There are many questions regarding the term Certified Professional Photographer and the legitimacy of what the title entails. According to the Professional Photographic Certification Commission, the organization’s mission is “to acknowledge and validate a consistent standard by which professional photographers can achieve and maintain a recognizable mark of excellence” and candidates hold this certification in the highest regard.

In order to receive this certification, professional photographers must undergo a process comprised of three parts. Individuals must first declare their candidacy for certification and then they are allotted three years to complete the two remaining portions: a written examination assessing their knowledge of photography and a presentation of their finest work before a panel of judges.   

The dedication required for this credential not only demonstrates a certified professional photographer’s expertise in this field, but also his professionalism and incredible artistic quality exemplified in his work.

As a Certified Professional Photographer, Steven Ashmore understands the significance of these credentials and the great expectations associated with the title. First certified as a CPP in November 1989, Steven consistently obtains his re-certification every five years and continues to further his education in the art of photography by annually attending workshops at the Georgia School of Professional Photographers and accompanying the Professional Photographers of North Carolina to the East Coast School Photographic Workshops. As an eager student, Steven never satisfies his love of learning in the art of photography and he often travels to a myriad of additional workshops and seminars. His passion is exhibited every time he begins a session in the studio and the quality of his work continues to vividly illustrate the immeasurable interest and talent he has for photography

More about Portraits by Steven:

Portraits by Steven is the area's premier studio for newborn, maternity, and family portraits.  Fayetteville's only Certified Professional Photographer, Steven is also an energetic, devoted, and passionate person who truly loves what he does.  Steven believes that his clients deserve only the very best, and is committed to making certain their portraits reflect the finest artistic quality.  Steven and his staff are dedicated to providing an exceptional level of client service in a friendly, family-like atmosphere.  Steven looks forward to getting to know you and learning about your portrait needs as the first step toward a long-lasting photographer-client relationship.  It is Steven’s goal to be your only choice for professional photography throughout the years.  Once you become a part of the Portraits by Steven family, you will surely feel the same! 

Portraits by Steven is your Fayetteville photographer, Hope Mills photographer, Lumberton photographer, Elizabethtown photographer, Southern Pines photographer, Pinehurst photographer, Whispering Pines photographer, and Sanford photographer.

Marvel may have Captain America and Iron Man, but neither of these heroes can compare to Captain J, Portraits by Steven’s very own caped crusader. Soaring over skyscrapers and eliminating crime, he is just the superhero the city of Fayetteville needs; however, his superhero powers exist only through the lens of Steven Ashmore’s camera.

In preparation for this portrait, Steven met with Captain J’s mother to discuss her thoughts of the setting and costume. As a long time client, she enjoyed taking the children to portrait sessions during phases or special events in their lives. For this particular session, she explained that her son was fascinated by superheroes and she recently purchased a blue cape for him personalized with a lightning bolt and a red “J.” Her desire was to capture this wonderful phase of his childhood and trusting Steven’s vision, she allowed him the creative freedom to pursue the portrait as he imagined for this family. The final result was creativity at its best.  

Dressed in his cape, our little superhero jumped from box to box as he surveyed the buildings below. The cityscape created by Steven greatly resembled a scene found in a comic book and multiple graduated images were then arranged and added to make it appear as though the child was flying through the air.

Captain J was a delight to work with, but it was the relationship with his mother that made the photography session most enjoyable. Chosen as the photographer for her bridal portrait, the staff at Portraits by Steven accompanied this mother and her family through a majority of the significant and meaningful events in their lives. From maternity and newborn sessions to portraits of her daughter in a ballet costume or her son hitting a home run in the photography studio, they had the pleasure of being a part of this family’s life and watching the children grow up. This mother’s willingness to contribute her own ideas to personalize the portrait and to trust Steven’s vision and gift for creativity allowed him the freedom to produce a portrait that was unique. Relationships like these with clients are the heart of Portraits by Steven and our desire is to become a part of your family as we strive to capture those special moments for you. 

More about Portraits by Steven:

Portraits by Steven is the area's premier studio for newborn, maternity, and family portraits.  Fayetteville's only Certified Professional Photographer, Steven is also an energetic, devoted, and passionate person who truly loves what he does.  Steven believes that his clients deserve only the very best, and is committed to making certain their portraits reflect the finest artistic quality.  Steven and his staff are dedicated to providing an exceptional level of client service in a friendly, family-like atmosphere.  Steven looks forward to getting to know you and learning about your portrait needs as the first step toward a long-lasting photographer-client relationship.  It is Steven’s goal to be your only choice for professional photography throughout the years.  Once you become a part of the Portraits by Steven family, you will surely feel the same! 

