"the word-of-mouth survival guide for BEL AIR parents"
Jonathan Payne Photography
Berkeley, CA 94701
Phone: (510) 333-6676
Hours: call for appt
Services:
Photographers
Review added 4/28/2003
Very flexible in terms of where pictures can be taken (comes to you). We met him in our favorite park and included our dog. Pricing is reasonable, and a bit less than some of the Photographers du jour. Takes pics with digital film instead of traditional
Review added 2/19/2003
I can't say enough good things about Jonathan. I have always wanted to have professional photos taken of my children but wasn't sure how to find the RIGHT photographer. A friend recommended Jonathan and showed me her photos and I was very impressed with them. My ideal photographer was someone who liked to take photographs outdoors and someone who would make my children feel at ease. I definitely got what I was looking for with Jonathan Payne. He prefers to work in natural light or outdoors and was amazing at making my children, Matthew and Julia feel at ease. The result was incredible, natural photos of them. He just let them do what they wanted to do and never once told them to pose or smile. This was the perfect way to get great photos of a 3-1/2 and a 1 year old because as we all know, the minute children are told to do something, they do something else! His website is great (www.photopayne.com) and shows his work as well as describes his style. Last but definitely not least is his professionalism. He was on time to the shoot, returned phone calls promptly and was always accommodating. I can't think of any about Jonathan... Only about doing this survey while my son jumped on my back and almost turned the computer off!! Please excuse any spelling errors! Thanks!
Review added 2/4/2003
Comes to your house. Viewing and selection can be done online. Digital wizardry enables inclusion of good smiles for all kids in one shot. Pictures of your own kids look like they're from a catalog!
Review added 2/3/2003
Great photos, especially as we wanted family photos will all four of us...everyone who has seen them loves them (he also took some great smaller groupings). I think it's not *too* hard to take good photos of little kids, but it can be really difficult to capture a whole family especially when little ones are involved (I have friends with small kids who've been very disappointed with family photos taken by other photographers). I think one key is that Jon took a lot of time (I think he spent an hour with us) and a lot of photos, but he kept it fun and not too "posy" so the kids didn't go nuts. Plus, he seems to be good at capturing just that moment when nobody is sticking their tongue out or the fingers in their noses :) He suggested a local park that worked great and chose a good time of day for the light. And he has his own kids, so he knows how to deal with them. I also personally liked that he had a fairly reasonable sitting fee and no required minimum print order...I hate being forced to buy prints when I don't really like the photos. He got our stuff to us for the holidays in a very timely way. Overall, we were delighted. I suppose some would consider it a con that the photos are pro-quality digital. I honestly can't tell the difference between high-end digital and 35mm, but I know some people swear they can (not with our photos specifically, but in general).
Review added 2/3/2003
Very non-intrusive and extremely patient and kind. Super fast and convenient proofing, ordering and delivery. Excellent quality and timeless!!!! He'e the best.
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