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Can
you relate to this at all? I wake up every morning and wonder
where the time is going. Do you ever do that? Have you noticed
that, the older you and your children get, the faster time
seems to fly? I'm very lucky - I get to see my older son and
his family on a regular basis, because they live here in Fargo.
However, my younger son and his wife live in Seattle. We are
lucky if we see them twice a year. Not a day goes by that
we don't think of them, and I often find myself longing for
the days when we used to play together or when I could bounce
them on my lap. Those times will always be precious to me,
but they are gone forever. I thank God that I have more than
just the memories to relive them...
There's
Nothing Like Being A Parent. You'll Do Anything For Your Child.
And When Your Child Smiles, It's The Most Wonderful Sight
In The World...
Imagine this: Kathy and I have these two photographs that
I took of our sons, both on the same day. They were some of
the very first actual professional portraits I took after
becoming a photographer. They are of our boys! There's so
much heart - so much emotion in these images. We have them
in our home, and we gave them to our parents. Those photographs
mean so much to us, I can't even describe how I would feel
if we were to lose them.
I
took those photos when they were only 8 and 5 years old, and
I can still remember to this day exactly what that day was
like.
It was so perfect. And that entire day - those special moments
in our sons' and our life - is captured in those two smiles.
They are the most real, most tender, most innocent smiles,
and it's completely THEM. More than any other photographs
they have had taken as they grew up (and we have portraits
of our boys hanging EVERYWHERE in our home) - the boy's version
of a "Sweet 16" portrait, their senior portraits and their
formal wedding portraits with the two wonderful women now
in their lives), these two photographs captured that childish
spirit that will always make us smile. Our boys are now 31
and 28 years old. Every day he or she gets older. Every day
there are moments and memories that will be gone forever!
What would a photograph like that of your child mean to you
in 20 or 25 years? There's still time, but every day, your
child's smile changes a little.
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These
Kinds Of Photographs Are Not Accidents. They Are Not
Snapshots. And Yet They're Not "Posed" Or Unnatural In Any
Way.
You know your child better than anyone else in the world.
You know his or her "real" smile, and you know his or her
"fake" smile. But, you know what? Other people can tell
the difference too. We all can. You've seen photographs
where you could tell the photographer just posed the child
and said to "say cheese!" The lighting may have been
good. The background might have been nice. But that fake expression
that happens when a child is PROMPTED to smile - that just
makes the photograph look like a snapshot instead of a special
captured moment in your child's life.
Imagine
How Wonderful Your Child's Expression Will Be When The Photographer
Has Become Your Child's FRIEND.
Children are very smart. They don't just blindly trust anyone.
And they NEVER show their true expressions to someone they
don't know and trust. That's why our boys' smiles in
those two photographs were so natural. They knew me, and therefore
were able to totally be themselves. Ever since I took those
photographs of my sons, I've worked very hard to be able to
capture those same priceless expressions in other children.
In addition to my 23 years as a professional photographer,
I also have 23 years of experience as a child psychologist
in a way.
That's
What Makes All The Difference! The Perfect Portrait
of Your Child Is Priceless - And It's ONLY Possible If The
Photographer Understands How To Work With Your Child To Bring
Out Those Natural Expressions.
So many photographers actually FEAR children. Well,
we can understand that, right? Children can be pretty scary
sometimes. Working with other people's children can
be very intimidating. For most photographers, they don't even
meet your child until it's time to create the photographs.
So, your child is sitting there, under all these bright lights,
in a strange place, in front of some strange person he or
she has never met before. How scary is that? It's
no wonder most photographers have to resort to telling children
to "say cheese" in order to get any expression even resembling
a smile.
But
That's Not Good Enough. Your Child Is Only Going To
Be This Age RIGHT NOW - You Deserve The Perfect Portrait To
Capture This Moment In Time Forever.
When you find the right photographer, a photographer who doesn't
merely understand photography, but also understands how to
capture your child's best expressions, you have found a new
friend you will value for the rest of your life. This
photographer is going to do something for you that no one
else in the world can ever do -- This photographer will STOP
TIME, and capture a cherished memory that you will be able
to relive every day of your life.
