Your Strauss Peyton portrait can be finished in a variety of styles. Different finishes are available so you can choose the best one to compliment your home. Whether your home is traditional, modern or contemporary we can design a family portrait to fit your style and personality.

Peeled Emulsion Canvas Portraits

This style of portraiture is achieved by peeling the emulsion from the photographic paper. Under 55,000 pounds of pressure the image is then bonded to an artist’s canvas. This gives the portrait depth, dimension and a beautiful reflection of light. This type of photographic rendering is designed to carry on the traditions of portrait artists.

Mixed Media Masterworks Portraits

Although we still begin with a camera, this is not a traditional photographic process. These fine art portraits are artistically embellished using a variety of mediums. The combination of a digital rendering, pigment inks, fine art canvas, oils and acrylics creates the richness and depth found in traditional painted portraits. Each piece is handcrafted by our artist and stays true to the likeness of the individuals. The finish is reminiscent of the Old Masters while using today's resources to create a personalized portrait that will be a lasting legacy for your family.

Watercolor Portraits

These portraits are finished on a handmade French watercolor paper. The portraits are painted with a similar technique as the Mixed Media Masterworks portraits but are more reminiscent of an impressionistic style of work.

Black and White Fine Art Portraits

This style of portrait is photographed in the studio and is a study of the face. A layering process is then used to enhance the highlights and shadows in the facial areas bringing the true character out in the subject. Only then is it printed on Fine Art Paper to last a lifetime.

Infused Metal Portraits

Our metal portraits are created using an innovative dye sublimation process. The images are printed directly onto superior aluminum which gives the final piece a beautiful and lasting finish. The metal creates vibrant colors other mediums are unable to produce.

The Holidays are here! They say it is “the most wonderful time of the year” but it can also be the most stressful.

Besides planning big family get togethers, one of the biggest stressors of the holiday season is gift buying. If you have several of those "hard to buy for" friends or family members we have the perfect gift idea for you.

A Strauss Peyton Gift Certificate

5 Reasons Why it is the Perfect Gift:

1. An Unforgettable Experience

From start to finish we have created an experience that is not soon forgotten. Your kids will always remember feeding the fish, playing games in the garden and Mr. Colin's magic tricks. You will always remember the smiles on your children's faces and wrapping up the sitting with a glass of wine at the end of a long week. We meet each family ahead of time for a consultation so the end result is exactly what you've envisioned. To read more about the Strauss Peyton Experience click here.

2. The Ultimate Unique Gift

A Strauss Peyton portrait sitting is a unique gift that cannot be recreated or duplicated. And - who doesn't love a gift they get to enjoy year after year. Whether it's for a baby's first portrait, a family milestone or just because, we guarantee they will love it! And, it won't be returned. Click here to see our clients unique installations.

3. Longevity

Our portraits are designed and crafted to stand the test of time. And, your gift won't end up in a drawer. Strauss Peyton is known as one of the finest portrait studios in the country. We only use the finest canvases and finishes available. To read more about our history click here.

4. An Unexpected Gift

A Strauss Peyton Portrait is a gift they may not know they want until they have it! Often times we forget to slow down and take in the moments as they are happening. A Strauss Peyton Gift Certificate gives a family a chance to take a moment for each other, appreciate one another and capture that in a portrait. To read more about the importance of photographing your family frequently click here.

5. Perfect for Any Age

What more would a new young family want than a gift certificate to photograph their first child? Or a grandparent who would love to have a portrait of their children and grandchildren. There is no time like the present to celebrate your family. To read more about why you should photograph your family today click here. Don't let excuses get in the way.

We guarantee they've never had a portrait experience like this before.

YOUR PLANNING CONFERENCE

During this complimentary appointment in our studio, we will show you samples of our work, discuss your likes and dislikes, talk about clothing selections and look at locations including our outdoor garden. For the client who wants a portrait sitting at their home, or a place special to their family, we will visit the location to determine the best time of day for the sitting.

YOUR PHOTOGRAPHIC SITTING

Since everything has been arranged ahead of time, your portrait sitting will take less than one hour. Colin has all the tools and tricks to help your family feel relaxed and look the most natural. He will ensure that you have plenty of poses and backgrounds to choose from for your final portrait.

YOUR PREVIEW APPOINTMENT

This is the time where we assist you with selecting your images. We believe the experience of viewing your images in the best way possible is critical to making the right decision. We will project your images allowing you to see all of the details of your portraits. Once you have selected your favorite images, we can come to your home and project the portraits where they will be displayed. This can help you visualize how your finished portrait will look in your home.

DELIVERING YOUR PORTRAITS

We can deliver and hang your wall portraits to ensure that they are hung properly and that you are completely satisfied. From start to finish we will be working with you to make sure you receive the portrait you have always envisioned hanging in your home.

