My name is Charlie Seymour Jr, and capturing wonderful family memories is what I've devoted my life to. 

1. Children before they grow up and you forget how they look at this age. 

2. Your parents before the paintbrush of time changes how you want to remember them. 

3. Your spouse while that smile or twinkle in the eye is what made you fall in love all the time back. 

4. Yourself, so when your children are YOUR age, they will remember how you look now, and remember that gentle touch of your of that unique sense of humor.

   I'm a professional family photographer, but more than that, I'm just like you... I'm a family person.

We Can Stop The Clock. Memories Are The Most Valuable Thing We Own.

   Can you relate to this at all? I wake up every morning and wonder where the time is going. Do you ever do that? Have you noticed that, the older you and your children get, the faster time seems to fly? I'm very lucky - I get to see my grown-up daughters Stacie and Liz on a semi-regular basis. Liz goes to college in the area but Stacie is in Salem, MA and that can be quite a drive. But there's one thing I regret...

I Would Give Just About ANYTHING IN THE WORLD To Have A Fine Family Portrait Of Liz, Stacie, My Wife Pam, And Me...

   This is going to be hard to believe. I'm a professional photographer and I never had a family photograph created of my family when my children were still living at home. It wasn't until Stacie had moved away that we had a professional photograph of the four of us together taken.

   What I wouldn't give to be able to go back in time, and capture those fleeting moments. That's one of the reasons I became a professional photographer - I want to help other families hold on to their family memories forever, and never regret not having a family portrait done.

Throughout This Page You'll See And Hear From Families In the Philadelphia Area Who Have Had Their Lives Forever Enriched By the Lasting Memories Of Family Portraits --- 

--- But There Were Things Even They Didn't Know When They Started Looking For A Photographer...

   If you're at all like most of the families on this website, you probably haven't given a lot of thought to having a family portrait created.  Don't worry - that's pretty normal.  You've got a lot of things going on in your life. Life is busier and crazier than ever in this new millennium, and family life in particular seems to be happening at an ever-accelerating pace.

Here's what some of my
clients are saying about me...

If you already know that you want to chat, simply CLICK HERE to find out how to contact me by email and phone, just to chat. 

5 Myths, Mistakes, And Misconceptions About Having A Family Portrait Created - The Stuff 99% Of All People In The World Don't Know:

   By visiting my website, you must at least be considering having a portrait of your family created. Well, that's great - you will probably never make a decision that will bring you more lasting joy.  However, there are some things you NEED to know before you and your loved ones step in front of any camera. By the time you finish reading this single page, you will know everything you need to know about how to have the perfect family portrait created - the one you will cherish forever!

   You may feel that having a family portrait done is going to be a lot of work on your part. Well, it isn't!  In fact, that could almost be one of the "myths or mistakes" right there. As long as you know the information on this site, it won't be any work at all on your part.

                                                             ....So, let's jump right in!

#1 Myth, Mistake Or Misconception:
"There's No Way To GUARANTEE I Will Love My Family Portraits."

   WRONG! Depending on who creates your family portrait, that is.  Just suppose you had a family portrait created, and your son or daughter didn't look natural in it.  The photograph was "ok," but it didn't turn out spectacular.  Should you have to pay for it?  ABSOLUTELY NOT! I believe strongly that no one should ever have to pay for a photograph that isn't PERFECT. That's why I am the only photographer in our area  to offer the following guarantee:

CHECK THIS OUT - A Guarantee Unlike Any You've Ever Heard:

If Your Family Doesn't Look The Happiest & Best They've Ever Looked Together In These Photographs - If You Don't Cry Tears of Joy When You Look At Them - You Don't Pay Me For Them.

   That's my guarantee and personal promise to you. As far as I know, there's no other photographer around that will make you this super guarantee. These photographs will be completely meaningless to you unless they convey the real emotions and relationships between you and your loved ones. That's the only real reason to have a family portrait created.

   So, if FOR ANY REASON you feel that the photographs I create for you are anything less than perfect - if you don't actually cry when I show them to you for the first time - you don't pay me for them. It's that simple.

     Obviously, I'm totally confident that the portraits I create of you and your family will be well beyond anything you imagine.  I believe completely that these photographs will become your most prized possessions - that, if your house were on fire, you would grab them on the way out of your burning home.  This is not arrogance. I can't stand arrogance. No, this is a complete belief in my abilities to capture natural, real emotions and family relationships on film unlike anyone else.  That's what I've devoted my life to, and that's why I can't wait to photograph your family for you.