Nothing means more to me than family memories. No one (other
than maybe the rest of your family) understands what your
child means to you more than I do. That's one of the
reasons I became a professional photographer - I want to help
other parents hold on to their family memories forever, and
never regret not having a special photograph of their child
created.
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"You
have a wonderful rapport with children. Your ability
to capture our daughter's innocent expression and your
attention to detail, right down to the placement of
her tiny toes in the basket, made this session so enjoyable.
You take the time and make the effort (always with success)
to capture photographic memories that we will treasure
for a lifetime. We love your work, Larry! It's just
that simple."
Erika and Charles B.
Moorhead,
MN
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Question:
"Just Suppose Someone Were To Create The Perfect Portrait
of Your Child - One Where Your Child Looked Better Than Ever,
Happier Than Ever - A Portrait That Meant The World To You
- What Would That Be Worth?"
No price tag can be put on your family's memories. They are
and always will be priceless. So, why would you ever
want to gamble with those memories? It's just a question
of whether you believe a portrait of your children could really
mean that much to you.
If you were sick, and had to go to a doctor, would you want
the "cheapest" doctor, or the best one? Well, there's really
no question. It's the same thing with your family's
memories. You can certainly find a cheaper photographer
in town. But there are other things to consider than
just price...
The
Photographer You Choose Should Care About YOUR FAMILY AND
YOUR MEMORIES, Not Just About "Making A Buck" Off You.
I pride myself on becoming a family friend of every child
I photograph. I've even had some clients invite me to
their houses for birthday parties and such. You see, I didn't
get into photography to get rich. Believe me, there
are better (and easier) ways to make a fast buck. I actually
went to college to become a Chemist and then entered the Air
Force to fly jet airplanes. I could be making a WHOLE lot
of money if I'd stayed in that line of work.
But I CHOSE to become a professional children's photographer.
Why did I make that career choice? Because I finally realized
that all the money in the world meant nothing to me if I didn't
feel like I was making a difference.
I
Realized That Childhood Memories Were Priceless - That There
Was No More Noble Or Wonderful Profession Than To Become A
"Memory Giver."
I didn't become a photographer because I liked to take photographs.
Don't get me wrong, I do like the "art" of photography, but
that's NOT the reason I first picked up a camera. As
a child, my mother and father didn't have a lot of photographs
taken of just us.
My entire time growing up, I can't remember a single professional
photograph being taken of us together. Oh, yes, we have the
'Church Directory' photo, but you know how those usually turn
out! Several years ago, I created a portrait of my mom and
dad together, prior to them celebrating their 50th wedding
anniversary. I cherish that photograph - it means the world
to me.
After my father became ill, I cherished the memory of the
moment that photograph was created even more. Now that my
mother and father have both passed away, that photograph is
priceless. I can't even imagine what it would be like not
to have that photograph prominently displayed in our home.
I look at it every single day - it is one of my most prized
possessions.
Now,
I Have A Family Of My Own, And I Swore I Would Be Sure To
Capture The Memories Of My Children Through Fine Portraiture.
Time is the one thing that none of us have enough of.
It's the one thing that money can't buy. It's the one
thing that we all would give just about anything for. Through
photography, we can hold on to the moments in our lives that
we wish could last forever. And, if it's done correctly,
these same photographs can become works of art that we display
in our homes for everyone to see and share.
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"We want
to thank Larry & Kathy for a wonderful experience
in having our child's portrait done. We love the final
product from our visit. We would highly recommend their
services to anyone looking for a professional photography
experience, one that is not duplicated over and over.
Thank you, again!!"
Terry and Suzi H.
West
Fargo, ND
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Don't
Make The Decision As To Who Will Photograph Your Child Until
You Chat With Me. There Are Things You'll Want To Ask The
Photographers...
There's no cost, and no obligation to just chat with me, and
it will make the whole difference as to how great your portraits
will look. My studio number is:
(701) 232-8616.
