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Can you relate to this at all? I wake up every morning and wonder where the time is going. Do you ever do that? Have you noticed that the older you and your children get, the faster time seems to fly? I have four children spread out across College, High School, and Middle School. It doesn't seem that long ago since they were ALL in Elementary School and Preschool - and so cute! Now I have teenagers who often drive me nuts - but are great kids. They have grown up so fast. There's nothing like being a parent. You'll do anything for your child... and when your child smiles, it's the most wonderful sight in the world! Imagine this: I created a great portrait of my oldest daughter when she was young. She is so cute in the portrait. That one photograph has meant so much to Teresa and I through the years. I created the photograph of her when she was only 4 years old, and I can still remember to this day exactly what that day was like. It was so perfect - a special moment. She is 16 years old now, and it is amazing to realize how fast she is growing up to become an attractive young woman. Thankfully this wall portrait provides a daily reminder of that tender innocent smile of her younger years. Are you there yet? I say "yet", because that time will arrive faster than you expect. I'm sure that many of you have old photographs or videos that you have pulled out of a drawer years later, only to realize how much your children have changed through the years. What would a photograph like that of your child mean to you in 20 or 25 years? There's still time, but every day, your child's smile changes a little.
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You know your child better than anyone else in the world. You know his or her "real" smile, and you know his or her "fake" smile. But, you know what? Other people can tell the difference too. We all can. I'm sure that you've seen photographs where you could tell the photographer just posed the child and said "say cheese!" The lighting may have been good. The background might have been nice. But the fake expression that happens when a child is PROMPTED to smile - it just makes the photograph look like a snapshot instead of a special captured moment in your child's life. Imagine how wonderful your child's expression will be when the photographer has become your child's FRIEND. Children are very smart. They don't just blindly trust anyone. And they NEVER show their true expressions to someone they don't know and trust. That's why Jill's smile in her 4 year old portrait was so natural. She knew me, and therefore was able to totally be herself. Ever since I took that photograph of my daughter, I've worked very hard to be able to capture those same priceless expressions in other children. That's what makes all the difference! The portrait of your child is priceless - and it's ONLY possible if the photographer understands how to work with your child to bring out those natural expressions. So many photographers actually FEAR children. I'm sure that many of us can understand that... right? Children can be pretty scary sometimes. Working with other people's children can be very intimidating. Many photographers don't even meet your child until it's time to create the photographs. So, your child is sitting there, under all these bright lights, in a strange place, in front of some strange person he or she has never met before. How scary is that? It's no wonder that many photographers have to resort to telling children to "say cheese" in order to get any expression even resembling a smile. But that's not good enough! Your child is only going to be this age RIGHT NOW - You deserve the perfect portrait to capture this moment in time forever. When you find the right photographer, one who doesn't merely understand photography, but also understands how to capture your child's best expressions, you have found a new friend you will value for the rest of you life. This photographer is going to do something for you that no one else in the world can ever do ---- This photographer will STOP TIME, and capture a cherished memory that you will be able to relive every day of your life. Family memories mean very much to me. No one, other than maybe the rest of your family, understands what your child means to you. That's one of the reasons I became a professional photographer. I want to help parents hold on to their family memories forever, and never regret not having a special photograph of their child created. It's amazing to see how these special photographs stay precious to you through the years. I'm 51 years old now, and my sisters and I still have fun looking at the large portraits of us displayed proudly on my mother's bedroom walls. She has cherished these portraits for years.
