Please Select a question to ask us.
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How do I contact you?
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Can I see your resume (life experience)?
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What is "A Kingdom Company"?
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Free pictures of immediate family of service people?
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Do you have a mission statement?
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Do you have a guarantee?
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Do you travel to do photography?
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What is Copyrighted?
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What equipment and film do you use?
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What can you tell us about weddings?
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Do you have packages?
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Do you sell frames?
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When can I expect delivery of pictures/albums?
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Do you photograph children?
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What do you offer for engagement portraits?
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How long is a session?
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Do I need an appointment?
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What should I bring?
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What kind of a session is offered for business pictures?
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What is a normal size picture?
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How do you get true print color?
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Copy? Copyrighted? Copyright Imprint?
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Do you make slides?
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Can you copy movie film to video?
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Do you photograph outside?
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What clothes make good pictures?
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What about hair?
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Do you photograph pets?
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Do you have discounts or specials?
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What is retouching, copy and restoration?
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What backgrounds do you have?
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What types of photography do you offer?
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Do you have gift certificates?
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Can I see your work anywhere?
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What do you offer for high school senior pictures?
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Do you photograph passports, instant pictures?
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What is Photography?
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What is Art?
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Must your studio logo be on my prints - Copyrighted?
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How long do you keep images?
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How can we see proofs?
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How can I order?
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What is a Slide show?
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An Experience Worth a Thousand Words!
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Do you use long lasting print papers?
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Can we take pictures at the weddings too?
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Do you have an outside portrait park ( studio)?
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Can you sum up who you are and what you do?
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How can I pay you?
Can I see your resume (life experience)?
In his sophomore year, as he was working on his car, and should have been in school, lightening hit. It occurred to a young man that he was performing way under his abilities. He immediately went into the high school, became involved in many things at school, wrestling, student council, plays and completely turned his grades around in one quarter.
Howard Lower, a graduate of Bloomington, Illinois High School, joined the US Marine Corps making the rank of sergeant E4 (meritoriously) in 3 1/2 years. After, he attended Illinois State University, Rochester Community College, Winona State University, and the University of Minnesota and received a degree in Electrical Engineering with additional courses and emphasis in business and art. He worked as an advisory electrical engineer designing computers until he became bored doing some what the same things. He knew he wanted to work with people more than things. He wanted to try another life long interest - photography. With his technical knowledge, people and art interest, it was a perfect fit.
Howard has been a long-time member of Professional Photographers of America, Minnesota Professional Photography of America where he was just given the honor of having a print put into the Load Collection, WPPI (Wedding Portrait Photographers International), Twin Cities Professional Photographers of America. In the past he was a member of the Cornbelt Professional Photographers Association (and is a past president). He has won many PPA Certificates of Merit towards a Masters degree, Photographic Society of America Awards of Merit nationally and internationally. He has attended special photography classes studying under nationally renown artists at PPA's Winona International School of Professional Photography, Mid-America Institute of Professional Photography, The School of Modern Photography, Hawkeye Institute of Technology as well as various other seminars. He has won many prestigious awards from Herff Jones, American Color Imaging, South Dakota Professional Photographers Association, Cornbelt Professional Photographers Association, as well as Ms. and Mr. Photogenic Minnesota, and the Ms. World Photogenic award. He has been featured on many magazine covers including the Rochester Chamber of Commerce magazine covers and publications, Exhibitor magazine covers (high quality glossy business art covers) and many others.
He is also past president of the Rochester Chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men Fellowship International and a board member of the Jonathan House, a Rochester deliverance healing ministry. Lower Photography and Studio is also "A Kingdom Company" where both he and his long-time associate and wife (Bev), who are both commissioned as ministers in the marketplace, tithe company profits go to the poor.
He is a published photographer, author, and leads workshops, presents seminars and programs. He has had photographs or articles in many magazines including "Minnesota Volunteer," "Exhibitor", "Choosing", "The Good 'Scents' Cookbook", "Active Lifestyles", "Professional Photographer", "Experience Rochester", "Positive Imaging", "Focus Rochester", "Chamber Advantage", "Exhibitor Magazine", to name a few.
He volunteers his time and talents to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ability Building Center, the American Cancer Society and his church (Lay Speaker, Lay Chaplin), to name a few.
Lower Photography Studio gives him and his staff the ability to meet and know people. He pledges and guarantees satisfaction in all facets of the business including the created images. Whatever you want done in the art of photography Lower Photography & Studio can do. Lower Photography & Studio is here for only one purpose and that is to serve you and make you look good.
Do you have a mission statement?
Our mission statement reflects our life-long beliefs. We work for you with joy to make your occasion the best it can be. We come prepared. Equipment has been checked and double checked. We have back-up for everything and every possible problem we can think of. We are well-organized. We get the job done quickly and easily so it seems like it was not work at all to you or to us. In being so prepared, we have little if any stress doing the job you hired us to do. This allows us to think clearly and do well for you both technically and artistically. More importantly, we want you to have no stress. We truly love what we do and the people who we meet each day. We want our images to strengthen our clients. We hope those within the images know they are cared for by many people. We truly care about each and every one we are privileged to meet and photograph. We believe in being honest, trustworthy, and kind to all. We believe God will take care of us. Our mission statement reflects these beliefs in the simplest possible way.
OUR PROMISE TO YOU (Lower Photography Studio Mission Statement)
We will do everything we can do to insure you have had a good time and love your images or, if reasonably possible, we will redo them immediately!
We guarantee you will like your finished product. You have responsibilities that are beyond our control like the looks of your hair style, clothes, etc.
