The Experience

Welcome to your session. 
Once you find your way inside, someone will greet you. Relax and grab a water, coffee, beer...or if you need something stiffer we can accommodate that, too. Hopefully, you arrived about 15 minutes early to get warm and ready. Check the mirrors if you need to adjust hair and make-up. Another portrait group will probably be mid-session or wrapping up, so you'll get a preview of what to expect. 
Once your session begins, we just toss everyone on the staging area and see what happens. I love feedback, especially if something isn't working for you. We're working together, so let's make the most of it. I will shoot about 60-80 frames. Then I'll give you a few minutes to relax again, get a beer to offset your coffee (or vice versa) while one of our editors quickly runs through the images and gathers about 20 selections. Together, you will narrow these selections down until you have the files you want to take with you. The price is on a per hi-res file/jpeg basis after the first 4 (which are included with your session fee) so it may be helpful to come with a plan. If you know you only want 4 images, let us know before the session starts. You'll then re-visit the person who welcomed you to take care of payment and make sure your flash drive and images are all loaded and working correctly. And that's it! 

TIPS:
1. Bring another shirt or two! And have the whole family stand in front of the mirror. We want to make sure everyone looks like they belong (vs. one "black shirt" of the family).  
2. COME EARLY!
3. Know what you want to spend. 
4. Consider nap times and bed times before you schedule.

Common Questions

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
What you wear is as important—and so is what everyone else is wearing. Consider what the group is wearing as a whole. Look like you belong together; a similar color palette, similar season. Make sure clothes are clean and pressed because details show. And NO MATCHING OUTFITS!!!
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN BE IN THE SHOT?
Sessions are intended for single families (or up to 6 people). If you have 8 kids, we'll work with you in one session. If you have 8 or more including multiple family setups, you need to schedule a Large Group session (double the length).
HOW MANY DIFFERENT SET-UPS CAN WE DO?
Expect two to four set-ups per 30-minute session. For larger groups sessions, one session will probably only yield one or two beautiful group shots, but we will also get some beautiful shots of each family making up the larger group.
WHAT IF MY KIDS ARE REALLY ENERGETIC?
Good. That's normal. The goal is not to stress over it. We'll set a stage to channel and capture that energy. The most striking images from this project have been a result of kids being kids—spontaneous and fun. 
WHAT IF MY KIDS FREAK OUT?
This experience does move fast, but there is enough time to slow down and ease into it if we need to. However, sometimes the fast pace works really well; before they know it, it's over. Plus, I have seen some pretty stellar negotiating happen during these sessions. 
HOW DO I PAY?
Check, cash or card via SQUARE.
HOW DO I GET TO THE STUDIO?
See map below for directions.
WHERE DO YOU SUGGEST GETTING PRINTS MADE?
 I always suggest going to www.madisonphotoworks.com.  www.artifactuprising.com
CAN I BRING MY PET?
Sure, we can give it a try. Keep in mind that it's a pretty short window, so come extra early to get your dog, cat, snake or goat acclimated to the space. Then we'll do our best.  But know that there is an extra cost $25 per pet.

Directions

CINCINNATI/NKY

COLUMBUS

Testimonials

Rachel Peters:
Growing up, I hated having family portraits taken. Inevitably, I’d end up being dressed in the same clothes as my two older brothers, having my hair fussed over, being yelled at to smile more naturally as I sat among fake props, while a cheesy photographer referred to me as “sport” or “princess”. The Simple Portrait session redeemed all of those memories with a casual session that even my infant daughter enjoyed. Jonathan has a talent for letting the people in his work shine (no ugly backdrops needed). The result was a set of photos that capture the personality of our family. We love them. Thank you Jonathan! 
http://www.thesimpleportraitproject.com/#/GALLERY/./5

Christine Bucholtz:
Jonathan has an incredible eye for composition. It amazed us that he could fly through 70+ photos of us in a matter of minutes and pick out the best 5 from which we chose our favorite. We had our simple portrait made into a Christmas card—we heard from friends throughout the year that they absolutely loved how Jonathan captured our family!
http://www.thesimpleportraitproject.com/#/GALLERY/./29

Amanda Mercurio
Our experience with the Simple Portrait Project was fantastic. Not only was it the most unique setting for a family portrait, it encouraged our personalities to come out, which helps make every photograph session different. The interaction with each other, Jonathan and the camera was pure, raw, edgy and a total blast. We plan on doing this several times throughout the years as the kids grow!