Frequently Asked Questions
The base rate for studio sessions (excluding product photography) is $260, which includes one hour of shoot time ($180) and two retouched images ($40 each) against a single studio backdrop of your choice. You may customize further with add-ons including +$10/additional outfit, +$20/additional studio backdrop, +$40/additional retouched image, and +$60 to make your session a “buddy package” whereby you and a friend or colleague split the shoot time and retouched images.
My on-location (and studio product) sessions are hourly at $180/hour (the same rate as in-studio sessions) with a minimum of one hour on-location. On-location sessions may be for example outdoors, in-office, in-home, or another location that is critical to telling the story of you or your work. On-location sessions do not include any retouched images bundled with the hourly rate. This is because often the number of images a client (or team) needs isn’t predetermined. After the session, the client can choose how many retouched images to purchase ($40/retouched image).
You can explore all in-studio and on-locatioh sessions and descriptions by visiting the booking page here. Please reach out via email with any questions you may have.
The base rate for studio sessions (excluding product photography, which is priced hourly) is $260.
The breakdown includes one hour of shoot time ($180) and two retouched images ($40 each) against a single studio backdrop of your choice. You may customize further with add-ons including +$10/additional outfit, +$20/additional studio backdrop, +$40/additional retouched image, and +$60 to make your session a “buddy package” whereby you and a friend or colleague split the shoot time and retouched images.
You can explore all in-studio sessions and their descriptions by visiting the booking page here. Please reach out via email with any questions you may have.
I’m available across all of NYC.
I fulfill my studio sessions (both for people and consumer products) out of my home studio, which is located in the Larkspur building at 304 w. 117th st.
Directions:
- By Subway: The building is a two-minute walk from the 116th st. (B/C) train stop, and a < 10 minute walk from the 116th st. (2/3) train stop as well as the 125th st. (A/B/C/D) train stop.
- By Bus: The M7, M3, M116, M10, and M2 buses all have stops in both directions within two and half blocks of my building.
- By Bike: There are spots to lock up your bike street side, but you may also bring your bike up with you in the elevator and into my apartment. There are also two Citibike docking stations within two blocks, one on the northeast corner of 117th st. and Frederick Douglass Blvd. and one on the northwest corner of 115th st. and Frederick Douglass Blvd.
I also travel to offices, businesses, and other on-location destinations. Expenses for taxi/Uber fare for the transportation of our studio equipment* on-location will be provided in an estimate for the session, and exact totals (with receipts provided) added to the remaining balance due for the session. Travel time is not marked up. The exact cost to get the equipment to-and-from the location of the shoot is simply to be reimbursed.
*This includes a larger roller and case with studio lights, light stands, lighting modifiers (large soft boxes), sandbags to secure stands, laptop and stand tethered to all the camera equipment and peripherals to view images during the session.
On Location
If you have somewhere specific in mind that you would like to shoot, please let me know via email or in the contact form on my contact page. I may need to acquire a city permit to use what the city specifies as professional lighting equipment, including light stands, there. Please specify as much as possible in your request. Thank you!
I fulfill my studio sessions (both for people and consumer products) out of my home studio, which is located in the Larkspur building at 304 w. 117th st.
Directions:
- By Subway: The building is a two-minute walk from the 116th st. (B/C) train stop, and a < 10 minute walk from the 116th st. (2/3) train stop as well as the 125th st. (A/B/C/D) train stop.
- By Bus: The M7, M3, M116, M10, and M2 buses all have stops in both directions within two and half blocks of my building.
- By Bike: There are spots to lock up your bike street side, but you may also bring your bike up with you in the elevator and into my apartment. There are also two Citibike docking stations within two blocks, one on the northeast corner of 117th st. and Frederick Douglass Blvd. and one on the northwest corner of 115th st. and Frederick Douglass Blvd.
This depends largely on your needs and the kind of shoot.
In-studio headshot and portrait sessions may last anywhere between +/- 60 minutes to 90 minutes depending on factors such as necessary pace, comfort level, and the number of backdrops and/or outfits changed. If getting settled in front of the camera and in conversation takes a little longer, no problem! No client should be penalized for their pace or practice. While I offer multiple session times to choose from on any given day, I aim to only schedule one session in the morning and one session in the afternoon, and block off available times once those are booked. This is deliberate to provide a buffer to work together at as casual as desired of a pace. Should you find that we nailed your photos quickly and you want to use in less time, “spare” time can also be used to review and select your images in person right away at the conclusion of your session. This is beneficial for both me and you as it reduces the amount of elapsed “dead” time between the shoot and reviewing the next chance you have, and it assures that your images are in my editing queue in a more timely manner!
on-location headshots portrait sessions are much more time-bound. This is important to me as a small business because, unlike studio sessions, on-locations require travel and I am not able to generate revenue nor am I compensated for any work the during travel time. As a result, a more exact use of time on-location (including set-up and tear-down time) grants that the time I am on location is fairly and accurately compensated. Additionally, in-office sessions tend to move at faster paces. The set ups tend to me more traditional and thus less complex (20-30 minutes both before and after), and staff members of all levels are busy people, so it is not unusual for me to have 3-5 minutes of face time with each employee.
