Campbell Salgado Studio

Contact Us | FAQ | Press Room

Portrait Planning

What’s the first step?
Well, if you’ve already seen our portfolio, the only thing left to do is contact us and set up a complimentary Portrait Planning Session.
What is a Portrait Planning Session?
With each new client, we are building a relationship. It is important to us that our studio is a perfect match for your aesthetic style and personality. By meeting, we are better able to tailor your session to your wishes, and exceed your expectations. At this appointment, you’ll learn about all the unique services we offer and see a slide presentation geared towards photography that interests you. Portrait planning is free, and even if the timing is not right, you’ll have met a new friend in Sellwood.
How do I schedule a session?
Sessions are scheduled during or after your portrait planning appointment. We offer a limited number of photo sessions each week; your sitting fee reserves your session. This sitting fee is non-refundable, but should you be unable to attend your session and provide 72 hours notice, we will issue a transferrable gift certificate for you or a friend.

Products and Services

How are Vignettes™ and Original Portraits™ sessions different?
The difference is in the experience and the final product.
Vignettes is designed to capture moments you and your family enjoy at home: relaxing in the front yard, cavorting in the playroom, cuddling in bed for story time, or snacking in the kitchen. We come to you with equipment and an idea for a story to be told with images. Prints are generally bound in our custom-designed photo-books. Original Portraits takes a more familiar approach here in our photo studio: great images of you and your family set in one of our unique environments, resulting in traditional, matted and framed photographic prints.
What is the Signature Series?
Original Portraits™ Signature Series represents a refined, professional experience in traditional portraiture: acclaimed photographers, rich service, and abundant choices. This includes multiple background, clothing and pose changes. The session will produce at least 65 images for your multimedia presentation. Saturday scheduling available.
What is a Light session?
Original Portraits™ Light forgoes the traditional treatment of our premium offerings in favor of a moderately priced, abbreviated session. It’s simple: one background, a couple favorite groupings, and about 30 minutes of time. We’ll create a multimedia presentation of our 30 favorite images for you to view. Available Wednesday – Friday.
What is the Associates Edition?
Original Portraits™ Associates Edition is equivalent to our Signature Series, but run by an associate photographer and often focusing on unique themes from pet portraits to boudoir photography. You get all the same treatment: multiple background, clothing and poses. Associate photographers will produce around 65 images for your multimedia presentation. Appointments are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only.
What is Session of the Month?
Each month we dream up a special theme that might match characteristics of you or your family. If you or someone you know fits the bill, we’ll hand out a ticket to the Campbell Salgado experience at a special price, and for a limited time. For example, the theme could be “Five Years with Glasses.” If you have a bespectacled five-year old kiddie, you’re in. Check our homepage often so you don’t miss it.

Clothing Recommendations

How should we dress for our family portrait?
With family photography we recommend that you choose simple, textured apparel that reflect your personality. For example: jeans, layered hand knits, corduroy, and wraps with a loose weave. Choose clothes that are flattering to your figure. Avoid clothes with strong patterns, logos or high-contrast stripes. See our gallery of clothing ideas.
Can we changes clothes during the photo session?
Original Portraits™ Signature Series & Associates Edition sessions include several clothing changes. Original Portraits™ Light sessions do not include any clothing changes, but we can help select ideal clothing for your portrait upon arrival.
What should we bring for our baby?
We photograph many naked little ones for baby photography sessions and recommend bringing a cozy blanket and extra diapers. In addition, bring a well-fitting favorite outfit or a simple onesie. Clothes that have texture, like cable-knit sweaters, smocking, corduroy, buttons, ribbons, ruffles, appliqués and embroidery will photograph really well in baby portraits.
What colors of clothes photograph the best?
Shades of browns and blues work well in our outdoor portrait garden. For black and white photography we prefer medium-dark colors like purple, blue, green, red, brown. Black clothing has a very dramatic and artistic look, if you choose black be sure to bring one other outfit in another color. To see how different colors translate in black and white photography visit our gallery.
What can you suggest for nude or belly maternity portraits?
We recommend wearing loose fitting items on the day of your nude or maternity photography appointment session: dresses without undergarments on, items without elastic support, etc. Bras, panties and waistbands leave marks on the skin that take an hour to disappear, and avoiding these saves retouching fees in the finished portrait.