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QUESTION: "Just suppose someone were to create the perfect portrait of your child... One where your child looked better than ever... Happier than ever... A portrait that meant the world to you... What would that be worth?" No price tag can be put on your family's memories. They are and always will be priceless. So, why would you ever want to gamble with those memories? It's just a question of whether you believe a portrait of your children could really mean that much to you. If you were sick, and had to go to a doctor, would you want the "cheapest" or the "best" doctor? Well, there's really no question. It's the same thing with your family's memories. You can certainly find a cheaper photographer in town. But there are other things to consider than just price... The photographer you choose should CARE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR MEMORIES, not just about making a buck" off you. I did not get into photography to get rich, even though we all want to make a decent living doing what we love. I am a photographer because of the "look" that parents get when they see their children's portrait for the first time, and their pride in displaying it in their homes. I am proud of my photography and enjoy seeing how excited and proud it makes my clients to share with others. I realized that childhood memories are priceless - that there is no more noble or wonderful profession than to become a "Memory Giver." I also didn't become a photographer just because I liked to take photographs. I have always liked the "art" of photography, but even more so, I have realized as I get older how important portraits are to our future. Although we took a lot of family "snapshots", we only had one formal family portrait created during my childhood. We were teenagers then. Now that my Dad has passed away, that family portrait is priceless. The snapshots are lost or put away, but that framed family portrait brings special memories each time we visit. Now I have a family of my own, and I realize how important it is to have fine portraits that we can enjoy now and treasure well into the future. Time is the one thing for which none of us has enough. It's the one thing that money can't buy. It's the one thing for which we all would give just about anything. Through photography, we can hold on to the moments in our lives that we wish could last forever. And, if it's done correctly, these same photographs can become works of art that we display in our homes for everyone to see and share.
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Don't make the decision as to who will photograph your child until you chat with me. There are things you'll want to ask the photographers... There's no cost, and no obligation to just chat with me, and it will make the whole difference as to how great your portraits will look. You can easily contact me by clicking here. Don't worry. I'm not going to try to "sell you" on working with me. I'm already very busy, and I don't need to pressure anyone to work with me as a photographer. I'll just talk to you about your portraits, and help you discover what your photographs could be like. If you decide to have me create your portraits - great. If not, no problem.
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If you're like most parents, when you first thought of having a portrait created of your child, you probably pictured in your mind a tiny studio, with a painted background, some bright lights, with your child sitting cross-legged on a stool looking nervous. Maybe you even thought of a family member or friend who fancies himself or herself as a "bit of a photography buff." Maybe you thought of having this person do a quick photograph of your child, and you'd call that good enough. You're not alone. Most parents think this way at first.... ...but then, just like the other parents mentioned here, something made you decide to check out my work and website. Hopefully you have seen my work and want something similar for yourself. Maybe you have realized that this portrait of your child is so important that you're not going to trust it to just anyone. Believe me, we will work our hardest to ensure that you have made the right choice.
By reading this far, you must at least be considering having a portrait of your child created. Well, that's great - you will probably never make a decision that will bring you more lasting joy. However, there are some things you NEED to know before your son or daughter steps in front of any camera. By the time you finish reading the contents of this website, you will know everything you need about how to have the perfect portrait of your child created - the one you will cherish forever! There are 5 VITAL things you must look for in a photographer! If your photographer is missing any one of these things, your child's photographs may not live up to your expectations. Demand that your photographer does each and every one of these things! You may feel that this children's portrait is going to be a lot of work on your part. Well, it isn't! As long as you know the information on this website, it won't be any work at all on your part. So, let's jump right in! #1 - YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER MUST: Many photographers will not do this! Just suppose you had a portrait created, and your son or daughter didn't look natural in it. The photograph was "ok," but it didn't turn out spectacular. Should you have to pay for it? Absolutely not! I believe strongly that no one should ever have to pay for a photograph that isn't PERFECT. That's why I offer the following guarantee: Our guarantee is unlike any you've heard: If your child doesn't look the happiest & best they have ever looked In these photographs - If you are not thrilled, not just satisfied, when you look at them - You don't pay me for them. That's my guarantee and personal promise to you. NO RISK TO YOU. Your photographs will be completely meaningless to you unless they convey the real emotions and personality of your child. That's the only real reason to have a children's portrait created. So, if FOR ANY REASON you feel that the photographs I create for you are anything less than perfect when I show them to you for the first time, you don't pay me for them. It's that simple! Obviously, I'm totally confident that the portraits I create for you will be well beyond anything you imagine. I believe completely that these photographs will become your most prized possessions - that, if your house were on fire, you would grab them on the way out of your burning home. This is not arrogance, but is instead a complete belief in my abilities to capture natural, real emotions of your children. That's what I'm devoted to, and that's why I can't wait to photograph your child for you. So, to restate, here's my fantastic DOUBLE GUARANTEE: If you are not THRILLED with your photographs - if you are dissatisfied for ANY reason at all, I will do two things for you: 1st - At NO CHARGE, I will photograph your child again, and make sure that anything that wasn't perfect is fixed, without you paying another cent. 2nd - If I am absolutely unable to thrill you - if I'm unable to create a photograph that you feel you will cherish forever, I will refund EVERY PENNY you invested in them. You don't pay for your photographs unless you love them beyond expression! If I don't end up being your photographer, make ABSOLUTELY SURE your photographer offers this strong of a guarantee. If they are professional and really good at what they do, they should back up their work by taking all the risk off of you.