For situational portraits elsewhere, location work has a few too many variables from the busyness of a specific area, road/park closures, birthday parties using a specific desired spot, etc. that sometimes time elapses just trying to get situated. With this in mind, I tend to recommend not having any thing planned after your on-location (non-in-office) session within three hours of the start of your scheduled session. I would hate for it to be a tight squeeze for commitments you have afterwards.
In-studio headshot and portrait sessions typically last anywhere between +/- 60 minutes to 90 minutes depending on factors such as necessary pace, comfort level, and the number of backdrops and/or outfits changed. If getting settled in front of the camera and in conversation takes a little longer, no problem! No client should be penalized for their pace or practice. While I offer multiple session times to choose from on any given day, I aim to only schedule one session in the morning and one session in the afternoon, and block off available times once those are booked. This is deliberate to provide a buffer to work together at as casual as desired of a pace. Should you find that we nailed your photos quickly and you want to use in less time, “spare” time can also be used to review and select your images in person right away at the conclusion of your session. This is beneficial for both me and you as it reduces the amount of elapsed “dead” time between the shoot and reviewing the next chance you have, and it assures that your images are in my editing queue in a more timely manner!
Getting good rest the night before, relaxing, not overthinking about the session, and treating this as an excursion truly help!
Some things to keep in mind:
-
- At its very essence, this routine is not natural! It’s okay to feel like it isn’t. 90% of this is setting you up in ways that seem candid and then 10% is drawing comfort and glimpses of who you are out in conversation, motion, humor, and micro-instructions.
-
- With the above point in mind, most people don’t like having their photo taken. Think about what you love about you, not the presence of the camera.
-
- We both want to create images that are accurate representations of you. My goal is to support you. I’m your champion.
-
- We both want your headshots to turn out as best as possible. We’ll work to that end and make it as enjoyable of an experience as possible.
If you’re wanting some preliminary inspiration, regardless of industry, it’s helpful to google or search on Pinterest ” [ ____ ] studio portrait photography” and replace the blank with the field relevant to you. You may see some sample images and poses that provide some ideas of what could work. Save them to your phone or computer and email them to me! Let’s work with and pursue what inspires you and appeals to you!
Creative Arts:
You will know best what sort of roles for which you are usually typecast. It’s helpful to be ready with the wardrobe that you’re comfortable in and that matches your personality, but also that hints, along with your expressions and physique, at what sort of character you are. I suggested bringing 2-3 looks with you, even if just end up picking 1. If you have an agent, ask them if they have any specific expectations or requests for the style of your photos. They may have some specifications and requests as well. I want to make sure I capture exactly what you and your representation would like.
Modeling and Commercial:
Depending on the kind of modeling, I recommend that you come to the shoot with a more conservative level of make-up applied. Many times, agencies will want to see a “beauty portrait” of your (primarily) natural appearance, especially for close-up and extreme close-up shots. You can add make up as needed during our session as well. Skin care ahead of the shoot is also essential. For commercial modeling (for or with products), please ensure that wardrobe and the products are ready, clean, cared for, and coordinated in advance of the session.
Corporate and Business Branding
Consider ahead of time whether you want solid color or dynamic backdrops, and if you will want to have some images with or without certain looks, including necklaces, glasses, ear rings, blazers, ties, textured clothing, etc. I tend to recommend solids and subtle patterns for clothing, with loud patterns reserved for accent pieces or when it’s inseparable from your personality and style.
Getting good rest the night before, relaxing, not overthinking about the session, and treating this as an excursion truly help!
Some things to keep in mind:
-
- At its very essence, this routine is not natural! It’s okay to feel like it isn’t. 90% of this is setting you up in ways that seem candid and then 10% is drawing comfort and glimpses of who you are out in conversation, motion, humor, and micro-instructions.
-
- With the above point in mind, most people don’t like having their photo taken. Think about what you love about you, not the presence of the camera.
-
- We both want to create images that are accurate representations of you. My goal is to support you. I’m your champion.
-
- We both want your headshots to turn out as best as possible. We’ll work to that end and make it as enjoyable of an experience as possible.
If you’re wanting some preliminary inspiration, regardless of industry, it’s helpful to google or search on Pinterest ” [ ____ ] studio portrait photography” and replace the blank with the field relevant to you. You may see some sample images and poses that provide some ideas of what could work. Save them to your phone or computer and email them to me! Let’s work with and pursue what inspires you and appeals to you!
Creative Arts:
You will know best what sort of roles for which you are usually typecast. It’s helpful to be ready with the wardrobe that you’re comfortable in and that matches your personality, but also that hints, along with your expressions and physique, at what sort of character you are. I suggested bringing 2-3 looks with you, even if just end up picking 1. If you have an agent, ask them if they have any specific expectations or requests for the style of your photos. They may have some specifications and requests as well. I want to make sure I capture exactly what you and your representation would like.
Modeling and Commercial:
Depending on the kind of modeling, I recommend that you come to the shoot with a more conservative level of make-up applied. Many times, agencies will want to see a “beauty portrait” of your (primarily) natural appearance, especially for close-up and extreme close-up shots. You can add make up as needed during our session as well. Skin care ahead of the shoot is also essential. For commercial modeling (for or with products), please ensure that wardrobe and the products are ready, clean, cared for, and coordinated in advance of the session.