Don't worry. I'm not going to try to "sell you" on working
with me. I'm already very busy, and I don't need to pressure
anyone to work with me as a photographer. I'll just
talk to you about your portraits, and help you discover what
your photographs could be like.
If you decide to have me create your portraits, great!
If not, no problem.
Throughout
This Webpage, You'll See And Hear From Parents In The Fargo-Moorhead
Area Who Have Had Their Lives Forever Enriched By the Lasting
Memories Of Children's Portraits ---
---
But There Were Things Even They Didn't Know When They Started
Looking For A Photographer...
If you're like most parents, when you first thought of having
a portrait created of your child, you probably pictured in
your mind a tiny studio, with a painted background, some bright
lights, with your child sitting cross-legged on a stool looking
nervous. Maybe you even thought of a family member or friend
of yours who fancies himself or herself as a "bit of a photography
buff." Maybe you thought of having this person do a quick
photograph of your child, and you'd call that good enough.
You're not alone. Most parents think this way at first....
...but then, just like the other parents on this site, something
made you decide to check out my website. You probably saw
some of the children's photography I've created and said to
yourself "that's what I want." Maybe you realized that
this portrait of your child is so important, you're not going
to trust it to just anyone. Believe me, you've made the right
choice.
The
6 VITAL Things To Look For In Your Child's Photographer -
The Secrets 99% Of All People In The World Don't Know:
By reading this far, you must at least be considering having
a portrait of your child created. Well, that's great - you
will probably never make a decision that will bring you more
lasting joy. However, there are some things you NEED to know
before your son or daughter steps in front of any camera.
By the time you finish reading this webpage, you will know
everything you need to know about how to have the perfect
portrait of your child created - the one you will cherish
forever!
There are 6 VITAL things you must look for in a photographer!
If your photographer is missing any one of these things, your
child's photographs will be much less than they could be.
Demand that your photographer does each and every one of these
things!
You may feel like having a children's portrait done is going
to be a lot of work on your part. Well, it isn't! As
long as you know the information on this website, it won't
be any work at all on your part.
....So, let's jump right in!
#1
Thing Your Photographer MUST DO:
Demand That Your Photographer GUARANTEE You Will Love Your
Child's Portraits.
Most photographers WILL NOT DO THIS! Just suppose you had
a portrait created, and your son or daughter didn't look natural
in it. The photograph was "ok," but it didn't turn out spectacular.
Should you have to pay for it? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
I believe strongly that no one should ever have to pay for
a photograph that isn't PERFECT. That's why, to the best of
my knowledge, I am the only photographer in Fargo-Moorhead
to offer the following guarantee:
CHECK
THIS OUT -
A Guarantee Unlike Any You've Ever Heard:
If
Your Child Doesn't Look The Happiest & Best He Or She
Has Ever Looked In These Photographs - If You Don't Feel Like
Shedding Tears (Of Joy) When You Look At Them - You Don't
Pay Me For Them, Plus I will pay you $10 for your trouble!
That's my guarantee and personal promise to you. As far as
I know, there's no other photographer around that will make
you a guarantee like this. These photographs will be
completely meaningless to you unless they convey the real
emotions and personality of your child. That's the only
real reason to have a children's portrait created.
So, if FOR ANY REASON you feel that the photographs I create
for you are anything less than perfect - if you don't feel
emotions tugging at your heartstrings, and want to shed tears
of joy when I show them to you for the first time, you don't
pay me for them. It's that simple.
Obviously, I'm totally confident that the portraits I create
for you will be well beyond anything you imagine. I believe
completely that these photographs will become your most prized
possessions - that, if your house were on fire, you would
grab them on the way out of your burning home. This is not
arrogance. I can't stand arrogance. No, this is a complete
belief in my abilities to capture natural, real emotions from
children on film unlike anyone else. That's what I've devoted
my life to, and that's why I can't wait to photograph your
child for you.
