White Glove Service

From Inquiry to Installation: The White Glove Portrait Experience at Pixels by Emily

When it comes to luxury portrait photography, the experience matters just as much as the final product, if not more. At Pixels by Emily, we specialize in providing a white-glove, full-service portrait experience that is carefully crafted for discerning families in the Central Illinois region, especially Mahomet, Champaign, and Bloomington/ Normal. Our process is designed to ensure that every client feels seen, cared for, and confident from the very first conversation to the moment their custom artwork is installed in their home.

Here’s an inside look at what makes our portrait experience truly exceptional.

Step 1: The Pre-Booking Consultation

Every session begins with a complimentary phone or in-studio consultation. This is our chance to get to know you—your story, your goals, your aesthetic preferences, and how you want to display your images. Whether you're celebrating a pregnancy, welcoming a new baby, documenting a milestone, empowering a tween through our Grace and Grit sessions, capturing timeless family portraits, honoring your high school senior, or elevating your personal brand, we create a plan tailored just for you.

Step 2: Telling Your Story Through Custom Set Design

Your portrait session is never one-size-fits-all. We thoughtfully design custom sets and backdrops for every client, incorporating meaningful elements that speak to your family’s personality, interests, and history. Whether it’s a storybook-inspired set for your child or a serene, minimalist background for your maternity portraits, each detail is curated to enhance your narrative. And if we don’t already have exactly what we need to tell your story in the best way possible—we’ll find it or create it. We are committed to bringing your vision to life.

Step 3: Access to Our Exclusive Client Closet & On-Site Styling

Styling can make or break the look and feel of your portraits, which is why we offer a fully curated client closet for newborn, milestone, maternity, and Grace & Grit sessions. Our collection includes designer maternity gowns, delicate newborn wraps, couture dresses, and carefully selected accessories. This complimentary resource ensures that every client looks and feels extraordinary—without the stress of shopping.

Additionally, we offer on-site hair and makeup services for all types of sessions so there’s one less thing for you to worry about on the day of your portraits. Whether you're booking a branding session, family session, or a stylized experience for your child, we’ve got you covered from head to toe.

Step 4: The Portrait Session

Our sessions are never rushed. We take the time to help everyone feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. With expert posing guidance, professional lighting, and a warm, welcoming environment, we create the space for genuine moments and beautiful expressions. We’re also well-versed in working with nervous, shy, or squirmy kids—so if your little one isn’t “cooperating,” don’t worry. We’ve seen it all and know how to bring out those magical moments without stress. Put your trust in us to do what we do best—we’ve got this.

Step 5: The In-Person Art Selection Appointment

Roughly 7–10 days after your session, we’ll welcome you back to the studio for your in-person Art Selection Appointment. This is where the magic truly begins. We guide you through your rough-edited portraits and help you design custom wall art, heirloom albums, and framed prints that will seamlessly integrate into your home and become part of your legacy.

Our clients often say this is their favorite part of the experience—seeing their story come to life and knowing they’re creating something that will be treasured for generations.

Step 6: Quality Control & Signature Finishing Touches

Before your artwork is delivered, each piece undergoes a meticulous quality control process. We inspect, polish, and package your order with extreme care. Every piece of wall art is adorned with our signature wax seal, thoughtfully color-matched to complement your artwork. Clients absolutely love this elegant finishing touch—it’s our way of showing that your portraits are more than just prints; they are legacy pieces.

Step 7: Heirloom Artwork Delivery & Professional Installation

Once your artwork is ready, we provide white-glove delivery and professional installation to ensure your pieces are perfectly placed in your home or office. Our professional installer works under the direction of a studio team member to hang your portraits exactly where they will make the most impact. It’s the final touch of excellence in an already elevated experience.

More Than Just Portraits

At Pixels by Emily, we’re more than photographers—we’re storytellers, stylists, designers, and memory keepers. Every session is a collaborative, customized experience that results in more than digital files. You walk away with tangible, breathtaking artwork that reflects the beauty and love in your life and will bring a smile to your heart each time you pass it in your home.

If you live in or around Mahomet, Champaign, Bloomington, Normal, or anywhere in Central IL, we’d love to create something magical with you. Call us at 217-730-3050.