So, To Restate, Here's My Fantastic DOUBLE GUARANTEE:

If you are not THRILLED with your photographs - if you are dissatisfied for ANY reason at all - I will do two things for you:

     1st - At NO CHARGE, I will photograph your family again, and make sure that anything that wasn't perfect is fixed, without you paying another cent.

     2nd - If I am absolutely unable to thrill you - if I'm unable to create a photograph that you feel you will cherish forever, I will refund EVERY PENNY you invested in them.  You don't pay for your photographs unless you love them beyond expression!

     If I don't end up being your photographer, make ABSOLUTELY SURE your photographer offers this strong of a guarantee. If they are good, they should back up their work by taking all the risk off of you.

#2 Myth, Mistake Or Misconception:
"All Family Portraits Are Created Equal."

     INCORRECT.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  If you're at all like most people, you've probably had this question going through your mind:  "How do I choose the right photographer?" In fact, you may even have thought of someone in your family - an uncle, a grandparent, even a friend - who is a bit of an amateur photographer.  Why not just have that person create the photograph of your family?

    Question: "Just Suppose Someone Were To Create The Perfect Family Portrait - One Where You And Your Loved Ones Looked Better Than Ever, Happier Than Ever - A Portrait That Meant The World To You - What Would That Be Worth?"

   No price tag can be put on your family's memories. They are and always will be priceless.  So, why would you ever want to gamble with those memories?  It's just a question of whether you believe a portrait of your family could really mean that much to you.

   If you were sick and had to go to a doctor, would you want the "cheapest" doctor, or the best one?  Well, there's really no question. It's the same thing with your family's memories.  You can certainly find a cheaper photographer in town.  But there are other things to consider than just price...

The Photographer You Choose Should Care About YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR MEMORIES, Not Just About "Making A Buck" Off You.

   I pride myself on becoming a family friend of every family I photograph. I've even had some clients invite me to their houses for birthday parties and such. You see, I didn't get into photography to get rich.  Believe me, there are better (and easier) ways to make a fast buck.  I actually went to college to study economics and music and graduate school to receive an MBA. I could be making a WHOLE lot of money if I'd stayed in business or real estate sales.

   But I CHOSE to become a professional family photographer.  Why did I make that career choice? Because I finally realized that all the money in the world meant nothing to me if I didn't feel like I was making a difference. 

I Realized That Memories Were Priceless - That There Was No More Noble Or Wonderful Profession Than To Become A "Memory Giver." Those Special Life Moments Are Precious.

   I didn't become a photographer because I liked to take pictures. Don't get me wrong, I do like the "art" of photography, but that's NOT the reason I first picked up a camera. As a child, my mother and father didn't have many photographs taken. 

   My entire time growing up, I can't remember a single photograph being taken of the three of us together except perhaps in a vacation snapshot. And I don't think my two sisters and I were ever in an image with our parents. But recently I created a portrait of my dad to be proudly displayed on a local theatre's Wall of Honor where his accomplishments will be remembered forever. I cherish that photograph - it means the world to me. And I look forward to creating images of my parents to keep forever.

   But as my parents age, I wish more and more that I had taken the time to create a loving memory of them as they had been, frozen in time when all of us were younger.

I Only Wish I Had A Photograph Of All Three Of Us Together.  That Would Be One Of The Most Priceless Things I Own.

   Time is the one thing that none of us has enough of. It's the one thing that money can't buy.  It's the one thing that we all would give just about anything for.  Through photography, we can hold on to the moments in our lives that we wish could last forever.  And, if it's done correctly, these same photographs can become works of art that we display in our homes for everyone to see and share.

Don't Make The Decision As To Who Will Photograph Your Family Until You Chat With Me. There Are Things You'll Want To Ask The Photographers...

There's no cost, and no obligation to just chat with me, and it will make the whole difference as to how great your portraits will look.  Simply CLICK HERE to find out how to contact me by email and phone, just to chat. 

   Don't worry. I'm not going to try to "sell you" on working with me. I'm already very busy, and I don't need to pressure anyone to work with me as a photographer. I'll just talk to you about your portraits, and help you discover what your photographs could be like. 

   If you decide to have me create your portraits - great.  If not, no problem.