No child is going to look natural and vibrant if they don't know and trust the photographer. That is just a plain FACT. Plus, besides making the photographs turn out so much better, think of how much more fun your child is going to have during the session if the photographer has become his or her friend! There's absolutely NO REASON why your child shouldn't enjoy having these portraits created. In fact, if your child is NOT having fun, the photographs will not turn out well at all. Years ago, I made a decision that I would do everything in my power to NEVER do a photographic session without meeting the child ahead of time. That single decision has made more of a difference to my clients than any other decision I've ever made. THERE'S NO COST FOR THIS PRE-SESSION MEETING, and it will only take about 15 minutes. By the time those fifteen minutes are up, you and your child will be so comfortable with me that when I do the actual session, the expressions will be perfect, natural, and priceless every time. If I don't end up being your photographer, make ABSOLUTELY SURE your photographer will meet with you and your child ahead of time, and AT NO CHARGE. I can't stress enough what a difference this will make!
This is such an important point - for so many reasons! First of all, as I mentioned earlier, one of the biggest challenges for a photographer is making your child feel totally comfortable, thereby getting totally natural and fun expressions. Well, in addition to meeting the photographer ahead of time, one of the best things for your child is to create the photographs in a location that is familiar or fun for the child. Where's the place most children are the most comfortable? IN OR AROUND THEIR HOME. Imagine being a child, and instead of going to some "scary" studio somewhere, the photographer comes to your home, and creates fantastic photographs right there in the home or in your own backyard! How great would that be? Think of how comfortable and "at home" you would feel as a child. Or suppose going out to a park somewhere, or to the beach, or playing in a pile of leaves - and having the photographer create your photographs there. Not only will your son or daughter have more fun being photographed this way, but it will also be a much more personal and unique setting. Too many photographers have impersonal studios where they do the same old thing over and over again. Yes, I can create beautiful images in my studio if you like. But AT NO EXTRA CHARGE, I will come to your home, or take you and your child to a couple of locations in and around this area that are perfect for this type of photography. You'll have options. You see, not only do I not mind doing location photography, which takes more work on my part - I actually ENCOURAGE it. After years of photographing children, I know that location photographs tend to be the photographs that parents like the most. If I don't end up being your photographer, make ABSOLUTELY SURE your photographer will create images on location as well as in the studio, and AT NO CHARGE.
"There's no rush to have a portrait of your child created right now." Before we continue with the 5 THINGS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER MUST DO, let's talk about this for a moment. So many people think they have all the time in the world to have a portrait of their child created. But, you know how things are. If you don't pick up the phone right now, and at least call me to chat about your child's portrait, you will probably get swamped with other things, and forget all about it. Then, before you know it, a year - two years - five years have gone by. How different will your son or daughter be by then? You see, time is ticking.... and it's never going to stop.
These are precious times, and although things will change, this moment never has to slip from your fingers. Don't put this off. You know how life is. We put things off, and before we know it, everything has changed. If your life is half as crazy as mine is, year after year you find yourself frustrated at the things you wanted to do, and never got done. A portrait of your child - as he or she is right now - is something you deserve.
Just suppose you call my studio and chat with me. Just suppose you decide you would like me to be your child's photographer. As long as you are one of the first 20 people to call me by the end of January (for your FREE chat), I will deduct 50% off the creation fee for your child's portrait - NO MATTER WHEN YOU DECIDE TO HAVE THE PORTRAITS TAKEN WITH ME! What does that mean? You don't have to actually have the photograph created immediately - just call me to chat. If, after that call, you decide you want me to be your photographer, I'll photograph your child for 50% off my portrait creation fee.