Corporate and Business Branding
Consider ahead of time whether you want solid color or dynamic backdrops, and if you will want to have some images with or without certain looks, including necklaces, glasses, ear rings, blazers, ties, textured clothing, etc. I tend to recommend solids and subtle patterns for clothing, with loud patterns reserved for accent pieces or when it’s inseparable from your personality and style.
You have some options to choose from here.
The DIY approach: This is the most common for the majority of my clients. You know what you like and you have your routine established. You can choose whether or not you want to do your own makeup prior to arrival, or apply it here before your session. If you want your makeup done ahead of time but with an even more professional touch, you can also make an appointment at a store make-up counter the day of your session. Same for the salon! Just make sure, for either or both, to allow enough time to arrive on time for your appointment with me.
Bring a stylist or friend to the session: Have your own trusted hair and makeup artist, friend, partner, or sibling to do it for you? They’re welcome for the session. If you want a hair and makeup artist for an on-location session, please make sure they are aware of their responsibility for makeup setup, application, and teardown. Keeping in mind the hourly rates for shooting on location, please also encourage the hair and makeup artist to be on time and to operate efficiently while on the clock.
HMU services as an additional bundled expense: I unfortunately do not offer hair HMU services with my studio base rate, but if you would like HMU services at the time of your session, I have partnered previously before with a Broadway HMU artist for client sessions. Please book a session at least 10 days in advance if you would like me to arrange a HMU artist for your session. The added expense for their services is dependent on their specific going rate.
HMU for multi-employee companies: If you would like to bundle HMU services additionally, as described above, you may also do so for group sessions. Either way, in an effort to keep our shoot on schedule I encourage each employee to make a quick visit to the restroom mirror before they are on deck for their portrait. If it appears that hair falls in an unpleasant way in your portrait, I will do my best to spot-check as we shoot, but that is much better done with someone focused specifically on HMU being present!
You have some options to choose from here.
The DIY approach: This is the most common for the majority of my clients. You know what you like and you have your routine established. You can choose whether or not you want to do your own makeup prior to arrival, or apply it here before your session. If you want your makeup done ahead of time but with an even more professional touch, you can also make an appointment at a store make-up counter the day of your session. Same for the salon! Just make sure, for either or both, to allow enough time to arrive on time for your appointment with me.
Bring a stylist or friend to the session: Have your own trusted hair and makeup artist, friend, partner, or sibling to do it for you? They’re welcome for the session. If you want a hair and makeup artist for an on-location session, please make sure they are aware of their responsibility for makeup setup, application, and teardown. Keeping in mind the hourly rates for shooting on location, please also encourage the hair and makeup artist to be on time and to operate efficiently while on the clock.
HMU services as an additional bundled expense: I unfortunately do not offer hair HMU services with my studio base rate, but if you would like HMU services at the time of your session, I have partnered previously before with a Broadway HMU artist for client sessions. Please book a session at least 10 days in advance if you would like me to arrange a HMU artist for your session. The added expense for their services is dependent on their specific going rate.
Here’s what you can expect amenities-wise for portraits out of my home studio in Harlem:
Changing Room/Restroom: We have a dedicated restroom in our two-bath apartment.
Mirrors: In addition to the mirror in the restroom, there a large wall mirror in the shoot space that is perfect for checking hair and/or makeup before and during the session. I also have a hand-held mirror that stays by the client for checking and adjusting during the session.
Hair and Makeup Resources Include:
- hand-held steamer
- hair dryer
- hair spray
- lint rollers
- Facial towels
Seltzer and plain bottled water are also complimentary during the session, and I enjoy music while we shoot. If you have any special music requests, please share!
As many as you select and license.
In-studio sessions include two retouched images that you may select from your private selection gallery. The client selects exactly how many retouched images to license (ie purchase) for on-location sessions (at $40/retouched image).
The watermarked images I provide in your selection gallery within 24 after your session are not edited, however, nor are they enabled for download. They are raw images shared for the sole purpose of making your selection of images that you would like to purchase for licensed use. Once you make your selections, which can be done in person, if time permits, immediately following the conclusion of your session or later once I send your gallery link to you.
I will retouch and upload your final selections and then enable those images for download once the edits are approved and remaining balance for the session is fulfilled.
Please note: I do not, under any circumstances, provide raw files or any full collection of images to clients. This is because 1) The state of the raw images does not accurately reflect my portfolio or standard of work produced for public use and 2) The authorship credit of the full collection belongs to the photographer upon their creation and the licensing (purchase) is required for the shared, non-exclusive use of the images by both the photographer and the client.
As many as you select and license.
In-studio sessions include two retouched images that you may select from your private selection gallery. The client selects exactly how many retouched images to license (ie purchase) for on-location sessions (at $40/retouched image).
The watermarked images I provide in your selection gallery within 24 after your session are not edited, however, nor are they enabled for download. They are raw images shared for the sole purpose of making your selection of images that you would like to purchase for licensed use. Once you make your selections, which can be done in person, if time permits, immediately following the conclusion of your session or later once I send your gallery link to you.
I will retouch and upload your final selections and then enable those images for download once the edits are approved and remaining balance for the session is fulfilled.
