Find us on FACEBOOK
The Big Picture
I am more than a photographer. When I get behind the lens, I am also a storyteller. Because the real secret to exceptional photography has nothing to do with backdrops, lighting and props. Great photography is all about people. More specifically, your people. Photography that captures special moments with the people you cherish lives on and on. And that is what I do best.
You've got a story to tell. So let's get started.
Bill Ramsey
Photographer and Storyteller
Meet Mr. Bill
I love kids. They're so full of energy and vitality. Who else laughs hard enough to actually fall over backwards? So when your kids see me – "Mr. Bill" – my strategy is simple:
Have fun.
That's it. We have a great time, and those perfect shots just naturally happen. Expertise, lighting and design obviously make a big difference. But when the focus is on fun, everything else falls beautifully into place.
Philosophy
Photography is all about people. More specifically, it's about your people – the family and friends who really matter. As a photographer, I have the great joy and privilege of helping you share the story of your life with the ones you love. Which makes me more than a photographer. When I'm behind the lens, I am also a storyteller.
You've got a great story to tell, and people who want to hear it. So let's get started.
Destination Photography
Few experiences compare to a special trip with the ones you love. That's why so many people invite me to capture their vacation memories. It's the perfect way to hold on to some of life's best moments. Because even the greatest trips eventually end. Memories – and tan lines – do fade. But good times shared with family and friends can be enjoyed for a lifetime.
You go make the memories. I'll help you keep them.
Destinations for 2009 (For complete session information,see "Events" tab)
February 20th-22nd -- Downtown Memphis, Tennessee (Urban Sessions)
April 17th-19th -- Buffalo River in Ponca, Arkansas
June 1st - July 17th -- Destin, Florida
July 20th-24th -- Smokey Mountains of Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Preliminary Destinations for 2010
The Fiji Islands in June
About Bill
I am the most blessed man I know.
My beautiful wife, Sheree, (my first girlfriend) has graciously survived marriage to me for 8 years (and running) now. Within those years, we've had 3 awesome kids: Carson, Harrison, and Bella Grace.
My kids more than anyone have stirred my passion for Children's Photography. Living with them has given me good reason to act like a kid again myself--and now it's my job to play too!
Carson (a.k.a. "Fungus"), 6 years old, enjoys gymnastics, climbing trees, bossing younger siblings, and popcorn shrimp. He is dying for me to shave his head bald (not such a great idea to Sheree).
Harrison (a.k.a. "Chunkles"), 4 years old, loves babysitters, worms/dirt, iced tea, and swords. Thanks to God's protection, he has an amazing tolerance for pain (he's not especially graceful). He is also known to many as "The King of the Handsome Boys."
Bella Grace (a.k.a. "Baby Chicken"), 2 years, is the sweetest, prettiest baby girl alive. She loves her pillow, "Bubbas," milk, and baths. Of the three kids, she is quickest to voice her opinion (and loudest).
Pricing
Click here for Easter Quick Pic Pricing.
Beautiful portraits are enjoyed for generations, and are a wonderful investment for any family. At Beyond Photography, making that investment is simple.
Our standard Reservation Fee for individuals, families and groups of less than eight is $250. This reservation fee is due at the time of your booking, and is applied in full towards the purchase of your portraits. On the day of your session a second deposit of $250 is due, and is again applied in full towards your final portrait order.
Larger groups can easily be accommodated, but please call in advance for a quote. Also, please note that some special locations, such as Garvan Gardens in Hot Springs, require an additional fee for access to the grounds as well as a location fee. We select these locations carefully, and the gorgeous scenery is well worth the small extra expense! Please feel free to contact us at any time, or view our current promotions for additional information.
Payment Options
We gladly accept cash, check, all major credit cards and Paypal.
Reservation Fees
Gift Certificates
2009 Portrait Events with Beyond Photography
----------------------------------------------------------------
Spring Portraits in Ponca, AR on the Buffalo River -- April 17th-19th
If you have never experienced the Buffalo River in beautiful Ponca, then you are in for a treat. Sweeping landscapes, foliage, all make for a fantastic portrait for your home. We require a $750 reservation in order to schedule your appointment ($650 of which is applied towards your portrait purchase). Because of the nature of landscape photography, we request a minimum 24" portrait purchase with your session. Please note that some locations do require some walking, nothing too strenuous, just know not to wear stiletto heels as we are on rough terrain.
Also, we always encourage you to stay at the lovely Buffalo Outdoor Center (BOC). Call 800-221-5514 or log onto their website – www.buffaloriver.com – to check the status of the river, book a cabin, reserve canoes, etc. Tell them we sent you. Why not make it a full weekend getaway!!
