Abi

January 29, 2009 on 7:24 pm | In Information | No Comments

From time to time we will put posts from $100 Portrait Project sessions here so you can see a little more about what the look is all about. Here’s Miss Abi! We love her! Such a sweet girl…a little timid in front of the camera at first, but it took her no time at all to come out of her shell. And look at all we have to choose from! Seriously, it took Collin 4 minutes to get these. These sessions are fast-paced, but so versatile. Oh, and be on the lookout for a VERY EXCITING post about the project later tonight!!! The date and place for our FIRST event has been set!!! YAY!!!

Work in progress

January 25, 2009 on 11:29 pm | In Information | No Comments

You will notice over the next few days that pages are being added to this site. We are going to try to give you as much information as possible. Please ask any questions that you may have. Hopefully, I will start adding stories from families that have been touched by The Children’s Miracle Network.

FAQ

January 25, 2009 on 11:22 pm | In Information | 1 Comment

As we get more questions in, we will update this page.

How do I find out about events?
Every event should be well announced. Check the blog. The “host” of the event will more than likely promote it as well. If it is an open public event and is scheduled well in advance, it should be in the monthly ad in SHE Magazine, too.

How can I host an event?
Please contact us at 843-665-4646 or send an e-mail to collin@cmsmithportraits.com.

Is there a minimum number of people for an event to host?
Because of the time involved in this project, we are asking for a minimum of 10 images, not people. A family of 5 could have the family photographed, each child (3) individually and the kids together for a total of (5) images. (Total of $500 for 5 digital images) That is half way there.

Can I have my portrait created any way I want?
No. We have come up with a specific look for this campaign that we feel is a very versatile look that can be used by just about everyone. Plus, I do still have my full time studio that you can come to for more specific needs.

Do I get all of the photographs taken on CD?
Once the session is completed and we get back to the studio and download all images, we will select the best one to send to you. You will receive one digital image per “order.” So, if you are only wanting a family portrait, we will photograph your family and send you the one image that we feel is the best one. (there may be others that we really like, too, and we will send a proof version to you. You will have the option of purchasing them for an additional $100 per image) If you have your family and children photographed ($100 for the family image and $100 for the children image) we will send the best image to you and any proofs we feel there may be an interest in. Again, the additional portrait images can be purchased for $100 each.

Great, I have a digital image, but where do I get it printed?
When you receive your digital image, I will also send information for places to have your digital image printed into a great portrait. You can send it to Sam’s if you want, but there are other options that you can send it to so that you may have a finished portrait for your wall.

Can I come into the studio anytime and have this done?
The $100 Portrait Project has a specific purpose and look. Because of this, special events will be held or hosted.

Can I get mine in color?
Because of the unknowns in printing, we are only offering these as black and white images. From this, you can choose to have them printed as black and white or sepia (brown tone).

How many events can I attend?
You may attend or host as many as you would like. If you bring a baby to an event one month, you can attend another event in a couple of months to capture that new stage of life. Because this is to raise money for The Children’s Miracle Network, we encourage you to participate as often as you would like.

How is this different from Collin M. Smith Portrait Photography, your main studio?
The $100 Portrait Project is a specific look at specific events for a specific digital image. Sessions will be very minimal in time, but as you can see on the blog posts and “the look” page, we are able to get several looks in a small amount of time. Collin M. Smith Portrait Photography is customized to your specific needs. Also, with the $100 Portrait Project, you are receiving the digital image to print; with Collin M. Smith Portrait Photography, we schedule the session and you order individual portraits and DO NOT receive any digital portrait images.

The Look

January 24, 2009 on 9:52 pm | In Information | No Comments

These portraits show the style/look of the portraits that we will be creating for you at our portrait events. You can also see the wide variety of subjects that we can work with: babies, children, family, individuals… We will add more as we get them in.

As you can see, this style of portrait can be perfect for just about anything.

What is it?