Please note: I do not, under any circumstances, provide raw files or any full collection of images to clients. This is because 1) The state of the raw images does not accurately reflect my portfolio or standard of work produced for public use and 2) The authorship credit of the full collection belongs to the photographer upon their creation and the licensing (purchase) is required for the shared, non-exclusive use of the images by both the photographer and the client.
Typically within 2-3 business days for the studio base option (2 images), but a little more depending on the volume of images purchased beyond the studio base and for on-location (especially multi-employee) sessions.
*Expedited Delivery*: Should you need your studio base images sooner within one business day of selection, you may opt for $50 expedited delivery fee. As I am working to deliver a number of client’s images at the same time and in-between client sessions, the expedited delivery option moves the your session forward in the sequential job queue.
This depends on the package or scope of the session.
For studio portrait sessions: You may refer to the delivery timeline for each package using the “view rates” buttons on both my home and headshots pages, and on my booking site.
For multi-employee companies: You can always email me to get a projection after the session, but generally I am able to provide a realistic timeline of delivery with the information you provide when completing the form on my home page in the “In Office / On Location” section. That form pertains to multi-employee sessions specifically, and the variables regarding the volume of employees and the number of images per employee are the greatest determining factors for the anticipated length of the turn-around time.
EXCLUSIVELY.
This is very much for your expectations and protection as much as mine. The contract holds me accountable to my high standards and provides clarity on what you should and will expect of my work. It also assures me that I will be compensated for my time and work I have invested in the session. The deposit secures your requested time slot so that it is not booked by someone else. Please note that all sessions require that I receive the digital record confirming, via the appointment scheduler form, that the client has reviewed and agrees to the terms of the contract (linked therein the scheduler form) for the requested session type and once the 50% deposit is fulfilled, confirming the appointment on the calendar.
Payment of both the 50% deposit due at booking and the 50% remaining balance are both very easy to fulfill through appointment scheduler on my booking page. From the form the following options may be used:
- Square: You may securely complete the payments via credit card, debit card, or gift card with square via the appointment scheduler.
- PayPal: If PayPal is your preferred method, you may click MyPay and pay from a balance or with credit or debit cards links to your PayPal account.
- Google Pay: That’s right, Google Pay. I’m not sure why Apple Pay isn’t an option, but Google Pay is.
Should you prefer to render the remaining balance in a different form, you may also send the remaining amount just prior to image delivery to my Venmo or CashApp handles. Please provide a note as to what the payment was for for my tax records.
🚫 To Cash and Checks. I consider myself a trusting and organized person, but please do not mail checks or cash, which can be lost in the mail, and please spare me the accounting headache of tracking and recording a cash paper trail for taxes in addition to the other methods of payment. Thank you thank you!!!
I absolutely can and do..
Estimates/Proposals for custom and undefined on-location sessions: For custom projects that are outside the scope of studio headshots and portraits, I typially create and send an estimate via email following our initial contact. Payment timelines will be indicated on the estimate/proposal I provide as well as necessary.
Invoice receipts for deposits and remaining balance payments: These are generated and sent automatically to your booking email for both deposit and remaining balance payments provided. Please email me if you do not received on after you completed the appointment scheduler form on the booking page here.
You can log in and modify your appointment date and/or time (subject to the currently-available options) directly through the client portal here. I simply ask that you move your session more than two days in advance so as to allow others the opportunity to book the vacated time slot. Please refrain from rescheduling out of convenience rather than for health/sickness or travel reasons. I am a small business that is hit by changes, and I am committed to holding and honoring your time as important to me once your session is confirmed and the deposit is provided. Please note that the 50% deposit is retained for sessions that are entirely canceled or rescheduled two or more times or pushed out more than 2 months from the initially-scheduled session date. Please also note that the client remains liable for full payment if the client terminates the work at the editing phase and proceeds to use unauthorized versions, such as watermarked or modified raw versions of their selection gallery images without permission.
Yes! Invoice receipts are actually automatically generated and immediately sent to the email address with which you booked your appointment. The invoice is itemized in detail with the date and time, service type booked, additional add-ons, promo codes used (if applicable), and either the deposit amount paid or the remaining balance amount paid (depending on which milestone it is for which the invoice was paid). If you would like a receipt from Square as well, that is something that must be requested of me and I can pursue that for you. The majority of the time, the invoice from my appointment scheduling software suffices for company reimbursement.
Payment of both the 50% deposit due at booking and the 50% remaining balance are both very easy to fulfill through appointment scheduler on my booking page. From the form the following options may be used:
- Square: You may securely complete the payments via credit card, debit card, or gift card with square via the appointment scheduler.
- PayPal: If PayPal is your preferred method, you may click MyPay and pay from a balance or with credit or debit cards links to your PayPal account.
- Google Pay: That’s right, Google Pay. I’m not sure why Apple Pay isn’t an option, but Google Pay is.
Should you prefer to render the remaining balance in a different form, you may also send the remaining amount just prior to image delivery to my Venmo or CashApp handles. Please provide a note as to what the payment was for for my tax records.
🚫 To Cash and Checks. I consider myself a trusting and organized person, but please do not mail checks or cash, which can be lost in the mail, and please spare me the accounting headache of tracking and recording a cash paper trail for taxes in addition to the other methods of payment. Thank you thank you!!!