Hair, Makeup, Glasses

Do you have hair suggestions?
Schedule haircuts and salon visits up to three weeks before your photo session. You want to be comfortable with your style. We’ve found hair worn down will be more flattering than hair worn up. But if you love your hair up, bring what you need to style it at your session and inform your photographer.
I wear glasses, do I need to remove them for photos?
We are most successful minimizing eye glass glare for sessions that take place inside our photo studio. If you wear glasses outdoors, there is often reflections which require complex retouch charges to fix. If you are very partial to your glasses, you may want to consider having your optician remove the lenses before your session or lend you a pair of frames without lenses in them.
How should I do my make-up?
As a general rule, monochromatic (sepiatone, black and white) photography is different than color. With color photography, wear natural day makeup. For black and white or browntone photography, everything will be in shades of gray or brown, so plan as if you were going out for the evening: a little heavier than your normal day makeup. Even for those who don’t wear makeup, we recommend lipstick or mascara for definition. Wear bare or light colored nail polish; in black & white photography red nails will look black.
Should I go to a stylist?
You are welcome to see a professional stylist before the session, but please be assured you are comfortable with the results. We will not do retakes for bad hair days.

Scheduling and Miscellaneous

How long does the photo session last?
Original Portraits™ Signature Series & Associates Edition sessions typically last between 45 minutes to an hour. We schedule extra feeding and soothing time for newborn photos. Original Portraits™ Light photo sessions last 30 minutes. If you are late, please know that it will shorten your session time accordingly.
How do I prepare my child for the session?
Make sure your child is fed, well rested and ready to have a good time. It’s a good idea to tell small children they are going to “play” at the studio. We want them to feel comfortable and at ease in the space and with the folks behind the camera.
How will the photographers get a natural smile from my child?
We are looking to capture a range of your child’s expressions, from natural smiles to serious looks. Please refrain from telling your child to “say cheese,” and avoid punishment for misbehavior. We can use a little disorder and hyperactivity during children’s photography to our advantage.
What do we expect from the parents during the session?
We prefer to work as a team. You know your child better than we do. As you prepare for your portrait photography session, notice what you do or say that garners great reactions. Hug and kiss your kids, laugh out loud, and strike a festive mood. We’ll ask you to look at the camera when the timing is right, but for the most part ignore the camera.
We have some ideas of our own. Can we try them?
You bet! Come prepared with any props your idea may require, and let us know what you’re thinking. We are always up for trying new things. Think of your kids favorite toys, special books, or bring fresh flowers for your photo studio session. These could be valuable in making children feel comfortable, and the photography experience personal.
Who is welcome at the sessions?
Many families prefer the sessions to focus on immediate family. But aunts, uncles and grandparents can be a wonderful addition to your family’s portraits, and make great helpers for small children during the session. If there will be six or more in attendance, please let us know beforehand so that we can accommodate everyone.

Pricing, Gift Certificates, and Financing

What sort of discounts and specials do you offer?
Each month we offer a special Session of the Month, or discounted session which centers around a theme: kid’s photography, pregnancy photography, etc. You can find the current session of the month on our homepage. Additionally, we recommend following us on twitter and fanning us on facebook, where you just might discover special offers and happenings around the studio.
How is the Session of the Month discounted?
Savings are often $100 off regular prices making Original Portraits™ Signature Series sessions $99, Associates Edition sessions $79 and Original Portraits™ Light sessions only $49.
How much do you cost?
With Original Portraits™ products, session fees range between $149-$199 and packages start between $426 – $596. The Vignettes™ Storybook fee is $398 within the greater Portland metro area, and includes a custom book starting at approximately $1500. We also have an in-home Vignettes™ portrait option for $298, with packages starting at $689. Allie or Leah will happily share more details with you about Original Portraits™ and Vignettes™.
Do you offer Payment Plans?
We do! When you place your order, you have the option to set up payment terms, in up to three installments. We will secure your order by credit card, and you may pick up your order after the final payment has been received. Our Baby’s First Year Collection can be spread over 12 payments during the course of the program.
Do you offer gift certificates?
We certainly do. You can choose between purchasing a session with a certain number of photographs or for a written dollar amount.

