We recently took some Senior Portraits that made our clients look like real rock-stars, even though they just came from classes at the local high school. With portraits from these recent sessions they can believe they are anything–a model, a movie star, or even a rock sensation–and write their own story. After all, what’s life without a little imagination.

Our trick, well, you’ll just have to schedule an appointment to find how we give our clients the red-carpet treatment, teach you to pose so you look slimmer and use the most up-to-date techniques to give you the look you want.

We can give you that wind-in-your hair look.

Or the tossed-wet look.

Or the just-who-you-are look.

It’s your portrait session. We’re just the guys behind the camera.

Be a Rockstar! is a post from: Houck Portraits

If you are looking for portraits that are uniquely yours, brainstorm with us on how we can create an out-of-the-studio on-location shoot that speaks directly to your family.

Start by brainstorming a little.

Want to do a beach scene? You’re in luck, we LOVE the beach! Every November we spend Thanksgiving on the coast and we always schedule some family beach sessions while we are there. If you don’t want to wait until November, work with us on the timing or we’ll look at a local beach to create the look you’ll love.

Have a perfect spot in mind in your own home or garden where you’d like us to shoot? Schedule the time with us and we’ll bring our equipment to you.

Northeast Mississippi offers beautiful outside landscapes, shimmering lakes, unique landmarks and stunning architecture. And the colors of Spring bring all these places to life more than ever. So think outside the studio this year as you plan your family portraits and let us help.

Think outside the studio! is a post from: Houck Portraits

“We’re geared for YOU!”

Just how do we gear our session for your needs and wants versus our schedules and programs? We’re glad you asked.

1. Bring your favorite outfits.

Notice we didn’t say bring your 2 favorite outfits and extra cash for the third or fourth. Nope. Bring them all. We don’t charge for the extra changes of clothes although we do ask that you give us a heads up if you’re bringing several so we can be prepared.

2. Enjoy no session fees.

All the cost of your Senior sessions is included the package your purchase. We’ll shoot 2 or even sometimes 3 sessions to get it all just the way you want it. Many of our seniors plan outdoor sessions in the early Fall or early Spring when the weather’s nice and nature cooperates. We prefer to shoot indoor sessions in the winter and summer when the weather is either too cold or hot for outdoor sessions. By splitting the sessions, it allows everyone to be less stressed and focus on one portrait scene at a time.

3. Choose black and white and color portraits.

Some portraits need the vibrant blues and explosive reds of your clothes and the sunset to truly tell the story of who you are. Other portraits speak clearly through the tones of black and white. We want you to be free to have the best of both worlds…at no extra charge.

4. Don’t pick just one.

We love to create custom collages and cards from multiple poses. Remember, it’s about you and your style. Your Senior collage should tell the story of you and the adult you’ve grown up to be. Sometimes a grouping of portraits does that better than just one alone. We also create custom graduation invitations from your portraits so you can share your style with those you love the most.

5. Make it about you.

Are you a 4H junkie? Band member? Football player? Bring the props that tell who you are  (even if those props are chickens and shot guns…yes, we’ve been there). While graduation moves you beyond the sports and activities of high school, those activities have shaped your character, your knowledge and your leadership. Let them play a part in your Senior Portraits.

Want to find out more about how we can create a uniuqe portrait session just for you? Give us a call or shoot us an email at houckportraits@bellsouth.net. We still have a few sessions available for 2012 Seniors and are booking 2013 Senior sessions now.

Your Senior Year. Your Senior Portraits. is a post from: Houck Portraits

1. Decide what kind of portraits you’d like to have.

Are you looking for formal Easter portraits or something a little more relaxed and casual? Where you plan to put your portraits may help you make this decision. Placing an 16×20 in your formal dining room may mean you need to lean toward a more structured, formal setting. Creating a whimsical arrangement of 4-8 smaller portraits in a quirky family room might lend itself to something more casual.

