Yes, you get a consultation with myself. The consultation is one of the most essential parts to making the photo shoot successful. Whether it be over the phone or in person, I want you to understand my style, and feel my energetic and passionate personality. In turn, I get to meet learn more about you and your family, the ages of the children, what you like to do together, the chemistry, etc. There we discuss what to expect on the day of the shoot, your style, whether grandparents and pets want to be in the photos, if you are looking for prints or digital files, & any themes you want to incorporate into the photo shoot. Each family session is unique and I strive to capture the true personalities and the love that resonates within the family.
Consider a budget you want to invest in whether it be for decoration for the wall, gifts for the family or holiday cards. At the consultation I will provide you with all the package options.
After the consultation, discuss the photo shoot with your partner. Get everyone in the family excited. Getting support and suggestions will help planning so much easier and a lot of fun.
This is always a question I am asked. I recommend you choose a piece that you really want to be photographed in and then build the rest of the wardrobe around it. Consider the time of year and location to choose a color scheme and style of clothing. Then you can have fun and accessorize.
I’ve had requests of each family member wearing the same color top and bottoms but think that style is a bit outdated. The matching of outfits tend to hide each family member’s personality and looked too posed. The idea is to make the art look natural and candid with each person unique. I suggest each person be in their own style of clothing, yet be complimentary to the “theme”. Some examples of themes are beach, outdoorsy forest, fun-in-the park, holiday, etc.
When it comes to color schemes, I always suggest some nice color. Feel free to mix patterns and colors, as long as the colors are in the same hue. Colors make the photos look vibrant and the subjects alive. If you prefer muted tones, add a boost of color with accessories such as hats, scarfs or jewelry.
To make everyone blend well together, the color palates of the clothing should be complimentary. You can all wear a cool color palate for the beach (light blue, white, creams, pale yellow) or a warm color palate (brown, orange, hunter green, burgundy) for the woodsy park. You can find many ideas on Pinterest and when doing a Google image search under “what to wear photography.”
If you plan to have an outfit change, you may opt to be more creative by having the family wear uniforms of your favorite sports team. If the photo shoot is during the holidays, you can wear festive holiday colors with Santa hats.
A family photoshoot is a great excuse to go shopping. Not only will the clothes be in perfect condition and will fit each person perfectly, everyone will feel good wearing new clothes. And why not buy some accessories for a few members to show their individuality.
One important tip is to make sure each person feels comfortable, especially the kids. If there are too many layers or the shoes are so new that they hurt, there won’t be smiles for too long for the duration of the photo shoot. You want smiling faces in the portraits, not the “can we get this over” look.
Preparation will make the photo shoot stress free and get you the artistic photos you are looking for. Please make sure that everyone in the family is aware of the photoshoot with ample time as well as sending a reminder the night before. You want to make sure everyone has a good night’s sleep. Make sure the children have their naps so they have good energy. Have all the clothes ready and pressed the night before. Also have all the accessories separated. The extra change of outfits (if you opt to change) and props should be already packed so all you need to do is bring them the next day.
I always suggest to have everyone fed prior to the photo shoot. Hungry faces are not appealing and everyone’s patience will run out quickly. With the warm South Florida weather, it is a good idea to bring a cooler of water and some snacks for the kids if the photo shoot is outdoors.
For younger children, getting their attention and cooperation can be a challenge. I suggest bringing their favorite candy to serve as a bribe. Perhaps a small gift or a trip to the ice cream shop can be promised after the photo shoot if they are smiling and cooperating.
Talk up the photoshoot so the kids can get excited. Make it a fun event to look forward to so they are in the right mindset. Perhaps show them old photos and tell them taking new photos will show how much they’ve grown.
Because of work and school schedules, I suggest a few hours before sunset is an ideal time to photograph outdoors. That is when the lighting is the best and it is not too hot.
Patience is the key. Many times when dealing with younger kids, it takes time to get the perfect shot. Don’t be frustrated if the kids are not cooperating because they will pick up on your stress.
