Sessions
Where?
We are primarily "on-location natural light" photographers. This means that rather than working entirely in a studio, we will set up your session someplace more personal for you and utilize as much natural light as possible. Sometimes it is a specific location that is important to you, such as the spot of a first date or a softball field where someone grew up playing.
If you don't have any place in mind, we'd love to help! We'll talk about your particular session and what kind of feeling you're looking for. Are you looking for something natural, sun-drenched, colorful, simple, rustic, edgy, urban -- you name it! We’ll offer some suggestions for known locations, or do some research for someplace new.
Depending on location, additional travel and entrance fees may apply. Standard government travel fees will apply for all sessions further than 15 miles from either Ringwood, NJ or Hillsdale, NJ.
Please know that while we're open to new locations for sessions, there may be things we are not comfortable doing. For example, due to the high number of injuries and even deaths that occur, we will never shoot on railroad tracks. If you choose a location we're never shot at before, we will do our best to research any photography rules the location may have. Please be prepared for the possibility of needing a permit or of not being able to photograph at certain locations. We will do our best to find this out in advance.
Over the summer of 2017, the State of New Jersey changed its laws regarding photography in the State Parks. We are now required to carry a purchased permit in order to photograph sessions or events at any State Park within New Jersey. Because of this, sessions in State Parks now have a $15 surcharge added to the session price to cover the cost of the permit.
When?
Because we won't be in a studio, we'll be limited by things like the weather and time of day. We'll never shoot outside in weather that can be hazardous (such as thunderstorms). If we decide the weather is going to be a problem we will call for a re-schedule and your deposit will be transferable. Don't be sad if you see a cloud! Cloudy days can actually give us very flattering light that will evenly light our subjects, much like a natural softbox. Let us know if you're open to continuing with your session if we have rain (not accompanied by thunder and lightning). Umbrellas and a sense of adventure can break up a session and give you pictures you'll never forget!
Outdoor photography has a specific time that works best for natural lighting. The ideal time for outdoor portraits is either 2-3 hours after sunrise or 2-3 hours before sunset. Since the sunrise and sunset times change over the course of the year, it changes the available times. Midday (when the sun is high in the sky) is a generally unflattering time of day to photograph people because of the shadows that are cast across our subject's faces. Occasionally we can work with shooting midday if we absolutely have to by using heavily shaded areas and other tricks for blocking out light, though it is not ideal. Please feel free to reach out to discuss what times are best for your session.
If you have a need for a studio session, or would like to discuss what we can do for a boudoir session (still using natural light), please check the "In Studio" section below.
In Studio
Occasionally a session may call for use of a studio, and we can do that too!
For an additional fee, we can rent out a studio in Little Falls, NJ. The rental fee covers the use of the entire studio for a minimum of 4 hours, which includes a white background, gray background, and black background. The studio also has a separate room set up as a simple bedroom where boudoir sessions can be done in privacy with incredible natural light pouring into the room. Along with a lounge, there is also a hair and makeup room where you can get ready.
The rental fee for the studio is added onto your session fee and starts at $175 for 4 hours. Set up and clean up time is part of the studio rental time. The studio requires a non-refundable $50 deposit to hold the studio open.
What to Expect
What to Wear
General Session:
Patterns or prints distract and date your photo. Choose mid-tone color in blue, green, wine and purple because they are universally flattering. Avoid wearing tops in flesh tones(cream, beige, pastels, peach or yellow) as they will blend your face into your clothes. Remember to let your family be who they are! Choose a color palette and arrange coordinating outfits instead of matching ones. When shooting outside, try to avoid green so you aren't lost in the grass! Textures, layers, and patterns photograph well but be mindful of busyness when planning for a large group!
Maternity:
Trying to decide what to wear for your session? Here are some general suggestions!
Maxi dress: flattering and can be dramatic depending on how Incredible comfortable(comfort is key when you're pregnant!)you're posed.
Solid colors: A nice way to keep your bump the main focus. Want a pattern? Have your partner wear a pattern that goes with what you're wearing.
Belts: Worn above your bump, it'll pull in looser clothing to define your bump!
Tight clothing: If you don't mind showing off you're pregnancy body, this is a nice way to show off just how amazing the human body is!
Textured clothing (lace, or a chunky knit sweater with jeans!): This will add dimension to your photos and its a nice alternative to prints or patterns.
In general, just be comfortable!
Headshots:
Find colors that work for you! Avoid wearing short sleeves, shiny fabrics or low necklines. Limit the amount of jewelry(unless jewelry is your statement!) you're wearing in your photos to avoid distraction. Come with your clothes rather than wearing them to avoid wrinkles. Make sure everything is clean and fits well. All of these steps will increase your confidence and you'll be photo ready!
Depending on what your headshots are for, we can keep you looking your most professional while letting your personality shine through.
