How We Work Together
Start with the End in Mind
Working together happens in stages, each one designed to make the experience feel calm, clear, and genuinely enjoyable.
This isn’t a quick transaction where we trade time for images.
It’s a collaboration.
One that requires attention, trust, and a little presence from all of us.
And the goal isn’t just “nice photos.”
The goal is to create portraits that help you hold onto this season, and turn them into finished artwork that lives in your home.
Because for us, the portrait session isn’t the finish line.
It’s the middle.
From the beginning, we plan with the final artwork in mind, so nothing feels random, rushed, or left to chance.
Design Consultation
This is where everything gets easy.
Before we schedule the session itself, we’ll talk, either in the studio, over the phone, or in your home if needed.
We’ll talk through the details that matter most:
- what is important about your family right now
-
what you want the portraits to feel like
-
where the artwork will live in your home
-
what matters most about your family right now
-
what you’re nervous about (yes, we want to hear that too)
We’ll also help you plan wardrobe, choose the best background or location, and make sure you feel fully prepared before we ever pick up a camera.
You won’t be left guessing. We’ll guide you.
Portrait Session
Our sessions are relaxed, unhurried, and surprisingly simple.
Most families arrive thinking:
-
“My kids won’t cooperate.”
-
“I’m not photogenic.”
-
“My husband is going to hate this.”
And then, about ten minutes in, you can feel the shift.
Because you don’t have to perform.
You just have to be with your people, and let us do the guiding.
We’ll direct you gently, keep things moving, and create portraits that feel natural, flattering, and true to who you are.
This is about your family — not perfect behavior.
Ordering & Artwork Design Session
This is where your portraits become real.
After your session, you’ll come back to see your images for the first time, beginning with a slideshow reveal.
Then we’ll walk through your portraits together and help you choose what you love most.
This is not a “good luck with your gallery” situation.
We’ll make artist recommendations, guide you through the options, and help you design the pieces that fit your home and your family.
If you’d like, we can even show you how your portraits will look on your walls using RoomView presentation, so you can feel confident in your decisions.
We strongly recommend that all decision-makers attend this appointment.
We also offer payment plans
Because portraits aren’t meant to live on a hard drive. They’re meant to live where your family lives.
What do I do with my photos?
This is the part most families don’t realize they need, until they’ve lived through the alternative.
You don’t need more digital clutter.
You need finished pieces that hold meaning.
We’ve curated a collection of heirloom-quality artwork — from classic framed portraits to albums and folio boxes — designed to last for generations.
Everything we offer is archival, handcrafted, and built to be as beautiful for your great-great grandchildren as it is for your family today.
Once your order is finalized, we begin production of your finished artwork.
Most pieces are completed within 3–4 weeks, and we’ll coordinate pickup or home delivery based on what’s easiest for your family.
If your order includes wall portraits, we can also help with installation — so your artwork ends up where it belongs, not leaning against a wall for six months.
Because in the end, you won’t just have portraits you love.
You’ll get to enjoy them every day.
Wehmeier Portraits has created distinctive portraits for our clients in the southwest suburbs and the greater Chicago area for over 30 years. Including the communities of Orland Park, Homer Glen, Tinley Park, Lemont, LaGrange, Palos Park, and Burr Ridge.