Ordering

What is the order process like?
At this appointment, you will get to settle in and watch a professionally designed slideshow. This presentation will be an emotional experience, after which you will be able to select the images you would like to order for your home, office, friends and family. Before this review, it’s strongly recommended that you consider two to three spaces at home that would be ideal for photographs. This will make your ordering experience so much easier.
Will we get contact sheets or proofs?
Actually neither. Instead, you’ll participate in an exciting and fun process by viewing and selecting portraits during a multi-media presentation. We do not offer proofs or contact sheets for ordering in our photo studio but do include a contact sheet of your favorites along with your finished order for reference.
How long should we schedule for the ordering process?
Folks viewing Original Portraits™ Signature Series & Associates Edition sessions generally take about 90 minutes to complete an order. Original Portraits™ Light photo sessions usually take around 60 minutes in length.
Who should attend the order appointment?
All decision-makers should be at this appointment. We can tell you it is quite convenient to avoid additional appointments for the sake of getting a second opinion.
Should we bring the kids?
Babes in arms are always welcome. When your baby starts crawling and exploring, it becomes a much more challenging experience to focus and make decisions. Keep in mind that you will be in a darkened room for up to two hours, which is not always a lot of fun for kids.
What if we can’t finalize our decision?
This is a common fear, but we feel you’ll be surprised. Our photo coordinators will use your responses, opinions and excitement to narrow down your favorite images quickly. Sample arrangements and sizes help you make conclusions. And if absolutely necessary, we will be happy to schedule a second appointment for you.
What is in-home design consultation?
In-home design is useful in determining suitable areas in your home to create wall layouts, or to get another perspective on how to decorate your home with our fine art portraits. There is a $100 charge for this service, which will be waived on orders over $2,000. This may be done prior to or after your review appointment based on your photo coordinator’s availability.
What if I need to make a change to my order?
We’ll accept changes to your custom order within twenty-four hours of placing it. After that, your order will be in process and we will be unable to make changes.
What is a complimentary framing consultation?
If you haven’t already selected our gallery-style black wood frames for your professional photography portraits consider coming when your order is ready for pick up to view them with our beautiful custom frame selections. This appointment typically lasts about thirty minutes. Artistic style, convenience and a wide selection of photographic framing choices are a few of the reasons our clients choose to frame with us. We hope you will too!
What about this risk-free, 100% satisfaction guarantee?
Our entire team wants you to be super-pleased – in fact, absolutely delighted – with every photograph we do. So every portrait comes with our iron-clad, risk-free guarantee. What does that mean? Simply this: If you aren’t happy with the quality of your portrait, we’ll redo it for free. We guarantee our work because nothing is more important than your complete and total satisfaction.
Do you ever schedule evening order appointments?
Yes, our latest appointment is 5:30 pm and we encourage you to please factor in traffic and travel time. If you are running 10-15 minutes late, please call to let us know. If you will be later than that we may need to reschedule.

Photographic Style & Aesthetic

What style of photography do you do?
Campbell Salgado Studio is best known for classic black and white photography and sepia-tone fine-art prints, and more recently, its unique color treatments. Our clients commonly describe our work as natural, intimate, and candid. Most of all, the imagery we capture represents what is most true about your character. Kim and Francisco each have their own style, but both are nurturing coaches, capable of directing a photo session to meet the client’s expectations.
Do you do color photography?
We do! In the summer of 2006, we began offering clients rich, vibrant, color portraits in the renowned and unique Campbell Salgado style. We’ve even built an exclusive, one-of-a-kind outdoor photo studio that makes color an irresistible option. This option is weather dependent, however.
What can I expect in the final print?
Throughout every stage in our production process, each image will undergo an established process of retouching and treatment, incorporating special requests by the client. Every image is carefully screened and enhanced by our talented digital artist, Kelly. In the output process, each print is scrutinized by highly experienced printers and then again by your photographer. Every print is approved by Kim or Francisco. The result is a high quality print finished to our exacting standards of professional photography.