When you select an image, we finish it the way you want it done - even special requests. Every finished image is quality checked many times. It is our joy to have you come in to get your finished art piece.
In addition, we use the finest materials, with image paper life expectancies typically about 100 years or more. Paper life expectancies are subject to the conditions the images are kept in. Yet, we will guarantee your finished prints for YOUR lifetime under normal conditions.
LIFETIME Limited GUARANTEE
Presented by Lower Photography Studio
Click to see our Mission Statement.
Do you travel to do photography?
Since 1977, Award Winning Lower Photography Studio of Rochester, MN has photographed from a modern studio in Rochester, MN and has traveled extensively throughout the Minnesota area, including Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and as far away as Hawaii, Florida and California, setting the standard for exceptional photography. Several of our wedding clients have had us travel to their ceremony location. Travel is also necessary to get to a specific artistic location, or an unmovable item (as in commercial work). We travel to do horses, live stock, buildings, scenery, etc., in their natural environment.
What equipment and film do you use?
Most important when we go on assignment, we have back-up for everything we carry. That means two of everything, minimum. We are always prepared.
Our preferred format for most things is professional high-end digital cameras that allow us to make prints 30x40 inches large and larger. We use only professional films whether it be traditional films or state of the art digital films.
What can you tell me about weddings?
We take great joy in each wedding we do! We always concentrate on quality. We use the best equipment, expert posing and great efficiency created by years of study and doing. We also offer the best albums. Most importantly, we have the best clients! Call or make an appointment so we can see if your date is available. We want to spend time with you and help you to have a golden wedding day.
We take great joy in what we do and the challenges each situation presents! Click Wedding Images to see a few of our last weddings or call 507-282-2534 for an appointment, the most rewarding appointment you will ever make.
Yes, we have the BEST package of all - the one with exactly what you want in it. There are typically two costs, the session cost and the print cost.
All sessions vary. A portrait, animal, anniversary, children or engagement session is scheduled for about one hour for a base session. We offer a year around children discount. Outside sittings can be done at the studio, your home or on-location. These sessions vary depending on whether it's a child or family, if we need to travel, and how many groups, etc. Glamour/Model sessions are typically more intensive and are dependent upon the amount of time and type of portraiture wanted. High school seniors may choose 2-8 outfits, various backgrounds, and other locations. Their sessions are scheduled after determining all these factors.
Our clients, YOU, told us you want flexibility. So we listened and created the best of all packages! You create your own package! You choose what you want after seeing the great results! You choose finish, size and quantity of prints. In addition you save more with our volume discount. You order as little or as much as you want and get a volume discount based upon your total final order. If you want the package print order discount , we cannot separate your order.
Commercial work is done by the hour, plus expendables. We are happy to put together exactly what you need.
Call 507-282-2534 or Contact Us.
See Wedding for more information.
We make custom frames to your specification or have pre-made frames in all sizes. Lower Photography Studio will also guarantee that a frame you buy from us is one you like even after you view it in your home. If within 7 days you do not like the frame, bring it back and we will exchange it for another. We want you to love the finished framed image!
When can I expect delivery of pictures/albums?
First In - First Out is how we work in each queue. The queues are composed of every type of work we do (children, copy and restoration, families, high school seniors, business, commercial, passport/visa, weddings, etc.) and are all happening in parallel to a varying degree.
Our time line on your order is approximate. Please remember that illnesses, national holidays, manufacturing problems, and an occasional vacation affect our time line. We have you first in mind. See Deadlines. Our joy comes in watching you view your high quality protected prints.
PROOFS: Your portrait session is usually ready in about one working day as a slide show or hard copy proofs. Please ask! Wedding proofs are usually ready in about one week after the wedding. The bride and groom take their prints home to view as a slide show to share with family and friends. Please ask!
QUALITY: Quality is our number one consideration. Quality takes time. Please ask us about the time required to process your order when your order is placed. Feel free to check on the process by phone or e-mail when you want to know how it's coming along. Please ask!
FINISHED JOBS: Finished portrait prints, which are retouched, are ready usually in about 4 - 6 weeks. Please ask! Different times of the year usually result in different delivery times. Please ask!
WEDDING ORDERS: There are many prints in a wedding order and they are retouched and take longer. Our goal is to have the work we do at the studio (which includes most prints, and albums) usually ready in about 12 weeks. Please Ask! Albums that are our top of the line bound albums usually require about 6 additional weeks for the binder to do their job on the album.
DEADLINES: Of course, we have clients who need their pictures sooner and we can usually meet their deadlines. For emergency purposes, we can have up to 8x10 prints for you within 15 minutes, a retouched 8x10 print within one hour. A rush fee may apply. Please Ask!
Please feel free to ask so we can keep you informed.
Children of all ages below 13 years old have a fantastic time at Lower Photography Studio. We want the children to know that it is always fun to be photographed. We even encourage families to stop in with their kids for a children's treat when they are driving by. Nothing is more important than the images of your children you have displayed in various places in your home.
Parents know this session is fun! No crying children are waiting in line. There is no line. No one is going to knock on our door and say, "Your time is up." Moms know there is time to feed their children, if need be, and they can have privacy while they do it.
We have various props and backgrounds you can use. We encourage you to bring things special to you and your children like toys, a chair, a blanket, etc. to personalize your session. Kids of any age below 13 years old can be seen by clicking here to see the kids.
What do you offer for engagement portraits?
