If you're a professional photographer, let's talk.

At every wedding I have attended to create portraits, I've encountered professional commissioned photographers. They do amazing work. Sometimes there's an akward moment -- there I am with my digital SLR, and the photographers are with theirs. "Who are you?" I get asked.

I then go on to explain that I am a portrait artist. Although my portraits are created from photographic sources, they wind up on canvas and are painted. My product isn't a photograph, and I'm not a competitor. It's really apples and oranges. Usually the photographer is intrigued, and I keep the relationship going long after the wedding event.

I realized there was an opportunity at hand: Wedding photographers are artists in their own right. It's a great opportunity for someone like me, who makes portraits, to partner with photographers. It's a win-win-win situation.

Win #1: By offering a unique luxury product to their high-end wedding package, a professional photographer is more competitive. The photographer does what he or she already has been doing, but can compete more. And of course, they make more money by collecting a usage fee. I'm open to negotiation on how you would like to structure your fee by allowing me to use your photographs as the basis for a painting. I think we're both artists; I'm very fair-minded in making sure everyone is well compensated.

Win #2: The recipient of the portraits gets a personalized, truly unique work of art that is interpreted from the photographer's photo. Photographs generally wind up in books on a shelf. A canvas portrait that looks like it's from the Gilded Age is proudly displayed in the home for years. It's a family heirloom that grows in personal value as the years go by.

Win #3: By partnering with photographers, I can concentrate on making portraits and spend less time attending events. Your talents combined with my own open up a whole new world of creative possibilities.

Contact me and let me know about an arrangement that would work for you. I'm am happy to commit to a long-term, equitable professional partnership with photographers. Combining our talents creates more value than we can achieve separately.