Details

DETAILS



Our Philosophy

At F2 Photographic Design, our primary focus is on our clients. We endeavor to provide each client with the highest level of friendly service, as well as excellent photographs. Mollie Isaacs' goal is to make each client happy, to make each session a fun and memorable experience, and to instill a spark of creativity into each session. She believes that pre-planning and treating clients as friends are the best ways to guarantee great photographs and enjoyable sessions. It is her goal to exceed clients' expectations.



Pre-planning

We plan each session individually with our clients. Sessions include a wide variety of groupings, and each family determines which groupings it would like to have. Generally we are requested to photograph the entire group, as well as individual family groups. For groups of three generations or more, we recommend photographing grandparents with all the grandchildren. There are many other possible arrangements as well, and Mollie discusses that with clients in advance of the session. We will make clothing suggestions, explain how to prepare for a session, and request basic information on who might be shy or who might have special needs. This pre-planning is what makes us so successful, and enables us to produce the beautiful portraits that our clients love.



The Session

While our standard of excellence is quite high, we like our sessions to be relaxed and fun for everyone. Mollie has an easy-going way about her, and she keeps the mood light and free-flowing. She pays special attention to the children. Experience has taught her that kids need to enjoy themselves and feel special throughout the session. And when the kids are happy, everyone is happy!



Portrait sessions take place on the beach and last about an hour. Because of the special nature of the beautiful light here at the beach, we schedule most sessions in the late afternoon when the sun dips lower in the sky. A limited number of early morning appointments are available by special arrangement.



There is no limit to the number of photographs taken at a session. Generally we take 50 to 100 images or more to be certain of getting a wide variety of expressions, groupings, and views. In addition to posed group photographs, Mollie likes to do a variety of more casual or artistic images. It might be the family walking along the beach, or the children playing in the sand, or the expressions of excitement when children see dolphins leaping offshore. Each session is different, and Mollie is always alert to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves.



Clothing, Hair, Makeup

Light colors work best at the beach. Khaki, white, beige, taupe, pastel blue, pastel pink, pastel yellow, light teal or light turquoise, and light peach are the best choices. The entire group can be in the same colors, for example, everyone in khaki bottoms and white shirts. If you prefer, you may "color code" each family group. For example, everyone wears khaki bottoms, with grandparents in white shirts, one family group in light blue shirts, another group in light yellow shirts, and so on. We prefer being barefoot at the beach, so shoes are not a concern.

Simple, carefree hairstyles are best. It is generally breezy at the beach, and hair will blow despite all best efforts! It is part of the charm of the beach, so we recommend relaxing and enjoying the breezes.

For women, please wear whatever makeup is normal for use during daytime. More than that can look heavy and artificial.  Also, smaller traditional jewelry is preferred rather than large oversized pieces.



Snacks

Since the best time of day for beach portraits is late afternoon or early evening, we recommend having a snack at least an hour prior to the session. It's a good idea to bring along water or juice boxes, and small snacks for children like Cheerios, crackers, or carrot sticks in case they get hungry. We recommend against serving candy, chocolate, sugary snacks, or soft drinks both before and during the session, since some children do not react well to sugar or caffeine.



Proofs

All proofs are viewed online via our website. Our state of the art system allows viewers to zoom in on faces to see expressions more clearly. Proofs remain on-line for a maximum of 45 days. Final selections must be made during that timeframe, unless special arrangements have been made in advance. We are always available to answer questions and offer guidance during the

decision-making process. We strive to help our clients make the best choices possible.



Finished Portraits

We offer a wide variety of Portrait Collections. They are designed to be very flexible and allow all members of the family to select the photographs they like best. Clients may select from suggested combinations, or they may create a personalized Collection. Either way, it's easy, and we are always here to help.



All images are available in either color or black-and-white, and include basic retouching.  Portraits sized 11x14 and larger are mounted on archival board. More extensive retouching such as moving faces or people, extensive work on hair, or other more extreme adjustments are available for an additional fee.



Reservations and Fees

In order to reserve a session time, we accept a deposit in advance to hold the date. Because of the custom nature of our product, we receive payment in full for all portrait orders no later than the time at which orders are placed. We receive all payments by credit card.



More on Services and Fees

Because we always endeavor to provide the best service as well as excellent value, most of our fees are

all-inclusive. We have always been opposed to hidden charges, or extra fees hidden in fine print. We believe in keeping things as simple and straightforward as possible, and in treating our clients the way we want to be treated. For those reasons, our services and fees cover the following:

- session fee includes different groupings at the client's request at no additional charge

- no limit to the number of pictures taken during the session

- basic retouching and mounting on archival board included at no additional charge

- each portrait may be made in either color or black-and-white at no additional charge

- free shipping on all orders



Guarantees

We are one of the few photographers at the beach to guarantee our work. We strive to please all clients, and that has been a hallmark of our reputation for more than two decades.



Cancellations

If bad weather requires us to postpone a session, we will attempt to reschedule for the next available day. If rescheduling is not possible, either because of continued bad weather or because we have no openings available during a client's visit, we will refund any fees paid.



No Cameras Please

Occasionally a client will want to take his own pictures during the session. While we have no objection to family members taking pictures after the session ends, we must request that no personal cameras or video cameras be in use during the session. In order for us to provide the type of work that our reputation is built on, we must have everyone's full attention and cooperation. Children, and adults as well, can become distracted when there is more than one photographer trying to get their attention. These distractions can also slow down the entire process, and since our sessions are timed to take advantage of the best lighting conditions, delays of this kind can impact on our ability to create the best portraits possible. Our clients have been very understanding of this requirement. We would appreciate your making all members of your party aware of this requirement.