Why should I choose your studio ?
After 16 years in business and all of the many families I have served and become long-term friends with, I try to treat clients as I would want to be treated. Paul is about creativeness, real life portraits, capturing truely meaningful images that tell a story and touch the viewer; it is obvious in his work. Some studios take pictures... Paul is referred to by many clients as a portrait artist.

Where does the appointment take place?
The session may take place at the studio or on location--your home, park, beach, plantation, gardens, etc. There is no difference in price for the different sessions, unless it's outside the Charleston area--Kiawah, Edisto, Seabrook, for example. If you choose a location, these usually take place an hour before sunset, depending on the sun, trees, etc.

How long does the appointment last?
Generally, allocate an hour for sessions, whether they are on location or at the studio. This varies with the size of the group as well as clothing changes (in studio).

Why do you discuss clothing colors ?
Coordinating everyone's colors and outfits can make or break a professional portrait. If several people are to be in the portraits (such as a family on the beach) then all need to be in the same colors. For example, khaki pants and white or blue shirts, or a brother and sister both in black turtlenecks here at the studio. This helps to create unity and cohesiveness within the subjects involved. Your focus needs to be on the subject, not their attire.

How do I reserve an appointment ?
I am strictly by appointment. Whether an appointment for a session, consultation or picking up an order, the studio is managed by appointment to better serve you. This way, I can focus only on your needs when you are here.

Do you offer packages ?
I do offer Portrait Collections. Each Collection has a discount that is taken on additional items (albums, frames, wallets) added to the Collection so you can customize as needed.

Can I swap items in a Portrait Collection ?
Yes,  you can swap items. You can choose different poses for each print.

How do I view my images ?
The presentation appointment is usually schedule about 2 weeks following your session. Both parents and any other family members (grandparents) who will wish to view and purchase images will need to be present at this appointment. You will first see a slideshow of the images set to music and projected in theatre fashion on an 8' screen. After the show, we can then go right into designing your order. If dad is not present and you want to wait on him to help, you will need to schedule another appointment.

How long do I have to place my order ?
Portrait Collections have a sliding price scale built in to allow the largest value before or at your presentation appointment. If choosing a Collection, all decisons must be made within 2 weeks to keep the same pricing. A la carte prices are also discounted for early orders. Those orders placed after 30 days will have a minimum amount required since the session will already be archived by this point.

When is my balance due ?
The balance of the order is due at the time you place the order. In order to receive the presentation discount, those orders must be paid in full that day. I can hold the order for you, until payment is arranged, but the order will not be sent to the lab without full payment. Checks are preferred, but MC/Visa are accepted as well.

How are my photographs printed ?
Great question ! You need to ask this of any studio today. Many studios are printing orders with inkjet printers. I will NEVER deliver any of our portraits that have not come from my pro lab. All portraits are printed with traditional wet process, silver halide true photographic paper that, just like the old days, go through an enlarger, then all of the chemicals to develop the image.... not inks from a inkjet printer sprayed on to the paper surface. "True photographs are exposed with light (in an enlarger), not sprayed with ink."

How long before my order is ready ?
Most orders are ready for delivery or pick up in 4-6 weeks. If you have ordered a wall panel frame or wall portrait frames, it may require additional time.

What is your reschedule/cancellation policy ?
Like any professional office, I do request that if you know you will not be able to keep your appointment that you contact me ASAP... otherwise, I will be sitting here waiting on you. Location appointments may have a fee assessed for cancelling since I limit sessions to 1 per day (inclement weather gets rescheduled or refund).

What should I consider with a large wall portrait ?
You will enjoy your wall portrait best if hung in the proper size and displayed in the best location in the home that fits the portrait. For example, if you are wanting to show how important your family is to you, then a 24x30 over the mantle or sofa is a great way to do that...instead of an 11x14 in the hall. I can assist you with proper sizing, finish and coordinating with other decor in the home. I have the ability to project the exact sizes you may consider for your portrait so you can get a visual reference of how it will look in your home. Consider allowing me to provide an in-home consultation (no charge) so you see the best size for your very wall.

Can I get my wall portraits framed with you as well ?
Absolutely. I even prefer you allow us to complete the whole look of the portrait since the frame can be a big part of visual impact. In addition, I am better equipped in dealing with framing photography, whereas framing stores generally know other types of artwork. To further show you our dedication to the ultimate customer service, I can even help hang the wall portraits in your own home for you.

Can I scan or copy my prints ?
Realize, this is my only source of making a living for my family, so if you steal my images, you are hurting my family as well as breaking the law.  Photographs are the same as artwork and music. It is ILLEGAL to copy a professional studio's images without written permission. It is ILLEGAL to scan and/or print our professional images on a home computer or at a local store, use as a desktop image, e-mail, greeting cards, etc. without written permission from Paul Alford Photography. If you have certain needs with your images, be sure to ask, as I have options available and can assist you in doing so legally. The minimum fine for reproducing professional images without permission is $30,000. All images are protected by federal copyright laws. Copying of any kind is strictly prohibited.