Photographic portraits should have more to say about who you are than about cheesy props and prefabricated sets. At Scott Bertram Art and Photography there are no generic portraits. Instead, each portrait starts from scratch and is uniquely tailored to fit your style and taste. Our emphasis is on the individual, not fluff. We take our time, and take plenty of shots to assure that your character and personality are naturally and thoughtfully expressed through your portraits.

Since most of our portraits are shot digitally (film is available upon request), you can choose whether you would like color or black & white prints, or both. You can also choose from different lighting schemes, including a variety of studio lights, natural light in the studio, or a combination. We also shoot portraits on location. We are within a short drive to many beautiful parks in Jackson County, as well as downtown Jackson. Travel is free within Jackson County, and for a small fee we will travel anywhere within a 1˝ hour drive (this fee is waived under certain portrait packages). This option allows us to take advantage of the magnificent architecture of nearby cities and places like the University of Michigan or Michigan State University. It also allows us to make house calls to further emphasize the individuality of your portraits.

While our portfolio is still growing, we invite you to view our online portfolio, and talk to us about specific shots that you would like. The more we know about the kind of portraits you'd like, the easier it is to achieve satisfying results.

Shooting portraiture is a very personal experience for both the client and photographer alike. We sincerely believe that everyone has an inherent dignity and we are honored by your patronage. That is why we make it our goal to provide a professional, yet comfortable atmosphere where our clients can relax. Your comfort is an essential ingredient in shooting great portraits.

When booking an appointment for a portrait sitting, please consider the following:

Guidelines For a Great Portrait

• Schedule a haircut no sooner than five days before your session, to give it a chance to "fill in" a bit. Your hair should be the way your friends and family are used to seeing it. This is not the best time to try out a "new-look."
• If possible, visit your eye doctor and ask to borrow a pair of empty frames if you wear glasses. This will eliminate glass glare and eye distortion.
  
• Bring photos you like from magazines, books, catalogs, and any other sources, to your session appointment. We will use these images to form an idea of the photographic styles and "looks" you like. The more we know about the kind of portraits you'd like, the easier it is to achieve satisfying results.
  
• Get plenty of rest the night before your session. The better your mood when you arrive, the better the portraits.
  
• Arrive early. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to the studio so you won't feel rushed. Plan on arriving about 15 minutes before your scheduled session time so you can get your outfits and props unloaded and situated in the dressing room.
  
• You may bring the music of your choice to listen to while sitting for the portrait. Music indeed has charm to soothe. We have a large selection to choose from if it pleases you. Your comfort is our goal so please feel free to bring your own CDs and tapes.
  
• Ladies, it is best to apply makeup as if you were going out for the evening. Too little and you'll look pale and washed out; too much makes you look "painted." Pay special attention to your eyes; that's what everyone will see first in your portraits.
  
• Always look in the mirror before finally sitting for the cameras. YOU are ultimately responsible for the way you look. We have plenty of mirrors for your convenience.
  
• Bring clothing you feel comfortable in. Keep in mind that some shots will be taken outdoors and some more formal shots will be taken indoors.
  
• If you have any special props that you would like to include in your photos, please feel free to bring them.
  
• Add to the fun by bringing a friend or pet (If you're bringing a friend, keep your outfits in the same tonal range. In other words, you both want to be in the same, rather than contrasting, colors. That doesn't mean that you have to have matching outfits. But with two or more people in a photograph, similar colors tend to be less distracting to the eye.)
  
• Children are SPECIAL. We will never pressure a child to smile, and we will discourage you in doing so. When they are ready to display their unique personality, we will be ready to capture it. Patience is indeed a virtue when photographing children.
  
• Your proofs will be ready within ten working days of the sitting. Once you have edited your proofs, your finished custom prints will be ready within ten working days of notification.
  
• While your final portraits will be touched up, your proofs will not be. We do all we can to make sure that the portrait is excellent from the start.
  
• All digital imaging is done personally by Scott Bertram.
  
• Allow several hours in your schedule for your portrait session.
  

Individual Portrait Packages

Portrait Package A - Bronze: $80.00
20 Headshots (4x6 proofs)
8 Wallets or one 5x7
Free Printing
Two Yearbook Photos will be provided for all Senior Portraits

Portrait Package B - Silver: $200.00
60 Poses (4x6 proofs)
2 Outfits
One 8x10
Two 5x7's
48 Wallets
Free Printing and Touch Ups on All Wallets and Enlargements
Two Yearbook Photos will be provided for all Senior Portraits

Portrait Package C - Gold: $340.00
90 Poses (4x6 proofs)
3 Outfits
Two 8x10's
Two 5x7's
96 Wallets
Folio for your 8 favorite poses
Free Printing and Touch Ups on All Wallets and Enlargements
Two Yearbook Photos will be provided for all Senior Portraits
30% Off Additional Print Prices

Package D - Platinum: $550.00
120 + Poses (4x6 proofs)
4 Outfits
One 11x14
Two 8x10's
Four 5x7's
192 Wallets
Folio for your 8 favorite poses
Free CD containing all original digital pictures from the session (and you own the copyrights)
Free Printing and Touch Ups on All Wallets and Enlargements
Free Travel (Up to 2 hrs)
Two Yearbook Photos will be provided for all Senior Portraits
50% Off Additional Print Prices

Additional Fees:
Additional Prints or Reprints may be purchased. See our Pricelist for details.
Travel Fee outside of Jackson County - $50.00 (Up to 2hrs)
One 20x30 Artistic Portrait in your choice of media and style - $450.00
CD containing all original digital pictures from session - $30.00 (and you own the copyrights)

• A 20% deposit is required to reserve your appointment date.
  
• All deposits are non-refundable.
  
• Full payment is due on the day of the shoot.
  
• The photographer maintains all copyrights.
  
• All portrait packages include: photographer's fee, sitting fee, film, processing and printing.
  
• For reprint orders a 50% deposit is required. Full payment is due upon the delivery of your order.

Family Portraits

Family Portrait Sitting fee: $60.00
Approximately 1 hr appointment
Approximately 30+ Poses (including 4x6 proofs)
Free Printing and Touch Ups
Additional Prints or Reprints may be purchased. See our Pricelist for details.

Additional Fees:
Travel Fee outside of Jackson County - $50.00 (Up to 2hrs)
Setup Fee (Additional lights/backgrounds, etc.) for location shoots - $50.00
One 20x30 Artistic Portrait in your choice of media and style - $450.00
CD containing all original digital pictures from session - $30.00 (and you own the copyrights)

• A 20% deposit is required to reserve your appointment date.
  
• All deposits are non-refundable.
• Full payment is due on the day of the shoot.
  
• The photographer maintains all copyrights.
  
• All portrait packages include: photographer's fee, sitting fee, film, processing and printing.
  
• For reprint orders a 50% deposit is required. Full payment is due upon the delivery of your order.