2. Decide who will be in your portraits.

If you are having one child photographed, choosing colors may not be such a big deal. If you are looking for a family portrait, choosing colors suddenly takes on a whole new meaning. Check out this season’s colors (for Spring 2012 we’re looking at pastels as well as some really bold oranges, yellows, and blues along with sand and khaki neutral click here for the Pantone color report). Choose a main color and neutral for the base of your color scheme. Avoid being too matched. A mixture of shades of the same color can create a sense of coordination with be overly matched and boring. Try to limit the patterns to one or two subtle patterns and instead rely on a lot of solid colors with layers and some accessories. Remember also that darker colors can be slimming.

3. Consider on-location shoots.

If you’d like to have portraits by your pool, in your garden or around the park, let us know. We love to go on location and have some great ideas for giving you unique portraits in a setting that’s just your own. The location, however, may also determine what you wear.

4. Consult the photographer

When you’ve decided what type of portrait you’d like have taken and the color you think would work well for your family, give our photographer Richard or Linda a call. Talk to them about the portrait type, the sets and props they may have and how to coordinate that with the colors and fashion you’ve already chosen. By helping us know how to prepare for your session, we’ll all save a little time and get the best portraits possible.

We love creating lasting memories for your family! Choosing flattering colors and clothes combinations can make all the difference in your portrait session. Give us a call to talk about what you have in mind and how we can help.

Bringing Spring Colors to Your Portrait Session is a post from: Houck Portraits

1. Location, location, location

We love doing on-location shots from engagement portraits to bridal portraits, we’re game for the trip. The key to location shots is planning. From weather considerations to checking with property owners, we’ll be glad to help you work out the details to get the shot you’re looking for in your wedding portraits. Talk to us in our first consultation about portrait locations outside of the wedding or reception where you’d like to hold a session. We’ll work with you to get the details right.

2. Make a list and check it twice

In the months leading up to the wedding, you’ll want to create a list of formal portraits you want to make sure we capture as well as some reception and less formal shots you’d like to see. We can start you out with some ideas, but if you’ve seen group portraits from other events or have a unique group you’d like to capture, let us know. We also suggest asking a family friend who knows most of both sides of the wedding party to help us keep track of which portraits we’ve covered. It’s a great way to utilize Great-Aunt Beatrice and make sure your group shots don’t get lost in the wedding day hustle.

3. Schedule Plenty of Time

We love to capture the first long looks the bride and groom share in a peaceful, quiet atmosphere before the hectic day takes control. We suggest the bride and groom plan to begin pictures at least 30 minutes before the rest of the wedding party is ready to go. They can finish the touches on hair and make-up while you share some uninterrupted time together for portrait you’ll treasure later.

4. Bring Lots of Samples

If you’ve seen wedding portraits you loved (and even some you didn’t love so much) bring a few with you to your first consultation. Show us the look you’re after, talk to us about your style and let us help you plan for portraits you’ll cherish through the years to come. Sometimes it’s hard to explain exactly what camera angles you love and what group shots you really can live without, but pictures help us understand you wants even better.

As you walk through the wedding planning process, we’d love to help you capture this beautiful day in portraits you’ll display throughout your home, share with your children and cherish throughout your life. Call us for a consultation to talk about dates, time expectations and wedding packages.

5 Tips for Great Wedding Portraits is a post from: Houck Portraits

We love taking these little girls into a magical land where they sit on mushrooms, dip their hand into shimmering water and fly away.

We’re taking reservations now for these portrait sessions with special pricing through the end of February. $150 covers the sitting fee, 2-8x10s, 2-5x7s, and 9 wallets. PLUS we’re offering 20% off orders of additional portraits from this session. It’s a deal that’s as fleeting as your little girl’s childhood.

Don’t get caught snoozing through this one!

February Fairies is a post from: Houck Portraits

Jeremy Cox BHS Senior 2011 is a post from: Houck Portraits

Garrett Green 2010 is a post from: Houck Portraits

Kaleigh Sanders 2010 is a post from: Houck Portraits

Our Newest Member of the Houck portraits staff! is a post from: Houck Portraits