Of course we can photograph YOUR engagement portrait. The session is a normal portrait session where you will have a selection from a number of images taken. We offer a free session and one print for the newspaper with several of our wedding offerings.
Most sessions are scheduled for one hour. We look at the clothing you'll be wearing and help you choose the appropriate background based upon the type of portraiture you want and the clothing you brought. While you are fixing your hair strands or straightening your tie, Howard is getting your background ready. Your session begins - and ends before you know it. And, you've had fun!
Business sessions can be done in 15 minutes, if need be. Commercial work varies based upon the items to be done.
Do I need an appointment?
You're welcome to walk in. We are open daily Monday through Friday from 10 AM until 6 PM and Saturdays by appointment. We try to be here but occasionally we must close to go on location or run an errand. We're happy to show you samples of our work and talk to you about what you're looking for. If you want a portrait made, it is necessary to have an appointment. We need to be here and ready to do your session. We encourage you to call and schedule your appointment now.
Most importantly, bring a good attitude. If you have children and they are too small to let you know they don't feel well, or they recently have been sick or hurt, call and reschedule your session. It is never to late to reschedule but please call and let us know. We are concerned about people feeling their best for their portrait! We capture their mood. This is a gift you give to yourself and those who love you. Include all members of your family including your pets if you so desire.
Click clothing as clothing makes the picture. It is the second most important thing after YOU.
We have all kinds of props. Your own props help personalize your portrait. So, if there is something you want included, we encourage you to bring it along. We work with you to include your prop within your session. It can be a favorite chair, a toy daddy created for the little one, etc. We can't have a horse in the studio, but we could have the saddle. Of course, we can photograph the horse outside at the studio or on location.
What kind of a session is offered for business pictures?
We want you to be successful. We do business pictures many different ways and for many different business reasons. A common mistake is to use an outdated portrait. It is important you present who you are in your business picture.
You'll tell us what you envision, why you need the portrait. You'll help choose your background. We can do your business picture in a hurry it you desire. The session takes about 30 minutes. We can create your portrait, design your business card, do your billboard, create your posters or postcards, and print them. It's a wonderful way to display who you are and what you offer.
Click Business to see others you may know.
What is a normal size picture?
Size depends on your needs. Portraits, on photographic paper, can be any size smaller than a wallet to a 40x60 inch print. We can also output to make a big billboard or make posters 5 foot high and any length. We can custom print any size you need to fit an existing frame. We can also custom make a frame to fit the size you desire. Standard sizes include a 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 (wallet), 3 1/2x5, 4x5, 5x7, 7x10, 8x10, 11x14, 16x20, 20x24, 20x30, 24x36, 30x40, and 40x60. We also offer square prints in 5x5, 8x8, 10x10, 12x12, 14x14 etc.
How do you get true print color?
Lower Photography Studio ALWAYS prints for the truest skin tones, whites and blacks.
Have you ever noticed how a brown or blue fabric may look like the opposite color to our eye? Professional cameras have the same "problem." Some cloth fabric colors may not reproduce as our eye sees them. Dyes, lighting, weave of the cloth, softness or hardness of the fabric, or other adjacent objects influencing the color and can all contribute to the cloth fabric being "off-color" either to the eye or the camera or both.
As an example, let's say you're wearing a pale pink wedding dress. Typically, family and friends taking pictures of you will get their prints back and your dress will be made white. Lower Photography Studio prints for accurate skin tones and whites, so our brides in pale pink typically stay in pale pink.
If you have a color in bridesmaid dresses like turquoise versus aqua, a potential problem exists. The camera may see more green or more blue. It is best to test the fabric by taking a picture of it to see what color the camera sees. Even when this is done beforehand, other aforementioned influences may result in a camera perceived color shift at a later date. No professional photographer can tell you for sure how a fabric will reproduce without some tests. Even with a studio test, there could be fabric, lighting, etc. influences that do not allow any guarantee that the fabric will photograph the best later.
Howard has worked with Kodak on professional color evaluations of not only Kodak professional supplies, but also other brands. Color space is key to good professional results and is calibrated using the best of equipment to make our images super.
We can make slides 35mm up to 8x10 inches. We can make bigger "slides" using other transparency type materials which are usually used for back lit displays.
Do you copy movie film to video?
We can tell you who does.
Our outside portrait park is wonderful for outside portraits of individuals or groups. We offer several natural settings and move around the area with our clients, giving them a great variety of background choices. There is no extra change to be inside or outside.
Of course, we go to other area locations as well. We are only two blocks from the Zumbro River, four blocks from Foster Arends Park and a mile from Essex Park. If you have a favorite spot, we can look at it and choose a time of day when the lighting is best. Should the area not be in this locale, we need to schedule enough time to get there, photograph, and return.
What clothes should I wear for my portrait?
Ask us for a FREE clothing consultation.
Clothing should be simple and normally subdued so that the attention in the final portraits will be focused on the subjects. AVOID patterns, stripes, plaids, polka dots, and flowers as well as brilliant or light colors. Choose not to wear them - especially in a group portrait. Normally, low key colors (medium to darker tones) will photograph best - dark pants and shirts on a dark background. If your clothing choice is all light colors then the background should also be light or white. It is important in a group portrait that colors and styles of clothing are compatible so they do not clash. Full length poses may be included in your sitting thus emphasizing the importance of appropriate shoes, socks, skirts, and/or pants.
Women will usually photograph better in three-quarter to full-length sleeves. (Bare arms tend to look larger than covered arms.) Children seem to be most natural and relaxed in informal clothing.
The better coordinated a portrait is, the better it will look. YOU are part of the creative process.
