DS Portraits

Working on our web site.

2012-02-07T15:05:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you've visited my website, www.dsportraits.com, but I've been working on an overhaul. It should work on iPads, iPhones, and other mobile devices. Of course, there still is plenty of Flash slideshows, but I'd imagine you'd be viewing them on a computer anyway. I've tried to make it more user friendly, with columns that are easy to change and update. Check back often!

utah wedding photography- Victoria & Henry

2012-01-16T16:28:00.000-08:00

I photographed this happy couple's groomals (they are kind of like a cross between engagement and wedding photos) not to long ago, outside of a beautiful building in Salt Lake City, Utah. I liked the dark, moody first image, but you couldn't see the rich architecture of the building. Once I brought out the detail, it completely changed the mood of the image! I like them both... what's your thoughts?

Utah children photographer

2012-01-11T23:47:00.000-08:00

10 Ways to Spot a Fauxtographer

2011-12-22T09:09:00.000-08:00

Fauxtographer (n.) — That overpaid guy with a camera who produced a product that looks like it came from a disposable camera someone gave to the flower girl.

Here are 10 tips to avoiding that guy:

The price is dramatically less than other photographers you’ve seen. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Professional cameras, lenses and editing software add up quickly, and a self-employed professional photographer also pays around 40 percent in income taxes.

There’s little to no file backup system. What’s worse than bad wedding photos? No wedding photos. If the photographer doesn’t sound 100 percent dedicated to keeping your photos safe, keep looking.

The fauxtographer doesn’t have business insurance. A professional photographer has insurance to cover you or your venue if something goes wrong.

There’s no contract. A contract protects both you and your photographer, and you can expect a real photographer to have a detailed contract, covering everything from when the balance is due to how soon you should expect your wedding photos after the big day.

She only has one camera. Bad things happen at weddings. A photographer can trip. A flower girl can mistake a lens for a toy. Every photographer experiences an equipment mishap at least once in her career, so if it happens at your wedding, you want to be sure she can carry on as though nothing happened.

A fauxtographer doesn’t have any lenses that are f/2.8 or “faster.” This part is a bit technical, but ask the photographer to list a few of their lenses. Lenses are described in ways like 85mm f/1.4 or 70-200 f/2.8. If you hear a lot of f/5.8 or f/4, she is likely photographing your wedding with hobby quality lenses, which can be bad. Indoor receptions and ceremonies are incredibly demanding on camera equipment, and you’ll want your photographer to use the very best.

You don’t see a complete wedding album. It’s easy for a fauxtographer to take the best pictures from several different weddings and put together a beautiful album. Be sure you’re able to see a whole wedding from start to finish.

Fauxtographers will give you every picture they snap. A professional takes pride in his work, and not every click of the shutter will result in a worthy image. Be wary of a photographer that doesn’t take pride in her work and reputation enough to toss the bad shots.

He hasn’t ever been to a workshop or photography conference. Professional photographers invest in attending workshops and conferences to keep their skills and business practices up to date.

She uses the built in flash on her camera. Fauxtographers show their true colors when the scene gets dark. A professional photographer uses an external flash (or two) to control the light, often directing her flash at a ceiling or wall to create a softer look. Fauxtographers use the built-in flash on their camera, and can’t capture the ambiance of your reception.

Article by Traci Turchin

Utah family portraits - Christmas and family portraits go together

2011-12-15T11:02:00.000-08:00

Can everyone afford me?

2011-12-05T19:34:00.001-08:00

As I read other photographer's blogs and Facebook pages, I often hear the comment "I believe in offering an inexpensive product that everyone can afford!" I guess I'm not that kind of photographer. Most everyone I know can afford to eat at McDonalds. You know, I can't remember the last time I had a Big Mac. Yes, it's affordable. Do I want it? No. I'd rather pay more, and get something I'd enjoy eating. I guess that my prices aren't for everyone. I'm ok with
that.

