cap & gown are usually sufficient. Can't
decide? We encourage you to bring several choices and we'll help you select. Don't forget coordinating
shoes and accessories such as jewelry and hats. Stay in color families that blend well with your natural
coloring, and with clothing choices that won't make you laugh in 20 years. Avoid short sleeves, midriff
tops or short jackets that cut your line, and wildly trendy looks unless that is your gimmick.
For family portraits, we encourage you to coordinate the outfits around a clothing style, fabric, or color
family. For example: white shirts with jeans; polos and shorts; red, white & blue; boys in one color,
girls in another,etc. Unless you are looking for a specific wardrobe, work with what your family already
has to keep additional costs down. Unique props that tie the group together are often terrific mementos.
For more styling and wardrobe tips, click here.
Can I bring props?
Absolutely! Hats, instruments, dance shoes, flags, your car, your dog, jerseys, sporting goods, hobby
items, etc..are all welcome at your shoot. The more personality you add to your picture, the more
pleased you will be. We have also done portrait sessions with extreme skateboarding, swords,
motorcycles, and action shots. It's your shoot; you decide.
Can you do portraits of my pets?
Laura Breece Photography loves to photograph animals. Your dog, cat, gerbil, snake, horse, cow, or
fish are like family; why shouldn't they have a featured space on your mantel? Using a long lens and
patience, she will capture your pet at play, unaware of the camera. For smaller animals, we use an
extreme macro focus lens to zoom in tight on tiny features. Our clients have told us, "I am so glad we
had pictures taken of our dog! Shortly after our shoot, he passed away. I didn't realize how much it
was going to mean having a quality portrait of him." We can also re-stage portraits from past years,
using the same pose to show growth and change.
To see pet portraits, click here.
What if I would like to include another person or a pet in my shoot?
We encourage you to include best friends, sweetheart, parents, or siblings in your shoot. There is no
additional charge for this service. We believe that the people who are significant in your life deserve to
be recognized.
Although there is a separate creative fee for it, many families have found it helpful to do group portraits
before or after the senior pictures. The rest of the family meets up with the Senior and Laura for a brief
and fun add-on. Ask about the Family Portrait option when booking your Senior portraits, or click here.
Do you offer professional makeup artists?
Laura Breece Photography is pleased to offer Stylist Services to our clients. The stylist will work for
you just like she does on a real modeling shoot: professional makeup application and touch ups, hair
touch ups and minor changes, clothing choices, accessorizing, and personal attention. The Stylist
Service is an additional fee of $75 for one person or $125 for two. Join forces with a friend and save
money! Having a stylist on the set makes your whole sitting move more smoothly. Your personal
stylist will have your outfits ready to go, assist you with changes, and be the "eye in the sky" that spots
stray hairs and mud on your shoes. A worthwhile investment in your successful session; we have a staff
of professional makeup artists and fashion divas to assist you!
What is a modeling composite?
A modeling composite is a 5x7 cardstock piece that promotes models and actors in the advertising
industry. Photographs for composites reflect a variety of looks, from headshots and fullshots to high
fashion and artistic. Your agent will help you determine which shots to use from the choices we create.
We are happy to work with agents to design the appropriate balance of looks for you.
Can I order reprints and enlargements online?
Laura Breece Photography is proud to offer online proofing and ordering. All photo sessions are
placed online in a custom, password-protected website gallery. The link is sent to the client, who is
then free to share as they wish. From this gallery, the client and friends can view image,place them in a
favorites folder, and purchase with a credit card for fast delivery.
Online ordering allows family and friends in other areas to view proofs and place orders easily with any
recognized debit or credit card. This is a great option for receptions, parties, reunions, and weddings.
Laura Breece Photography also accepts requests from individuals. If you can describe the image you are
looking for, we can search our archives to produce it. Payment for Non-Gallery portraits is accepted by
check or credit card (via PayPal).
Can you do personalized die cut wallets?
We are pleased to offer die cut wallets with personalization to our clients. Typically done for Senior
Portraits, personalized wallets are also excellent table decorations or party favors. Simply tell us what
personalization you would like; we will design it and email you a proof to approve. Personalization of
name, graduation year, special dates, etc. are easily ordered through our office.
What can you do with special events?