Your hair is your responsibility. Make sure it looks good. We have plenty of mirrors and provide hair holding sprays. You are the only one who knows when your hair is to your liking. Any stray hair will show in a normal portrait. We can remove or add hair at an extra charge but do some minor hair strand removal, as appropriate.
Some men have a heavy beard or "five o'clock shadow." Some like their facial hair to show. This is your decision! The camera will see it very clearly. We do keep a shaver on hand to assist you in obtaining a clean shaven look it you so desire. We can retouch facial hair at an extra charge.
We photograph individual pets, groups of pets as well as owners with pets. We love our pets dearly and capturing them in a "personality" portrait is very important. Pet portraits give us a lasting, loving memories. We have photographed wonderful dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, ferrets, horses. We even did a portrait of a white mouse on an owner's shoulder.
People with pets know pets are an important part of the family. We encourage families to include their animals in family portraits if they want. And, just as we do children alone, many pet owners like to have photographs of just their animals. Click Pets.
Do you have discounts or specials?
Our philosophy of allowing you to select what you want AFTER you see the results, pay only for what you buy and get a volume discount, are all beneficial to you saving you money. Thanks for helping us create our pricing packages!
We do offer seasonal discounts and specials. Call us for the latest special 507-282-2534 or Contact Us.
What is retouching, copy and restoration?
You choose which portraits you like best. It's our job to make you look the best you can look! In portrait work, the image must be retouched. The print may be made any size and cropped. Retouching is done on the digital negative. Retouching removes skin blemishes and lightens eye bags and makes other improvements to the final image. Now all corrective work is done digitally allowing us to do the work the best it has ever been able to be done.
We are able to remove extensive scarring, remove glass glare, remove or add hair, remove braces, add teeth, change heads. Nothing is impossible. There may be additional costs for these corrections.
Copy and restoration is the art of taking a less than desirable, usually old picture, and making it look new again. Click Copy and Restoration. Your family heirlooms never leave our premise. We can copy, restore, and size slides, negatives, glass or etched plates, etc. Prints can be black and white or color.
We can do anything you want done!
We can create just about anything you want. Our philosophy is to create the background in a few minutes as you change clothes and fix your hair. We have many painted backgrounds, muslin backgrounds, brick walls, pillars, paneled walls, colored lights, circles, cubes, fences, and trees. We can create anything you want. What you can think up, we can do!
What types of photography do you offer?
We are a full service studio doing all types of photography. Please see the various pictures on these many web pages for examples and our style.
Our commercial clients appreciate our ability to handle their various situations. They also like our promptness in creating their finished product. Howard has an artistic eye and visualizes what the client wants before he takes the picture. Want something special then Contact Us or call us at 507-282-2534.
Do you have gift certificates?
Yes, and what a gift it is to those who you care about! A gift certificate can be in any value.
Yes, this web site is an attempt to give you a glimpse of our latest clients and many different situations. The images here are limited in size to save space as image quality is also restricted on the web by the pixels allowed based on the monitor and video adapter technology. Please feel free to visit our modern studio during our business hours to see many images. We will be here to answer your questions and help you every step of the way towards a wonderful portrait. See the links, left side toward the top.
What do you do for high school senior pictures?
High school senior pictures are a great joy! Each person is treated as a person and not a number. We take time with you to design your session to your liking. Each of you is an individual worthy of attention. Your results will be outstanding. In addition to the personalized service, we have thousands of background combinations, patterns, colors and special effects. We merge pictures together. We have unique props for full length, double exposure, smoke effect, or outside done inside. We have a beautiful outside portrait park (the cost is the same inside or outside) with gazebo, trees, fences, ponds, etc. and are willing to go anywhere with you to your special place. We want you to bring your musical instruments, cars, sporting outfits, trophies, letter jackets, cycles, skies, cross country bikes, chess sets, best friends, pets and anything else important to you.
In addition, we provide you with a senior pricing package that allows you to select any combination of prints and get a volume discount on the package you have created. This package you create will be the best package for you and your needs. We also have "high school senior specials". Please ask.
See High School Senior pictures.
Do you do passports, instant pictures?
Yes we do passports, visas, work permits, etc. Passport style prints take about 15 minutes and they are ready is a couple of hours or the next day. Please make an appointment.
Lower Photography Studio has been involved in photography for many years and in business since 1977. So much of what we do has been developed and refined over many years by many people. Yet, what we do is to understand our equipment, to keep up with the state of the art and surpass it in many cases. We are highly refined in our equipment whether it be cameras, scanners, digital, etc.
Many years ago, we did all the work in the darkroom dodging and burning prints to get the right "art". With the advent of color films, and their critical specifications, most photographers sent their work to a processing lab. The lab process was critical to keeping the chemicals in range for quality and consistent images. Unfortunately, the "art" of photography was somewhat jeopardized to "in camera" manipulation. In about 1997, the Kodak Repri Digital Retouching systems came into massive use. Since, then Lower Photography Studio has invested heavily in professional digital systems. Our goal continues to be one of making not just a good image but making the image into a piece of "art". This allows us to be able to do more than just the normal retouching using dyes, chalks, pencils, glazing, etc. that can be defined as corrective retouching like glass glare, blemishes, head replacement, etc. in studio.
Since about 1997, anytime you have an image taken by a professional photographer, you most probably had a computer digital image created of your negative. After digitally retouching the computer file, the file was recorded back to a negative. The resultant negative resulted in less quality than the original negative. Now we print directly from the computer file to the printer with much better results. We can print these computer files on a variety of digital and film base papers. All Kodak papers have the same life expectancy of about 100 years in ideal storage conditions.