I got together with some of the local photographers for a Christmas luncheon. It was nice to hob knob with other people that think the way that I do. One thing I think we all agree on, selling someone a CD with an entire session of (un)edited images on it is doing no one a favor. Line up 5 photographers (with professional cameras) and you get 5 similar images. But turn us loose in Photoshop, and each one of us will have an individual style manifest itself on our image. 50 files on a CD doesn't show the uniqueness and personality of the artist that created them. But give me a half hour or so, and you'll have an original portrait that I'd be proud to sign.

Here's a finished file...

and here's how it came out of the camera. It's a great photo, lighting is good, composition is balanced, but I'm sorry, It's not finished! I look at a file out of the camera as a raw ingredient, ready to create something tasty!

An investment in emotion

2011-11-16T14:32:00.000-08:00

Last night we photographed a family. Large family, lots of children. During their review, the mother loved their experience, and wanted to purchase a wall portrait. The father, on the other hand, was concerned about price. I explained how I would enhance this and that, and make it a portrait he'd cherish for years to come. He decided to make his sweetheart happy, and invest in a size that best suited their living room. But, I guess he set aside the joy of having a large family portrait, as he canceled his print this morning.

You know, I have my parents' wall portraits from years and years ago. I cherish them. I don't know how much Dad paid for them. No one remembers. I guess my point is, the price you paid is important to you now, but not later. The joy and emotion that a quality portrait will give you, your children, and generations down the road will far outweigh the cost you pay today.

Big flash cards!

2011-11-12T16:00:00.000-08:00

I'm still waiting for my new camera to arrive. But, I got the new compact flash cards today. 16gb! I put them in my spare Canon 40D, and the exposures remaining pegged at 999. I photographed for about an hour, and it still read 999. Technology has came a long way! Seems like yesterday that I could take 36 exposures, and had to change the film.

My daughter dropped by... all three of us spent the afternoon in the studio trying out a few new backdrops. It makes me appreciate our customers even more when it's my turn in front of the camera. Just keep smiling, just keep smiling. I felt like the fish from Finding Nemo.

We're photographing some of the students from American Fork High School tonight, it's their Preference Dance. It's different than photographing families and such, you have just 3 or 4 exposures to get it right. It's a real challenge, but still a lot of fun. Kind of like speed dating...

Cameras shouldn't look new.

2011-11-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, while working with a family the other day, up in American Fork Canyon, next to the river, my camera, lens and flash decided to go swimming. Water and electronic equipment just don't mix! Luckily, the session was about over, and we finished up with a backup camera. I called my good friend Stephen at Kew's Camera Service in Provo, and he delivered the news that my equipment was DOA. Now I have a bag of the dripping wet camera equipment, that yesterday was worth a little over $3000. Perhaps I can use it to make desk paper weights, or Christmas ornaments. As I was working with my insurance, they needed a letter from Stephen stating the condition of the equipment. It was kinda funny, as he has taken each of the ruined items apart several times for various repairs. He said you can tell the professionals from the "want-to-be's" by how nice their equipment looks. A photographer that photographs thousands of portraits will wear out his equipment. Accidents happen when you use your stuff so often. I remember reading in the classifieds someone was selling their camera because it cost so much that they were afraid to damage it. Go figure. That's like being a race driver and being afraid of getting flat tires. The good news... my new camera, flash and lens is on order and will be here shortly!

Utah family portraits- The Okerlund family

2011-11-09T07:52:00.000-08:00

The Vanalfen Family

2011-10-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

Utah's voted #1 photographer Utah County- Melanie

2011-08-09T21:04:00.000-07:00

Utah wedding photographer-La Caille

2011-08-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

Utah Family photographers- Little children and kittens

2011-07-06T15:17:00.000-07:00

Kittens! Our cat snuck out in the middle of the night for a romantic kitty rendezvous. But, they're cute as a button! Until they're old enough to give away, we'll be taking their picture with your child in our portrait gardens. Please call for an appointment.