So,
To Restate, Here's My Fantastic Better-Than-Money-Back DOUBLE
GUARANTEE:
If
you are not THRILLED with your photographs - if you are dissatisfied
for ANY reason at all, I will do two things for you:
1st
- At NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE TO YOU, I will photograph your child
again, and make sure that anything that wasn't perfect is
fixed, without you paying another cent.
2nd
- If I am absolutely unable to thrill you - if I'm unable
to create a photograph that you feel you will cherish forever,
I will refund EVERY PENNY you invested in them, PLUS I will
pay you an additional $10 for your trouble! You don't pay
for your photographs unless you love them beyond expression!
If
I don't end up being your photographer, make ABSOLUTELY SURE
your photographer offers this strong of a guarantee. If they
are professional and really good at what they do, they should
back up their work by taking all the risk off of you.
#2
Thing Your Photographer MUST DO:
Meet Your Child, And Become His Or Her Friend - Ahead Of Time
- BEFORE The Session.
No child is going to look natural and vibrant on film
if they don't know and trust the photographer. That
is just a plain FACT. Plus, besides making the photographs
turn out so much better, think of how much more fun your child
is going to have during the session if the photographer has
become his or her friend! There's absolutely NO REASON
why your child shouldn't enjoy having these portraits created.
In fact, if your child is NOT having fun, the photographs
will not turn out well at all.
23 years ago, I made a decision. I decided then and there
that I NEVER WANTED TO DO a photographic session without meeting
the child ahead of time. That single decision has made more
of a difference to my clients than any other decision I've
ever made.
THERE'S NO COST FOR THIS PRE-SESSION MEETING, and it will
only take about 15 minutes, but by the time those fifteen
minutes are up, you and your child will be so comfortable
with me that when I do the actual session, the expressions
will be perfect, natural, and priceless every time.
If
I don't end up being your photographer, make ABSOLUTELY SURE
your photographer will meet with you and your child ahead
of time, and AT NO CHARGE TO YOU. I can't stress enough
what a difference this will make!
#3
Thing Your Photographer MUST DO:
AT NO EXTRA CHARGE, If You Want, Your Photographer Should
Create The Images ON LOCATION Instead Of Just In A Studio.
This is such an important point - for so many reasons! First
of all, as I mentioned earlier, one of the biggest challenges
for a photographer is making your child feel totally comfortable,
thereby getting totally natural and fun expressions on film.
Well, in addition to meeting the photographer ahead of time,
one of the best things for your child is to create the photographs
in a location that is familiar or fun for the child.
Where's the place most children are the most comfortable?
IN OR AROUND THEIR HOME. Imagine being a child, and
instead of going to some "scary" studio somewhere, the photographer
comes to your home, and creates fantastic photographs right
there in the home or in your own backyard! How great would
that be? Think of how comfortable and "at home" you would
feel as a child.
Or, suppose going out to a park somewhere, or to the beach,
or playing in a pile of leaves - and having the photographer
take your photographs there. Not only will your son or daughter
have more fun being photographed this way, but it will also
be a much more personal and unique setting. There's nothing
personal or exciting about a photograph taken in a studio.
The setting will look just like the settings of hundreds of
other child photographs.
Yes, I can create images in my studio if you would like (So
many parents don't even realize there are other choices).
But AT NO EXTRA CHARGE, I will come to your home, or take
you and your child to a couple of locations in and around
Fargo-Moorhead that are perfect for this type of photography.
You'll have options - we can do some in the studio, and some
on location. You see, not only do I not mind doing location
photography, which takes more work on my part - I actually
ENCOURAGE it. After 23 years of photographing children,
I know that location photographs tend to be the photographs
that parents like the most.
If
I don't end up being your photographer, make ABSOLUTELY SURE
your photographer will create images on location as well as
in the studio, and AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE.
#4
Thing Your Photographer MUST DO:
"Looking For George" - A Great Game To Help Your Child Feel
Totally Comfortable, So He Or She Will Look Great.
Now, this is something I can pretty much guarantee no other
photographer does. If you're child is being photographed in
the studio, this is a great way to make him or her totally
comfortable - and to insure they have fun.
