Lifestyle Photography: Frequently Asked Questions

How did you get started in photography?
I began as an enthusiastic hobbyist and gradually developed as a professional through intensive study of the craft on my own, lots of practice, and the invaluable mentoring by consummate pros.

My work is informed and enriched by a diverse educational and professional background in communications and the arts. From my first taste of the Manhattan cabaret scene in the chanteuse role, to my professional theatre work, to my days working in graphic design and even paper doll illustration, I've enjoyed a colorful array of opportunities and experiences that have all shaped my approach to photography today. I take pride in my personal vision, artistry, and technique behind the camera and in the digital darkroom, which distinguishes my work in a way that my clients recognize and appreciate.

Do you have a studio? Do you use props and backdrops?
I have limited access to a loft space downtown which provides unique architecture both indoors and outside, beautiful natural light inside, and access to a variety of interesting urban settings. However, as my portfolio will reflect, I do not specialize in traditional studio photography. I shoot primarily by available light, and while I may be inspired to incorporate found objects in a particular shooting environment (and am always happy to incorporate objects that have special meaning to the subjects and/or reflect who they are), and I incorporate plain backdrops for occasional high-key and low-key images, I do follow the conventions of mainstream studio portrait photography with regard to posing, props and backdrops, and I do not recommend my services to clients who are looking for conventional studio portraiture. Before booking a session, its important to establish that my clients' expectations and desires align with the kind of work I do.

Do you shoot film, digital or both?
I am strictly digital, and use high-quality, professional-grade cameras, lenses, and equipment (and backup equipment).

Do you ever run specials or discounts on session fees?
Occasionally, yes. Specials or seasonal promotions will be posted on my website while they are running.

Do you photograph pets?
I am happy to photograph domesticated, legally-owned and licensed pets, either individually or with their owners. The only exception to this rule is that I cannot photograph cats at my space. Due to allergies, I will only photograph cats on location. Each pet counts as one individual subject.

Do you do retouching?
One of things setting me apart from most other portrait and event photographers is that every final proof image is post-processed for maximum quality; this often includes some very basic retouching (removal of under-eye circles, blemishes, etc.) and fine artistic enhancements. Requests for further retouching are considered on a case-by-case basis, and may or may not be contracted depending on the feasibility of the request. Retouching fees start at $60 an hour.

How many proofs will I get? Do I get to see every image you take?
I edit the final batch of proofs a client is shown. Again, each proof is completely post-processed- no further finishing or enhancements are made to reprints, so what you see is what you get. The number of proofs depends entirely on the individual session. I always strive to "wow" my clients with a proof set that reflects the best of the session with range and variety.

Is every proof available in options like B&W, Sepia, etc.?
I consult with my clients prior to their session to determine their preferences and the general dispersion of black and white, color, and/or alternatively toned images. Working from this, I will make the specific determinations for each individual shot during shooting and post-processing based on my own artistic eye and expertise. The final proofs are shown "as is" and are not available in alternative processes or tones.

Can I get my photos in digital format instead of ordering prints?
Clients invest in my time and talent because of the distinctive quality of my work. My professional labs produce high-quality prints based on the color space I work in during processing, and these prints meet my high standards and represent my photography in a way that upholds my artistic integrity and professional image. Raw, unprocessed digital files are not available to clients. With the exception of headshots (the intended usage of which differs from personal portraits and photographic prints), digital files of finished (processed) proofs are only available to clients with the purchase of an inclusive collection or, if ordering à la carte, with a minimum print order. For a detailed list of prints and prices, you may submit an inquiry.

Can I show you a photo I like and have you replicate it for me?
Although it may be true that there are few to no ideas that are purely original, deliberately recreating a specific photograph is problematic on several levels. One, it's a violation of someone else's intellectual property. Two, it stymies the essential creative process that would naturally yield its own unique results. Three, clients who make such requests are expecting something that really can't be done. Even if a shot is recreated to exact specifications, the subject is not the same... the moment is not the same... the photo is not the same. I can't transform a client into someone else, and I wouldn't want to. Having stated this, I do welcome client input in terms of style. If there's a spread in a magazine or individual and/or bodies of works of other photographers that the client admires, while I will not agree to produce "knockoffs" per se, I can get a definite feel for the client's tastes and use that to inform my approach to their individual session (or, if it is too vastly different from my working and artistic style, recommend a different photographer).

Do you contract with professional hair and makeup artists?
I encourage clients to groom themselves in a way that represents their natural best. If clients desire professional grooming, they are responsible for making such arrangements with their stylist(s) of choice prior to the session. Clients are also welcome to have a professional stylist or team of stylists accompany them to the session if they so desire. In such instances, I require a brief consultation with said stylist(s), either in-person, via telephone, or over email, prior to the session, to establish basic working parameters for the photo shoot.

How soon will I see my proofs? What is the turnaround on print orders?
As every image is carefully post-processed, proofs are viewable online approximately two weeks after the session. Turnaround time on print orders varies depending on the quantity, size and kinds of prints ordered, as well as the time of year at which the order is placed. Clients can expect most standard print orders to be fulfilled within four to six weeks.

Is there a time limit to order prints from the session? How long do you keep the image files?

The 10% print discount applies only to the first order placed within two weeks of the client's receipt of proofs. Files, however, are kept for three years from the date of the session and reprints may be ordered at any time during that period, at whatever pricing is current at the time the order is placed.