Utah Wedding photographer Love is in the air

2011-07-05T15:01:00.000-07:00

Utah Family photographers- Sunset portraits

2011-06-15T14:56:00.000-07:00

Now booking for Utah or Great Salt Lake sunset portraits. July 19-22. There are only a few appointments available. Call 801-763-7838

Utah -DS Portraits Family photographers

2011-05-26T20:49:00.000-07:00

This cute family came in the night before their son went into the MTC. Well, the gardens were not quite green yet. Now the great thing is that Alan is certified in Adobe Photoshop. That is how we can make a very dull background into a fun background.

Now it is nice and green.

Utah -DS Portraits -graduation photography- Shannon

2011-05-09T15:03:00.000-07:00

Best Photography Studio in Utah Valley

2011-04-12T16:17:00.000-07:00

It's official! We've been voted "Best Portrait Studio in Utah Valley"! Thanks for voting for us!

Utah Wedding photographer Love is in the air

2011-04-07T10:43:00.000-07:00

Utah Wedding photographer -Katrina and Carl

2011-03-25T14:22:00.001-07:00

Utah Wedding photographer - Having fun with a before and after

2011-02-21T18:41:00.000-08:00

Every now and then folks like to see a "Before and After". Here's a fun one of Angie that a shot a few weeks back. The original was taken using 4 different lights. Once I brought it into Photoshop, I enhanced the texture and color, improved the shadows, and removed the lamppost and handrails. Makes a difference, doesn't it?

Utah -DS Portraits -children photography- Ella

2011-02-05T15:27:00.000-08:00

Utah children photography

2011-01-25T12:22:00.000-08:00

Utah Wedding photographer- Cydnie and Dewey

2011-01-13T06:07:00.000-08:00

Utah children portraits

2011-01-06T13:52:00.000-08:00

Utah Certified Wedding Photography- Angie

2010-12-17T20:35:00.000-08:00

Utah Certified Wedding Photography-Cydnie & Dewey's Engagements

2010-12-09T12:18:00.000-08:00

Prices for Photography

2010-12-09T10:57:00.000-08:00

It's amazing to me the debate about showing prices on your web page. Photographers don't like to post their prices because people price shop, and buy photography purely on price comparison. Think of trying to price shop for a good steak. You can pay $79 for a Kobe beef filet at Spencer's Steakhouse at the Hilton Hotel in Salt Lake City or you can get a hamburger off the dollar menu at McDonalds. Aren't they both beef? Don't they come from a cow? I think we both know the experience and the product will not compare. The same thing comes into play with photography. Aren't they both pictures? Don't they come from a camera? So many things factor into the price. However, we must start somewhere. Maybe we can't all afford Kobe beef, but it would be nice to find things in our price range.

Please visit our web page, www.dsportraits.com to view our portrait prices and see even more samples of our art.

Utah wedding photography - Angie & Micheal's Engagements

2010-11-26T18:40:00.001-08:00

Our enchanted gardens - Hayley

2010-11-15T12:41:00.000-08:00

Utah family photography - The Smith family

2010-10-30T14:36:00.000-07:00

2010-10-18T16:56:00.001-07:00

Utah children photography - Certified photography

2010-10-18T16:55:00.000-07:00

Autumn in our Portrait Gardens

2010-10-06T21:13:00.001-07:00

Fall has came to our Studio! Vivid red, yellow and green... we are gearing up for our busiest fall ever! If you hurry, we still have appointments available

June's Family

2010-10-04T13:20:00.000-07:00

Here is the entire family. What a good looking group!

June was concerned that her pants were a bit too bright, and would stand out. I also lengthened the fabric, and while I was at it, I subdued her shirt, just a bit.

Here's the original image.

Utah family photography - The Alvarez family

2010-09-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

Utah wedding photography - Abby and James

2010-09-25T22:10:00.000-07:00

The colors in American Fork canyon are so beautiful this year.

The Jensen Family

2010-09-22T16:06:00.001-07:00

The Jensen family visited our studio gardens the other day... I'm so glad the weather is holding!

Utah family photography - A new addition to this little family

2010-09-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

Utah family photography - Sunset portraits at the lake

2010-09-22T12:46:00.001-07:00

There is still time to have sunset photos at the lake. Give us a call (801) 763-7838

Mortensen family

2010-09-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

One of the babies was born after the portrait was taken. Can you tell which one?

