Geometry

I always did pretty poorly in math once I got to high school (though I aced physics--go figure). What does that have to do with anything? Well, I just thought I'd repost this image for Saturday because I do like how it seems to have a flowing abstract almost geometric quality to it. Some shots just work and that's all there is to it.

Sears Portrait...Not

I don't want to pick on Sears, I have nothing against them at all, but I'm just feeling mean today and I really do dislike portraits with a staged kind of background. Even the family sofa or an easy chair makes for a better image, which is another reason I like real locations.

When I was little though I did dislike the school photographer who'd come every fall: he'd grab hold of my head and point it more at the angle he wanted. Do they do that to Brad Pitt when he's getting shot for a magazine? I don't think so. Maybe that's why I hate those backgrounds.

Toronto Parks Are the Best on the Globe

Or so I say. No matter where they rank though there are lots of them, and a park always makes a nice natural location for a portrait, whether it's (belated) graduation, kids, a couple or an entire family. Just one of many, many options to consider.

Pricing

Heirloom print:

(The most popular package)

$195.00 for portrait session including viewing of proofs.

Final custom print, full museum and archival quality is $50.00 for an 8x10 and $75.00 for an 11x14. Larger sizes are available.

A la carte:

$195.00 for portrait session including viewing of proofs.

Enlargements:

5x7: $6.00 each

8x10: $10.00each

11X14: $18.00 each

Larger sizes also available.

CD: $95.00

Please note prices will be higher for group portraits and taxes are not included and that prices are subject to change without notice.

Call 416.995.8292 for information on event and concert/event services or mail robert-at-robertrafton-dot-com.

Graduation Portraits

Whether it's finishing high school, college or university, graduation is an important milestone. And since it means the end of one of life's chapters and the start of many more it's usually a great time to get a real portrait made.

The problem is every single person born after about 1980 is very sophisticated when it comes to images and media. They know exactly what's lame and they're never going to like a flat and boring school-like/Sears/Walmart portrait.

That's why I offer environmental portraits which are taken in a real place and a real location. This lets the personality of each individual shine through and allows for a much more relaxed and real look. I also specialize in genuine black-and-white prints. These have a lustre and tonality that far exceeds that of standard prints and really have to be seen to be appreciated. They actually meet the same archival standards as a photographic print in a museum. Toronto (just so you know) is one of the few cities in the world where such prints are available from digital files.

The Advantages of a Custom Print

When you get a standard package of prints from a photographer you might receive two 8x10's, a few 5x7's, some wallet-sized prints and so on. But it might very well be that getting the maximum impact from a portrait requires a size and crop that isn't standard at all.

The difference might be quite subtle, but a long, narrow crop works a lot better for this portrait than what you'd get from a cookie-cutter sized 8x10. Other times a more standard 8x10 crop might be just great. It takes judgement and experience to know, and that's why a custom portrait is usually the better choice.