Frequenty asked Questions
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A photoshoot should be fun, relaxing and creative! Of course, like all clients, I'm sure you have questions or concerns regarding several things such as what to wear to a shoot, what not to wear to a shoot, location, time, etc.
Below are answers to many of your questions and concerns, however, if there is something that you're still not sure about or you're not finding the answer you're looking for, you're always welcome to contact me anytime!
1. What are your prices?
Please see the Services page for different packages and pricing. Packages and prices are non-negotiable.
2. What should I wear?
Industrial/Acting clients: NO neon colors, tie-dye or crop tops! Clothing should be fitted, might help to size down one size for better fit!
Most of the time, photographers have never met their clients until the day of the shoot, and to tell someone what they should wear might not be their idea of what they like, so here are some ideas to try for your next shoot (keep in mind these are only some tips to remember!)
There are several factors to consider when selecting something to wear. to your shoot. Although I like to leave that mainly up to the client, allow me to give you some tips and advice to keep in mind when putting your outfit(s) together. Wardrobe is a very important part of a photoshoot and even a consultation prior to a shoot is a good idea so we can be 100% prepared for the shoot and that all of your goals are met. Personally, I love a nice bold, rich color that really pops in a photo. Lighter brights stand out but shouldn't be too distracting (i.e. no neon greens and neon yellows). Even white looks great and can feel fresh. I usually suggest staying away from dark colors because they can blend into the background, but if you know you’ll be shooting in a location that offers a light background, dark colors can also be slimming. A nice bright color however, just adds a little "something" to the photo.
If you have a favorite color that you just love, wear it! Be comfortable with what you wear and go with your taste in fashion. If you're going for a few different looks, bring multiple outfits and accessories such as hats, vests, scarves, jewelry (be minimal with jewelry unless it's a fashion-oriented shoot) jackets, headbands and whatever else you can think of! Be confident in what you are wearing and be proud of who you are; chances are if you are wearing something and take a glance in the mirror and think "I look good today!" then that is the perfect outfit for photos!
Another great example: For family photos/larger groups, pick a three or four color combination and run with it. Make sure you do different variations of the color combination. I don't suggest everyone to wear all the same colors. People get lost in the photos because they all look the same, and everyone is an individual! If your color combination is grey, yellow, and navy, then have person A wear a yellow shirt with a navy scarf, person B wear a white shirt with a grey cardigan sweater and person C wear a navy and white plaid shirt. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns in with solids. Pay attention to the colors that you think look best with your skin tone, hair, etc. Wear variations of those color combinations in your photos. Look at past photos of yourself, if you really like a photo of you, pay attention to what you are wearing, because chances are that color compliments your skin tone, hair etc. For example, red heads tend to look great in green and even lavender!
3. What shouldn't I wear?
Industrial/Acting clients: NO neon colors, tie-dye or crop tops! Clothing should be fitted, might help to size down one size for better fit!
You don't have to match! Color coordination is so much better. For group family portraits, you can certainly match if that’s truly what you want, but in my opinion, simple color coordination is all that’s needed. You could choose pastels, for example, and everyone can stick to that color palette but not wear the exact same color. Or choose a color combination that you like, just as you would do for a wedding, and have everyone in the family dress any way they want, but using only those color options. You want to complement each other, not look identical. Unless you’re going for a particular style for your shoot, it’s usually a good idea to avoid anything too on trend so that later on you aren’t looking back at your photos thinking, “Why did I wear THAT?” Go with something that is timeless and always in style.
When coordinating pants and shirts or skirts and shirts, try to pick colors and fabrics that contrast, particularly with dark colors. If you wear all dark colors of the same material, it will be hard to distinguish any details in the picture, making it boring. Use patterns sparingly…. if one person is wearing a print, try to avoid putting someone else in a competing pattern. When thinking about texture, choose different ones that will give photos some interest such as lace, corduroy, denim, etc. Avoid large logo’s, emblems and graphics like “GAP” and “Old Navy” because again, these will typically distract attention away from the subject. We want your faces and emotion to show, not promote the clothing company you purchased from!
