Elizabeth works closely with each client to design your child's portrait sitting. You may use one of Elizabeth's preferred professional photographers, your favorite local photographer, or even an existing photo that you love! Contact Elizabeth to discuss details and the best option for your family.
Some more frequently asked questions:
Simple clothing without patterns or garish colors make for better portraits. Many families choose an heirloom gown or shirt that lend a timeless quality to their portrait. Clothing from Antoinette Paris, Pepa London, Elizabeth Layne Heirloom, Charlotte Sy Dimby, and Strasburg Children are wonderful options.
Any age that special to you and your child!
Most reputable floral designers can make a gorgeous flower crown with a variety of beautiful blooms. Larger headed flowers such as roses, ranunculus, lisianthus, mums, spray roses, etc. are generally more striking and suited for a portrait of this nature. For a classic feel, avoid over-done commercially popular flowers such as yellow or white mums, baby's breath, or tight roses. For an island shoot with a lei poʻo (head crown), any tropical flowers are beautiful, especially plumeria, bougainvillea and orchids.
The photo must be high resolution–if you can zoom in closely to the eye and it remains clear and non-pixelated, then the photo should work. Select a photo with a neutral facial expression or small upturned smile, a slight turn of the head (no mug shots here!) with no teeth showing and a simple or nonexistent background. Outdoor photos are just fine so long as the subject does not have sunlight or bright shadows on their face. Traditional Southern style heirloom portraits are shot on a light beige or white background with even lighting, whereas European/Classical portraits have a strong natural light source on one side of the face that create beautiful shadows for interest and depth.
No, the client should choose a frame that compliments the room where the portrait will hang. Gold leaf frames are very popular for traditional portraits, white oak, or even more ornate gilded frames work well depending on existing decor.
Elizabeth only accepts a limited amount of portrait commissions per year. Usually portraits are delivered to the client within 8-12 weeks. Portraits are mailed in a special flat art shipment box in layers of protection so it arrives in perfection condition.
Every piece is crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail, to capture a true likeness and individual spark. It is more than just a portrait; it's a legacy, a celebration of the love and life that fill your home. All artwork is archival quality, painted on specialty acid free paper from France with heritage pastels that have been made in Paris since the 18th century.
All portraits are 16 x 20 inches with the child completely filling the frame unless commissioned on larger paper to have more negative space.
Face and shoulders
$8,000
3/4 body including arms or hands
$9,500
Full figure: sitting on chair or standing, with minimal background decoration
$14,000