During and after the image is taken, many things may be artistically corrected at Lower Photography Studio. For instance, this image had the following done:
Foreground paper wrinkles removed; background lighting on right side made
more even; brick background removed; foreground and background evened out;
background shadows removed; right side behind woman, the dog's tail was
removed; man's leg on left side was removed; left side lighting made more
even to make for a more artistic transition; man's head, back right had
light spot on forehead removed, and each person had facial blemishes and eye
bags removed or lightened.
If you want any of these things done it is best to do it digitally. In the past, head sizes on negative limited facial retouching. Now anything can be done you want done.
At Lower Photography Studio, we are constantly striving to achieve the very best artistic and quality images. Each image is a new challenge. Each image has our artistic mastery and technology applied to it to get the very best quality results. But, it is art! It is for this reason Lower Photography Studio has this guarantee: Lower Photography Studio guarantees finished portraits to your satisfaction.
See Photography at Microsoft's Encarta
Encyclopedia as we have found the information very interesting.
Lower Photography Studio has been involved in
art for many years. So much of what other artists have done has inspired us.
In fact, when I teach classes on photography, I am asked the 
question, "Why
do my pictures look like snapshots and yours look like art?" The answer is
simple, when you want to study photography you study how to work the camera.
I am continually in communion with what is around me and how a person walks
and talks and presents him/herself. What are the trees and grass in this
location saying to me? Who are you so that I may better represent you? All
of these things are continually going through my mind before I pick up my
brush (my camera). Yet, the brush is just a small part of what I am
considering. What light should I create for this situation or is God
providing me something very special? Through this pre-visualization, I know
what I want and just set up the situation to get it. As an artist may do
with a brush, I do with a camera. I know what I am going to get before the
subject is taken.
See Art at Microsoft's Encarta Encyclopedia as we have found this information on art of interest.
Copy? Copyrighted? Copyright Imprint?
GENERAL: Neither Lower Photography Studio nor you can legally copy ANY creative work without permission. Lower Photography Studio adheres to all Federal Copyright Laws. All original works are protected by the Federal Copyright Laws. Creative work is usually protected by the studio name and creation date.
COMPUTER GENERATED WORK: Lower Photography Studio also has an embedded copyright in all Lower Photography Studio generated computer files including our web site. Permission is NOT given to use any of our computer generated work without this embedded copyright and our written permission. Lower Photography Studio will, on occasion, give permission in writing to use an image. Depending on use, there may be a usage fee charged. Please ask.
OWNERSHIP: While you own the prints you purchase from us, you do not own any reproduction or copying rights of any kind unless stated in writing by the studio. We, Lower Photography Studio, also will not copy anyone else's work without written permission (We will advise you on how to get permission).
WHY WORK IS PROTECTED: Lower Photography and Studio works hard on each image to present it as well as we can with adherence to our style of art and quality. Our reputation and credibility is on the line with each image of thousands we create yearly. We cannot jeopardize the many years of expertise in creation of our style of art and the quality we demand. Therefore, each images has on it our copyright and hidden copyright information, as determined by Lower Photography Studio.
COPYRIGHT PROTECTION INFORMATION: We are instructed to put our name and copyright on ALL PRINTS, i.e., "Copyrighted © 2003, 2005 Lower Photography Studio" to also aid our clients. This helps protect you against any unauthorized copying of your image. We abbreviate the longer copyright version above to "Lower ©" in the lower right-hand corner. This information is shown on most of our price lists.
CUSTOMER REQUESTED NAME AND DATE: Many of our customer's request that our name and creation date be on the front of their image. The date being included helps them to know when the image was created. (Anyone interested in genealogy knows the problems encountered in trying to figure out the date of someone's picture.) Please ask to have the date applied at order time at no charge.
STUDIO STANDARDIZATION: All of our clients' images are standardized to a format which saves our studio time and costs which saves you money. Any deviation will result in extra charges.
SENIOR WALLET NAME: However, on wallets you can have your name applied above the Lower © for a nominal fee. This must be specified when you place your order.
CAN YOU REMOVE, MODIFY OR HIDE COPYRIGHT INFORMATION? To remove, modify or hide the copyright information is in violation of Federal Copyright Law.
PURCHASE OF UNLIMITED USE: There may be exceptions to copyright information for business or commercial work where unlimited use is included in the price of the job. Please ask.
REFERENCES: Some expert references & information can be found at the U.S. Copyright Office , 10 Big Myths about copyright explained and other references can be searched for using "copyright" in Google.
We believe the images we create are of significant value and need to be protected for a long time. We keep the final images (the images you have ordered) for a very long time. Call and we can tell you if we still have your image on file or how we can still create a copy of your old image.
You can see the proofs as a slide show on your PC computer and/or TV-DVD player or as paper proofs.
A volume discount is provided to everyone ordering. The bigger the order, the less each print costs. The way this is done is to have a coordinator collect the individual orders. The coordinator brings the complete combined order to us.
You can select your images from your proof book or slide show . You can get the order to your coordinator for the best volume discount or directly to us by email, mail, or by bringing the paper proofs/CD-Rom with you to place the order at the studio.
Lower Photography Studio provides you with a volume discount.
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Count the total number of prints ordered per pose. (Exception is a wedding where it is the total number of prints regardless of how many poses.) It is to everyone's advantage to make sure all who want prints have an opportunity to place their order as part of the combined order resulting in everyone getting the best volume discount.
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Go to the column representing the total number of prints (by pose or with weddings by quantity) and that is the price per print. Note that the price list tells you which prints apply for a volume discount.
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The total order can be brought to the studio, mailed, or e-mailed to us using the order form on the CD-Rom. At the time of the order there are conditions as to how much must be paid down to start the order. Please ask or look at the price list for information.
You can see your proofs on paper or as a slide show. Many are now selecting the slide show as it runs on most PC computers and TV-DVD players. The sideshow images are much bigger and easier to see.
As stated above, the advantages of the slide show over the paper proofs are many. It allows you to order by computer from anywhere. Simply use the number by each image in the slide show. The slide show can be shared with your family and friends so they can also order and thus your order is expedited.
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An Experience Worth a Thousand Words by Niki Bryant, Mentorship in the Community, Ms. Cobb, June 1, 2001
This semester I was given the opportunity to learn more about the field of business I hope to enter in the future. I enrolled in a class called Mentorship in the Community, which is sponsored by my school. In order to participate in this class I was required to fill out a questionnaire in which I indicated that I would like to work with a photographer who is also an entrepreneur because I hope to one day do that myself. I was placed with Howard and Beverly Lower of Lower Photography Studio. After my first meeting with Mr. And Mrs. Lower, it was decided that instead of just focusing on one aspect of the business they would try to give an all-around feel of what goes on in a photography studio/home business. I would learn about the art and psychology behind the business from Mr. Lower and the business behind the business from Mrs. Lower.
I learned many things in the few weeks I spent with Mr. and Mrs. Lower including things about myself and being the best person I can be. I do not feel that I have had this monumental metamorphosis, but I feel as if I am leaving this experience a new person, a better person. I am more enlightened, confident, and knowledgeable. Although still somewhat hesitant to take a few risks, I have learned that it is better to seize the opportunity even if there is a chance of error than to procrastinate because you always learn from everything you do. Also, many of my peers and those who I encounter everyday say that I am one of the most optimistic people they know. Well, they obviously have not met Mr. Lower. Through him, I have learned to embrace life’s gifts and take each day as blessing. Also, that in negative thinking you only bring negative things to yourself and no matter what God is always with you.
As for my newfound knowledge on running my own photography studio/home business, the only way I can think of to describe it is to say that I was given the opportunity to sample every item on the buffet of knowledge. From the first day, I was given many hands-on opportunities to get the most out of the experience. I learned that in order to work with your client you have to be open to understanding what they are going through. This meant that I had to be as comfortable in front of the camera as I was behind it. To learn this I had my very own Senior Portrait session. For a few hours, I was able to feel what it was like to be the client. At first I was a bit nervous because I am usually the one who takes the pictures not the one whose picture is being taken, but Mr. Lower made this a very pleasant experience for me in which, in the end, I had a lot of fun. Other things that I encountered during the duration of the semester were some of the technical aspects of the photography business. The business has come a long way since its darkroom days. I learned that, especially in the times and technology we live in now, there is so much more to the photography business. It is not just taking pictures it is art. One of the things that Mr. Lower always said to be was, “In this business we don’t take pictures, we create images – we create art.” He believed that if you lose touch of the art behind what you are doing then you lose touch of almost everything. I believe that his philosophy of business, that it is not just a picture it is art, is why he is so successful; as well as the fact that he strives for perfection and hardly ever settles for less. A quality that is important especially in a business that requires sale.
I also learned a great deal about working with people, which is important in the field of photography. If you do not know how to interact with people, your business will not do very well. Mr. Lower says that the most important thing when working with people is psychology. The ability to understand people, how they think, and how they operate is something that is important to be successful in this field. As a photographer, you have to understand that many people are nervous in front of a camera, or nervous about working with a stranger, being close to a stranger, and self-conscious of how they look. When you understand these things, when you can relate to them and put yourself in their shoes; you, in turn, are able to make the picture taking experience an enjoyable and successful event. Psychology also factors into the business aspect of the business. Understanding where people are coming from is key when it comes to marketing. You have to be able to target your customer. Know and understand what they want and try your best to provide it for them.
Overall, I am grateful for being given this experience. I feel that in the little amount of time I spent with Mr. and Mrs. Lower that I have learned a lot and grown a lot as well. I am more optimistic and enthusiastic about my plans for the future. I feel this is because I was actually given a hands-on look at what I was hoping to get myself into. I was given the opportunity to see if photography and entrepreneurship would be professions that I could work well in and enjoy. This experience also helped me start thinking about and sorting out the steps and paths I would have to take to ensure that I will succeed at what I do. I highly recommend taking a mentorship to anyone who really wants to get “behind the scenes” look at the profession they want to follow. Taking a mentorship is a chance to learn more about a profession that you are interested in and it is a chance to get a feel for what are the needs and demands of that profession. If given the opportunity to take on the mentorship again, I would definitely take it.
Do you use long lasting print papers?
Lower Photography Studio uses only the finest, longest lasting products. Prints can be further protected with a clear matte, or gloss protective laminate or special UV sprays (Used on prints larger than 17x22 inch). Normal care should be given prints to not bend, cut, scratch, etc. For maximum long-term storage, store prints at as low a temperature as possible and at low relative humidity.
Our prints, even without a laminate resist damage from fingerprints. (Fingerprints can damage other prints.) They are scratch resistant and water resistant. Laminated prints can be wiped off with a water-moistened soft damp cloth. (However, never use any chemicals on any print.)