----------------------------------------------------------------
"Oh, Baby!" "In studio" sessions at Lads & Ladybugs -- April 22nd
Once a month, we set up our lights, backgrounds and equipment at Lads & Ladybugs (one of our favorite places). If you have a new baby, or want a classic black and white session, or simply want to avoid weather conditions, this session is for you and your 'baby'. Call now to reserve your appointment. Your Reservation Fee of $350 will apply towards your portrait purchase.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Office Closed, Mr. Bill will be in Arlington, Texas, for continuing education classes -- May 3rd-8th
----------------------------------------------------------------
"Oh, Baby!" "In studio" sessions at Lads & Ladybugs, NLR -- May 13th
Once a month, we set up our lights, backgrounds and equipment at Lads & Ladybugs (one of our favorite places). If you have a new baby, or want a classic black and white session, or simply want to avoid weather conditions, this session is for you and your 'baby'. Call now to reserve your appointment. Your Reservation Fee of $350 will apply towards your portrait purchase.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Spring Portraits at the home of Timothy Olaimey--May 15th-17th
----------------------------------------------------------------
Destin, Florida -- June 1st -July 17th
Gatlinburg, TN -- July 19th-25th
Click here for complete info on our Beach/Mountain Sessions
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Calendar
Portraits on the Buffalo River/Ponca, AR -- April 17th-19th
"Oh, Baby!" "In studio" sessions, April 22nd
Mr. Bill in Arlington, TX, for continuing education classes -- May 3rd-8th
"Oh, Baby!" "In studio" sessions, May 11th
Spring Portraits at the home of Timothy Olaimey -- May 15th-17th
Destin, Florida -- June 1st -July 17th
Gatlinburg, TN -- July 19th-25th
Sheree's Birthday, July 24th
Portrait FAQ
What should I wear?
Simple, plain outfits always photograph best. In general, darker colors and long sleeves are preferred. The attention should be on your face, and long sleeves help eliminate distractions created by bare arms. The clothes should say something about who you are, but without being dominant.
For most portraits, solid colors have a more timeless quality. Also, denim is almost always a great choice. Other good colors would be navy, greens, browns, reds, black and darker blues. Avoid pastels, pinks, yellows and other pale colors for color portraits, unless you are at the beach.
How about a group?
Solid colors within the same color family are most appropriate. Work for balance, harmony and color coordination. Try placing your clothing side by side and see if any particular article "jumps out" at you. If it does, it will dominate all the more in your portrait and take away from the overall beauty.
Any makeup tips?
Keep your makeup natural and fresh. Eye shadow should be applied lightly and with care, since the center point of interest in a fine portrait is the eyes. Also, bring your makeup with you in case touch-ups are required. Avoid tan lines and sunburns.
What are the guidelines for facial hair?
A man with a beard or mustache should just make sure it is neatly trimmed.
How do we keep the kids in line?
It isn't necessary to "train" your children to smile for the camera. We always have fun with children, and much prefer the easy, sunny smiles that come naturally! Do try to limit outfit changes, though. Changing clothes can become very frustrating for little ones (and for you, too).
Can I use special items from home?
Certainly! Personalize your child's portraits with significant mementos like a favorite blanket, toy, rattle, family heirloom or favorite book. Teens can also showcase items that represent this time of transition and accomplishment with trophies, uniforms, instruments, artwork or other special mementos.
Policies
Portrait Session Cancellations
Please remember that I reserve time especially for you. If you must cancel your session, please contact me at least 24 hours in advance. I'll deduct $75 from your reservation fee for cancelling the day of your session. If you simply don't show up, you will forfeit your entire reservation fee.
Beach Session Cancellations -- We do not refund Beach Reservations. We schedule 2 appointments per day, one during sunrise and one at sunset. Because these appointments are so limited, we cannot offer any refund for cancelling your appointment. However, depending on the circumstances, we will offer full or partial credit towards a future session with us.
Ordering Session
Your Ordering Session will usually occur within 7-10 days of your Portrait Session. Please bring your calendar so we may schedule this appointment immediately after your Portrait Session. Make every effort to have all persons making portrait buying decision present at your ordering session. The price list we post if for orders placed during your ordering session. If we must come to your home for a second ordering appointment, there is a 10% increase in the pricing listed. (If an order has not been placed within 3 weeks of your Portrait Session, we will begin deducting $75 for each week thereafter.)
Beach Ordering Session -- Following your beach session, we schedule a time to come to your condo/house for your ordering appointment, usually during the next afternoon. All of our projection equipment is portable, therefore making it easy and convenience for you and your family to experience your portraits in large format.