Utah Children photography - Porter

2010-09-07T14:26:00.001-07:00

Studio Fun!

2010-08-27T16:38:00.001-07:00

We have been shooting so much in our portrait gardens, it was nice to have a session in our amazing studio!

Utah Senior photgraphy - Brenton & Bradon

2010-08-19T16:46:00.000-07:00

Teddy Bear Tummy Ache

2010-08-18T21:55:00.000-07:00

This is just the first image from our exciting new set! Real medical equipment (ok, maybe not the needle...) make this set fun for the little doctor.

Utah Children photography - Anniversary Special

2010-08-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

Utah photographer - DS Portraits - Miranda

2010-08-17T15:16:00.001-07:00

Utah Wedding Photography - Lexi's bridal in our Studio gardens

2010-08-17T15:09:00.001-07:00

Utah children photography - DS Portraits - Nicolas

2010-08-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

Utah Wedding photography -Deseret & Jonathan

2010-07-24T12:57:00.000-07:00

Families in our garden

2010-07-23T09:36:00.000-07:00

We photographed over 30 folks from the Mortenson family the other day, here's just one of the families. Isn't our portrait garden lovely this time of year?

Enchanted Gardens

2010-07-19T15:55:00.001-07:00

This set of twins were just to die for! My wife Doris has a twin brother, and she said taking pictures of these twins brought back a flood of memories.

Utah children photography - Spring time at DS Portraits

2010-07-19T15:41:00.000-07:00

2010-07-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

The other day, Doris was photographing babies in preparation of our upcoming "Blooming Baby" promotion. It was fun to see her laying on the ground, interacting with the little girl! Note the diffuser, radio controlled flash, and all the toys she uses, along with a beautiful fountain. To (sort of...) quote Dolly Parton, "It ain't easy to look this good!"

Utah wedding photographer - Lauren and Kevin

2010-07-13T20:42:00.000-07:00

Lauren and Kevin looks so cute in our portrait gardens.

We've started our summer specials!

2010-07-12T17:07:00.001-07:00

Back in the grotto, in front of our fountain, we'll be photographing our popular "Blooming Babies!" Slots fill up fast, be sure and call soon!

Utah children photography - The Tholen twins

2010-06-28T16:49:00.000-07:00

Utah portrait studio - Bonnie

2010-06-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

Ranting a bit...

2010-06-04T14:36:00.000-07:00

I had a customer come in and inquire about our prices. She was appalled that we charge a sitting fee, and don't give all the images on a CD for $100. It reminds me of a sign I saw at Roger's Automotive (who we highly recommend). You can have it good, or you can have it cheap. But you can't have it good and cheap! I'm sorry, but years of experience, and the latest photographic equipment don't come cheap. You really and truly get what you pay for.

Pets are part of the family

2010-06-04T08:19:00.000-07:00

Alan and I really enjoyed taking pictures of Kim and her horse. It's hard to believe that you can own a horse and have room for it right in the middle of town!

Utah children photography - Ame

2010-05-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

The Dinkin's family

2010-05-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

Big Logos

2010-05-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

If you're looking at an image, and it has a big logo plastered over it, don't worry. That's not how the finished product looks. We've seen some of our stuff "borrowed" by other photographers, and passed off as theirs. Sometimes it really is a dog eat dog world.

Senior Graduation Announcements

2010-05-08T12:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a copy of Jade's announcement. He brought his 4-wheeler to our studio! What a lot of fun.

Utah wedding photographer - Stephanie and Robbie

2010-05-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

Cinthya's Bridals

2010-05-04T14:59:00.001-07:00

The Barrett Family

2010-04-15T14:20:00.000-07:00

The Barrett Family recently lost their beloved Mother/Grandmother. The last time we photographed them, not all of their family were available for their portrait. This time when they got together, we were able to photograph the missing people. If you can't tell who was added, and who was originally in the photo, I've done my job correctly!

