The Big Picture
I am more than a photographer. When I get behind the lens, I am also a storyteller. 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
501.766.5671
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 – like tanlines – fade sooner than we'd like. 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.
Check our "Calendar" tab for all of our events. Following, though, are details about some of the destinations we'll visit.
2010 Events
See you in San Antonio! February 16-18th.
mr. bill is honored to speak to the San Antonio Photographer's Guild, and is extending his stay for a few sessions. Join us for our first-ever sessions in this amazing city.
Ponca, Arkansas. April 16-19th.
Visit the Nation's first National River--the Buffalo River. If you've seen a postcard from Arkansas, it was likely shot within 25 miles of Ponca. Take a weekend trip to show your kids the amazing splendor of the Natural State. Log onto www.buffaloriver.com to find a cabin, check river conditions, discover local attractions, etc.
Destin, Florida! June 4-July 31st.
Destin provides a fabulous vacation for a family needing escape, which is why our beach sessions are always in high demand. Remember your vacation yearlong with a portrait from your family's trip to the beach. If you need a great place to stay, contact our friends at www.destingulfgate.com.
Atlanta. Crested Butte, Colorado. North Georgia. Dallas. St. Louis.
These are some of the locations we'll see this year, but haven't settled the dates yet. Keep up with us via our blog and newsletter, and we'll be thrilled to see you there!
About Bill
I am the most blessed man I know.
My beautiful wife, Sheree, (my first girlfriend) has graciously survived marriage to me for almost 10 years (and running) now. It's difficult for her, I suspect, to live with a man who thinks he is much wittier than he really is. 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"), 8 years old, enjoys gymnastics, climbing trees, bossing younger siblings, and popcorn shrimp. When I make salad for dinner, he refuses any salad dressing [I do make a great salad]. Last summer he took the challenge of an older kid--"Race you to the other end of the pool!" When he later told me about the race, and the kid's tauntings, I asked Carson: "SO, you raced . . . what happened?" Carson calmly replied: "I put it on him."
Harrison, 6 years old, loves animals, 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." He is famous for his insightful questions: "Dad--how did God make the dark?" "Daddy--you know Rudolph . . . why don't people like the other reindeer?" "Dad--are monkeys faster than cats?"
Bella Grace (a.k.a. "Baby Chicken"), 4 years, is the sweetest, prettiest baby girl alive . . . and maybe the sassiest. She loves her pillow, "Bubbas," pink, and dresses. Of the three kids, she is quickest to voice her opinion (and loudest). After cutting her own hair [to the scalp] in the Spring, Sheree and I called her "Bubba Grace." She didn't find it humorous.
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My Approach to Children's Photography:
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.
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 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
Easter & Spring Portraits
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Spring Portraits in Ponca, AR on the Buffalo River -- April 16th-18th
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!!
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Office Closed, Mr. Bill will be in Texas for continuing education classes -- May 2nd-7th
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Destin, Florida -- June 4 -July 31st
Easily our most popular destination for family portraits. If you need a great place to stay and also enjoy the sound of the surf at night, contact our buddy Philip at www.destingulfgate.com.
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Muddy Mayhem -- August 6-8th
Your kids are too good-looking, aren't they? Say "goodbye" to summer, let them cool off, and remember them forever--at their messiest. What kind of odd parent would want a portrait of muddy kids? Click here to see my own muck-monsters.
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Greetings, Great Pumpkins--October 1-3rd
Be on the lookout for the annual outdoor pumpkin event.
Calendar
Easter & Spring Portraits
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Spring Portraits in Ponca, AR on the Buffalo River -- April 16th-18th
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Office Closed, Mr. Bill will be in Texas, for continuing education classes -- May 2nd-7th
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Destin, Florida -- June June 4-July 31st
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Muddy Mayhem--August 6-8th
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 $100 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.