Because LBP is a photography service, we can tailor to your specific event needs. For one event, it
might make more sense to shoot unlimited images at an hourly rate. For another, a base package will
work. For yet another, online proofing for guests to order will be the best method. Contact our office
and explain your needs; we will build an affordable, quality proposal for you.
What is "Live Performance" portraiture?
LBP is experienced in shooting live events for arts and sports. Shooting "stills" in a theatre or concert
(without a flash) is our specialty. Laura has done extensive work in dance and community theatre, as a
director, choreographer and a performer. Understanding the stage allows her to catch the movement at
its peak, or the "feeling" of a particular scene.
Most events of this kind do not permit flash photography. Using available light and a tripod, Laura can
capture your child's play debut, dance recital, or vocal performance. Please note: permission to shoot
the event is the responsibility of the client. It might be necessary to shoot a dress rehearsal for best
options and cooperation.
Can you shoot my child's ball game?
If your child plays sports, the odds are pretty good they gave you a team picture with a canned
individual shot. Wouldn't it be better to have great shots of your child in action on the field? Just like
the sports photography in the paper, using a long lens and fast shutter speeds, we can create an album
of action shots during an actual sporting event. Great for team albums, slide shows, and coaches' gifts!
For an economical Coach's Gift, gather the team parents and book Laura for a session. She can visit
the field, during practice or the game, to shoot images of your group, doing their thing. Use the images
for team slide shows, gifts, presentations, etc. This session is available for only a $125 Creative Fee and
includes a free CD.
Do I get to keep my proofs?
Although having the images on a CD is contemporary, having real paper prints to review and study can
be more effective when choosing your images. We recognize that our clients have widely varied
technical know-how. Tell us where you are on the Tech-Savvy scale, and we will work to give you the
media you are most comfortable with. If you would like a full set of professional proofs, we are happy
to provide this service. An additional charge may apply.
Can I order a CD of my images for personal use?
Yes, CDs are available from all shoots for an additional charge. With the purchase of a CD, each client
is granted permission for personal reproductions. This allows the client to email, print at home, or
create images from the CD. If you enjoy blogging, live journaling, or emailing pictures to your friends,
having all of your proofs readily available to share can be a real convenience. Many of our clients enjoy
posting their favorites on MySpace or FaceBook. (Official copyright is still retained by Laura Breece
Photography, and any large quantity or commercial application needs to be approved and contracted
through our office. Additional fees may apply).
What specialty items do you carry?
Through our partnership with professional labs, we can create many specialty items for our clients.
Examples include: buttons, trading cards, greeting cards, engraving, DVD slide shows, calendars, mugs,
shirts, candles, mouse pads, business cards, and fine art canvas portraits. If it can be made, we will
make every effort to accommodate you! Have a secret desire to own a six foot vinyl sign or cardboard
cutout of your image? We got that.
Do you do weddings?
We rock at weddings. Although it was not originally a service we offered, our clients begged until we
gave in. Surprisingly, Laura thinks they are fun! Yes, there is stress, but she is good at putting people
to ease and getting the project done successfully. Her cheerful and direct style goes over well with all
age groups, from little ones to senior citizens. Her background in performing arts and event planning
make her the ideal team player. Emergencies happen; wouldn't you rather have someone capable and
crosstrained helping on your day?
Our photographic service is excellent for weddings, but also for the outdoor events, rehearsal dinners,
parties, and luncheons associated with the wedding. If you are interested in fewer static poses and more
unique storytelling, give us a call. Our wedding style leans more to the "magazine-style" look, with a
hint of alternative thinking. There are different styles with each photographer; some are more
traditional and some are more cutting edge. Using portable equipment and a clever eye, we catch the
moments no one else sees: the flower girl asleep in a chair; grandma dancing with the nephew; a private
toast between grandpa and the groom off to the side. Laura sees moments about to happen, and
catches the unusual. We tell the story in a new and different way...
Click here to view our wedding page.
How do I book an appointment?
Contact our office through any of the methods listed on Contact page. Please give us an indication of
your desired date, purpose, and session you would like to book. Laura or one of her staff will return
your inquiry at their earliest convenience to set your appointment.
Laura Breece Photography is also barter-friendly; contact us through this site.
Don't see exactly what you have in mind?
Contact us and give us your particulars...
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS