~When is a good time to schedule a Family Portrait session?
I’d suggest we schedule your shoot at a time when your child will be lively, awake, and playful. Often, just after waking up from a nap is best. Meal or snack time can be a fun time for photos, so you may want to prepare some snacks for your child for the shoot. If you’re thinking of having the shoot at your house, watch the way sunlight moves through it over the course of a day. It's also great to choose a time of day when one side of your house is brightly lit with sunlight.
~What's the best age for Baby Portraits?
There's no best age! Babies change so fast during their first few years that ANY time you choose for your session will be wonderful. Photos of newborns can capture the delightful and often forgotten things, like those pudgy little fingers and curled toes! I’ve always found that infants and toddlers make the best photo subjects, because they’re so natural and uninhibited in front of the camera.
~Where is the best place to shoot the photos?
We can work in studio - or the studio can come to your house! Working in and around and outside your house, your family might be more relaxed and comfortable in their surroundings. Natural light is best, which means we should plan to shoot the session in different rooms in your house that get lots of daylight. I like to move around the house, trying different places – especially so the little ones don't get bored! Please don't feel like you need to clean up too much - what looks like clutter to you just appears as "texture" in the background. We might also go outside or at a nearby park if it's a nice day.
~How much time should we set aside for the shoot?
Your shoot will probably last between 1 to 2 hours. Little babies may take longer because they're so sleepy – though that makes for an adorable photo opp too! I’ve had great shoots with 3 month olds that lasted about 15 minutes… 2-3 year olds can be as quick as 45 minutes, because they run around so much that we get lots of great pictures quickly.
~Do you provide airbrushing and photo retouching?
Typical airbrushing may include removal of tattoos, stretch marks, acne, scars, and wrinkles. Freckles can be reduced, teeth can be whitened, eyes can be brightened, etc… Other retouching techniques include using various filters, colour & white balance correction, minimizing distracting backgrounds, dodging & burning, etc… The beauty of using digital technology is we can manipulate your photos any way you need them… What you’re left with is a perfect “magazine quality” photograph. We won't change who you are – but we can make who you are FLAWLESS.
~How long will it take to see the proofs?
General turn around time to view your photos is about 1 week. I will send you an email link to a secure website so that you can view the unedited colour proofs online. General developing time for prints is about 2-3 weeks.
~How far in advance should I reserve my appointment?
During normal times, we can usually schedule a shoot within a few days. Weekends fill up faster than weekdays. During summers and holidays, plan to book ahead as the schedule fills up VERY fast and we usually start a waiting list!
~Do I have to pay for everything up front? What are the fees if I reschedule?
Session fees are due in full at the time of booking to secure your spot. You may reschedule your appointment within 48 hours with no penalty.
~Where is your studio located?
My home studio is conveniently located in Yorkville right beside a "Green P". Nearest subways are Rosedale, Yonge/Bloor & Bay stations