Quick Pic Session Cancellations -- We do not refund Quick Pic Reservations. Because these events are seasonal in nature, we will allow you to reschedule your appointment time once. If you are unable to reschedule and have made attempts to do so, we will allow your reservation to be used as a credit towards a future appointment at our studio. If you cancel the session within 24 hours of your appointment, there is no refund as we will unlikely be able to fill your time.
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 is 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 $100 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 6-8 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.
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Contact Bill
Beyond Photography
beyondphotography1@gmail.com
Find Bill, Sheree & Beyond Photography on Facebook.
Mr. Bill's Facebook Page
Sheree's Facebook Page
Comments
I just wanted to take the time and send a short note to say a big THANK YOU to Sheree and Bill Ramsey with Beyond Photography and just a little about our relationship.
My first encounter with Sheree and Bill was spring of 2009. I hadn’t been happy with my photographer for sometime; sweet lady just didn’t work well with my son so my photographs were never good. Well, by this time I had son #2 and no professional photographs to speak of. I made an appointment for Spring/Easter photographs. Mr. Bill called back to confirm the appointment and also wanted to know what I hoped to get from the session and whom he would be photographing; NEVER had this happened before, such a personal touch. As always, I was a little apprehensive at the session but, Mr. Bill assured me we were having a great session. Although, I was still skeptical….Approximately one to two weeks later, at my viewing appointment, I was waiting for someone to open the door. I could see my boys on display….On an easel was a BEAUTIFUL portrait of my two boys…they looked like little models. Throughout the viewing session Sheree was VERY patient. She walked me through every photo (probably 5 or 6 times), and gave me pointers on how to choose between two similar ones. It was like having my best friend with me. It was just a wonderful experience.
While I was viewing my spring portraits, Sheree mentioned they would be at the beach this summer and would I be interested in booking a session then. Well, I have ALWAYS wanted beach portraits, but never trusted anyone enough to hire at the beach. So, of course I was interested……. before we all headed to the beach Bill and Sheree came to my home and took an assessment of what we/they needed to shoot for during our session (classic family, fun, boys, sizes, etc). They told me that this would be a good way to help me when choosing my photographs, to know what wall, what size, etc and not have an overwhelming number of photographs to choose from and wonder where to put them. What a wonderful concept!!!!!! At the beach, Sheree and Bill were actually staying in Destin, and my family in Gulf Shores, but they drove to Gulf Shores, scouted a place, and met us for a sunrise (5:00 a.m) photo session. Even at 5:00 a.m Bill and Sheree were funny, personal, sincere, etc. They worked wonderfully with my boys (husband included). Of course, I left thinking it wasn’t good…..we didn’t really know when to pose, smile, etc; we basically just played around on the beach.
After the session, Sheree and I stayed in touch via e-mail, cell phone, etc. Sheree continued to assure me that the session was wonderful and that I would be pleased. She gave me a little sneak peak on facebook and shortly thereafter I received my slideshow……………IT WAS AMAZING!!! I could not believe that they got so many GREAT photos. As it turned out……...us, just being us on the beach was exactly what I wanted. Since we had the consultation before we left I knew what kind of photographs I needed to pick out…………….that was a big help…….but of course I ordered many more. When my portraits arrived Sheree came to my house and hung my photographs/portraits. As well as many other random photos I couldn’t seem to get hung myself. She showed up like a whirlwind or should I say, like a breath of fresh air. She came in hung photos/portraits like nothing I have ever witnessed…..Again…..AMAZING!!! So amazing, my husband has decided we can have beach portraits every year.
I haven’t known Bill and Sheree but for just a short time now but, feel like I have known them all of my life. They have added such a personal, sincere touch to EVERYTHING they have done for me. I truly appreciate and respect our business as well as personal relationship. In today’s society you can’t find this type of service. So, I just wanted to say THANK YOU and I look forward to many, many years of you photographing my family.
Their name couldn’t be more fitting……….Beyond Photography……….exactly what Sheree and Bill Ramsey are.
Robyn Thornton
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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.
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Bill & Sheree,
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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 exptions. We are looking forward to many more sessions with you guys! Thanks, Julie Bittle
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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