Many people don't look forward to a photography session. They may have dealt with an inexperienced photographer who didn't know how to put them at ease so their natural expressions could be captured, or a photographer who didn't understand how important lighting and professional retouching are to a great portrait. You'll have the advantage of my years of experience, to show your best side in its best light. You'll have an appointment, so you won't be stressed by waiting in a line. We'll have plenty of time to create an image that you and I can both be proud of.
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I create headshots in my studio in Columbia, MD and on location in Columbia, Ellicott City and the surrounding area. The best headshots are made with a good plan. Many headshots are used for professional web sites with a traditional, simple light colored background. They can be cropped as a tight head and shoulder or have a looser crop for a more relaxed feel.
Your senior portraits can all be taken in our Columbia, MD studio, or it might include studio portraits and outdoor photos. Don't forget to bring any of your favorites, including sports, or dance gear, pets, instruments, books, trophies, even your car, bike or boat! Try to schedule a haircut about 2 weeks before your session so you have a couple of weeks for your hair to fall into place. A dressy outfit, prom dress or outfit for a nice restaurant. For guys, a simple long sleeve, black, button down shirt or sweater and black pants.
I have the experience to know how to handle your favorite old photographs. I will select the best method to use when copying your treasured pieces. Some photos can be scanned, but others need to be photographed with a high resolution camera and filters to bring out as much detail as possible. Restoration work is not done on your original photograph.
Commercial photography can be done in my studio in Columbia, or on location. Sometimes that decision is made just for convenience. Sometimes that decision determines the types of looks and backgrounds that we will able to create. Photographing on location enables us to capture the ambiance of your location.
Reviews (12)
Ai K.
Jun 15, 2022
Debra S.
Oct 04, 2021
I brought an old photo of my mom, who is 93, when she was young. Not only did he do an outstanding job retouching and restoring it, but my mom loved it so much she showed it to the people at the nursing home. Mr. Ferry can tell you that I cried when I saw my beautiful mother. Thank you so much for your expertise and your care given to this project. I am forever grateful. God Bless You! Debbie Snow
Walter W. Leiser
Sep 21, 2021
Barbara Burke
Jul 28, 2021
Grace McKitty
May 02, 2021
Brandon Strong
Apr 11, 2021
Reis McCullough
Apr 03, 2021
It was an absolute pleasure to work with James during a headshot session I needed for my real estate business. Not only was he able to schedule me in very quickly, but he was very generous with his time to make sure that I was completely satisfied with the pictures that were being taken during the sitting. We also shared stories from our previous careers in the Army Field Band, which was fun. Thank you James for the wonderful experience, and hopefully I'll be seeing you again for some family photos!
Maureen C.
Apr 03, 2021
Jamie Hadaway
Mar 21, 2021
Amazing & unbelievable photo restoration! FAR exceeded expectations! I took my grandfather's WWII army troop picture from 1942 to James Ferry in which the photo was in VERY bad shape with tears throughout, fold marks, faded and even two of the men in the troop were missing from a large rip. What he did is absolutely incredible and I can't believe it's real.
I feel like the only way for this to have came out so well is if he went back in time to 1942 at the photo printing lab and asked for an extra print of the photo and brought back to 2020 but with better color saturation. I can't believe it! It is so good and can't wait to frame! Fantastic work and is so meaningful to my family and I. Preserving history as well. HIGHLY recommend!
I feel like the only way for this to have came out so well is if he went back in time to 1942 at the photo printing lab and asked for an extra print of the photo and brought back to 2020 but with better color saturation. I can't believe it! It is so good and can't wait to frame! Fantastic work and is so meaningful to my family and I. Preserving history as well. HIGHLY recommend!
Ruth Zlotowitz
Feb 17, 2021
I have acquired two large oval photos, both over 100 years old, of my grandmother and my great-grandfather. The photos were in poor condition, frames and glass broken, edges torn. I took them to James Ferry to inquire about restoration, and he was extremely helpful. He was knowledgeable about the techniques of the era, how I could obtain the convex glass used at the time, and guided me in making choices to avoid pitfalls.
The restored photos are wonderful, and he was extremely pleasant and friendly. There are many lovely and artistic portraits hanging on the walls of his studio, so I would highly recommend him to anyone who is considering using his services.
The restored photos are wonderful, and he was extremely pleasant and friendly. There are many lovely and artistic portraits hanging on the walls of his studio, so I would highly recommend him to anyone who is considering using his services.
Sarah Prunier Law
Dec 13, 2018
Judy R.
Mar 27, 2014
Mr. Ferry recently completed a set of beautiful family photographs for us. He somehow managed to get everyone (ages 6 months to 75 years) looking their best! All parts of the process.from scheduling to the sitting to picking up the finished product.went smoothly. The only problem was choosing just a few photos from the many wonderful shots he took. And you will not find a more pleasant original person to work with. We recommend him highly!