Portrait Tips

To ensure timeless portraits, choose clothing that is simple, clean, and classic. Logos and busy patterns date the portraits, and usually distract from your child. Solids, jeans, and khakis are good choices, and bare feet are usually preferable to shoes and socks. For newborns and babies, bare skin is always a classic. Feel free to bring any special item that you might want in your pictures. (Unlimited clothing changes included in sitting fee)

I prefer to capture moments... not forcing them with akward poses and cheesy grins. My style is more relaxed, natural and realistic. For the small set, I will take their lead and be playful to get genuine smiles and laughter. I enjoy capturing those innocent moments... from silly to tearful.

I specialize in natural light portraits, on location either in your home or a location of your choice (I can offer suggestions). I truly believe that the making of portraits should be an enjoyable experience, to look back on and smile at the memories they hold.

After your session my work is far from over. Your proofs are processed into works of art. This includes color balance, minor skin retouching, and conversion into black and white or sepia (upon request) for no additional charge. I will contact you within five to seven with a link to view your proofs online. These proofs will remain active for 20 days, in which time you can show the images to family and friends. Your order must be placed within this time period. If more time is needed I will happily extend it for another 20 days for an additional $20. Payment for prints must be received before I place the order.

Portraits are processed by a professional lab from high quality digital files. All prints will be luster/matte finish. Please allow up to 3 weeks from the time of your order for photo processing and delivery.

PRICING Discounts For March and April 2008 (Portfolio Building)

*ALL CURRENT PRICES ARE 50% off WITH SIGNED MODEL RELEASE!*

SESSION FEE: $100, includes up to five people..$10 per additional subject. The session fee covers my time (usually one to two hours, newborn sittings often take twice as long), travel expenses and talent taking your portraits, as well as post-session editing (often more time consuming than the sitting!).

(~session fee will be waived during Portfolio Building, with signed model release~)

PROOFS: On-line proofs will be uploaded to our website and available for viewing within 2 weeks after your session. Orders should be placed within a 2 week viewing period. The total amount of your order will be due when you place your order.

Prints are submitted to a professional print lab to ensure that your memories are preserved in the highest quality and detail.

• Bug Package: $60

4 ~ 5x7

2 ~ 8x10

• Butterfly Package: $75

5 ~ 5x7

3 ~ 8x10

• Kitty Package: $100

6 ~ 5x7

2 ~ 8x10

1 ~ 10x13*

• Puppy Package: $125

6 ~ 5x7

4 ~ 8x10

1 ~ 10x13*

• Bear Package: $175

8 ~ 5x7

4 ~ 8x10

2 ~ 10x13*

• Pony Package: $200

8 ~ 5x7

4 ~ 8x10

2 ~ 11x14*

1 ~ 16x20*

(*This size portrait will come mounted on high quality matboard)

• A-la-carte:

(only available with purchase of a package)
5x7 $10

8x10 $16

10x13* $20

11x14* $30

(More products available including storyboards, announcements and custom invitations.)
Other enlargement sizes available, please contact me for more information.)
*This size portrait will come mounted on high quality matboard.

• Canvas Prints:

(gallery wrapped canvas prints..come ready to hang):

8x10 $140

11x14 $180

16x20 $220

20x24 $260

(there are many sizes available..please contact me for more information)

• CDs:
  cds of edited images with copyright release: $500

My First Post

I am April Alvarez. I am married to the love of my life and we have five terrific children. I have loved photography as long as I can remember. I would pour over the pictures in my mother's old photo albums and try to take portraits with my cheapie 110 film camera :). My aunt took some photography classes at her local college and sent copies of her pictures to my mother, and I studied them to see if I could learn something, somehow from them.
After the birth of my oldest daughter I wanted more than ever to be able to stop time in its tracks, capture her emerging character in photos. By the time my fourth daughter (Teddy's gracious owner) was born, I got serious and started working harder. Almost three years (and one son!) later and its starting to pay off. I think I will always be growing and changing in my art. I also do some graphic design work, but photography is where my heart lies.
I am starting this blog in the infant phase of my journey... it should be interesting to see where it takes me! I can't wait to start capturing special moments for other families to look back on, and cherish. I am currently in the portfolio building phase of my business and I intend to use this blog as a place to keep my current clients up to date on what is happening with my business (announcing any specials I may have up my sleeve!) as well as offer some sneak peeks of my sessions to showcase my work to potential new clients. It should be fun!!
I offer studio sessions out of my home as well as sessions on location. I am available to come to your home or meet you at a location of your choice. I specialize in natural light photography but I may also use portable studio lighting for my in-home "studio" sessions. Sessions are very laid back and casual. My goal is to capture your family as you are....natural, relaxed and comfortable. Therefore, my sessions are not rushed. I understand the importance of taking the time to allow everyone a chance to feel comfortable with me, especially young children. Most sessions last between one and two hours (though please allow much more time for newborns).
Proofs are available for you to view approximately one week after your session. All prints are submitted to a professional photo lab to ensure that you receive the highest quality.
For more information regarding pricing or availability, please contact me at teddylovegraphics@yahoo.com
Thank you for checking out my blog and I hope to meet your family soon!