"Holding On To What Really Matters..."

If Your Family Is the Most Important Thing in the World to You...
If You Want a Memory You Will Cherish Forever...
If You Realize How Quickly Things Can Change...
This Information Will Be Priceless to You.

Your family is changing so fast, isn't it? Your children (and yes, they will be your "children" even when they've married and have children of their own) are growing up, and becoming more like adults every day. Don't you wish you could just "freeze time" and hold these special moments forever?

We Can Stop the Clock. The Relationships We Have in This Moment Are the Most Valuable Thing We Own.

Last year was kind of a rough one for Trish and me. I was diagnosed with cancer last June. We were blessed that we discovered it when we did. Two surgeries and two months of radiation and chemo, and the doctors seem to think they got it all. The prognosis was good from the start, so I never really worried about it. Besides, God had been teaching me some things about trusting Him, and I saw the situation as a major opportunity (and challenge) to apply what I'd learned. However, at Christmas, with all our family together sharing the holiday, it finally hit me that had things gone just a little differently, they could easily have been gathering without me. I felt like I had really dodged a bullet. I felt truly thankful just to be alive and to watch my children and their families relate to one another.

I became a photographer because of one thing - relationships! This past year has deepened the awareness of how precious those relationships are - not just for me, but for those around me, including you. I'm hearing from a lot of moms that more and more their hearts are turning toward their home and family. As the world seems to be demanding more and more attention, as our family time is being threatened by our crazy busy schedules, as Hollywood and politicians attempt to shift our emphasis away from our spouses and children...

There is an urgency to protect precious memories. There is an urgency to hang on to time and values that are slipping further and further away from our culture.

There is a passion, an inner yearning, if you will, to shift our hearts back home!

But, if you're like most parents, you feel like you are swimming alone against the tide that is pushing further and further away from our most precious asset, our family.

So, I've prepared this web article:
"How You Can Capture Your Most Valuable Asset and Hold On To It Forever!"
If You Are Just Looking For a "Snapshot" For Facebook or a Brag Book...
...please read no further.
I apologize for wasting your time. If however, you are a woman who is in the small percentage who is really looking for something truly amazing, creative, and beautiful - if you want your family portrait to "speak" to you - if you want to capture the sensitive emotions and feelings of this moment in your family's life - if you want to get chills each time you glance at the portrait, and if you want to be truly proud of the portrait and its vision and design, then you will find this website very interesting and helpful.

Throughout This Website You'll See Families in the OKCity Metro Area Who Have Had Their Lives Forever Enriched By the Lasting Memories of Family Portraits---
---But There Were Things Even They Didn't Know When They Started Looking For a Photographer...

"There is just something special about Carr Portrait Art. Every picture that we have had taken has captured exactly what emotions are being felt. I continually take moments to reflect when looking at the collection. Thanks to Rick and Elise, I will always be able gaze at my father and remember the love we shared." - Kim Brown, Newcastle, OK;
( Kim has had us create portraits of her children on a couple of occasions. However, this image was special, in that her dad had cancer and was not expected to live much longer. He passed away about a month later.)

If you're at all like most of the families on this website, you probably haven't given a lot of thought to having a family portrait created. Don't worry - that's pretty normal. You've got a lot of things going on in your life. Life is busier and crazier now more than ever, and family life in particular seems to be happening at an ever-accelerating pace.

5 Myths, Mistakes, and Misconceptions About Having a Family Portrait Created - the Stuff 99% of All People in the World Don't Know:

Are you still reading? Congratulations, you are well on your way to preserving your memories and celebrating your valued relationships. By reading this far, you must at least be considering having a portrait of your family 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 you and your loved ones step in front of any camera. By the time you finish reading this website, you will know everything you need to know about how to have the perfect family portrait created - the one you will cherish forever!

You may feel that having a family portrait done is going to be a lot of work on your part. Well, it isn't! In fact, that could almost be one of the "myths or mistakes" right there. As long as you know the information on this site, it won't be any work at all on your part.

...So, let's jump right in!

WRONG - Depending on who creates your family portrait, that is. Just suppose you had a family 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 I am the only photographer in the Tri-City Area, and maybe the whole Oklahoma City Metro area to offer the following guarantee:

CHECK THIS OUT - A Guarantee Unlike Any You've Ever Heard:
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 CHARGE, I will photograph you again, and make sure that anything that wasn't perfect is fixed, without your 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! You don't pay for your photographs unless you love them beyond expression!

