Dr. Hartwig

Spencer

Jansen

Mitchell

Stay Tuned this Week

Check back with this blog at the end of the workday, (starting Tuesday) each day this week for a series of portraits we created for one of our favorite families. We have photographed each son (3) at their school and dad at work. What a story!
We tend to think how things are today is going to be how they look in the future. It just isn't so.
Time changes all things.
Stay tuned

Miss Avery ... Time in the Flowers

We are always honored when people travel great distances and have us photograph their children.
And, we are also honored when previous clients purchase one of our gift certificates at an auction that raises funds for a project we believe in.
Miss Avery's mother did both.
For someone who lives in Denver to purchase a gift certificate while here makes us feel great!

What a happy child who has let us see her heart and soul ... a little flower in a flower garden!

Kelvin ... a Gift for his Wife, as well as a new PR portrait

After 36 years of owning a portrait studio, I can tell you every adult feels a little weird giving away their portrait to loved ones.
Why?

We all really like the portraits that others have given to us.
Children know their parents and friends will love having a portrait.
And we all know that 10 years from now, we definitely are going to look older, really, a lot older.

So, today is the day.
Jolene and I just had our class re-union (40 years) and 10% of our class is gone already, WOW!

I know that Kelvin's family will love and cherish his portrait. A great smile, timeless clothing, and a classic look.
And as I always say, "Thank You" for allowing us to be a part of his history.

Miss Nellie

Here we are at grandchild number 6 in our gallery for their grandmother's bedroom (look back for "Hunter & Nelson", "Miss Abbey & Sofey" and "Miss Addison" in our archives). What a cool project!
Next month brings us to the newest grandchild, stay posted!

3 Generations of L'Espoirs ... a new display at Western Sizzlin"

Sometimes a portrait of a family can be so much more than a picture of faces. Sometimes it becomes a picture of the heart, the values and spiritual life of generations, passed down through faith and actions.
And so was our vision for the L'Espoirs.
50 years from now, these 2 young boys will be telling their grandchildren stories about growing up around their grandfather.
Thanks to all, I couldn't ask for more to work with!

And be sure to head out to Western Sizzlin' to see these portraits as they were meant to be seen, as "Art for the Heart and Home".

Elizabeth, Gregg and a pile of children ... a new display at Western Sizzlin'

This portrait is the second in a new display at Western Sizzlin'.
Do you think I exert too much control in a session?
I think this family would say "just the right amount"
Thanks Greg and Elizabeth, I had a BLAST!

Payton ... OBA Senior 2012

Portrait design ...
In our portraits, the face is everything, and while other elements may be included, they must not compete or  be distracting from the face.
This portrait has a lot going on, a checked shirt, trees, fences, water reflections, a light sky, even a red barn!
But, the face is most prominent.
Why?
The trees on our left bring a circular design to his body and face.
The arms crossed with the fingers pointed up move the eye to his face.
The fences are like arrows pointing inward.
The sky and water have the corners darkened to pull our eye to him.
Even the red barn with the roof angle is directing us inward.
And all of this was purposefully done.
And while all of this is great, none would matter if his expression was not who he is!

Jonah ... at 9 months

Does it sound like I am bragging when I say what a tender and touching portrait this is?
Do you think I am proud of how this turned out?
What do you think I think when I look at Jonah and his father.

Here's what I know, Jonah is blessed by a wonderful father
                                 Joel is blessed by a wonderful family,
                                 and I am blessed by knowing all of them.

the Gwins ... also Casual & Relaxed

Back in 1975 when we got this party started by opening the studio, there were only 2 choices for family portraits, in the studio (otherwise know as formal and stiff) or outdoors (otherwise known as casual and relaxed). But immediately I began to change all those preconceived ideas (in fact, many clients are more uptight outdoors than in the studio). With a casual pose and clothing, a studio portrait may be more fun because there is no wind, no hot or cold, and no worrying about the dogs running away. Plus, there are more time slots available.
With the Gwins portrait, it was made more personal by adding a chair from their home. Even the dogs photographed great and said it was fun!

Columbus Day ... October 10

If you are off work Columbus Day, October 10 and have always wanted a portrait by "the Grays", call us at 233-8322 and we'll get started!

the Griffins ... a Fun, Fun, Fun Family

At the end of every session, I always ask our clients "was it fun"?
At the best, the answer is "YES"!
At the worst, the answer is "that was better than I thought".

What do you think the Griffins said?

This will be a great memory of a great family!

the Hayeses ... Wishing them the best! ... Part 2

The second portrait for the Hayeses is this family portrait. It was taken about a month later than their "couples" portrait. This is the backyard of the home their children spent most of their childhood in.
What a great memory, even future generations will be displaying this portrait.
As I said to them as we left their party Saturday night, I am looking forward to all of this again on their 75th!

the Hayeses ... Wishing them the best! ... Part 1

Last week was the 50th wedding anniversary of this couple.
We moved to Enid in the summer of 1961, and vaguely I remember their wedding from the church bulletin and conversation at St. Paul's Lutheran. And of course, I noticed their involvement as well through the years.
And here we are now.
What a great party they threw for family and friends last Saturday! Jolene and I were both thankful and honored to be invited. To quote a line from a Beatles' song, "A splendid time was had by all"!
Also thanks for the opportunity to create this touching group of portraits for your living room.
Perfection!
 

Demi ... Senior 2012

Inspired by French painters (and a ritzy photographer in Dallas), 20 years ago we began photographing our clients with furniture outdoors. And while I know that it is not "always" a good a idea, when it is "right", it is "right". And here, it is absolutely correct! The look is in keeping with the location and clothing. Beautiful. And as always, a great expression and pose ties it together.
Thanks to Demi and her mom for stepping out of the box (or the room) for her senior portrait!

Taylor ... Senior 2012

I knew from the moment I drove up, this was a great location.
First of all, before I got there, they told me it was her grandfather's farm, so I knew the attachment to the heart was there.
When I then saw the picnic and fishing area, I knew the memory of time spent with family was there.
Then I saw the sun reflecting off the water with the grass on the shore.
It was all perfect.
Add in a great expression, and it became art.
One of a kind.
Classic, not corny.
 

Sydney ... A Birthday Present for Her Father

Most of the time I write about what makes a portrait by "the Grays" a portrait by "the Grays".
But here is what it really is, a gift out of love.
None of the technical or artsy stuff matters if people don't love each other.
What a great group of clients we have!