Walck Portraits Blog

Once an order has been placed, it is up to me to properly prepare the images to the specifications needed for the individual lab that will be handling the post processing work. Light Meter.  I use this to calibrate each camera/lens combo, and also to create perfect exposures in the camera room. Now, some may say – “Tim, why don’t you print things yourself?”    Ah, good question.   My answer is this:   I want to spend as much time as I can doing what I do best – creating great images, and designing the end products.   I know a bit about printing, and I also know enough that I would have to hire a full staff, open a much larger shop, or off-site building just to handle print orders.   I also know that there is a multitude of equipment to buy (and provide upkeep for), and then I would have to oversee all of the quality control for those things.   By having a professional lab handle my orders, I am left with more time to spend with clients,...

T his year we are doing things a little differently!  We have Santa available for sessions by appointment.  This means that we can spend a little more time making the most adorable images with Mr. Clause and your kiddos! Of course, you can still come on either Saturday December 6th, or Saturday December 20th from 2-5pm for an Open House with Santa! Egg Nog Will Be Flowing!

Where Craftsmanship Begins for a Wedding & Portrait Artist Brides often gush about the beauty of their wedding images, or how amazing their custom art installation is at their home – or the beauty and quality of their wedding album.   Nothing really makes me feel better than making a client happy – it is very self gratifying to know that I have given someone something that they love, and will last a lifetime. I have spent countless hours honing my skills with camera equipment, from the camera itself to light meters, to remote flash triggering systems, to specialized lens/camera/monitor/projector calibration hardware and software.   I have also spent more time than I can log designing in photoshop, and working with print labs to create perfect printed products.   With all of the above in mind, there is really no piece of equipment, no technique, no product, and no magical way to create a well crafted image without the right pose and expression.  I alw...

There were about 20 images from this batch that were total and utter failures!  I knew the spot had some  great potential, but I wasn't sure how everything would look once I got back to the studio to edit everything. To make the photo, I found this neat old fire escape, and began experimenting with it.  I had to make shade from the sun, and then bring in some lights. I tossed an orange gel over the hair light, and used one key light to the left of the subject.  I just experimented with light and shadows, and we had fun at the session. Turns out that those 20 failed images were totally worth it, because this one is great!   I make it a point to fail at something during every photo session or wedding.   WHAT! ?   Yep.   I know I’m going to do it – I’m going to make an image that is terrible.   I am always trying new things – new ways to direct people, to pose people, new ways to play with light and exposure, to compose an image, new ways t...

File handling is a very very important part of being a professional photographer.   I am an over organized geeky file Nazi when it comes to proper storage of a client’s images.   The thing about storing a clients files, is that they may come back in days, months, or even years, looking for a specific image that I made for them.   They could be looking for an image because they just wanted one, or they finally had the budget for an over the top customized art installation, or… tragedy could strike.   What if the client lost their home to a flood or fire, along with their wedding DVD, custom designed album, metal printed wall collage, and 30x40 canvas gallery wrap….   Insurance may cover the replacement costs, but if the images were nowhere to be found, what would they do?   Cry.    And it wouldn’t be the tears of joy that normally happen in my shop! I know the images that I create at a wedding are a once in a lifetime memory, and it is impe...