If Your Family Doesn't Look the Happiest & Best They've Ever Looked Together in These Photographs - If You're Not Happy When You Look At Them - You Don't Pay Me For Them.

That's my guarantee and personal promise to you. As far as I know, there's no other photographer around that will make you this super guarantee. These photographs will be completely meaningless to you unless they convey the real emotions and relationships between you and your loved ones. That's the only real reason to have a family portrait created.

So, if for ANY REASON you feel that the photographs I create for you are anything less than perfect, you don't pay me for them. It's that simple.

Obviously, I'm totally confident that the portrait I create of you and your family 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 you burning home. This is not arrogance. I can't stand arrogance. No, this is simply a complete belief in my abilities to capture natural, real emotions and family relationships in camera unlike anyone else. That's what I've devoted my life to, and that's why I can't wait to photograph your family for you.

So, To Restate, Here's My Fantastic DOUBLE GUARANTEE:
If you are not THRILLED with your photographs - if you are dissatisfied for ANY reason at all, we will do two things for you:

1st - at NO CHARGE, we will photograph your family again, and make sure that anything that wasn't perfect is fixed, without you paying another cent.

2nd - If we are absolutely unable to thrill you - if we're unable to create a photograph that you feel you will cherish forever, we will refund EVERY PENNY you invested in them. You don't pay for your photographs unless you love them beyond expression!

If we don't end up being your photographers, make ABSOLUTELY SURE your photographer offers this strong of a guarantee. If they are good, they should back up their work by taking all the risk off you.

#2 Myth, Mistake or Misconception:
"All Family Portraits Are Created Equal."

NOT-SO-MUCH! In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. If you're at all like most people, you've probably had this question going through your mind: "How do I choose the right photographer, and does it really matter?" In fact, you may even have thought of someone in your family - an uncle, a grandparent, even a friend - who is a bit of an amateur photographer. Why not just have that person create the photograph of your family?

Question: "Just Suppose Someone Were To Create The Perfect Family Portrait - One Where You and Your Loved Ones 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 and relationships. They are and always will be priceless. So, why would you ever want to gamble with those memories? Should you trust something so valuable to someone who's recently bought a "great camera" and decided he or she is now a professional, or seek out an experienced, certified professional? It's really just a question of whether you believe a portrait of your family 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. (I'm certainly glad my doctor last year was the best ENT/neck surgery specialist in the area - I was told maybe even in the country). It's the same with your family's memories. You can certainly find a cheaper photographer in town. But a portrait is not just a piece of paper with a picture on it, and 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.

We pride ourselves on becoming family friends of the families we photograph. We've even had some clients invite us to special occasions for their families. 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 left a successful sales career with a major Christian recording company to become a photographer. I would be making a nice income with good benefits and retirement plan had I stayed in that field.

But I CHOSE to become a professional family photographer. Why did I make that career choice? Because I realized that all the money in the world meant nothing to me if I didn't feel like I was making a difference. Relationships are important. My relationship with my family, and you with yours. To be able to capture those relationships and encourage and support them through beautiful, artistic portraits is my heart's desire.

I Realized That Relationships Are Priceless - That There Was No More Noble or Wonderful Profession Than to Become a "Relationographer."
I didn't become a photographer just because I liked to "take pictures." Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the "art" of photography, but that's NOT the reason I first picked up a camera. My dad was a good amateur photographer. It was one of his hobbies. He took a lot of pictures of our birthdays and Christmases. However, as a child, my entire time growing up, I can't remember a single professional photograph being taken of my parents and brother and me together. Maybe that's why it didn't occur to me to pursue photography as a career straight out of college. It took me several years in another career to realize the true value of professional photographs. I traveled long hours on a job for over 10 years and cherished the photographs of my wife and children when I was away from home.

So, after many years in jobs that kept me away from home and community, I decided to pursue a career that would allow me to be more involved in my family, my church and my community. My love for photography gave me a direction, but the value I'd come to place on portraits of my own family influenced the approach I've taken. Early in my career, I made it a point to create portraits of our family (my wife and children and me). I cherish those photographs - they mean the world to me. I can't even imagine what it would be like not to have these photographs on the walls of our home and of my office. I look at them every single day - they are among my most prized possessions.

