One thing I like more than remaining healthy is not being made the inadvertent spreader of a virus that can severely impact my immunocompromised cleints, or those in their house who are still vulnerable. That said - I WILL wear a mask if you request me to do so.

Masked or not, discussions about politics, religion and science are usually no better at extracting a REAL smile than saying the cheesy word “cheeeese.” #nofakesmiles - HA!

You’ll obviously need to be unmasked during your session, but you’re welcome to wear your mask whenever not being photographed. I add a 15 min. window between sessions, so that “IF” you unwittingly brought it through my door - my next clients are less likely to be at risk.

Expect the door to be locked on your arrival and after you enter. If this concerns you more than an unscheduled, unmasked stranger walking in, you are welcome to bring a companion. 25 yrs of this, my name was NOT on the sleezy photographer spreadsheet that circulated during the #metoo movement.

Scroll below to see that I have a brightly-lit changing room mirror for makeup and hair checks before we shoot.

See video below, showing how we met or exceed State guidelines during the pandemic.

Below the video are a few recent studio samples, testimonials and the process (with photos). High school seniors, most galleries are locked, but you’ll see a pretty decent sampling of their cover images HERE.

Thirty-plus years a Portlander, I can pull off your requests nearly anywhere you choose, using a longer lens to allow us distance-enough for you to unmask, wear make-up, and SMILE!

No matter your comfort level, it’s still a habit for me to shoot from at least 6’ away, I cover my sneezes and remain mindful of my invisible air when I speak…

Thanks again for understanding, until we get through this inconvenient life-chapter.”

Here is how we go above and beyond the minimum requirements, allowing us to pass the Governor’s Quiz for retail.

1 - WE’RE NOT A MALL:

Only you and I (unless you bring another household member) will be in the 1400 square-foot studio during your session. Our retouch artist and professional printer work offsite, leaving me (Brian) and my health-conscientious painter/studio mate Graham Salisbury (a.k.a. Sandy) as the only constants in the studio.

Our exclusive entrance is not shared with other businesses, and our studio is not a co-op, shared by other photographers and their unknown clients.

2 - WE’RE “APPOINTMENT ONLY” (book online 24/7).

This allows us to control occupancy, keeping it exclusive to you for your appointment.

3 - SOCIAL DISTANCE:

My favorite lens is a 70-200mm, perfect for the required distance between us. I will photograph same-household couples & pairs, but again - we have to postpone staff teams & families - UNLESS you arrange for us to come to your location, or we arrange an outdoor meeting place.

I’m great at verbal direction, and will hold up a mirror for you if there’s something that needs to be adjusted on you.

4 - SNEEZING HAPPENS!..

You won’t be shamed for sneezing, though I did raise five kids. I might accidentally remind you how the inside of your elbow works if you launch one unfiltered in my direction - but seriously, reschedule for a time after your allergy meds kick in if you’re battling them. Eye redness - not an issue. My retoucher will whiten your eyes.

5 - OTHER SERVICES WE CAN STILL ACCOMMODATE -

PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY: If you need your newly-made crafts or product for marketing professionally captured - our drop-off and pickup times have been extended by five min. to allow appointment spacing between clients.

PHOTO RESTORATION: While we were all stuck at home, old photo albums seem to have been revisited. Thanks to MANY of you that helped our AMAZING retouch artist to eat by allowing us to restore those fading photos.

Gig-services like my photo retoucher and artist had it very rough, when PIP aid was not enough. Please check out our photo restoration services.

THE PHOTOS BELOW ARE HOW WE MANAGED DURING THE PANDEMIC.

I’m leaving them up as my own little keepsake, so don’t be surprised to see the bottom half of my face and the absence of blue painting tape.

I won’t miss it, but should we ever have another pandemic - it’ll look something like this…