Frequently Asked Questions

Clothing should be simple and timeless in nature. Dark or pastel, solid-toned colors are best for your artwork. As you are making your clothing selections, keep in mind that traditional styles have a more timeless look than the trendier fashions. It is appropriate and recommended that men and boys choose jackets or long sleeved tailored shirts and women choose dresses and/or gowns.  Women's dresses should have sleeves to draw attention to the face instead of the arms (no sleeveless). All members of the family should be in similar tones and colors. This creates cohesiveness in the portrait. Jewelry - Choose timeless pieces such as diamond stud earrings or a pearl necklace.

Have well-manicured hands - Check for chipped and non-matching fingernail and toenail polish. Hairstyle - Have the hair cut or trimmed a week or more in advance. Don't try a new hairstyle or color, as it takes you time to get accustomed to a new look. Keep hair accessories classic and small as to not draw attention away from the face. A good choice for young girls is a satin ribbon or headband. Makeup - If you wear makeup, apply normally, paying special attention to your eyes, as they are the most important part of your portraits. Avoid brilliant colors on your eyes, lips, and cheeks. Think simple and timeless always.  Personalize - Consider bringing your child's musical instrument, ballet costume or equestrian uniform.  Please discuss your ideas prior to your session.

Please arrive on time for your portrait appointment. We have a dressing room available if you would like to change upon arrival.  If you need to change in the studio, please arrive 10 minutes early. Our studio blocks out 2 hours for your family with our staff for your entire visit.

Photos are not permitted to be taken by clients during any part of the portrait session.  We welcome you to take any photos you would like of your family in our lobby.

Many clients enjoy hanging their art pieces where it can be seen from the entrance of their home. Others choose to hang it in an area where they will see it most frequently. This can be a family or living room. Most commonly, clients select to hang their artwork in their foyer, dining room or above the fireplace in their living room.

At your selection appointment (which will take place right after your session) you will be able to see your portrait originals projected to all of the available sizes to help you with your decision making. We recommend that you have an idea of where you will hang your artwork in your home so you will be able to make intelligent, informed choices with confidence.

Nearly all of the artwork that leaves the studio is framed by us.  With this you are ensuring the safe delivery of your artwork, that it is cohesive and correct for the type of artwork, that it is of archival quality and when you frame with us, we guarantee all of the artwork for life.

All of our artwork is finished and beautiful upon delivery.  Occasionally a client may make a specific request. When clients choose a 20” size portrait or larger some other modifications are possible. This may include filling-in of missing or crooked teeth, braces removal, "slenderizing" waists, removal of double chins, correction of clothing flaws, etc.

If you are married or partnered, both you and your spouse or partner will stay for this appointment. We want you to love your artwork and want to go through this process the best way. You will be making final decisions on the various aesthetic, logistical and financial aspects of having portraits created. All Decision-Makers need to be present.

To help you in your selections, we will project your images for you to see. This will allow you to see your originals larger than life-size to see every detail. Then, when your images are narrowed down to your favorites, they can be enlarged or reduced on the projection screen to almost any size. You will be able to see your portraits the way they will look when they are finished, in the sizes most appropriate for your home.

Online posting of images and proofs to take home are not available. Artwork decisions are made in the studio during your appointment. We will guide you on final decisions on image choices, sizes, quantities, finishing and framing. We are a print only portrait studio; we do not sell digitals. 

864-235-7864  studio@philhyman.com  www.philhyman.com

Our studio is located at 350 Feaster Road, Greenville, SC 29615. It is in the back portion of Feaster Road Business Park between Roper Mountain Road and Woodruff Road.  The studio is open by appointment only.