I will not only take posed photos but candid ones as well. So do not stress if the kids are running around playing and exploring. Those interactive action shots I love to capture, as it shows so much of their personality. The smiles
You will have a wonderful experience that you will always cherish.
- Personal props (blanket to sit on, etc.)
- Accessories
- Change of clothing (if decided)
- Water & snacks
- Items such as toys, books and candy to serve as bribery
- Patience
I will take over 100 photos in the one hour session but will choose the best ones. That means I will not include any photos where the someone moved in a wrong position or blinked, etc. You will get to see in the gallery a minimum of 25 photos. The number of photos to choose from will depend on how long everyone was available and attentive for the photo shoot.
Photos will be available online accessible with a unique password I send to you. Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for processing. If you are need of a photo quickly for a gift or holiday card, I will do my best to process one photo for you.
Babies are perfect little miracles. In many instances, however, babies are born with some temporary imperfections. These range from jaundice, little baby pimples, blister on lips, flay skin, jagged finger & toe nails. We want to remember them without these little temporary imperfections and it is my job to take them away in the photos. I will present the baby in all its glory without the minor distractions. In addition, a lot of editing is required to create those “how did they do that pose?” photos. This includes the frog pose, That is why newborn baby photography is one of the most time consuming to edit. As an artist, I take extra special care to pay attention to every detail.
All photos on the gallery will be enhanced. In addition to a full set of colored photos, I will also make a black and white version, sepia or other artistic look that I think would look beautiful in that style. Additional black and white enhancements to any specific photo will be done free of charge at your request.
Prints and digital files are available a la carte. Packages are also available and offer a minimum of 25% off the a la carte prices. There is no need to make a decision on what to purchase until you see the gallery. You have up to three months to place an order with the current prices set during the photos hoot. After three months, there is not guarantee the prices will remain the same due to increase in supplier costs.
All photos are printed out of state at a lab exclusive to professional photographers only. There printers use multimillion dollar machines to make the prints. In addition, the photos are printed in archival paper. They are night and day from printing at a drug store. I am very picky and I make every effort to deliver you photos that look breathtaking, showing off every detail in true colors.
Digital files are available in 300dpi and can be printed on your own as large as you desire.
In addition to prints and canvases, various types of albums are available that are designed by me with your approval of the layout. I have an amazing baby book printed in Italy that is completely custom to you. You choose the colors, pattern, ribbons, font etc. This is available a la carte or as part of one of my packages. Other gift items are also available.
Once you get decide on a date, I ask for a 50% deposit of the session fee to secure the date. The remainder must be paid the week of the photo shoot.
Being that I work 7 days a week, I will work my best to accommodate your schedule if the baby arrives early or later. Just call me as soon as you know so we can arrange for another date.
To some, newborn baby photography is a business. To me, it is my PASSION. I pay attention to the details and have the patience to wait for the perfect moment to capture the most breathtaking shot. I only shoot in RAW and process my own photos (I do not outsource my photos to be edited). I spend up to 30 minutes to an hour enhancing each photo. I also look for the top quality in printing and album making. That is why it is effortless to work 7 days a week to accommodate the schedule of the parents and the delivery date. I always strive to perfect my craft and study new techniques to make a style that is my own. I’m also always on the lookout for new unique props and stay up with new styles. For example, with the anticipation of the new Star Wars movie is coming out in the fall, I am making crochet hats of characters from the movie (yes, I’ve already had requests). My goal is to exceed your expectations while providing you artistic images to last a lifetime.
Safety it of the utmost importance to me. I put all my effort to make sure the newborn is in a safe and comfortable environment. I set the temperature in the studio to a conformable level without a draft. I do have white noise on hand to be played if the baby needs it. All props are disinfected after each use. The crochet outfits are all cleaned as well. If there are any special requests, PLEASE notify me ahead of time so I can accommodate you.