The Smith Family: A Three Generation Story-In-Portraits Charles Seymour, Jr., Photographer    Who knows what the next phone call will bring?    Little did I know that the simple request to chat about Family Portraits would turn out to be the beginning of a warm, emotional story of love in three generations.      Nancy Smith, the Jamison ( Bucks County), PA mother and grandmother, asked to arrange a Christmas-break photography session at the home of her daughter, Kimber. Kimber's family and Nancy's son, Aaron and his family, would be there.               But why me?  What had Nancy seen on my web site to get her to call me?     "As I looked through the web sites of children's photographers, yours caught my eye for a number of reasons. First the pictures I saw seemed to catch the personalities of the children and had a unique perspective I didn't see in the work of many other photographers I looked at.      "I also liked that fact that while you obviously took your work seriously, you didn't seem to take yourself too seriously. You seemed to have a playful personality that would quickly put children at ease. These traits were confirmed as I spoke with you."             And then she said something that told me she was the right person for me!  Click This Link To Read The Full Story! What started with a few words on the phone resulted in deeply touching memories on canvas.   Memories the Smith Family will have forever.

#3 Myth, Mistake Or Misconception:
"Family Portraits Have To Be Created In A Professional Studio - And They Have To Look Stiff and Boring."

   If you're like most people, when you think of a PROFESSIONAL family portrait, you think of all of you gathered in front of a "painted background" in a photography studio or area mall, posed unnaturally, and all saying "cheese" as the photographer snaps the picture.  Now, is that something any family will cherish for a lifetime?  I think not.  Yes, it may capture the whole family together, but it will never capture your family relationships - your family's love.

   Imagine instead: All of you gathered in your favorite room in your home.  Or outside on the new deck you just had built. Or in your backyard by the pine trees that give your yard so much character.  All of you are dressed in clothes the photographer helped you choose - clothing that conveys your individual personalities, but still looks great together. 

   Well, that's what makes all the difference, and that's what I will do for you.

And This is SO Important:  All Of You Feel Totally Comfortable In Front Of The Camera!

   Do you know ANYONE who feels totally comfortable in front of a camera? I'll bet you don't. Nearly everyone I've ever met tells me the same thing: "I never look natural in pictures."  The last thing you want is a photograph where you or your family members have that fake "posed" look on your face.

   That's why it's so important that you feel very natural and comfortable with your photographer. Just think of how great your family would look if your best friend was creating the photograph.  They would all look so happy and natural! I take pride in developing very close relationships with all my clients, and their entire family. 

   Plus, I understand the "psychology" of photography.  Learning the technical aspects - what lenses to use, what lighting looks best, how clothing adds and subtracts weight in images - all of those things were only the tip of the iceberg.  Without being able to make each and every one of your family members look and feel comfortable (and natural) in our photography, all those technical things would amount to nothing.

You'll NEVER hear me utter the words "say cheese."

   That's a surefire way of getting expressions that look totally fake and unnatural. No - a great photographer knows that, in order to get a great expression from a subject, you need to get to know that subject a bit - to know what will make them smile naturally.  That's what I do, and I love it!  I will get to know your whole family so well, and they will feel so comfortable with me, that their expressions will be perfect every time.

   The key thing with posing is that you look honestly natural. The families I photograph tell me all the time how great their photographs look from a point of view of being natural. They say things like this: "It's like I just sat down naturally by myself! That's exactly how I sit! I can't believe it! How'd you know that?" And you see, that's what "guiding" will do for your portraits, too!

   And most of the time you will do what is most natural for you with little 
coaching from me. That reminds me of a Family Portrait I created for a 
Wallingford family a few weeks ago. When I suggested that the children pose
themselves in and around a beautiful tree, they actually climbed the tree!
Now I would NEVER have suggested that they do that, but the pose was totally
natural and the image was so beautiful.

   We're talking about where your arm is in the portrait. And if your hand is 
in the portrait, does it look natural? How do you hold your body and what 
works best for you? And so many families don't realize this when they're 
calling around to different photographers. They have no idea how important 
this is.

Two Stories
You Don't Want To Miss...