You see, we have a whole collection of children's toys, stuffed
animals, and a Fischer Price farmyard, PLUS... I have this
wonderful, big, fluffy, warm, fuzzy, INVISIBLE puppy that
lives in my studio. Really, I do. His name is George.
And he LOVES to play hide and seek with children. When you
and your child come to the studio for the session, I'll immediately
tell your child about George, and tell him or her to start
looking for George. It's a wonderful game, and it puts
them at ease right away. You should see a child's eyes light
up when I tell them about this loving soft invisible puppy
that's running around my studio just waiting to be discovered.
Throughout the entire session, if your son or daughter isn't
really "getting into the spirit" of the photography, I'll
tell them I just saw George running through the camera room.
Immediately, their face will light up, and that's when I snap
the photograph.
Okay, just between you and me, there's no such thing as an
invisible dog who plays hide and seek with children. But,
once again, the psychology of capturing your child's unique
personality on film is what this game is all about.
There are variations on this idea, so be sure to ask any photographer
you consider hiring how they work with the children. That
is even MORE important than the type of camera or film they
use!
If
I don't end up being your photographer, make ABSOLUTELY SURE
your photographer does something special to insure your child
will have fun and give you great expressions on film!
URGENT!
MAJOR Myth, Mistake Or Misconception About Your Child's Photography:
"There's
No Rush To Have A Portrait Of Your Child Created Right Now."
Before we continue with the 6 THINGS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER MUST
DO, let's talk about this for a moment. So many people
think they have all the time in the world to have a portrait
of their child created.
But, you know how things are. If you don't pick up the
phone right now, and at least call me to chat about your child's
portrait, you will probably get swamped with other things,
and forget all about it. Then, before you know it, a
year - two years - five years have gone by. How different
will your son or daughter be by then?
You see, time is ticking... and it's never going to stop.
First,
Your Child Takes His or Her First Step. Next, Learns To Ride
A Bike. Later, Gets A Driver's License, then Graduates From
High School, Gets Married and Starts A Family Of His or Her
Own.
These are precious times, and although things will change,
this moment never has to slip from your fingers.
Don't put this off. You know how life is. We put things
off, and before we know it, everything has changed.
If your life is half as crazy as mine is, year after year
you find yourself frustrated at the things you wanted to do,
and never got done. A portrait of your child - as he or she
is right now - is something you deserve.
Plus,
You Will Save 50% By Acting Right Now!
Just suppose you call my studio and chat with me. Just
suppose you decide you would like me to be your child's photographer.
As long as you are one of the first 25 people to call me (for
your FREE chat), I will deduct 50% off the creation of your
child's portraits - NO MATTER WHEN YOU DECIDE TO HAVE THE
PORTRAITS TAKEN WITH ME!
What does that mean? You don't have to actually have the photograph
created immediately - just call me to chat. If, after
that call, you decide you want me to be your photographer,
I'll photograph your child for 50% off my regular fee.
WHAT
SHOULD YOU DO RIGHT THIS SECOND? (and why?)
Pick
up the phone, and call my studio. CLICK
HERE
for the number.
Even
if it's after business hours, still call right now. I've got
an answering machine that is just waiting to cheerfully take
your message, and I'll personally call you back so we can
chat. Just let me know when is a good time to call you
back. Don't worry. I'm not going to try to "pressure"
you at all into working with me. Plus, there's no cost
at all for us just to chat.
When you call, we'll chat briefly about the things you need
to know. I'll tell you a bit about me. I'll answer all
your questions about how to prepare for your child's portrait
- including things I don't have time to put in this letter.
It won't be a long call, but it will be one of the most important
calls you make.
#5
Thing Your Photographer MUST DO:
The Photographer MUST Allow At Least ONE HOUR To Photograph
Your Child!!
This is a biggie. Most photographers (especially the
chain stores) are trying to crank so many sessions through
in a day, they only have a short amount of time to photograph
each subject. Did you know that the average child photographer
spends ONLY 12.5 MINUTES photographing a child?! That's
insane!