Portraits by Steven is your Fayetteville photographer, Hope Mills photographer, Lumberton photographer, Elizabethtown photographer, Southern Pines photographer, Pinehurst photographer, Whispering Pines photographer, and Sanford photographer.

   Portraits by Steven has offered a Children’s Portrait Club for many years and Steven was actually the first photographer in the Fayetteville area to institute such a plan.  The benefits to participating in the Children’s Portrait Club are exceptional!  Once families are enlisted in the Children’s Portrait Club, all subsequent sessions and orders will receive reduced rates for creation fees and portrait prices.  Participants of the Children’s Portrait Club also enjoy additional benefits, including bonus prints with a minimum order and an annual family session with no creation fee.

The session guidelines for the Children’s Portrait Club require that your child be photographed at three, six, nine, and twelve months of age.  At no time in your child’s life will changes occur so rapidly than they do during the first year and early childhood years that follow.  In what seems like the blink of an eye, a tiny helpless bundle is transformed into an active, robust, and inquisitive youngster.  Capture those precious moments!

Steven suggests a child be photographed every three months from 12 months to 24 months of age, but only requires two sessions during the child’s second year, at 18 months and again at 24 months of age.  After two years of age, a session should be scheduled at least once a year to remain on the Children’s Portrait Club and to receive its benefits.

 Many psychologists who specialize in early childhood development believe that children who see their own images displayed throughout the home grow up with a feeling of well-being and self-confidence.  Portraits on display, they agree, serve to make a child feel loved and valued.  And when mom and dad appear in the portrait, the child is reminded of the meaningful place he or she enjoys within the family. 

What better way to demonstrate how you feel about your child than to decorate your home with portraits created at important milestones?

Baby’s first years are also the perfect time for your first family portrait or to capture the young family – including older siblings and even grandparents – or to create the ultimate heirloom:  a multi-generational portrait.

Capturing those special moments with your newborn is a priceless experience and at Portraits by Steven, we value the importance of making a photography session as relaxing as possible for each of our clients; especially new mothers. We understand that it is not always convenient for families with infants to travel to the studio and we invite mothers to take the opportunity to have their newborn sessions in their own home.

Creating a portrait in your home is an intimate and personal setting for you and your newest bundle of joy, and much like a studio session, it can be as formal or casual as you envision. Infants, particularly premature newborns, are more comfortable during home photography sessions because they are in a familiar, loving environment. As a result, this calm atmosphere produces photographs that best depict the baby’s personality and charm.

Although your home may not have the equipment or props typically seen in a photography studio, Steven is a master of lighting, including studio light, natural light and window light. As an artist, he is able to produce a wonderful work of art from the décor, setting and original props in your own home. There is no compromise on quality or additional fees for this service and the result beautifully captures your family in its most loving setting.

Personalize Your Portraits

            Including personal props in your portrait session is the best opportunity to take an active role during your photography session and the possibilities are endless.  At Portraits by Steven, clients are encouraged to bring items that enhance not only the personality of the portrait, but the life of it as well.  If you have a particular interest or hobby such as playing the violin or dancing, bring your musical instrument or ballet shoes to the session.  Perhaps there is an antique toy or an item of clothing that has significant value and holds special memories that would be perfect to personalize your upcoming family or baby photography session.  Props bring you and your family’s story to life and provide a greater depth to your portraits.

            But not all props are required to be inanimate!  Many clients arrive at the studio with more than one companion and at times, at least one of them is furry.  Pets frequently accompany clients as more than an animal.  They are beloved family members whose character also adds a personal touch to your portrait.

            Ultimately, our goal at Portraits by Steven is to create portraiture as unique as the individuals we photograph and bringing your personal items adds a great deal of intimacy to any photograph as long as the individual remains the primary focus.  Often, too many props detract from the subject of the portrait and possibly cause the image to appear cluttered.  Be selective with your props and choose what you believe illustrates a personal statement about you.

             If you are unsure of how to best incorporate your prop into your portrait, simply ask Steven’s advice.  He will use his knowledge and talent to make your portrait truly original and your studio experience pleasant by involving you in every aspect of the designing process.  Steven has a pre-session consultation with each client to discuss the details of the session and to insure that you will receive the completed portrait that you envision and desire.

            Steven’s ultimate goal is to produce a portrait that is a true reflection of your unique personality and relationships.  The result will be a work of art that you can display in your home with pride, knowing that you were involved in creating a lasting family treasure.