THE STRAUSS PEYTON WAY

We care about your family and want you to have an enjoyable experience that you won't soon forget. We are committed to providing you with the highest degree of service, satisfaction and quality available. The end result will be a custom made, handcrafted, work of art, that will mean more to you in ten years than it does today.

You’ve never had a family portrait experience like this before.

A Strauss Peyton Portrait is created to be enjoyed today but also provide a connection to the past. Photographs are the only way to provide a window into the past. Someday your children and grandchildren are going to hope they find you in those photographs. Life is busy and scheduling a family portrait is easy to put off. Often we hear that the "perfect family portrait" will happen once this or that changes but the reality is the best time to photograph your family is today. Your family is perfect today. They are together today and you should not take that for granted.

Having a family portrait where EVERYONE is included will become more important and cherished as the years fly by. Let your entire family enjoy the portrait experience first-hand and we will take care of the rest.

Take a minute to see what our clients say about their Strauss Peyton experience and what their portraits mean to them:

“We remain in awe of Strauss Peyton’s interactive oil portrait which has captured the essence of our family. Through Colin’s visionary approach, a true work of art has been created that will be hung in our family’s homes for generations to come – a priceless heirloom with an incredible story that will be passed along with it – Keeping the Past Present.”

-Bob and Anne Jones

“I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoy our family photos. It is so easy to put off taking them, and before you know it time has gotten away. Brian and I really appreciate the time you spent not only taking our photos, but also helping us select the frames and places to hang them. It was really special to have you come to our new home and start helping us rebuild our photo collection after our fire. These photos have an extra special spot in our hearts, and will forever capture a new chapter in our lives. Thank you so much.”

- The Baker’s

"We have had family portraits done in the past by several very good area photographers and had been pleased with the finished photographs. And then we found Strauss-Peyton Studio.   Last Fall we had our most recent family portrait taken by portrait artist Colin Miller of Strauss-Peyton and all of the members of our family have been THRILLED with the results! Colin and Bobbi Miller are two of the most kind and considerate people we have ever met. From first call to their studio to find a mutually agreeable date for the photo shoot, to our first rescheduling due to weather, to the photo shoot itself in their lovely garden, our experience has been delightful! Colin was patient with our group of 14 (6 under 10), clever in keeping the children’s interest and focus, and creative in choosing a beautiful setting for the photos. Colin also helped us in making our final choices, determining the size portrait that best suited our space, choosing an appropriate frame, and hanging the final portraits when needed.   These finished portraits are proudly displayed in all of our homes. It was a true pleasure to work with Bobbi and Colin!"

- The Cindy and Jack Leonard Family

When your children reflect on their childhood make sure they can find something to remember you by.

What are the best stores to shop at for portrait clothing?

This is a common question we get while planning a family's portrait sitting. And, there is no wrong answer. We encourage families to wear clothing that fits their style and personality. That "go-to" piece in your closet that you grab when going out with friends is a good choice; or the color your wear and everyone says "that looks great on you" is also good. It's important to stick with styles of clothing and colors that make you feel comfortable and the most confident. Most likely you have something in your closet that will work but if you are looking for a new outfit or trying to coordinate your family's outfits there are some local stores you can check out.

For the kids

Vineyard Vines – Plaza Frontenac                                                                            vineyardvines.com

Janie & Jack – Galleria Mall                                                                                      janieandjack.com

J Crew – Galleria Mall & Plaza Frontenac                                                                jcrew.com

Lily Pulitzer - Plaza Frontenac                                                                                  lillypulitzer.com

For Mom

Pure by Jen - Wildwood                                                                                                purebyjen.com

Nordstrom – West County Mall                                                                                  nordstrom.com

Paper Dolls – Kirkwood                                                                                               paperdolls.boutique       

J. Crew – Galleria Mall & Plaza Frontenac                                                                  jcrew.com

LOFT - West County Mall                                                                                            loft.com

Ann Taylor - Plaza Frontenac                                                                                       anntaylor.com

Cha Boutique - Clayton Road                                                                                       shop-cha.com

Lily Pulitzer - Plaza Frontenac                                                                                     lillypulitzer.com

For Dad

Nordstrom - West County Mall                                                                                      nordstrom.com

Mister Guy - Clayton Road                                                                                             misterguymens.com 

Brooks Brothers - Plaza Frontenac                                                                                 brooksbrothers.com

J. Crew - Galleria Mall & Plaza Frontenac                                                                      jcrew.com

Neiman Marcus - Plaza Frontenac                                                                                  neimanmarcus.com

Vineyard Vines – Plaza Frontenac                                                                                   vineyardvines.com

You’ll find some of these stores are a one stop shop for everyone which can make shopping easy. Be sure to showcase each person’s individual style and don't forget the accessories!

For tips and ideas on coordinating clothing and using color palettes, download our Spring/Summer or Fall Clothing Guide. We outline exactly what you need to do to create the perfect blend of clothing for your portrait sitting.