"The way your eyes "see" through a camera's lens, create a vision, then capture and share it with the rest of us mortals, well - I doubt that even the powerful Gandalf could match that wizardry!"  CLICK ON PHOTOGRAPH TO SEE LARGER VERSION Dear Charlie,    Let me thank you for the amazing pictures you took of Bethany. I use the word amazing because with your camera, you are able to create moods, attitudes, and characters, just like a Pulitzer winning author, or a Tony awarded director.    First and most important, you were able to capture the true essence of Bethany, so that someone who knows her is able to look at her picture and smile inwardly, just because they see in that picture the gentle, kind, and fun-loving person that she is. Now, for most people that is more than enough: to be able to capture them as they really are.    But Bethany, like so many others you know, is involved in artistic pursuits, and she must be able to illustrate that she can portray other characters than  just herself. THIS IS WHERE "AMAZING" COMES IN!      Her grandmother was looking at the pictures, and when she saw one of them, she said, "Gee, that's not Bethany!" "EXACTLY the point," I replied. You created and then captured so many different characters and moods through your lens which opened a multitude of possibilities for Bethany - so many more than any ordinary headshot could even begin to convey. Sultry, sexy, shy, sweet, soft are some of the auras seen in her pictures, and that's using only one letter of the alphabet.    I cannot say it enough. The way your eyes "see" through a camera's lens, create a vision, then capture and share it with the rest of us mortals, well - I doubt that even the powerful Gandalf could match that wizardry!     Thanks again Charlie. This little hobbit is glad she knows you.  - - Cate Paxson, Upper Darby, PA   "These Pictures Have Not Only Captured Our Hearts, But Touch The Hearts Of Those Whom We Share Them With."   CLICK ON PHOTOGRAPH TO SEE LARGER VERSION    "We are really excited about the finished wall portraits, Charlie - we told the gang on the cruise all about them.     Everyone who sees them comments on how beautiful they are and in fact, my one sister actually cried when she received her copy. We have already decided where they will all go. I'm calling the electrician today to install an outlet for a portrait light for where we want to put the "staircase" one.     You should be rightfully proud of your tremendous talent, your attention to detail, and the gorgeous finished products that you produce. These pictures have not only captured our hearts, but touch the hearts of those whom we share them with.     Please show them (and this testimonial) with our blessing and our thanks - we would be honored for you to (and that goes for Noah and Sophie, too!).     We will be very proud to spread your name around to all who may be interested in having photography work done. Your work speaks for itself and will be something that we'll always treasure!"  - - Ed Emmi, Wilmington , DE

#4 Myth, Mistake Or Misconception:
"There's No One To Help Me Make Choices About Clothing, Hair, Makeup, Location, etc..."

   Okay, normally you would be right thinking that. However, I pride myself in being different. I'm going to help you with all of those things, WHETHER I'M YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER OR NOT!

My Years Of Experience Photographing Families: Yours FREE - Without Any Obligation.

   Okay, by now you are probably considering having a family portrait created. You may even be considering choosing me as your photographer - but I don't want you to make that decision just yet.

   No matter who creates your photographs for you, you will need to make some decisions. What clothing should your family wear? Where should this photograph be created? How heavy should the makeup be on the ladies in the photograph? There are a number of things to think about, and I will walk you through all of them personally.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO RIGHT THIS SECOND?  (and why?)

Click here to find my email address or phone number. Then email me right away or pick up the phone, and call my studio. CLICK HERE for the information.

    One of the stories I want to share with you is so new, I don't want to put it here on my site. It's a story about a woman and man celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in the midst of their grown children and grandchildren.

    It's a story of joy and happiness, love and emotions, years of sharing... and then it was over. The family portraits I created for their anniversary were presented on Wednesday, and by Saturday he was in the hospital, never to regain conscientiousness. His last moment came quickly.

    It's happy and it's sad... it's full of emotions and tenderness... and it's a lesson for all of us about how quickly life can come to an end. For THIS family, they have very recent portraits of Mom and Dad together... but what if they hadn't? What if their children and grandchildren had NO images to turn to in their grief and tears?

    Can you relate to this?

    I don't want to go into more details here out of respect for this family, but if you ask me, I will share the entire story with you, tears and all. But as I've said, sometimes we just don't get a second chance.

   Even if it's after business hours, still call right now. I've got an answering machine that is just waiting to cheerfully take your message, and I'll personally call you back so we can chat.  Just let me know when is a good time to call you back. Don't worry, I'm not going to try to "pressure" you at all into working with me.  Plus, there's no cost at all for us just to chat.

   When you call, we'll chat briefly about the things you need to know. I'll tell you a bit about me. I'll answer all your questions about how to prepare for a family portrait. It won't be a long call, but it will be one of the most important calls you make.

#5 Myth, Mistake Or Misconception:
"There's No Rush To Have A Family Portrait Created Right Now."

   You know how things are. If you don't pick up the phone right now, and at least call me to chat about your family portrait, you will probably get swamped with other things, and forget all about it.  Then, before you know it, a year - two years - five years have gone by. How different will your family be then?

   You see, time is ticking.... and it's never going to stop.

