“I wanted to let you know that we received Charlotte's portrait in the mail yesterday, and seeing it in person almost brought me to tears. You captured her spark and that little grin so perfectly, and the colors are absolutely beautiful. I know this portrait will become a special heirloom for Charlotte that she'll one day pass down to her own children. Thank you for your incredible talent, exquisite attention to detail, and for making Charlotte feel so loved and special throughout the process. We will think of you every time we admire it displayed in our dining room."
Katherine
Denver, CO
“I am so absolutely pleased with the portraits of my three grand boys. They are amazing, capturing the very essence of each boy. Last week I gave the portraits to my daughter-in-law for her birthday and she was blown away! Thank you so much for working with me on such a tight schedule so all three could be done in time (and for getting those glicee prints made for me so I could have my own copies). It was a complete surprise and I wish I had video to show you her reaction when she opened them up. The boys are really proud, too, and now they understand why Grandma did that mini photo shoot of them with their matching polos on, hah! I will send you a picture once she gets them framed! ”
Sigrid
Santa Cruz, CA
"Elizabeth, I just opened up the portrait and I can't stop staring at all the beautiful details. I knew we had discussed which photo would be best from the vacation pics, and I'm so glad I went with the one with the lei on her head. You were right! The flowers really made this even more beautiful and it will remind us of our trip to Maui every time we see it. You captured [my daughter's] sweet expression just so perfectly, and we will treasure this forever. Thank you again for all your hard work. I'm so impressed with the love and care you clearly put into the portrait. I can't wait to see [my daughter's] reaction when she gets home from preschool!"
Beth
Carmichael, CA
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! After receiving the deposit, Elizabeth will place you in the commission queue and give an approximate completion date. Contact Elizabeth to discuss details and the best option for your family.
Some 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.
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 or shoulders (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. Occasionally she may be available for a rush portrait commission. Portraits are mailed flat in a specialty art shipment box in layers of protection so they arrive in perfection condition.
Absolutely! Elizabeth will send a photo of the completed raw pastel portrait prior to the fixative application. She works closely with clients to create a plan and set expectations to ensure you are thrilled with the results!
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 an investment in an heirloom, a celebration of the love and life that fill your home. All artwork is archival quality, painted on specialty Clairefontaine thick (170lb) acid free paper from France with heritage pastels that have been made in Paris since the 18th century.
All portraits are 15 5/8" by 19 5/8" with the child nearly filling the entire frame unless the client prefers larger 19" x 27 inch paper to have more negative space and trim allowance for specific framing needs. Custom sizes available as well.
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
