Friedman + Kirshner Portrait Design.

These two portrait artists distinguish themselves with their dedication to individuality and intuition in creating in-home masterpieces. Their dramatic and timeless portraits are often skillfully designed for specific areas of their client’s home where the piece becomes a focal point, guaranteed to be a family treasure forever.

Friedman started her own portrait company more than 35 years ago and has worked with political figures, sports stars and other high profile clients. Her daughter, Jennifer Friedman Kirshner, has followed in her mother’s footsteps building her own portrait photography business for the past 10 years.

“Because of my mom’s business, I grew up behind the camera, and I’ve loved every minute of it,” Kirshner says.

Although she took a short break from photography, Friedman received a call from a former client whose children were leaving for college. She enlisted Jennifer’s assistance, and the duo enjoyed working together so much, they melded their creative energy and formed Friedman + Kirshner Portrait Design in the summer of 2011.

Friedman remembers a time when a client was getting divorced, and the large wall portrait of their children was split amongst them 50 percent of the time.

“In the divorce decree, six months out of the year the portrait hung in the father’s home, the other times it was in the mother’s,” Friedman says. “It was a representation of a wonderful time in their lives which became an important heirloom for their family.”

Kirshner’s educational background in the arts allows her to see more in a portrait than the typical photographer.

“I have studied portrait photographers and works from around the world and understand the concept of capturing a moment that will captivate the viewer,” Kirshner says.

Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in art history from the University of Arizona and a Master of Fine Arts in photography from Arizona State University. She has worked in two of the finest photography art galleries on the west coast including Fraenkel Gallery in San Francisco and Lisa Sette Gallery in Scottsdale and has curated a photography show with the Scottsdale Museum of Art.

As a result of the relationship they establish with every client, each portrait is thoughtful, sophisticated, timeless and destined to be a cherished work of art.

“Our goal is to evoke a feeling or emotion with each portrait that we take for a family,” Friedman says. “They are more than just snapshots – they embody our client’s families.”

Although the team has an in-home studio, which is an all-white room with professional lighting, instruments and backdrops, they often photograph inside client’s homes or integrate specific pieces of furniture, family artifacts or other personal items into the portraits.

“We’ve been known to transport couches to our studio for the day,” Kirshner says. “The pieces add a personal element to the portrait we’re capturing which evokes a different feeling in everyone.”

Working with your family could pose some unique stresses in your life, however, with these women their passion for that perfect image helps to create a loving atmosphere and adds a personal touch to their designs.

“Our styles are different, but that just makes our business more comprehensive and unique,” Kirshner says. “With my mom’s style, you get a classic, timeless portrait. My vision adds a modernist element, yet still has touches of elegance and appeal.”

“I couldn’t ask for a better partner. We’re on the same team, and that’s how it will always be,” Friedman says of her daughter.

For more information about Friedman + Kirshner Portrait Design, visit friedmankirshnerportraits.com.

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Friedman + Kirshner Portrait Design Friedman + Kirshner Portrait Design