First, Your Child Takes His or Her First Step. Next, Learns To Ride A Bike. Later, Gets A Driver's License.  Is Graduated From High School. Gets Married.  Starts A Family Of His or Her Own.

   These are precious times, and although things will change, this moment never has to slip from your fingers. 

   Don't put this off.  You know how life is. We put things off, and before we know it, everything has changed. If your life is half as crazy as mine is, year after year you find yourself frustrated at the things you wanted to do, and never got done.  A family portrait is something you deserve.

Plus, You Will Save 50% By Acting Right Now! Call by 

   Just suppose you call my studio and chat with me. Just suppose you decide you would like me to be your photographer.  As long as you are one of the first 7 PEOPLE to call me (for your FREE chat) and call within the next 3 days, I will credit you with 50% off the creation of your family portrait! 

   What does that mean? All you do is call me to chat. I'll answer all your questions about family photography. If you decide to have your family portrait created by me, you save 50% off the creation of your images!  It's that simple!

"A Family Story - How A Woman's Love For Her Family Caused Her To Save One Family Memento As She Ran From Her Burning Home..."

CLICK HERE to read this TRUE story and much more - it still brings a tear to my eye, and it truly shows how much your portraits can mean to you... And there are two additional stories about love and family which are so meaningful, I felt I should share them with you.

   Life is so terribly short. But, at the same time, life is such a wonderful gift.  And the memories we keep of these moments with our family will last forever.

Why Your Family Portrait Will Become More Valuable To You Than Anything Else In Your Home:

   Do you have a photograph of your family that, if you were running from your burning home, would be the one thing you save (other than your family members, of course) on the way out?

   Now, I'm not talking about a "snapshot" that was taken during a family outing on the Fourth of July.  I'm talking about a wonderful photograph, created by a professional photographer, that not only captures your family's true bonds and relationships, but also does so in a way that you'd be proud to display openly in your home for the rest of your life.

It's Not Too Late. This Moment, Right Now, Can Be Held Onto For The Rest Of Your Life - For You To Share With Family And Friends.   

    But I must say right now that  time is taking away so many of our precious memories, isn't it? What did you have for lunch last Wednesday? What was your favorite birthday gift last year? When you were 12, what was your favorite dinner, that special meal that made you feel so warm and loved?

    And time is filling up my calendar much too quickly. Though I want to save space on my calendar to be with your family, save precious moments for you, stop the clock from stealing you most important memories, I can't if I'm overloaded with work.

I guess too many people are asking me to work with them and I want to help everyone, but I can't. 

    I have to become much more selective so that I can share my time and talents with just the most important people in my life, people like you who share a family love that demands: Demands to be seen as something special these days. Demands to be shared with friends and family. And demands to be remembered for generations to come. 

Just Call My Studio, And We'll Chat. And, Remember, If You Decide You Want Me To Create Your Family Portrait, Save 50% Off Its Creation.  It's All Up To You.

   You don't have to make a big decision right now. You don't have to choose your photographer - you don't even have to decide that now is the time for your family portrait. Just take one small step toward holding onto your family's happiest moments RIGHT NOW.

Once again, CLICK HERE for my studio email address and phone number, and you can email and call any time. If you call and I don't answer, just leave your name and number at the beep, and I'll call you back. Ok, I admit it... I've been so busy with photography lately that getting to the phone doesn't always happen... so email may be better... but know I will always get back to you to help. If you're thinking of this family photograph as a GIFT FOR SOMEONE, let me know, so when I call back, I only ask for you, and don't spoil the surprise!

The Perfect Family Portrait Is Only One Email or Phone Call Away...

   Contact me now. Don't wait for it to be too late. You will be glad for the rest of your life. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Charlie Seymour, Jr.
Photographer/Owner

    PS:  Remember, email me or call me just to chat, and if you're one of the first 7 people to do so within the next 3 days, you will save 50% off the creation of your family portraits! (And I have savings for "Large Family Portraits" too, so let me know when your extended family is getting together soon!) There's no cost and no obligation for this chat. Your family portraits shouldn't be trusted to any photographer who doesn't realize what a responsibility it is to make sure these portraits are perfect. These are your memories - don't trust them to just anyone.  You've nothing to lose, and so many great memories to gain. Email (CLICK HERE TO EMAIL ME) or call my studio now - no cost, no obligation - 610.572.2581

    PPS: Still not ready to chat? That's ok. If you have any questions, just email them to me and I'll answer them right away. CLICK HERE TO EMAIL ME (no cost, no obligation)!

Saving Family Memories Through Photography...
Before It's Too Late. Guaranteed!