DESIGNER PORTRAITURE
A NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED SEMI-OCCASIONALLY
Who Are Thomas and Bruce??
Thomas and Bruce Join Forces — Two Masters of Photography in One Studio!!
Bruce Belling, son of Thomas and JoAnn Belling, owner of Photography by Bruce in Valley Junction has merged his business with Thomas Photography and we’re having a ball (actually, this took place over 3 years ago, we’re just a little slow getting our newsletter out).
A LITTLE HISTORY—Thirty years ago Thomas and JoAnn opened Thomas Photography in Sherwood Forest and quickly established a reputation for high quality custom portraiture. They photographed high school seniors, family groups, children and weddings with personal service. Almost 13 years ago, their son Bruce started his studio, Photography by Bruce, in Valley Junction and likewise developed a loyal clientele for a very similar type of photography. In fact, Bruce’s style was so nearly the same as his dad’s that it finally dawned on them," why pay for all the overhead of two studios?". So, here we are, enjoying our country location with two photographers holding the degrees of Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman to serve you.
Fine Art Black and White Photography
Thomas Returns to His Roots
Forty years ago, Thomas began in professional photography by apprenticing with a master in the old-fashioned archival black and white process and became very skilled in this technique. As the years went by, the demand for color photography became almost 100% and black and white fell by the way.
Recently, black and white has experienced an increase in popularity.. However, nearly all of the current photos are not ‘real’ black and white. They are made on a resin-coated base, processed in a machine and are NOT archival. In addition they don’t have the beautiful tonal range and quality of the old fashioned "processed by hand" fibre-based archival fine-art papers. As you might guess, these hand-made prints are a bit more pricey than machine prints. Thomas is one of the few in the industry who is truly experienced in the art of hand printing these museum quality fine-art images. He is totally enjoying this return to his roots and producing a product that is unique for our clients.
To "Reintroduce" This Product We Are Planning An Exhibit Of Children And Need A Few "Volunteer" Subjects.
Call 987.1055 For Details
It’s the Millennium!! Time for a Fine Family Portrait.
You are probably sick of hearing about Y2K and the year 2000, etc., but one thing that would be worthwhile is to have Thomas & Bruce design a family portrait for you. You may have suffered through church directory pictures or department store photos and have despaired of ever getting a family portrait you are truly satisfied with. With a special milestone like the turn of the century let us do it right for you. In a pre-planning session we’ll discuss the feeling you would like and the best clothing colors. Then we’ll combine our technique and ability as portraitists to make the very best possible portrait of your family for future generations to enjoy
Have a Special Day With Your Grandchild!
Since Thomas and JoAnn are grandparents to eight "well above average" grandchildren they know how precious these little tykes are. They also have discovered there is no end to buying one toy after another, most of which are soon discarded
Being involved in the purchase of fine portraits of a grandchild’s growing years is a wonderful gift for grandchildren. They will thank you for these images over and over as time goes on.
Why not make a special day for your grandchild? Many of us can remember special things that we did with our grandparents and this could add to their memories of you. Make it a whole day with them—-have the portrait made first while they are fresh and then plan some other activities which they will enjoy.
Give us a call and we can discuss the best ages and give clothing suggestions.
CLIENTS CORNER
Kelsey Johnson and Brandon Aiken’s Engagement Portrait
Kelsey and Brandon are our featured clients this issue with fine-art black and white images of their engagement. We’re showing just one of the set of three archival, fibre-base (see front page) photographs they chose to announce their wedding. They had a collection of three wall portraits matted and framed to present to their parents as a surprise at the rehearsal dinner. Needless to say, the parents were pleased beyond words and will enjoy their presence in their homes for years to come. The couple also had one of the images displayed on an easel at their wedding.
Kelsey and Brandon had always loved black & white photography so when they heard and saw what we were doing with this museum quality fine-art medium it became a "must have" item in their wedding planning.
GRANDCHILDREN’S COMEDY CENTER
Tyler, Wayne and Shari’s oldest, was asked what his dad should get for him when on a business trip to Florida. After some thought, he said "how about my own credit card?"—they may want to watch this one....
Thomas, Bruce and JoAnn All Win National Awards!!
| This image entered by Thomas titled "Strength & Gentleness" earned a National Merit. The parents’ hands with the baby tell a powerful story. Of course, you would also want views of your children’s faces, but images of tiny hands and feet have a strong impact on your memory. |
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Recording your family history is incredibly important. This image made by Bruce is special to him as it is of his four children. It received a National Merit as well as 2nd Place in Regional competition and 1st Place at the State convention. |
| Our trip to Italy in March was the experience of a whole new world in an "Old World" setting. Renaissance was felt in the rolling hillside, food, buildings, museums and in every small town. This print entitled "Aged to Perfection" was created by JoAnn and received the Fuji Masterpiece Award, Heart of America trophy, PPA loan, ASP Traveling Loan, Second Place in Iowa Masters Illustrative category, and was featured as the cover of the Iowa Action magazine. |
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We’re Off To Sunny Atlanta
In July, Thomas, Bruce and JoAnn flew to Atlanta by private plane ( both Thomas and Bruce are avid private pilots with instrument ratings and JoAnn has her student license) They had a great trip and if you remember July, it was just as hot in Iowa as Georgia! They attended the annual National Photography Expo and trade show and enjoyed viewing over 1,000 of the best photographic images in America and drooled over all the new items in the trade show. In addition, Thomas and Bruce are two out of Iowa’s three representatives and did their part in the Professional Photographers of America’s council meeting.
TIME FOR ANOTHER BELLING FAMILY PORTRAIT
We’ve had our family portrait made every five years since we were married and with our 40th anniversary coming up next year we have priceless memories preserved.
From the left—-Bruce , Randi, Tad, Doug and Bryan—Keith, LaGaya and their dog "Kodiak"—Thomas and JoAnn—Wayne, Shari, Tyler, Corbin and Brooke.
Our family has all shared in appreciating your friendship and patronage through the years.
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About Thomas & Bruce Newsletter Map The Portrait Process
Computer Retouching Competition Prints Testimonials