Skateboarding

2010-03-20T15:12:00.001-07:00

It's never too early!

A family from last Autumn

2010-03-20T10:55:00.000-07:00

There's a million things to do when your sending out a missionary! Sometimes its best to place your order when things calm down. It was good to see the Winchester family again

Glossary of terms.

2010-03-05T22:18:00.000-08:00

If someone says "Natural light photography" what they really mean is "I don't know how to use lighting equipment". If they say "On location photography" they mean "I don't have a real studio". If they say "fresh, unposed look", it means they haven't taken any training in positioning your family to look their best. If they say "specializing in babies, children, families, seniors, weddings, pets, events, and commercial photography", they don't specialize in anything.

Don't settle. Demand professional people, and professional equipment.

What is the difference between us and our "rubber chicken" competition?

2010-03-02T14:45:00.000-08:00

All of our HS Senior Packages include the high resolution files. Each photograph purchased comes with a high res and facebook file. The difference is, we include only the images that we "enhance". Each and every print has been enhanced. The faces cleaned up, color pumped, in short... they just look better. This process is included in the print fee.

In addition, we are certified through the Professional Photographers of America. I personally photograph each and every senior. I won't send a mimimum wage starting up photographer to photograph your son. We have an acre lot with real trees, real boulders, real waterfalls, real grass... do you see a pattern here? No cheesy sets.

Seniors can bring anything they want. Pets (yep, even horses), cars, motorcycles, friends, even their parents! All are welcome to be part of the picture experience. We have tuxedos and cap and gowns here if they wish to use them.

Have you looked at the examples of seniors on my website? www.dsportraits.com. Do you notice a pattern there? No? That's because each and every senior is unique. I have no limits to clothes changes, no limits to the different poses they can do.

Bottom line, they say you get what you pay for, but in this case, our prices are not that much higher for all that we offer. Our session fees start at $15, and our print packages start at $45.

Salt Lake City wedding photography- Cinthya

2010-03-02T10:22:00.001-08:00

Salt Lake City wedding photography - March special

2010-03-01T17:21:00.000-08:00

Salt Lake - Provo children photography

2010-02-24T22:20:00.000-08:00

Utah children photography - New "mothers touch" flowers available

2010-02-24T22:15:00.000-08:00

Utah children photography - Sirlei

2010-02-24T22:05:00.001-08:00

Check out our new webpage

2010-02-19T11:36:00.000-08:00

Our studio has a new updated webpage. Check it out and let us know what you think. www.dsportraits.com

Utah photography

2010-02-15T20:51:00.000-08:00

This is a page that shows all the certified photographers here in Utah. If you are not using a photographer that is certified; your memories are in jeopardy! Under Utah, you will see that Alan Harwell is one of the 23 names listed.
http://www.certifiedphotographer.com/documents/CPPbyState.pdf

Utah family and children photography - The Lewis children

2010-02-15T15:34:00.000-08:00

Utah wedding photographer – Stephanie and Robbie’s engagements

2010-02-12T13:32:00.000-08:00

Utah children photographer- DS portraits - sirlei

2010-02-10T13:01:00.000-08:00

Utah Portrait studio -

2010-02-10T09:34:00.000-08:00

DS Portraits - Missionary Portraits, Sister Morales

2010-01-30T11:25:00.000-08:00

It was a lot of fun working with Sister Morales. I'm sure she'll be a great missionary in Brazil!

Successful Mothering Convention at the South Towne Expo Center in Sandy!

2010-01-29T11:16:00.000-08:00

We're off to the Successful Mothering Convention at the South Towne Expo Center in Sandy! Come join us from 10-6 on Saturday. Download a free ticket from my website, www.dsportraits.com/smc.pdf

Weddings Utah - Mellor Hidden Meadows- Noah's- Northampton House- Somewhere Inn Time- Thanksgiving Point- White Willow-

2010-01-25T11:04:00.000-08:00

If you are getting married and you are out and about at the receptions halls looking for the perfect place to have your wedding, you will see our work at these reception halls.