Travel within New York city’s five boroughs only requires cab fare to transport my studio equipment to and from my location. Travel within the tri-state area or beyond is welcome, but will require negotiation in a custom contract to cover the additional travel expenses. Travel expenses will not have a price markup, and I will provide a link to the travel costs within the proposal. I will also provide receipts for the travel expenses and will refund any difference between the projected and actual costs, if they turn out to be less than expected.
Yes, I do!
Promo Codes: I occasionally offer special promo codes and seasonal discounts on social media, via email, and on flyers in the neighborhood! Follow me for those!
Returning clients (10%): I offer a 10% discount to returning clients. I always enjoy working with familiary and friendly faces again!
Client referrals (10% refund per referral): If you are a previous client who refers someone t0 me who then actually books me for their images, you will receive a 10% refund back to your payment type (usually within 14 business days) following the date by which your referral fulfills their remaining balance on their session! In order for you to receive this referral discount, the client must provide your name either ahead of or during the studio session, and you must be a past client of mine to receive the refund bonus (I can only refund payment types that have been used before). You may also receive multiple referral refunds. Some past clients have almost been refunded the entirety of their own session as a result of the number of referrals they’ve shared! Thank you for spreading the word! ✨
Active-duty or retired armed forces (10%): 10% discount with proof enlistment. Thank you for your service!
Email, phone, text, DM- your pick!
You can shoot me a message at [email protected] or you can text or call my work phone number, 845-663-1564. If I am unable to answer the call, such as if it is after business hours or if i’m taking photos for a client at the time, I will be back in touch as soon as possible, but certainly within 24 hours. You can also complete one of the contact forms for product photography or in-office or on-location sessions on my home page. My contact page also has a basic contact form you can use, if those prompts are more helpful. It is helpful if the “subject” line reads something like “inquiry for ___” to help me differentiate those messages from communication with active clients. I love it when people have feedback on my work, portfolio, or even website, so please feel free to contact me for those purposes, even if not business-related. If you’re a previous client, I may even reach out to you to ask how you’re enjoying your photos. Thank you for your business!
Have another question?
Reach Out.
Phone
(+1) 845-663-1564
(+1) 845-663-1564
Frequently Asked Questions
The base rate for studio sessions (excluding product photography) is $260, which includes one hour of shoot time ($180) and two retouched images ($40 each) against a single studio backdrop of your choice. You may customize further with add-ons including +$10/additional outfit, +$20/additional studio backdrop, +$40/additional retouched image, and +$60 to make your session a “buddy package” whereby you and a friend or colleague split the shoot time and retouched images.
My on-location (and studio product) sessions are hourly at $180/hour (the same rate as in-studio sessions) with a minimum of one hour on-location. On-location sessions may be for example outdoors, in-office, in-home, or another location that is critical to telling the story of you or your work. On-location sessions do not include any retouched images bundled with the hourly rate. This is because often the number of images a client (or team) needs isn’t predetermined. After the session, the client can choose how many retouched images to purchase ($40/retouched image).
You can explore all in-studio and on-locatioh sessions and descriptions by visiting the booking page here. Please reach out via email with any questions you may have.
The base rate for studio sessions (excluding product photography, which is priced hourly) is $260.
The breakdown includes one hour of shoot time ($180) and two retouched images ($40 each) against a single studio backdrop of your choice. You may customize further with add-ons including +$10/additional outfit, +$20/additional studio backdrop, +$40/additional retouched image, and +$60 to make your session a “buddy package” whereby you and a friend or colleague split the shoot time and retouched images.
You can explore all in-studio sessions and their descriptions by visiting the booking page here. Please reach out via email with any questions you may have.
I’m available across all of NYC.
I fulfill my studio sessions (both for people and consumer products) out of my home studio, which is located in the Larkspur building at 304 w. 117th st.
Directions:
- By Subway: The building is a two-minute walk from the 116th st. (B/C) train stop, and a < 10 minute walk from the 116th st. (2/3) train stop as well as the 125th st. (A/B/C/D) train stop.
- By Bus: The M7, M3, M116, M10, and M2 buses all have stops in both directions within two and half blocks of my building.
- By Bike: There are spots to lock up your bike street side, but you may also bring your bike up with you in the elevator and into my apartment. There are also two Citibike docking stations within two blocks, one on the northeast corner of 117th st. and Frederick Douglass Blvd. and one on the northwest corner of 115th st. and Frederick Douglass Blvd.
I also travel to offices, businesses, and other on-location destinations. Expenses for taxi/Uber fare for the transportation of our studio equipment* on-location will be provided in an estimate for the session, and exact totals (with receipts provided) added to the remaining balance due for the session. Travel time is not marked up. The exact cost to get the equipment to-and-from the location of the shoot is simply to be reimbursed.
*This includes a larger roller and case with studio lights, light stands, lighting modifiers (large soft boxes), sandbags to secure stands, laptop and stand tethered to all the camera equipment and peripherals to view images during the session.
On Location
If you have somewhere specific in mind that you would like to shoot, please let me know via email or in the contact form on my contact page. I may need to acquire a city permit to use what the city specifies as professional lighting equipment, including light stands, there. Please specify as much as possible in your request. Thank you!