Fine children's photography is like a great meal in a fine
restaurant: It CAN'T be rushed. The photographer is like your
personal chef, preparing the meal for you. The photographer
is going to have to "add all the right spices" into the photograph
to make it just right. This takes a bit of patience,
and a lot of focus. If your photographer knows that in 10
to 15 minutes the next client is going to show up, you're
not going to get the attention you deserve.
Now, it may not take the whole hour to photograph your child.
However, I ALWAYS set aside at least one hour for every child
session I book. I've done some sessions that only took about
20 minutes or so to get a number of stunning images, but the
point is - it's vital to leave that much time open.
Don't let your photographer rush through this. Remember,
these are your memories, and it's up to you to make sure your
photographer realizes his or her responsibility to you and
your child.
If
I don't end up being your photographer, make ABSOLUTELY SURE
your photographer spends AT LEAST ONE HOUR creating the perfect
images for you - this cannot be rushed!
#6
Thing Your Photographer MUST DO:
Make Your Child Feel Totally Comfortable By Using A Favorite
Stuffed Animal, Pet, or Toy.
I love this part. You see, this is a two-fold benefit
here. It's going to make your child so much more comfortable,
and at the same time, it's going to add yet another level
of personalization to the final photographs. As you know,
children love familiarity. Nothing can calm them down
like that "security blanket" they love to haul around the
house, or that special beat-up raggedy old stuffed animal
that Grandma gave them on their first birthday, or that cherished
family pet that is like their best friend.
Imagine the wonderful photographs that will come from allowing
your child to play with something that is so special to him
or her. Some of the most emotional and memorable portraits
I've ever created involved a child playing with a toy or a
pet or even a family music box. We've all seen children
almost seem to "slip into another world" when they play with
certain things. Those are the moments I live for, and
those are the moments I'm going to capture for you on film.
If
I don't end up being your photographer, make ABSOLUTELY SURE
your photographer encorporates your child's favorite toy into
the photographs!
Why
Your Child's Portrait Will Become More Valuable To You Than
Anything Else In Your Home:
Do you have a photograph of your child that, if you were running
from your burning home, would be the one thing you save (other
than your family members, of course) on the way out?
I only ask that because I know of a lady whose house was burning,
and on her way out she actually grabbed her photo albums containing
the photographs of her wedding! Can you believe that?
That's how important those photographs were to her.
Do you have a photograph of your child that means that much
to you? Now, I'm not talking about a "snapshot" that
was taken during a family outing on the Fourth Of July. I'm
talking about a wonderful photograph, created by an artistic
photographer, that not only captures your child's true expressions
and personality, but also does so in a way that you'd be proud
to display in your home for the rest of your life.
It's
Not Too Late. This Moment, Right Now, Can Be Held Onto For
The Rest Of Your Life - For You To Share With Family And Friends.
You don't have to make a big decision right now. You don't
have to choose your photographer - you don't even have to
decide that now is the time for your child's portrait.
Just take one small step toward holding onto your child's
happiest moments RIGHT NOW.
Just
Call My Studio, And We'll Chat. And, If You Decide
You Want Me To Create Your Child's Portrait, Save 50% Off
It's Creation. It's All Up To You.
You can call any time. If I don't answer, just leave your
name and number at the beep, and I'll call you back.
If you're thinking of this photograph as a GIFT FOR SOMEONE,
let me know when to call, so when I call back, I call at the
correct time, and don't spoil the surprise!
Once
again, CLICK
HERE
for the direct phone number to my studio.
The
Perfect Portrait Of Your Child Is Only One Phone Call Away...
Make the call now. It will be a call you will be glad
you made for the rest of your life. I look forward to hearing
from you.
Sincerely,
Larry L. Harrington, CPP, Cr. Photog
Certified Professional Photographer
Photographic Craftsman
P.S.
- Remember, call me just to chat, and if you are one of the
first 25 people, and if you choose to have me photograph your
child, you will save 50% off the creation of the images!
You've nothing to lose, and so many great memories to gain.
Call my studio now - no cost, no obligation - CLICK
HERE
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