Generally darker colors will slim you down. Bright colors can be tricky, especially if you are light skinned. Generally try to avoid colors that clash with your natural skin tone. If your cheeks are always rosy colored, try to avoid reds. If you have blond hair – avoid the yellows. Don’t forget you want contrast. You can always bring a few sets of clothes to a photo shoot and we can mix and match on the spot. Don’t forget to coordinate your nail colors with the style and color of clothes that you will be wearing…you are going to want these images to stand the test of time. Pick outfits that aren’t t considered too trendy, but will be able to be enjoyed and displayed for many years to come.
4. Where should we meet?
Location is key and it can all depend on what type of look you're going for. It's up to you on where you want to meet. Where do you like to go? What are some really scenic areas with great backgrounds that you know of? Some recommendations are a nice, local park with a nice background (nothing too distracting) you want a clean, open space like a field or a farm. Or even out in the city with all the buildings and abstract backgrounds. I suggest we discuss a location prior to your shoot. And don't forget - dress according to season and be aware of your surroundings! For example, if the shoot is going to be in a park setting and there is a lot of green, choose colors that will go nicely with green, to help make your photos come alive!
5. What time of day is best for a shoot?
Early mornings and late afternoons usually provide the best lighting. I do not recommend evenings as that is when it starts to get dark outside. Lighting is very important in photographs. Bright sunny days we'd have to look for a location with lots of shade. So we should look out for overcast/cloudy days where the lighting will be even. No rainy or very windy days! Indoor sessions can be booked at anytime during the day/evening.
6. Do you recommend props?
Yes! Props can add a special "look" to photos whether it's a special toy, rocking chair, wagon - or just an item that goes with the child's "look." However I do not have any props at this time so clients must provide their own props at this time.
7. What about hair & make-up? Do you offer hair and make-up services?
Yes, I offer H&M. It is optional, but highly recommended to look your best! H&M is available for $75 extra. This includes hair & make-up. Check or cash is accepted only for the artist's services and must be separate from the shooting fee.
8. Do you offer indoor studio sessions?
I do offer indoor studio sessions in my studio located at: 1101 Wheaton Ave. Millville, New Jersey 08332
9. Any tips for babies & young children?
Children's photography is my specialty! So a few things to remember are: Stick to your child’s usual nap and feeding times - a baby who is well-fed, clean and had a good nap is bound to be a happy baby! This is extremely critical for a successful portrait session. So, please be sure to feed your child and take care of bathroom or diapers prior to your session. If you have decided to bribe your child with candy or have special places in mind, etc. please let me know. If your child is shy, let's spend a few good few minutes letting the child warm up a bit by perhaps having a little conversation, asking some questions, telling them all the fun things we'll be doing for the day and just let the child be themselves. Give the child some time and space to get used to everything. Bring some toys or a "favorite" family member to keep the child engaged.
10. When should I expect my images on CD in the mail?
Please allow between 1-2 business days for your images to be uploaded to your private, password-protected Gallery. Once you select your favorite images, I will work on editing them in a timely fashion and everything will be burned to a CD. CD shipment is 1-2 weeks. 1 week on average, maybe less - it depends on how long you take to choose your favorites - the faster you choose, the sooner you'll get your CD. CD's are optional - flash drives are becoming a bigger preference over CD's nowdays.
SO REMEMBER....
DO.....
- Do pick clothes that you are comfortable in.
- Do try on ALL the clothes before coming to a photo shoot. Nothing like finding out something doesn’t fit at the shoot.
- Do remember to coordinate your nail color (both hands and toes if you will be wearing open toe shoes or if you will be barefoot). Also, remember that your nails should have a fresh coat, that chips will show in the pictures.
- Do remember that you want contrast.
- Do have a bright light on when picking out clothes for the photo shoot.
DON'T....
- Don’t worry about bringing too many clothes, as long as you bring a variety. In this case, more is better!
- Don’t worry if you don’t like something, you can always go onto the next wardrobe.
- Don’t forget to put a fresh coat on your nails – chips will show in the photos!
- Don’t bring clothes with busy patterns on them.
- Don't worry about "freshly washed" hair - "dirty" hair that is a few days since the last wash is actually easier to style!
- Don’t be afraid to accessorize! The more interesting looking you are, the more interesting looking your photos will be. The camera loves the added touch a fun scarf can bring to a photograph. A cool hat can help make a photo much more interesting!
- Don't be afraid to be "you!"
CREDIT: Another great, detailed article to read about "do's and don't's" is here!