I fulfill my studio sessions (both for people and consumer products) out of my home studio, which is located in the Larkspur building at 304 w. 117th st.
Directions:
- By Subway: The building is a two-minute walk from the 116th st. (B/C) train stop, and a < 10 minute walk from the 116th st. (2/3) train stop as well as the 125th st. (A/B/C/D) train stop.
- By Bus: The M7, M3, M116, M10, and M2 buses all have stops in both directions within two and half blocks of my building.
- By Bike: There are spots to lock up your bike street side, but you may also bring your bike up with you in the elevator and into my apartment. There are also two Citibike docking stations within two blocks, one on the northeast corner of 117th st. and Frederick Douglass Blvd. and one on the northwest corner of 115th st. and Frederick Douglass Blvd.
In-studio headshot and portrait sessions typically last anywhere between +/- 60 minutes to 90 minutes depending on factors such as necessary pace, comfort level, and the number of backdrops and/or outfits changed. If getting settled in front of the camera and in conversation takes a little longer, no problem! No client should be penalized for their pace or practice. While I offer multiple session times to choose from on any given day, I aim to only schedule one session in the morning and one session in the afternoon, and block off available times once those are booked. This is deliberate to provide a buffer to work together at as casual as desired of a pace. Should you find that we nailed your photos quickly and you want to use in less time, “spare” time can also be used to review and select your images in person right away at the conclusion of your session. This is beneficial for both me and you as it reduces the amount of elapsed “dead” time between the shoot and reviewing the next chance you have, and it assures that your images are in my editing queue in a more timely manner!
This depends largely on your needs and the kind of shoot.
In-studio headshot and portrait sessions may last anywhere between +/- 60 minutes to 90 minutes depending on factors such as necessary pace, comfort level, and the number of backdrops and/or outfits changed. If getting settled in front of the camera and in conversation takes a little longer, no problem! No client should be penalized for their pace or practice. While I offer multiple session times to choose from on any given day, I aim to only schedule one session in the morning and one session in the afternoon, and block off available times once those are booked. This is deliberate to provide a buffer to work together at as casual as desired of a pace. Should you find that we nailed your photos quickly and you want to use in less time, “spare” time can also be used to review and select your images in person right away at the conclusion of your session. This is beneficial for both me and you as it reduces the amount of elapsed “dead” time between the shoot and reviewing the next chance you have, and it assures that your images are in my editing queue in a more timely manner!
on-location headshots portrait sessions are much more time-bound. This is important to me as a small business because, unlike studio sessions, on-locations require travel and I am not able to generate revenue nor am I compensated for any work the during travel time. As a result, a more exact use of time on-location (including set-up and tear-down time) grants that the time I am on location is fairly and accurately compensated. Additionally, in-office sessions tend to move at faster paces. The set ups tend to me more traditional and thus less complex (20-30 minutes both before and after), and staff members of all levels are busy people, so it is not unusual for me to have 3-5 minutes of face time with each employee.
For situational portraits elsewhere, location work has a few too many variables from the busyness of a specific area, road/park closures, birthday parties using a specific desired spot, etc. that sometimes time elapses just trying to get situated. With this in mind, I tend to recommend not having any thing planned after your on-location (non-in-office) session within three hours of the start of your scheduled session. I would hate for it to be a tight squeeze for commitments you have afterwards.
Getting good rest the night before, relaxing, not overthinking about the session, and treating this as an excursion truly help!
Some things to keep in mind:
-
- At its very essence, this routine is not natural! It’s okay to feel like it isn’t. 90% of this is setting you up in ways that seem candid and then 10% is drawing comfort and glimpses of who you are out in conversation, motion, humor, and micro-instructions.
-
- With the above point in mind, most people don’t like having their photo taken. Think about what you love about you, not the presence of the camera.
-
- We both want to create images that are accurate representations of you. My goal is to support you. I’m your champion.
-
- We both want your headshots to turn out as best as possible. We’ll work to that end and make it as enjoyable of an experience as possible.
If you’re wanting some preliminary inspiration, regardless of industry, it’s helpful to google or search on Pinterest ” [ ____ ] studio portrait photography” and replace the blank with the field relevant to you. You may see some sample images and poses that provide some ideas of what could work. Save them to your phone or computer and email them to me! Let’s work with and pursue what inspires you and appeals to you!
Creative Arts:
You will know best what sort of roles for which you are usually typecast. It’s helpful to be ready with the wardrobe that you’re comfortable in and that matches your personality, but also that hints, along with your expressions and physique, at what sort of character you are. I suggested bringing 2-3 looks with you, even if just end up picking 1. If you have an agent, ask them if they have any specific expectations or requests for the style of your photos. They may have some specifications and requests as well. I want to make sure I capture exactly what you and your representation would like.
Modeling and Commercial:
Depending on the kind of modeling, I recommend that you come to the shoot with a more conservative level of make-up applied. Many times, agencies will want to see a “beauty portrait” of your (primarily) natural appearance, especially for close-up and extreme close-up shots. You can add make up as needed during our session as well. Skin care ahead of the shoot is also essential. For commercial modeling (for or with products), please ensure that wardrobe and the products are ready, clean, cared for, and coordinated in advance of the session.
