Established in 1992, John and Nancy Swearingen began their business in Dearborn, Michigan. Nancy is a classically trained painter and first began making photographs in college as an adjunct to her painting classes. Over the years, she was always the “one with the camera” and finally in 1992 she started the business. The studio grew from a home-based business, to a loft in Dearborn for many years until 2006 when they moved to their dream studio in downtown Northville. Nancy and John specialize in environmental family portraits and studio portraits of children. High school senior portraits are frequently a combination of both environmental and studio portraits. The Swearingens share and express their joy and love of family, and their love for children of all ages in their portraits.

Our client’s become part of our studio family. We love it when a member of the studio family pops in to say hello, or to see what is new on the studio walls.

Our Mission Statement
Swearingen Portraits is dedicated to serving our clients by creating images of inspiration and innovation. We engage our clients in making beautiful portraits that are both real and natural. We believe that family connections create portraits of intimacy that are remembered by all who see them. We bring our passion to create an experience, a wonderful memory for everyone involved in the session. We desire to show the inner beauty of each person we portray. We strive to always offer unique portraits of the highest level of both art and craft.

Studio Philosophy and Policies
Our philosophy is that John and Nancy will create for you the most unique and beautiful portraits possible. You are involved you with the creation process and you share with us your vision for your session to make sure you have a wonderful portrait experience. The Swearingens desire is to serve you in such a terrific way that you will recall this experience as fun, relaxing and a pleasure for all concerned.

There are a few policies that help us make sure that you sure to have what you want the most: a wonderful portrait. Please take a few minutes to become familiar with our policies.

1. After your chat (consultation), to reserve a portrait session date and time, you will need to pay the full session fee in advance.

2. If you need to cancel, please do so within 24 hours or the session fee is non-refundable. Of course the exception to this policy is an extreme family emergency or weather conditions.

3. If you must cancel, Nancy and John will work hard to reschedule your session at a convenient time. Please understand the most convenient time may not be immediately available. Sessions are booked in advance, and Saturdays are in high demand. We will find a suitable time and day to reschedule your original appointment.

4. Because we are in Michigan, the weather plays an enormous part in the success of your environmental portrait session. In the event of uncertain weather, we will stay in touch during the day to determine if a change of time or rescheduling is necessary. Please make sure the studio has your phone numbers to contact you easily. We will not risk your session due to bad weather. For Saturday portrait sessions the rain date is the following Sunday afternoon. If that is not possible, then we will work with you to find the very next time to do the session.

5. If multiple creation sessions are necessary (for instance in a senior portrait session) those sessions must be scheduled within sixty days of each other.

6. When your images are ready for you to view, the studio will call and schedule an appointment for you to come to the studio to see them. At this appointment, your images are projected in an enlarged wall portrait size to help you envision the best images and sizes. We will discuss any needed enhancements. You are welcome and encouraged to bring all interested persons to this appointment. Please, we ask that small children do not come with you. In our experience we know that children are distracting. Please plan to make you final selection and place your order at this time. Paper proofs are not available.

7. When you place your order, a 50% deposit must be paid on the tot al amount due. Your order will take approximately six weeks to complete, sometimes longer for very complex orders, or orders with a great deal of digital art work. The balance is due upon delivery and approval of your order. If you have a concern about the final order we will be more than happy to make any necessary corrections or changes. Our portrait work has a 100% guarantee or your money is cheerfully refunded. Please note that all portraits (except pocket portraits) are signed on the front of each image by Nancy Swearingen.

 

Swearingen Fine Portraits * 120 West Main Street, Suite 301 * Northville, MI 48167 * Phone: 248-347-1641