intimate, timeless portraits that honor loved ONES
celebrate your people.
we’ll craft the prints.
WHY WE’RE DIFFERENT
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the red chair
We were given this family heirloom chair from my wife’s family, breakfast memories at Grandma Muffin’s house included. I started to capture natural photos of my family every year in it and I wanted to be able to do that for other families. It’s not about looking perfect or fancy—it’s about just being a real person with all of the magic that entails. No suit, tie or makeover needed. Getting to focus in on each person, giving them their time to shine, is such an honor.
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Black and White
My purpose is to focus in on each person’s true personality, without the distraction of color. Showcasing both the shared and the specific details in a way that can create a cohesive and timeless body of portraits of multiple people over years and generations.
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Printed
Because we are involved from the click of the shutter to the final check of the museum-quality print, we are able to deliver a finished product exactly the way we envisioned. Different printing labs create drastically different results: we are crafting prints worth keeping, holding, and treasuring for generations.
Hi I’m Peter
I started Heirloom Portraits to document my boys each year, but also to document the people who make up their world. I wanted to take pictures that weren’t just obligatory, but that captured real personalities. I have seen too many portraits that just lack life. Most of us don’t feel comfortable with a camera in our faces. We don’t like how we look because we’ve been conditioned to “say cheese”, and pose in front of the camera. Literally: “don’t be who you are, get it together and look good.” There is an art to getting people to feel at ease and like themselves with a camera right in front of them—we’ve spent the last 13 years honing in on that specific skill because we love pictures that show you who someone really is.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYINg
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"captured the souls of my boys"
“Brittain and I are not happy campers in front of the camera, but after the first few shots it was easy to forget the agenda. I'm so happy to have both the silly and the happy, but I treasure the shots that captured the souls of my boys in their more thoughtful candid-feeling forms.” -Bethany
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"Our photos from our session with Peter are pure gold"
“Peter’s combination of simple intimate studio, that quirky red stool, and of course his own genius directing is pure magic. My son and husband are difficult to draw out and capture genuine “them” expressions in photos. Somehow Peter knew just what to say to get them to relax and be themselves. Our photos from our session with Peter are pure gold, and I know I will be giving them a special place on our wall for years to come.” -Hannah
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"blown away by the results”
“Peter has a way of capturing the true essence of a person. I avoid the camera like the plague because all the photos I have of myself look awkward and forced. Peter was amazing at directing me and helping me feel confident and I was blown away by the results.” -John
Give the gift of an Heirloom session
Frequently Asked Questions
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The number one rule is wear you. What do you look like on most days? Asking a loved one is very helpful. Textured things photograph amazing in black and white. Stay away from all red. If you’re unsure, bring a few different options and I am happy to help.
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First of all, I’m thrilled you’re even considering this! I’m honored whenever I get to photograph someone in this intimate way, and do not take that trust lightly. We have spent the last 13 years doing portraits and weddings, working with people who don’t feel comfortable being photographed. My mission is always to make the process something that makes you feel respected and comfortable, not awkward and exposed.
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We don’t advertise it but yes, for $10/per photo we can make you a colored version.
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Yes! Not everyone can make it to our home studio. Typically, anywhere within 20 miles of Gladstone we can travel to for an additional l$100. We will need at least a 8ft X 10ft cleared area where we can get it mostly dark in order to use our studio lights. Are you farther than 20 miles? Contact us for a custom quote.
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We often do family smash sessions where we cram you all in if you're able to come at the same time, we also love doing couples together. However, these are primarily intended to spend most of our time trying to capture you or your loved one in an honest and beautiful portrait.
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Yes! These are very striking portraits and stand out when used as a professional head shot.