January 24, 2009 on 8:41 am | In Information | No Comments

Since starting in March of 2001, Florence has been an amazing city to be in. Aron already knew this, since she grew up here. I cannot even begin to explain in words how blessed we truly feel, God has been at work in our lives! Over the years we have had the opportunity to raise money for different causes. One Christmas we “adopted” the House of Hope and we have raised money for children that were in need due to medical needs. It has always been one of the most fulfilling parts of my career.
To be honest with myself, though, I always felt that I could do more to give back to this adopted home of mine. After extensive prayer and hours upon hours of discussion, Aron and I have come up with what we feel is “IT!” Welcome to the introduction of “The $100 Portrait Project.” This is a combination of a specific style of portrait and something that I never do as a photographer…more on that part later. We have come up with a plan that we see as having the potential of raising phenomenal amounts to be able to donate to our selected charity. There was a struggle to decide what would be beneficial to the charity, the participants and be able to cover its expenses, not to mention that it had to work without killing the business side!
We are very excited about creating a long term relationship with our selected charity. Over the years, we look forward to making a huge difference for them, not just a few bucks here and there.

The charity: The Children’s Miracle Network

Our mission: To raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network and cover the expenses associated with the project.

How: For $100, we will photograph the subject and they will, in turn, receive the full resolution digital file via e-mail shortly after the date of being photographed.

Giving: At least 50% of the revenue produced by this project will be going to The Children’s Miracle Network.

Why: We feel the need to give back to our wonderful community, and since children and families are our focus, The Children’s Miracle Network seemed natural to us.

Where: Our goal is to get churches, schools, MMOs, businesses, and any other group/party that is interested in helping to host.

Time Frame: After our initial introduction, we intend to make each campaign one year in length.

Goals: Not knowing what to expect, we pray the Lord will allow us to raise $50,000 in the first year.

Style: We are styling these portraits as a simple sepia tone or B&W portrait on a tan background. Each portrait will be unique in feeling and personality because there are no “rules” to follow. It can be a business headshot, a child’s portrait, a baby portrait, a family portrait, a group of friends, high school seniors, it really can be almost anything.

What to expect: We will collect some information from you so that we will be able to deliver your portrait file. There will be several images captures of each individual/group and the “artist’s choice” will be sent to you via e-mail. It is possible that “proofs” of the other photographs taken will be sent to you with the option of purchase for an additional $100 each. Again, at least 50% of total revenue will be going to the Children’s Miracle Network. Information will also be sent for you to have your digital portrait made into a real portrait.

What is the big deal?: Well, for starters, I do not sell my portrait files! If asked, I offer them for the same amount as my most expensive portrait, currently about $7,000! So you have the option to have a portrait created (at specified events and locations) and receive the digital negative for you to use. We will give needed information to be able to have quality portraits created with your file or use it for Christmas cards or blog… The choice is yours. You have an opportunity to help us give back to this great community; I would guess everyone in this town knows someone that has been touched by The Children’s Miracle Network!

So, how can you get involved? As mentioned earlier, we are hoping to be able to partner with businesses and groups to host us. We see a great potential for daycares and MMO groups for seasonal photographs. Every real estate group needs headshots and this would be an easy (and less expensive) way to have all members of an office to have matching photographs for advertising, showing unity within the office. Host a party with your best friends (and their friends). To be worth while, we would want a minimum of 10 “files” sold. More would be great! If you have an idea, feel free to contact us. When all is said and done and we deliver the “big check” host businesses, individuals and groups will be thanked as participant hosts.

Contact us at (843) 665-4646 and let us know that you are interested in helping with “The $100 Portrait Project.”

We have a site, and a logo!

January 24, 2009 on 12:03 am | In Information | No Comments

Look for pages to be added for more information on the $100 Portrait Project. The pages are located on the upper right hand side of the blog.

Welcome to the launch of The $100 Portrait Project! This will be the place to go to find information on locations, times, and accomplishments of what we are working on. Please contact us if you are interested in helping The $100 Portrait Project.