Pick up the phone, and call my studio. CLICK HERE for the number.
When you call, we'll chat briefly about the things you need to know. I'll tell you a bit about me. I'll answer all your questions about how to prepare for your child's portrait - including things I don't have time to put in this letter. It won't be a long call, but it will be one of the most important calls you make.
This is a biggie. Many photographers are trying to crank so many sessions through in a day, they only have a short amount of time to photograph each subject. I read a statistic that indicates that many of the lower cost high volume photograhers often spend ONLY 12.5 MINUTES photographing a child! I'm sure that most of you have seen this type of photographer at work - just trying to catch a quick expression and move on the the next client. That's insane! Fine children's photography is like a great meal in a fine restaurant: It CAN'T be rushed. The photographer is like your personal chef, preparing the meal for you. The photographer is going to have to "add all the right spices" into the photograph to make it just right. This takes a bit of patience, and a lot of focus. If your photographer knows that in about 15 minutes the next client is going to show up, you're not going to get the attention you deserve. Now, it may not take the whole hour to photograph your child. However, I ALWAYS set aside at least one hour for every child session I book. I've done some sessions that only took about 20 minutes or so to get a number of stunning images, but the point is - it's vital to leave that much time open. Don't let your photographer rush through this. Remember, these are your memories, and it's up to you to make sure your photographer realizes his or her responsibility to you and your child. If I don't end up being your photographer, make ABSOLUTELY SURE your photographer spends AT LEAST ONE HOUR creating the perfect images for you - this cannot be rushed!
I love this part. You see, this is a two-fold benefit here. It's going to make your child so much more comfortable, and at the same time, it's going to add yet another level of personalization to the final photographs. As you know, children love familiarity. Nothing can calm them down like that "security blanket" they love to haul around the house, or that special beat-up raggedy old stuffed animal that Grandma gave them on their first birthday, or that cherished family pet that is like their best friend. Imagine the wonderful photographs that will come from allowing your child to play with something that is so special to him or her. Some of the most emotional and memorable portraits I've ever created involved a child playing with a toy or a pet or even a family music box. We've all seen children almost seem to "slip into another world" when they play with certain things. Those are the moments I live for, and those are the moments I'm going to capture for you on film. If I don't end up being your photographer, make ABSOLUTELY SURE your photographer encorporates your child's favorite toy into the photographs!
Why your child's portrait will become more valuable to you than anything else in your home: Do you have a photograph of your child that, if you were running from your burning home, would be the one thing you save on your way out of the house (other than your family members of course)? That's how we want to make you feel about the images that we create for you. A photographer who has been one of my mentors in recent years had this very thing happen to him. He received a call from one of his clients, who related to him sadly that her house had just burned down. She wanted to let him know that she felt compelled to retrive the beautiful photos that he had created of her wedding and family. Can you believe that? That's how important those photographs were to her. Do you have a photograph of your child that means that much to you? Now, I'm not talking about a "snapshot" that was taken during a family outing on the Fourth Of July. I'm talking about a wonderful portrait, created by an artistic photographer, that not only captures your child's true expressions and personality, but also does so in a way that you'd be proud to display in your home for the rest of your life. It's not too late. This moment, right now, can be held onto for the rest of your life - for you to share with family and friends. You don't have to make a big decision right now. You don't have to choose your photographer right now, or decide that now is the time for your child's portrait. However you can easily take a small step right now that will help you to make these important decisions. Just call my wife Teresa or me, and we'll chat - no cost, no obgligation. It's all up to you. You can call any time. If we are on assignment and unable to answer your call, just leave a voice message with your name and number, and I'll call you back. If you're thinking of this photograph as a GIFT FOR SOMEONE, please let me know upfront. Then when I call back, I will only ask for you, and won't spoil the surprise! Once again, Click Here for the direct phone number to my studio.
Make the call now. I'll look forward to hearing from you.
Bobby Rivers
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