Philosophy

Every portrait sitting is done by appointment only; this allows us to give you our undivided attention. This session will last approximately 30 minutes. During your session our portrait artists will do a series of different compositions in front of our background, called the Lord Nelson. This background was specially designed by renowned Hollywood artist Joseph Proscia the Lord Nelson and is a signature of every Kramer Renaissance Portrait. The Lord Nelson was created with careful calculations to render the most beautiful look possible. The dominant yet not overpowering color is blue: The coldest color in the color spectrum. The effect is intentional as the skin tones (being warm) contrast and pull away from the background rendering a three-dimensional look that is unmistakable. Unfortunately, Joseph no longer takes commissions for backgrounds thereby making your portrait even more rare and special.

Our studios are equipped with a custom lighting system to illuminate and flatter our subjects. These lights are designed to provide a very soft source of illumination to bring out the form and shape of the face so as to appear luminous against a dark background known as chiaroscuro. While Caravaggio is credited with first using it for dramatic and emotional impact, chiaroscuro reached its peak in the work of Fans Hals and Rembrandt. Rembrandt was a master of chiaroscuro seeking not just a representation of the features but a hint at the emotional complexity of the sitter's inner thoughts and feelings. You can see aspects of that in artists as wide ranging as Van Gogh, Norman Rockwell, Picasso and now in the studios of Kramer Portraits.

Immediately after the session is completed we will schedule a second appointment for you to come in and order your portraits. The finishing process begins with our artist enhancing the image by softening facial lines and removing any facial blemishes. Once this is complete each portrait is printed for precise color and density to meet our rigid standards. Specific areas of the portrait will be adjusted for exact luminosity. After the photograph is printed, our artist will continue to enhance the portrait with pencils, dyes and oils. Skin tones will be blended, eyes enhanced for color and highlights for maximum impact.

The rich canvas finish of a Kramer Portrait is Unmistakable. We carefully strip the emulsion off each photograph 11 x 14 and larger leaving only an ultra thin layer where the colors and artistry are present. That ultra thin layer is then pressed on beautifully woven artist linen at 180 degree temperature with a pressure of 7000 lbs per square inch making the thin layer achieve a “oneness” with the canvas resulting in a completely natural "true canvas look." We use a McDonald Press which is a prototype and is the only one of its kind in existence in the world today.

Your portraits will take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks to complete from the time you place your order.

The Investment

Pricing on canvas wall portraits range from $18,000 to $1,000. Miniature table top photographic portraits range from 8 x 10 to 5 x 7 with prices ranging from $500 down to $200 based on the quantity.

Prices do not include framing, crating, shipping or sales tax.

Studio Hours:
Tuesday - Friday 10 am to 6 pm
Saturday 10 am to 5 pm