Corporate and Business Branding
Consider ahead of time whether you want solid color or dynamic backdrops, and if you will want to have some images with or without certain looks, including necklaces, glasses, ear rings, blazers, ties, textured clothing, etc. I tend to recommend solids and subtle patterns for clothing, with loud patterns reserved for accent pieces or when it’s inseparable from your personality and style.
Getting good rest the night before, relaxing, not overthinking about the session, and treating this as an excursion truly help!
Some things to keep in mind:
-
- At its very essence, this routine is not natural! It’s okay to feel like it isn’t. 90% of this is setting you up in ways that seem candid and then 10% is drawing comfort and glimpses of who you are out in conversation, motion, humor, and micro-instructions.
-
- With the above point in mind, most people don’t like having their photo taken. Think about what you love about you, not the presence of the camera.
-
- We both want to create images that are accurate representations of you. My goal is to support you. I’m your champion.
-
- We both want your headshots to turn out as best as possible. We’ll work to that end and make it as enjoyable of an experience as possible.
If you’re wanting some preliminary inspiration, regardless of industry, it’s helpful to google or search on Pinterest ” [ ____ ] studio portrait photography” and replace the blank with the field relevant to you. You may see some sample images and poses that provide some ideas of what could work. Save them to your phone or computer and email them to me! Let’s work with and pursue what inspires you and appeals to you!
Creative Arts:
You will know best what sort of roles for which you are usually typecast. It’s helpful to be ready with the wardrobe that you’re comfortable in and that matches your personality, but also that hints, along with your expressions and physique, at what sort of character you are. I suggested bringing 2-3 looks with you, even if just end up picking 1. If you have an agent, ask them if they have any specific expectations or requests for the style of your photos. They may have some specifications and requests as well. I want to make sure I capture exactly what you and your representation would like.
Modeling and Commercial:
Depending on the kind of modeling, I recommend that you come to the shoot with a more conservative level of make-up applied. Many times, agencies will want to see a “beauty portrait” of your (primarily) natural appearance, especially for close-up and extreme close-up shots. You can add make up as needed during our session as well. Skin care ahead of the shoot is also essential. For commercial modeling (for or with products), please ensure that wardrobe and the products are ready, clean, cared for, and coordinated in advance of the session.
Corporate and Business Branding
Consider ahead of time whether you want solid color or dynamic backdrops, and if you will want to have some images with or without certain looks, including necklaces, glasses, ear rings, blazers, ties, textured clothing, etc. I tend to recommend solids and subtle patterns for clothing, with loud patterns reserved for accent pieces or when it’s inseparable from your personality and style.
You have some options to choose from here.
The DIY approach: This is the most common for the majority of my clients. You know what you like and you have your routine established. You can choose whether or not you want to do your own makeup prior to arrival, or apply it here before your session. If you want your makeup done ahead of time but with an even more professional touch, you can also make an appointment at a store make-up counter the day of your session. Same for the salon! Just make sure, for either or both, to allow enough time to arrive on time for your appointment with me.
Bring a stylist or friend to the session: Have your own trusted hair and makeup artist, friend, partner, or sibling to do it for you? They’re welcome for the session. If you want a hair and makeup artist for an on-location session, please make sure they are aware of their responsibility for makeup setup, application, and teardown. Keeping in mind the hourly rates for shooting on location, please also encourage the hair and makeup artist to be on time and to operate efficiently while on the clock.
HMU services as an additional bundled expense: I unfortunately do not offer hair HMU services with my studio base rate, but if you would like HMU services at the time of your session, I have partnered previously before with a Broadway HMU artist for client sessions. Please book a session at least 10 days in advance if you would like me to arrange a HMU artist for your session. The added expense for their services is dependent on their specific going rate.
HMU for multi-employee companies: If you would like to bundle HMU services additionally, as described above, you may also do so for group sessions. Either way, in an effort to keep our shoot on schedule I encourage each employee to make a quick visit to the restroom mirror before they are on deck for their portrait. If it appears that hair falls in an unpleasant way in your portrait, I will do my best to spot-check as we shoot, but that is much better done with someone focused specifically on HMU being present!
You have some options to choose from here.
The DIY approach: This is the most common for the majority of my clients. You know what you like and you have your routine established. You can choose whether or not you want to do your own makeup prior to arrival, or apply it here before your session. If you want your makeup done ahead of time but with an even more professional touch, you can also make an appointment at a store make-up counter the day of your session. Same for the salon! Just make sure, for either or both, to allow enough time to arrive on time for your appointment with me.
Bring a stylist or friend to the session: Have your own trusted hair and makeup artist, friend, partner, or sibling to do it for you? They’re welcome for the session. If you want a hair and makeup artist for an on-location session, please make sure they are aware of their responsibility for makeup setup, application, and teardown. Keeping in mind the hourly rates for shooting on location, please also encourage the hair and makeup artist to be on time and to operate efficiently while on the clock.
HMU services as an additional bundled expense: I unfortunately do not offer hair HMU services with my studio base rate, but if you would like HMU services at the time of your session, I have partnered previously before with a Broadway HMU artist for client sessions. Please book a session at least 10 days in advance if you would like me to arrange a HMU artist for your session. The added expense for their services is dependent on their specific going rate.