Online / Studio Operations

Who will be my photographer?
As a general rule, Francisco photographs Thursday & Saturdays, and Kim photographs on Fridays. Associate photographers are available at select times throughout the week. Occasional scheduling conflicts may arise in which your preferred photographer is unavailable. But, we’ll make every effort to be flexible or otherwise inform you of alternatives that fit your schedule.
What are your hours?
We are open to schedule photo sessions Thursday, Friday, and Saturday between 10am and 5pm. Our front office is open for appointments between 10am and 5pm Tuesday through Saturday.
Do you accept walk-ins?
We have created an environment that allows us to give each client our full attention. If you wish to speak with us about our products and services, please contact us to make an appointment.
Do you do weddings?
We don’t photograph on location for weddings, but occassionaly clients wish to be photographed at our studio in full wedding attire. We are happy to recommend talented wedding photographers in the Portland area.
We need to reschedule, what’s your policy?
If for any reason you are unable to make your scheduled appointments please call us at 503.736.3040 to reschedule with 72 hours advance notice to avoid a $50 rescheduling fee.
Can we bring our pet to our photo session?
You bet. We just appreciate knowing ahead of time so we can fill the water bowl and dig out our lint rollers. Kindly consult your photographer about the timing of introducing your furry kid into the family photography.
What is a Sneak Peek?
Sneak Peeks are samples of our work from recent photo sessions, along with a sprinkle of memorable thoughts from the experience. They allow curious clients an advance look at their session, and you insight into our relationship with other clients.
Who writes the blog content?
The content for Sneak Peeks and our blog come mostly from principal photographers Kim Campbell and Francisco Salgado, with occasional contributions from the whole team.
How do I get a custom avatar?
Many of our portrait packages include a photo for using with social media networks like Twitter and Facebook. Another neat thing we do is give away avatars for connecting with us online. Here’s how it works
Can I use my new avatar anywhere?
As long as you don’t alter the image in any way and leave our logo intact you can use it on any social networking site, or email it friends and family. It may not be used for commercial purposes without our permission.
Can I scan or reproduce my portraits on my own?
Yes, if you purchase a limited copyright release from us. Prices start at $250 per image for personal usage. Otherwise, federal law protects copyrighted images created by photographers as the owners of the images. Read more on Kodak’s site for a more detailed explanation of copyright ownership.

Photographers and Equipment

What equipment do you use?
In the studio, we use professional grade Canon EOS digital cameras (1Ds, 5D, 5D Mark II), Lexar and Sandisk Extreme/Professional digital media, and Elinchrom studio lighting. In the production department, our artists use high-end Apple-based workstations with loads of RAM. Output of finished print products is done with the refined, fine-art giclée printing process using carefully controlled archival ink sets and papers.

Philanthropy

I’m procuring auction items for a non-profit organization, could you donate something?
We support a number of worthy causes in our community. To request a donation item please send us your ‘donor form’ with a cover letter to
Auction Requests
c/o Campbell Salgado Studio
8107 SE 16th Avenue
Portland, OR 97202
How can we benefit from photography for our non-profit organization?
Each year Kim and Francisco select a couple worthy projects for which they donate time and professional photography. Examples include the Children’s Heart Foundation and Street Yoga. To discuss your idea with our principal photographers, send your request through our contact us form.

What our Clients Say

"Everything was fabulous. Beginning to end, it was a great experience!"

Jen & Bill K. - Portland, OR

"The options were great. This was our third session with CS studios and it just keeps getting more impressive."

Susan V. - Portland, OR

"I was very impressed start to finish. I couldn't have imagined how comfortable I would be with the portrait session."

Kate A. - Portland, OR

"The session was our most enjoyable date ever. We were able to celebrate the new life coming into the world, and each other, in a way that was intimate and fun."

Dee K. - Longview, WA

"Your portraits capture the expressions which convey the happiness, love and beauty of our family."

Collin S. - Tigard, OR

"Wonderful! Our seven-week old daughter screamed almost the whole time, and we still had gorgeous pictures to choose from."

Marne N. - Portland, OR

"Larry brought home the accordion book and I honestly cannot stop staring at the photographs. They are absolutely amazing."

Erica L. - Vancouver, B.C.

"In these pictures, I see the beginnings of the deepest love that unites and bonds our precious family."

Joanna F. - Portland, OR

"My husband and I had a photo session when I was 8 months pregnant. Francisco put us at ease right away. I was huge and felt absolutely beautiful. Many thanks!"

Dee K. - Longview, WA

"I had a feeling that they would be good, but they have exceeded all of my expectations."

Erica L. - Vancouver, B.C.

"Your ability to capture the essence of our daugher amazes us. Thank you so much for the opportunity."

Susan V. - Portland, OR

"Photos -- especially portraits -- are portals to the past. They tell us this is where I came from, this is where I was for one moment, years ago"

Bill R. - Portland, OR