FAQ

Before your Session

How long in advance should I book my session?

Sessions are usually booked about 1-2 weeks in advance, but there may be last minute appointments available so feel free to ask. The spring/summer seasons are busier. Call me at 347-668-8805 to book an appointment.

When is the best time for a session?

Photo sessions are best scheduled for a day that you and your child will be well rested. Find a time that will work well with naps and meals and try not to schedule other appointments for the same day. Babies and toddlers are often happiest right after a nap. Give everyone a light snack before the session

Outdoor sessions should not be booked for mid-day when the sun is at its strongest. It’s best to take outdoor photos on an overcast day.

Where are the photo sessions taken? Do you do outdoor or off site location photo shoots?

Sessions are taken in my brand new studio in Far Rockaway, NY. I have an option there for indoor studio portraits or outdoor portraits at a grassy clearing by the water (weather permitting). If you have a specific outdoor or off-site location in mind, I’ll be happy to take portraits at any local site. Additional fees will apply. The beach is always a great option!

Is there anything that I should bring?

A change of clothes for babies and toddlers is very important…just in case. Please bring a blanket for baby.

Bring your child’s favorite toy to help distract him in case he gets fussy. It can also help to capture his true personality. Crayons, books and puzzles can help keep older children occupied while it is their siblings turn for pictures. Treats and bribes are always a good idea, too.

Feel free to bring along any clothes or props that may add to the photo or make your child smile.

Please bring the full payment for the sitting.

What should I dress my child in?

Our goal is to direct your attention to your child’s face in the portrait, so solid colors work best. Avoid busy logos, stripes, words, or anything else that may distract the viewer from the child’s face.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when deciding what to wear is to make sure that the clothes fit well.

Clothes should complement the wearers coloring. For example, a blonde child with fair skin should not wear beige, light gray or other pale colors. In group pictures, colors should either match or complement each other. No one person should stand out in a photo.

Weekday clothes tend to make the photo more casual and fun looking whereas Shabbos clothes will give a formal, more stiff look to the portraits. That choice is yours to make!

My baby’s face got a scratch. Will it show up in the pictures or should I reschedule when it goes away?

Don’t worry; you do not have to reschedule. It will probably show up in the pictures, but minor retouching is included in print prices and I will gladly remove it for you.

My child woke up sick the morning of our appointment. What should I do?

Please call and reschedule as soon as you know that your child is sick. As a mom myself, I know that these things happen. I want your child to enjoy our photo session and a sick child will not be able to cooperate, nor will he look himself when he is not feeling good.

 I’d like to bring my newborn in for a portrait session. Is there anything that I should know?

Please feed your baby before you arrive so that he is full and happy. Please bring extra diapers, wipes, and a blanket.

Newborn’s portraits are generally taken in little or no clothes, but feel free to bring any outfits that you want him to wear. It’s very important to make sure that the outfit fits well. If it is slightly too large it will look very messy on a newborn. Many clothing changes may make your baby upset so try to keep it minimal.

If you and your spouse would like to be a backdrop for your baby, please wear all black. An extra set of clothes for the parents is a good idea, just in case.

There is no rush for a newborn session. I don’t mind waiting for you to feed, change, or sooth your baby.

Are there discounts for large groups?

Yes, please ask.

During your Session

What is a session like?

I will introduce myself and get to know your child a little before I start the photo shoot. We will spend about an hour having a great time and taking pictures. I have many different props and lots of toys to keep your child happy, and I will keep taking pictures until I feel that I have a nice amount of great shots.

How many pictures do you take?

I usually take about 40-50 pictures per child, which leaves me with about 25-30 proofs per child. Depending on the child’s age and cooperation, this number may vary. I will always keep going until I know that there will be enough great shots for you to choose from.

How long does a typical session last?

About an hour, depending on how many children there are and how cooperative they are. Breaks are encouraged as necessary to keep your child relaxed and happy.

Can we change our outfits during the session?

Absolutely! I like to photograph a child in a variety of 2-3 different outfits that reflect different sides of his personality. You know your child best, so if you feel he won’t tolerate a complete change, consider changing just a piece or two of the outfit.

Can parents join the photo shoot for a family picture?

Yes; parents can join the pictures at no extra charge!

Can I take pictures with my own camera?

Cameras and other recording devices are not permitted in the studio. Thank you for understanding.

After your session

How do I choose my photos?

Within one week of your session, you will receive an email with a link to view your photos and an order form. Feel free to call and discuss your portraits so that I can help you choose those that best fit your needs. Once you have decided what to order, you can email your order form to me. Before I actually print your order I will email you to confirm the details of your order.

Can you do any special effects to my photos?

Sure. Black and white, sepia colored, tinting, soft edges, blur, and black and white with color retouching are all done free of charge. Feel free to ask about any other special effects that you have in mind.

Do you sell anything other than prints?

Yes! I have a large selection of top quality special products, including canvas wrapped gallery portraits, aluminyzed metal prints, styrene and foam core mounted prints, photo books, collages and more. Please ask about any products that you have in mind that are not listed.

Do you sell CD’s?

Yes! High resolution CD’s are available for purchase with a minimum print order.

How long will it take for my order to be ready?

About 2 weeks after you place your order, your finished products will be available for pick-up. If you ordered any special products, it may take up to a week longer.

How long do you keep my pictures after I place an order?

Your pictures will stay on my computer for about 2 weeks after you place an order, in case you need to re-order. They will be moved and stored on a hard drive for 2 years after your session after which it may be deleted. There is an additional charge for ordering after they are moved to storage.