Triptych: TRIP-tik: a picture in three panels side by side.

Would you describe my  family triptych portrait session?

My Triptychs Are An Interpretive Work Of Portrait Art

I strive for my triptychs to create a provocative, powerful and insightful moment in your lives.  It’s much more than a “family portrait”.

Our First Meeting Is Informative

It’s a time for  questions but more  importantly to view the triptychs full scale.  It’s very difficult to appreciate the impact of a work of art that can be over 5’ wide when it is confined to a computer screen and appears 6” wide.

A Triptych Session Is An Interactive Process

The shooting day is relaxed and slowly paced.  We meet, ask and answer questions, select clothing, prepare for the sitting, then adjourn to the studio.

There is A Strong Urge To Sit, Look Into The Camera And Smile. Please, Suppress It.

Unlike a typical portrait session, this one is designed to capture a moment in time and reveal your individual personalities.  We’ve all been trained to sit, look into the camera and smile. This is quite different.   As the family begins to naturally interact, my camera and I fade into the background.

My Mission

I capture the nuances of expression, which I accomplish by photographically splitting your group into thirds: The left third, the right third, and the center third.

At the session’s close, I have captured upwards of 200 frames. Before you leave, we set a date to review the final selection and to choose your triptych.

Images before editing

The photographer shakes up the familiar scene, and, as if by magic, we see a new meaning in it.   - With apologies to Anais Nin

Now, my behind the scene work begins.  The images are spread out on a virtual table dividing them into their respective thirds: left, right, center. Next I edit the initial large take to a select 40-60 images.  From this select, I assemble 1-5 potential triptychs for your final selection. .   Before we meet, I may devote  an entire day assembling images to create your family triptych selection.

Gestalt: The Whole Is Greater Than The Sum Of Its Parts

The last meeting begins with an air of excitement. I stress how the family triptych should be viewed as a whole.  If anything, they are similar to three frames of cinema film. One plays into the next creating a dynamic interchange.

During the process, an image may be substituted from the select group. This is welcomed. As family members you know each other better than I.  I’m intuitive but not all knowing .

The triptych is brought to life through my imagery and our partnership. It is therefore essential this last step be completed in one sitting without input from others who may not understand the nature of the triptychs.

By the end of the session, your triptych is selected. Then, three to four weeks later, I delivery your beautiful framed work of portrait art.

Family Triptych