Mellor Hidden Meadows
Noah's
Northampton House
Somewhere Inn Time
Thanksgiving Point
White Willow

A Happy Customer :)

2010-01-23T18:32:00.000-08:00

We received this letter from a soon-to-be Sister Missionary. Thanks for the note!
Thank you again for being so patient with us yesterday, we truly enjoyed our time with you and will definitely come back, as well as recommend you to friends and family.

Were you a Kiddie Kandid customer?

2010-01-20T15:54:00.000-08:00

I hate to see businesses close, people laid off from their jobs, and dreams shattered. But the worst thing about the entire bankruptcy is letting their customers down. Please rest assured that DS Portraits is here to stay! We’re weathering the economic climate just fine, you won’t see us bagging groceries at Costco (not that there’s anything wrong with that, I love Costco!)

If you’ve been let down by Kiddie Kandids, or have friends that have been, please give us a call. Just to help things out, we’re offering a baby/child ½ hour mini session and an 8x10 print absolutely free, for those that need to find a new photographer.

We’re not in a high cost retail shopping mall, we’re a “Mom and Pop” one-of-a-kind place. We have a huge back lot with boulders, fountains… you name it! Plus, a cozy, modern studio with all the latest high tech equipment. We take pride in being a Certified Photographer through the Professional Photographers of America.

Please tell any of your friends or family that have been effected by this unfortunate turn of events. Just have them mention “The Kiddie Kandid Special”.

Alan Harwell
DS Portraits
363 N 100 East
American Fork, UT 84003
(801)763-7838
www.dsportraits.com

Our Toys for Santa Program this past Christmas

2010-01-05T16:36:00.000-08:00

Many of you graciously donated toys and items for the Woman's Crisis Center in return for portraits with Santa. We received a letter from them today thanking us, but really, it's you that deserves the thanking!

Doris and Alan,

On behalf of The Center for Women and Children in Crisis, I wanted to thank you for generously donating your time and photography in order to collect presents for the children we serve at our shelter. Because the children we serve are temporarily staying at our shelter due to violence in the home, they are usually very distraught and emotionally upset. The mothers often leave nearly everything behind, including money. Because of your donations this Christmas, our shelter was able to provide Christmas for many children who, otherwise, would not have been able to have such a Christmas.

Thank you so very much for providing a hint of excitement for these unstable children and relief to their distraught mothers this Christmas season. Your generosity was greatly appreciated and our Center thanks you.

May God bless you,

Natalie Moss
Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence Coordinator, CWCIC

Utah family portraits - The Tholen family

2010-01-02T18:21:00.000-08:00

Fun Sessions for kids

2009-12-29T16:29:00.001-08:00

Victorian Bath/On My Way
Girls will love pearls, bubbles, and lace! These are just part of this delightful bathtub scene. What little boy hasn't dreamed about seeing the world? Vintage luggage, maps, and friendly teddy bears accompany the trepid explorer!
January 20th, 10 am-2 pm

Somewhere Inn Time

2009-12-26T21:30:00.000-08:00

This Monday, why don't you visit with us at Somewhere Inn Time in Pleasant Grove? They're hosting a Prom Dress exchange। Lots of door prizes। Win free Portraits with us! Call them at (801) 785-9777 for details.

Home

somewhereinntime.com

Utah maturity photography - Whitney

2009-12-21T17:04:00.000-08:00

Utah children portraits – Ame Marie

2009-12-19T13:55:00.000-08:00

Utah family portraits – The Hill family

2009-12-19T12:56:00.000-08:00

Utah children photography - The Robinson's new little girl

2009-12-18T10:56:00.000-08:00

Utah children photography - The Robin son's new little girl

Utah children photography : Jean-Louka

2009-12-04T14:28:00.000-08:00

Utah family photography - The Zilleruelo family

2009-12-03T14:08:00.000-08:00

Utah children photography - Santa photo 2009

2009-12-02T17:50:00.000-08:00

Utah family photography - The Corey Family

2009-11-16T14:23:00.000-08:00

This family was such a delight to work with. Their children are absolute gems!