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 do 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.

Don't Make The Decision To Have A Photograph Created That Is Second Best. These Are Your Cherished Memories. These Are Your Family Relationships.

There is no cost, and no obligation, to just chat with us, and it will make the whole difference as to how great your portraits will look. Simply call us at 405-392-3929 or toll free at 866-203-5577, just to chat.

Don't worry. We're not going to try to "sell you" on working with us. We're already very busy, and we don't need to pressure anyone to work with us as photographers. We'll just talk with you about your portraits, and help you discover what your photographs could be like.

If you decided to have us create your portraits - great. If not, no problem.

#3 Myth, Mistake or Misconception:
"Family Portraits Have to Be Created in a Professional Studio - And They Have to Look Boring."

If you're like most people, when you think of a PROFESSIONAL family portrait, you think of all of you gathered in front of a "painted background" in a photography studio, posed unnaturally, and all saying "cheese" as the photographer snaps the picture. Now, is that something any family will cherish for a lifetime? I think not. Yes, it may capture the whole family together, but it will never capture your family relationships - your family's love.

Picture instead: All of you gathered in your favorite room in your house. Or outside on the new deck you just had built. Or in your backyard by the pine trees that give your yard so much character. All of you are dressed in clothes the photographer helped you choose - clothing that conveys your individual personalities, but still looks great together.

Well, that's what makes all the difference, and that's what we'll do for you.

And This Is SO Important: All Of You Feel Totally Comfortable In Front Of The Camera!

Do you know ANYONE who feels totally comfortable in front of a camera? I'll bet you don't - they're pretty rare! Nearly everyone I've ever met tells me the same thing: "I never look natural in pictures." The last thing you want is a photograph where you or your family members have that fake "posed" look on your face.

That's why it's so important that you feel very natural and comfortable with your photographer. Just think of how great your family would look if your best friend was creating the photograph. They would all look so natural and happy! We take pride in developing close relationships with all our clients, and their entire family.

Plus, we understand the "psychology" of photography. Without a good understanding and application of the techniques of photography, a "fun" picture is just a snapshot. Learning the technical aspects - what lenses to use and how to use them for the best effect, what lighting looks best, how clothing adds and subtracts weight on film - all of those things are important, but were only the tip of the iceberg. Without being able to make each and every one of your family members look and feel comfortable (and natural) on film, all those technical things would amount to nothing.

You'll NEVER hear me utter the words, "say cheese."
That's a surefire way of getting expressions that look totally fake and unnatural. No - a great photographer knows that, in order to get a great expression from a subject, you need to know that subject a bit - to know what will make them smile naturally. That's what we do, and we love it! We will get to know your whole family so well, and they will feel so comfortable with us, that their expressions will be perfect every time.

#4 Myth, Mistake or Misconception:
"There's No One to Help Me Make Choices About Clothing, Hair, Makeup, Location, etc..."

Okay, normally you would be right thinking that. However, we pride ourselves on being different. We're going to help you with all those things!

Our Years of Experience Photographing Families - Yours FREE - Without Any Obligation.
Okay, by now you are probably considering having a family portrait created. You may even be considering choosing us as your photographers - but I don't want you to make that decision just yet.

Did you know that choosing the WRONG clothing to wear in a photograph can make up to a 44 pound difference in how you appear on camera? Did you know that professional actors and models don't even know what to wear in a photograph? They have professional stylists and art directors to help them with that. One of the things that we introduced FREE with all of our sessions is a complete planning session - a design consultation.

No matter who creates your photographs for you, you need to make some decisions. What clothing should your family wear? Where should this photograph be created? How heavy should the makeup be on the ladies in the photograph? There are a number of things to think about, and we will walk you through all of them personally.

You have to look your BEST in your photographs, and your family has to look their best, too. Again, if we are talking about your valuable memories here, there is no room for error!

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO RIGHT THIS SECOND? (and why?)
Pick up the phone and call our office. The number is 405-392-3929.

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 us. 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 a family portrait. It won't be a long call, but it will be one of the most important calls you make.

#5 Myth, Mistake or Misconception:
"There's No Rush to Have a Family Portrait Created Right Now."

