What is the Purpose?

The Selection Session is one of the most exciting parts of your experience at Nelms Photographic Artistry. This is your opportunity to view your images for the first time and to place your order for the images that you wish to make yours. Please come prepared to make the final decisions and order your images. It is helpful to look around your home for potential areas to hang your images. If you have the time take a few snapshots of these areas on your cell phone and bring them with you. Taking measurements and knowing if black, gold or silver frames will work in your home will help you. Please also consider bringing a list of family members for whom you would like to choose gift photographs.

Who should attend?

It is very beneficial for both parents to take the time to attend the Selection Session. I will be offering you a lot of choices so it is helpful to have the input of both spouses. Sometimes dads don’t participate, leaving the mom wondering what dad would have chosen and feeling the need to have him by her side. When making an investment in art to be cherished by the family for years, and that will be a major part of the home décor, it makes sense to choose together. I am glad to make appointments first thing in the morning or during lunch so the dad can have input in the selection and then head off to work while the mom finishes up with the frame selections.

 

Most families feel that they are able to best concentrate and make creative decisions while their children are cared for elsewhere so we recommend leaving children under eight at home. We do have a playroom with DVD and toys for older children who feel comfortable amusing themselves for an hour to an hour and one half.

 

What’s going to happen?

When you arrive you will be welcomed and escorted to our luxurious and comfortable presentation room.  You will be offered refreshments and made to feel at home.

 

The lights will dim and you will be treated to a beautiful show of your portraits set to music on our huge 10’x8’ presentation screen. Seeing your portraits for the first time is an emotional experience. You may need a tissue!

 

After the show, I will use my years of experience to help you narrow your many choices to the finest images that suit your taste and touch your heart. Using state of the art software, I will be able to show you the images in black and white and in color if you wish. I can crop your images and show you your favorites in the exact sizes that you are considering for your home. I can even show you your portraits in custom created virtual mats. You may then choose custom framing and we can hold the frame up against the portrait to see exactly how it will look when finished. With my system there is no guesswork or imagination required on your part. You will leave knowing exactly how your final images will look with the exception of retouching.

 

Why do we select at the studio?

The three equally important components of fine portraiture are the initial design meeting, the creative photography session, and the selection and finishing of the images. Occasionally clients ask if they may take home paper proofs. I do not send home proofs because I feel very strongly that the selection process is as much a creative a process as the photography itself. Using my artistic experience to choose images, combining images to tell stories, discussing retouching and digital artwork, and creating the proper artistic presentation is why clients choose me as their portrait artist. Sending home tiny paper proofs is not providing the service that is required to create and present fine imagery that will be used as decorative focal points for your home. My clients expect the best service.

 

How long can we expect to be there?

Most selection Sessions last 1 to 1 ½ hours. We never rush you so we reserve adequate time in our schedule so you may take your time. Choosing your images is fun so please make sure you have enough time in your schedule so that you don’t have to rush yourself.

 

A final note:

It is vital to me is that you are happy with your selections and the way you are treated. That is why I take every step to ensure that you are comfortable, not rushed. There is no pressure at Nelms Photographic Artistry, ever. You choose what you like and I will give my opinions as you ask for them. I am there to help you. I hope that these portraits  will be your most enjoyed possession. So, come in, sit down, and LET THE SHOW BEGIN!!