GRADS
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOU AND THAT PLACE AT THE MALL?
One word: EVERYTHING.
Here’s a rundown:
1. I’ve been studying photography since I was 9 years old, and later I studied portrait photography at NYU as an adult. Many of the photographers hired “at that place at the mall” have never held a camera in a professional capacity before, and they are learning how on your time. (And money.)
2. My goal is to get the most amazing photos I can to mark this all-important time in your life. As corny as it sounds, I really do care. I want to truly capture the gritty/spunky/whip-smart/witty/kick-ass individual you are right now. You’ll never be this person again, and yet, the best is still to come.
That place at the mall is a machine. They have limited 20-30 minute sessions followed by regimented buying time. There’s a reason they can afford that mall rent! It’s because they are the fast food of the photography world.
Also, let me just say — sometimes they are exactly what you need and want at the time, and there is nothing wrong with that.
3. “But their sessions are so cheap!” Yes and no. The session is cheap, but the actual photos aren’t. The cheap session offer is to lure you in the door and upsell as many hundreds of dollars as they can.
4. With me, you are officially supporting a small business. I’m one person, who hires a small handful of local people—like you and me!—to work with me.
5. When you hire me, you’re keeping your money where your home is. You’re supporting your local economy. Do you know where that corporation who owns that place at the mall is based? Exactly. Neither do I. Ultimately, that’s who you’re supporting.
6. Many of my shoots are on-location. It’s impossible to replicate every delicate leaf or sun splash, making your shoot specifically unique to you and you alone. Can you say that about the mall?
WHY WOULDN'T I JUST TAKE A SELFIE OR HAVE MY FRIEND TAKE THE PHOTO?
If you have to ask that, then go right ahead! Some people take awesome selfies and some friends are very talented photographers.
When you hire me to take your picture it’s because you want your photos to reflect my perspective and professionalism, which is definitely unique to me.
It reflects my many years of training, modeling on the other side of the camera, apprenticeships, portrait study, experience working in editorial and with celebrities, art school, casting experience and urban sensibility.
YOU SPECIALIZE IN SHOOTING TEEN GIRLS — DOES THAT MEAN YOU DON'T SHOOT TEEN BOYS?
Of course I shoot teen boys! You can see examples in my portfolio.
I began modeling when I was 12, and continued throughout my early 20s. For me and many other teen girls I have known...I don't believe we were represented well at times by male photographers. I very specifically want teen girls to feel comfortable, at ease, and embrace their strength and uniqueness when they are in a session with me. It’s a mission, and I feel passionately about it.
HOW LONG IS THE SHOOT?
Your shoot will last up to 2 hours. You are allowed up to 3 wardrobe changes in that time. Please arrive on time. If you show up late, your session will not be extended.
HOW MANY PHOTOS CAN I EXPECT TO TAKE HOME?
Within two weeks after your shoot, you will be delivered 20-30 of your best digital, hi-res images. Unlike many photographers, I don’t charge per image. I believe that you pay for the shoot, and you can do what you wish with your files. Prints are not provided.
If you are deciding between me and other photographers, take a good look at the bottom line; I don't charge per image, I'm not trying to sell you prints (that you can acquire very cheaply on your own). You actually get a lot from me for a very low fee.
DO I NEED TO SIGN A CONSENT FORM?
Yes. If you are under the age of 18, you'll need a parent to sign a consent form agreeing to photograph you.
DO I NEED A PARENT PRESENT AT THE PHOTO SHOOT?
Yes. Though, an arrangement can be made with the parent as long as you're not alone. Basically, a parent needs to approve everything!
CAN I BRING A FRIEND TO THE SHOOT?
Yes! Firstly, you cannot do this shoot by yourself. Someone else needs to be there with you. If you choose to bring a friend—and it's all approved by your parent—I will be happy to do a short shoot of the both of you at the end of your session. It gives you two a nice keepsake to mark the occasion (no more than 3 images).
I AM A PARENT AND I HAVE OTHER KIDS AND IT WOULD BE GREAT TO HAVE THEIR PHOTO TAKEN, TOO. CAN WE JUST COMBINE THE TWO SHOOTS?
If you would like have a family shoot in addition to your grad shoot, I am willing to work out a price for the additional shoot that works for the both of us. Otherwise, you're essentially asking for two shoots for the price of one, and that's not fair to me nor the grad who is supposed to be the star of the day.
Your grad package includes a 2-hour shoot. For every hour after that I charge $175 per.
HOW DO I CHOOSE THE CLOTHES FOR MY SHOOT?
In general, solid colors read best on camera. Blue is always a good option; green doesn’t always read well. Most importantly, choose clothing you feel good in. Bring lots of options so we can review them together. Please have your clothes ironed and ready, so it doesn’t cut into our shooting time. When in doubt, jeans and/or khakis are always a good option for your bottom half.
I love everything about Teen Vogue, not just for their fashion, but I truly think they're one of the last remaining truly gutsy magazines out there. I've hyperlinked their fashion page here.
And if you have any ideas for a stylized shoot—something a little bit different and stand-out—know now that I am open to it! These require some discussion, so let's talk it out.
IS MAKEUP PROVIDED?
No. You are of course welcome (in fact, it’s recommended) to hire your own outside makeup person; I can make recommendations if needed.
Makeup is not advised for members of the male species, unless you're really, really good at it (then that's go for it!).
WHAT ABOUT HAIR?
Hair services are not provided. If there is one thing you do to prepare for your shoot, take the time to have your hair professionally styled. A lot can be fixed in post-production, but nothing can be done if you’re hair isn’t right. Hair can really make or break a photo shoot.
A NOTE TO NAIL POLISH: If it's not 100% picture perfect, you are better to go bare.
HOW ARE THE LOCATIONS DECIDED UPON?
If you have a favorite outdoor setting, I am happy to meet you there. Travel time is free within 30 miles of my studio. I am always open to discuss options with you. I also have a backdrop studio which I can bring to your home. We can easily do a combination of the two as long as time allows.
HOW LONG WILL YOU HOLD ONTO MY PICTURES?
I will keep your images for 60 days only. After that, they are deleted. So, after you receive your images, be sure to archive them carefully.
HOW DO I PAY FOR MY SESSION?
A non-refundable deposit (half of your session fee) is due at the time of booking. If you decide to re-schedule your shoot, your deposit credit is good for 30 days from the time of your original session date. All remaining session fees must be paid before your shoot begins. There are no hidden fees. Your payment covers the shoot time, post production, and mailing. I accept, cash, PayPal payments, and credit cards.