Laminates or glass help, when used correctly, protect the print and confine the print dyes from ultraviolet light, humidity, etc. Laminated prints may be placed directly next to glass in picture frames. (Make certain the glass has been cleaned on both sides.)
Laminated prints or glass help reduce fade under intense lighting, thereby extending the life of the prints. Ordinary prints may turn red due to loss of cyan dye resulting from exposure to light. However, no print should be displayed in direct sunlight.
Our prints, when displayed or stored according to specifications, can be expected to be of acceptable quality for many generations, when compared with normal silver halide photographic prints.
In rough environments the laminated prints perform better.
Can we take pictures at the weddings too?
The question we must ask you is why? You are paying us to do the job for you. The bride and groom get proof digital files of everything we take the day of the wedding -hundreds of images - that the bride and groom can share with family and friends, print or have on a web site, etc. When you hire us you are making us your "official photographer" giving us the responsibility to do our job the best we can. It is best if guests are told that we are the official photographers (and please do not take pictures in the area and/or room the photographers are in - without asking). We do invite others to take pictures with us for casual events of the receiving line, cake, and dance.
So, the clear answer is please consider us the official photographers and others taking pictures must ask for permission of us to do so or as invited by us.
Do you have an outdoor portrait park (studio)?
See
our location here. We have a two lot, in-town, outdoor portrait park (studio)
with a gazebo, two ponds, bridge, large rocks, swings and chairs, and most
importantly trees and lots of vegetation. Much more is added yearly to an
already wonderful and beautiful outdoor portrait area. Small weddings can be
done on location as well. You will love it and be enthralled with the images
that have been taken using this outdoor portrait studio.
"A Kingdom Company" is where the owner of the company has pledged, among other things, to tithe profits from his company to helping the poor.
Free pictures of immediate family of service people?
Yes, we do this with great respect for each and every service person. You will get a 4x5 print or a digital file to send to your loved one.
Each is a servant who keeps us from losing the most valuable thing in the world and that is our Freedom. 911 did not detour us but revitalized us in our determination to protect our freedom. God Bless our President, others running or in office of any political persuasion, and each of us as we go forward each day doing what is blessed, right, and honorable.
Do not think that I, as a Marine, have any less respect for any other service branch. All of us know each must be relied upon when we are in trouble. To celebrate the United States Marines Birthday on November 11, 2005, click here.
Can you sum up who you are and what you do?
Lower Photography Studio - Rochester, Minnesota is a beautiful studio in SE Minnesota catering to Rochester, Stewartville, Chatfield, Plainview, Lake City, Faribault, Owatona, Winona, St Charles, and many other local area towns. Also, many travel to us from Wisconsin, Iowa and other states. These loyal customers allow Howard, the photographer, in association with Bev, his wife and associate(s), to create many award winning photos since 1977. Yes, in Rochester, Mn Lower Photography and Studio, has a large camera room which can hold many people. In addition is a big, big beautiful outside Portrait Park with a lovely waterfall and many other things like a gazebo, bridge, etc. Yet, some want to go other places for their art to be creation in the area or to far off states and lands. We have done all of that, too. You will find friendly people who do not high-pressure you but just want the very best images possible for you.
Inside or outside pictures are taken of children - from babies to kids of any age - and a good time is had by all - including the photographer. High school seniors and graduates of any kind, get many fantastic images to choose their favorites from. We love to make the high school seniors perfect in the representation of who they are now, not only in looks but that special inter-self so that the images created now can be appreciated for years to come. Never does a finished print leave here without our clients looking as good as they really are - and most often better, leaving imperfections of any kind behind - through our magic of posing and retouching. Then there is the beautiful restoration and copy work Lower Photography and Studio does. On our final image, you can't tell where there was any damage fixed or restoration made even when the photography or art need areas added to the image. We love pets too - doing many, many animals of all kinds. Do we do little as well as big pets like horses and elephants - yes we do. We are also called upon by many businesses for business images and commercial photography. We do the cover for the Rochester Chamber of Commerce and other fine Rochester, MN magazines and publications. Do you want impact in your image - how about a 40 inch by 65 inch portrait of your employees, or larger or smaller? It gets noticed. Yes, our business cards are better because we don't just lay them out - we make you look good, too. We do groups of any size, anniversaries, weddings, parties, concerts, business, bands and company groups, team pictures, confirmations, etc. You name it; we do it. We even do aerial photography. Family pictures are fun for all. A group of twenty-eight is nothing! We can handle it at our studio - bigger or smaller groups all have a great time. Glamour pictures and models find that we have the artistic touch to bring out their very best personality so that their pictures sell them and is as much art as needed. If it is for one you love or care about, or for a modeling agency you will find your images show you off perfectly. Even passport and visa pictures for any country can be done here and to the government's specifications so you not only do you look good but it will get you in and out of the country. Need an image instantly - we can do it and it will look professional. We use state-of-the-art equipment to give us the best results. We are constantly looking for new ways and fresh ideas of showing you off even better.
Yes, we strive to provide you with the best and longest lasting prints - archival prints. Using the latest equipment and techniques your images can be done on oil, canvas, watercolor, chalk and many other mediums in various unusual ways. We don't mix mediums like emulsion film and oil retouching - one will age faster than the other ruining your art. Our prints are all done in the same medium so they are much more archival. We can UV protect your prints which seals the prints against environmental elements and condensation unlike glass where condensation and moisture can ruin the photographic art work leading to mildew and other problems. We also mount, frame and mat photographic art which includes an unconditional guarantee except for negligence.