Portrait Payments
Full payment is expected the day you order portraits. We do offer payment options for orders of $2000 or more. However, no orders will be placed until full payment is received.
Delivery Time
Approximately 4-6 weeks after your order is placed, we will contact you for delivery of your portraits. Please note that some prints/albums take extra time for the creation process. Orders that do not include a wall portrait will be delivered or mailed via UPS. Our out-of-state clients will receive their portraits via UPS.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Enter your email below to be notified of upcoming promotions and special events. Don't worry, I will never share, sell or disclose your information to anyone.
Subscribe to Bill's Blog
Subscribe to Bill's Blog and you'll always be up-to-date on the latest happenings with Bill and his photographic adventures. Just copy this link, and paste into your favorite RSS reader. Or, simply click on your preferred news reader listed below.
Contact Bill
Beyond Photography
PMB 242
1201 Military Road, Suite 2
Benton, AR 72015
Studio Cell: 501.519.7524
Office: 501.847.7899
Find Bill, Sheree & Beyond Photography on Facebook.
Mr. Bill's Facebook Page
Sheree's Facebook Page
Comments
I was excited to be in Destin during Beyond Photography's beach session. How wonderful to be in the pictures for a change! Bill and Sheree made our time with them very relaxed and enjoyable. I love the different poses and rich colors of our pictures. I am thrilled to have these memories captured so beautifully. Thank you both! Liz F.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill & Sheree,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sheree,
Just wanted to take a moment to thank you for including us in your plans for your future. I think what you are doing is fantastic and, more than anything, I am glad you are staying the course. You both are an asset to your profession and, most importantly, my daughter loves you! Sheree, as you can attest, we mommies do most of the “home” work and our kids pretty much rule our worlds. So when something as simple as having a picture taken can be done with such ease and care, as it is with the both of you, you have my loyalty and continued praise.
I don’t need to tell you this (but I will) it takes two to make things work. Sheree, you may not be at the helm 24-7, but when I walk in and see your beautiful smile and hear your kind words for my family, that is just as important to me as having Bill put a shoe on his head and making my daughter giggle for that once-in-a-lifetime shot. Thank you!
More than anything, Don and I feel extremely blessed to call you both friend. And though our budgets don’t allow us to partake in every photo opportunity, we are extremely pleased with the product you have produced for us and will continue to show our loyalty to you as our photographer and, most importantly, our friends.
Again, thank you for inviting us and God bless you both. You are awesome! Chevon
I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful job your husband did on Jackson’s 1 year pictures. Mr Bill greeted Jackson as he was his own, which made us and Jackson feel so comfortable with the session. We all had a blast. When Mr Bill came to our house to show us the pictures, we could not believe how great they were. Matthew and I both tear’d up when we saw them. The time he spent going through the pictures with us and helping us make a decision was above and beyond our expectations. We are looking forward to many more sessions with you guys! Thanks, Julie Bittle
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill & Sheree…
What can I say it has been a pleasure for us to have met the two of you and your family. You always capture the true expressions of us all in the photographs you take and we thank you. To anyone on the site that has not booked some sort of session with Beyond Photography you are missing out on the wonderful memories that Bill Ramsey captures in his photographs and I would urge you to make your appt now. You will fall in love like we did. Thanks guys love ya!! Korena
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill,
WOW!! You and your better half are awesome!! The pictures are wonderful. We had so much fun with you guys. I'm so pleased with what I have seen so far. We can't wait to see the rest of our pictures of the very special day. Toni
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you! These pictures are fantastic. I enjoyed seeing you yesterday (as always, even though you were not Sheree) and I was so excited to see these pictures. They were worth all the bad weather and three tries we had to have to get them taken. It was a great location and another awesome shoot. Thank you for all that you do. Cindy
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
AWESOME - Those are some of the best pictures I have seen, I just wish I would have brought my dog for a photo op before she passed. It is great that you provide this type of service with family and pets. Our pets are our family and children and it is just awesome that you can capture the love and be able to actually see it, these are amazing! Ashley
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. Bill-
WOW! What a talent you have! Words cannot express how much I appreciate you capturing such precious moments of our sweet, baby (well not so much anymore)girl. I’m so glad we had these pictures taken. I can’t look at them enough. It’s amazing how fast time flies, now I will forever have these memories to cherish. SO, thank you again so much, and you will definitely be seeing us again! Chad & Karissa
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I cannot tell you how much joy I felt viewing our beach pictures! You are truly an artist and the kiddos love you! Carter still asks for “Micka Bill!” Tamara
----------------------------------------------------------------------