I’ve been a commercial photographer for my entire career.  Until very recently, I would have never even thought of doing “family portraits”.  Historically, family portraits have been less than creative.  ”Please stand here, and put your hand on Grandma”, you get the point.  Family portraits today are very much like wedding photography was ten or fifteen years ago – formulaic and uninteresting.  Flash forward to today, and wedding photographers now represent some of the most innovative and talent photographers in the profession.  

For me, being a photographer has always been about creating great imagery.  Any professionally compensated opportunity to do what I do for an appreciative client is a good thing, in anybody’s book.  I just celebrated my first anniversary, and being married does change your focus (I don’t see many more projects like The Bed Project in my future).  I’m shooting couples now, and I feel like I’ve got a new insight into what that’s all about.

I’ve recently launched Halper Fine Art, which is a part of my business that caters to couples and families.  I bring my skills and vision (the same vision I bring to my magazine, advertising, celebrity, and music work) to this business.  The tag line is “Your Celebrity Portrait Session”. 

We’ve only just begun, but there is something quite gratifying in capturing and emotion or a relationship, and knowing that your vision will hold an ongoing place in your subject’s lives.

As part of the new business, I’m also working to support those who focus their efforts on the broader human condition.  I’ve been able to donate sessions to a number of charities for them to auction off, and the creative fee from all of the work that comes directly into the studio is donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles.  

 

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