Call Lower Photography and Studio and talk directly to Howard or Bev so that you know who we are and that we are here to serve you. Again, call us at Lower Photography and Studio Rochester, Minnesota at any time. We will personally answer the phone during our normal business hours. We are here daily Monday through Friday 10 A.M. until 6 P.M. unless we are out of the studio on assignment. Saturdays and Sundays by appointment.
Original Print vs. Finished Prints?
Original Prints are a carry over from film days. The only way we had to ensure quality was to print a guide print called a proof. There was only one proof per each negative image. Today, there is no reason to have proofs. We display prints in our studio and on our web site for you to look at and select from. BUT, because our past customers are so important and appreciated by Lower's, we still allow a person to select an original print as if we still used a film proof. The size of an original is 4x5 with a different slightly canvas look to de emphasis skin blemishes. No exceptions and you can only have one per image just like the film days. We discourage originals as they are typically not up to the standard of a Lower Photography & Studio finished print. Let us show you why with prints and a table of information following.
As you will see in the table following is that an original is a raw, un-retouched, automated print with no human interaction except to do a rough adjustment of brightness and rough adjustment of color balance (called batching). Also note that the logo does appear on every print be it original or finished print. The logo on the originals is slightly bigger with slightly more information and also has the print name and number centered on the bottom.
All prints are Copyrighted by LOWER Photography and Studio - All Rights reserved and are protected by the Federal Copyright Laws of the United States of America (and of other countries) per International Laws. Unlimited usage can be purchased. Any usage must be in writing by Lower Photography and Studio - no exceptions.
| Questions | Original | Prints |
|---|---|---|
How many can I order per image? |
1 | unlimited |
What is the print size? |
4x5 | any size |
Are they cropped artistically (Originals are cropped evenly on all sides) |
no | yes |
Do you color correct each image? |
no | yes |
Is glass glare or glare on face corrected? |
no | yes |
Do you take off or lighten wrinkles, zits, scars, pimples? |
no | yes |
Do you clean teeth, fix lipstick, lighten or remove eye bags? |
no | yes |
Do you fix fly away hair? |
no | yes |
Do you fix teeth, take off pounds, fix freckles, birthmarks, change heads, remove people, etc. |
no | yes ask |
Do you fix background runoff (where something shows and grabs your attention) |
no | yes |
Can you venyette the image (darken or lighten about the subject) |
no | yes |
Can you create borders on the image? |
no | yes |
On the left is the Original and on the right is the Finished print.
How to recognize the possible causes of fading.
Look at the edges of a print. If you see fading it usually shows up here first. The next place it can show up is when someone has retouched and/or finished the print by putting some kind of a material on it like some sprays, oils, dyes of any kind. This is caused by the print being either in or close to materials used when mounting, displaying or storing your prints. At Lower's we use archival materials. Thus we guarantee all our prints that we mount and frame and albums and folios as not being harmful to your precious prints that we provide. Prints can also fade by nearness to non - archival materials. A common mistake is to put prints into non-archival plastic that hastens fading because of the gases they emit on or around the prints. Here is a list of materials to avoid, although not complete.
* Materials with high acidic levels
* Plastics containing pvc or acetate materials
* Cellophane tape
* Masking tape
* Rubber cement
* Cardboard
When storing and preserving any kind of print from any manufacture or photographer the following recommendations should be followed.
* Visible and UV light, along with atmospheric pollution, hasten image fading. Keep prints away from bright lights - especially direct UV illumination and sunlight along with above average exposure to florescent lighting.
* Store finished prints in a cool, dry, dark place.
* Avoid hot temperatures and high humidity.
* Avoid exposure to dirt, dust, scratches and fingerprints.
* Use acid-free interleaves between printed sheets when stacking for long-term storage.
* Be sure to install an acid free mat board between the frame and photo to prevent prints from sticking to the glass over time. (Obtain at your photographer)
* Laminating Prints using acid free and proven laminates results in protection for prints, better than glass which can trap moisture between the glass and print thus causing, in the worst case, mold.
* All Premium Picture Papers, usually fiber based without a whitening agent are designed to be fade resistant usually to about 100 years or more when stored correctly. At Lower's we use only the finest papers.
The following materials should be avoided when mounting, displaying or storing your prints.
* Don't mount your photo so that it is directly in contact with the glass in a framed display. Instead use good quality acid-free or rag mat board, and cut a window in it to provide an air space between it and the glass.
* Don't store prints in a damp basement or hot attic.
* Handle prints by the edges to avoid skin oils and fingerprints.
Acid free materials can be obtained through Lower Photography and Studio or from places they suggest.
How does ultraviolet light affect prints?
Print life is determined and affected by environmental factors such as light, humidity and air quality temperature. These factors add to print dye loss. Ultraviolet light can cause a print, especially a color print, to fade. Light fading photos displayed in normal household conditions will suffer a progressive loss/color shift in the highlighted areas. To reduce these effects you can make sure prints are not displayed in direct sunlight or in windows. Dye shift may also occur even when photos are kept in dark storage (albums) but usually at a much slower rate.
Framed prints, for display, can be protected with the use of ultraviolet absorbing glass,UV absorbing laminates, and special lightweight acrylic that have UV absorbing properties.
Please ask Lower Photography and Studio about print protection and the guarantee that goes with Lower's doing the job for you. Sorry, we can not guaranty the work of any others that have mounted or framed or provided storage products for your prints if they should fade - The reason should be obvious. Please bring your prints in exactly as they have been for much of the previous time and we will be glad to take a look at them and probably be able to tell you what is going on.
Have a faaantaaastic day!