You know how things are. If you don't pick up the phone right now, and at least call me to chat about your family 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 family be 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 Drivers License. Graduates From High School. Gets Married. Starts A Family Of His Or Her Own.
And it really seems to go by that quickly. 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 family portrait 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 photographer. As long as you are one of the first 17 people to call me (for your FREE chat) before September 30th, 2010, I will send you a 50% OFF certificate in the mail that will allow you to deduct 50% off the creation of your family portrait! AND, we'll also take 10% off your portrait order.

What does that mean? All you do is call me to chat. I'll answer all your questions about family photography. I'll send you your 50% off certificate. If you decide to have your family portrait created by me, you may use this certificate to save 50% off the creation of your images! It's that simple!

Why Your Family Portrait Will Become More Valuable to You Than Anything Else in Your Home:

Do you have a photograph of your family 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?

Now, I'm not talking about a "snapshot" that was taken during a family outing on the 4th of July. I'm talking about a wonderful photograph, created by a certified professional photographer, that not only captures you family's true bonds and relationships, but also does so in a way that you'd be proud to display openly 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 family portrait. Just take one small step toward holding onto your family's happiest moments RIGHT NOW.

Just Call My Studio, And We'll Chat. And, Remember, If You Decide You Want Me to create Your Family Portrait, Save 50% OFF Its Creation! It's All Up to You.

Once again, you can call any time at 405-392-3929. If that is long distance for you, call toll free a 1-866-203-5577. 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 family photograph as a GIFT FOR SOMEONE, let me know, so when I call back, I only ask for you, and don't spoil the surprise!

The Perfect Family Portrait 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,

Rick Carr, CPP
Elise Breeding, CPP

P.S. Remember, call me just to chat, and if you're one of the first 11 to call before July 10th, I will send you a CERTIFICATE FOR 50% OFF the creation of your family portraits! There's no cost, and no obligation for this chat. And if you do decide to use us for your portraits, we'll also take 10% off your portrait order.

P.P.S. Your family portraits shouldn't be trusted to any photographer who doesn't realize the responsibility it is to make sure these portraits are perfect. These are your memories - don't trust them to just anyone. You've nothing to lose, and so many great memories to gain. Call our studio now - no cost, no obligation - 405-392-3929!

What makes Carr Portrait Art unique? We take time to plan your portrait session.  The first step to creating quality portraiture is planning.  We take a unique approach to creating your family's portraits.  When you come to our gallery, we will schedule and plan your portrait session at the location that will best capture and communicate your family's story and interests.* We specialize in location portraiture.  Choose a location that's special to your family -- a family homestead, an area park, a place of business, the lake, the mountains.  (If your favorite place is Hawaii, next time you go, take me along - it may be more affordable than hiring someone there, and a lot easier to order your family portraits when you get back!!) Yes, we also have a studio.  We also have our own exclusive outdoor portrait park.  You may want to choose either one of these as the "location" for your portrait. It is our goal to create a portrait that will be a beautiful work of art to grace the walls of your home, and at the same time reflect and reinforce your values - a constant reminder of the love you share as a family. After your session, your portraits are printed by our lab according to our specific instructions.  The portrait is then turned over to a talented artist for basic retouch - all Carr Portrait Art portraits receive minor retouching of blemishes, softening of facial lines, and minimal finishing art as needed - and sealed with a photographic lacquer coating.  All wall portraits will receive additional enhancement as needed for the most artistic and elegant expression.  Wall portraits are then mounted on heavy artboard and sealed with a photographic lacquer coating and framed. Our photography is guaranteed. We want you to be thrilled with your portraits. If you aren't, we will retake your session making the necessary adjustments to get you the portraits you want, or we will refund your money - no risk to you, no hard feelings!!

*Why plan your session ahead of time?

• Besides planning a location to more effectively tell your family's story, a planning consultation allows us to meet your family ahead of time. This will put them more at ease when we meet to create your portraits - this is especially true of small children, high school seniors, and sometimes husbands.
• The planning session also allows us to talk about the style of portrait you desire - such as casual, formal, traditional.
• We can talk about your home decor and what color clothing and backgrounds in the portrait would accent the look of your home.
• The planning session allows us to discuss any props you may want to include in your portrait that will help tell your story.
• By getting to know you better, and talking about what's important to you, we can come into the session with better ideas for posing.
• If we are going on location, it is often good to give us a chance to see the location ahead of time so we know what to expect with lighting and background.

Now is the time to call and schedule your next family portrait.

405-392-3929