As many as you select and license.
In-studio sessions include two retouched images that you may select from your private selection gallery. The client selects exactly how many retouched images to license (ie purchase) for on-location sessions (at $40/retouched image).
The watermarked images I provide in your selection gallery within 24 after your session are not edited, however, nor are they enabled for download. They are raw images shared for the sole purpose of making your selection of images that you would like to purchase for licensed use. Once you make your selections, which can be done in person, if time permits, immediately following the conclusion of your session or later once I send your gallery link to you.
I will retouch and upload your final selections and then enable those images for download once the edits are approved and remaining balance for the session is fulfilled.
Please note: I do not, under any circumstances, provide raw files or any full collection of images to clients. This is because 1) The state of the raw images does not accurately reflect my portfolio or standard of work produced for public use and 2) The authorship credit of the full collection belongs to the photographer upon their creation and the licensing (purchase) is required for the shared, non-exclusive use of the images by both the photographer and the client.
As many as you select and license.
In-studio sessions include two retouched images that you may select from your private selection gallery. The client selects exactly how many retouched images to license (ie purchase) for on-location sessions (at $40/retouched image).
The watermarked images I provide in your selection gallery within 24 after your session are not edited, however, nor are they enabled for download. They are raw images shared for the sole purpose of making your selection of images that you would like to purchase for licensed use. Once you make your selections, which can be done in person, if time permits, immediately following the conclusion of your session or later once I send your gallery link to you.
I will retouch and upload your final selections and then enable those images for download once the edits are approved and remaining balance for the session is fulfilled.
Please note: I do not, under any circumstances, provide raw files or any full collection of images to clients. This is because 1) The state of the raw images does not accurately reflect my portfolio or standard of work produced for public use and 2) The authorship credit of the full collection belongs to the photographer upon their creation and the licensing (purchase) is required for the shared, non-exclusive use of the images by both the photographer and the client.
Here’s what you can expect amenities-wise for portraits out of my home studio in Harlem:
Changing Room/Restroom: We have a dedicated restroom in our two-bath apartment.
Mirrors: In addition to the mirror in the restroom, there a large wall mirror in the shoot space that is perfect for checking hair and/or makeup before and during the session. I also have a hand-held mirror that stays by the client for checking and adjusting during the session.
Hair and Makeup Resources Include:
- hand-held steamer
- hair dryer
- hair spray
- lint rollers
- Facial towels
Seltzer and plain bottled water are also complimentary during the session, and I enjoy music while we shoot. If you have any special music requests, please share!
This depends on the package or scope of the session.
For studio portrait sessions: You may refer to the delivery timeline for each package using the “view rates” buttons on both my home and headshots pages, and on my booking site.
For multi-employee companies: You can always email me to get a projection after the session, but generally I am able to provide a realistic timeline of delivery with the information you provide when completing the form on my home page in the “In Office / On Location” section. That form pertains to multi-employee sessions specifically, and the variables regarding the volume of employees and the number of images per employee are the greatest determining factors for the anticipated length of the turn-around time.
Typically within 2-3 business days for the studio base option (2 images), but a little more depending on the volume of images purchased beyond the studio base and for on-location (especially multi-employee) sessions.
*Expedited Delivery*: Should you need your studio base images sooner within one business day of selection, you may opt for $50 expedited delivery fee. As I am working to deliver a number of client’s images at the same time and in-between client sessions, the expedited delivery option moves the your session forward in the sequential job queue.
EXCLUSIVELY.
This is very much for your expectations and protection as much as mine. The contract holds me accountable to my high standards and provides clarity on what you should and will expect of my work. It also assures me that I will be compensated for my time and work I have invested in the session. The deposit secures your requested time slot so that it is not booked by someone else. Please note that all sessions require that I receive the digital record confirming, via the appointment scheduler form, that the client has reviewed and agrees to the terms of the contract (linked therein the scheduler form) for the requested session type and once the 50% deposit is fulfilled, confirming the appointment on the calendar.
Payment of both the 50% deposit due at booking and the 50% remaining balance are both very easy to fulfill through appointment scheduler on my booking page. From the form the following options may be used:
- Square: You may securely complete the payments via credit card, debit card, or gift card with square via the appointment scheduler.
- PayPal: If PayPal is your preferred method, you may click MyPay and pay from a balance or with credit or debit cards links to your PayPal account.
- Google Pay: That’s right, Google Pay. I’m not sure why Apple Pay isn’t an option, but Google Pay is.
Should you prefer to render the remaining balance in a different form, you may also send the remaining amount just prior to image delivery to my Venmo or CashApp handles. Please provide a note as to what the payment was for for my tax records.
🚫 To Cash and Checks. I consider myself a trusting and organized person, but please do not mail checks or cash, which can be lost in the mail, and please spare me the accounting headache of tracking and recording a cash paper trail for taxes in addition to the other methods of payment. Thank you thank you!!!
I absolutely can and do..
Estimates/Proposals for custom and undefined on-location sessions: For custom projects that are outside the scope of studio headshots and portraits, I typially create and send an estimate via email following our initial contact. Payment timelines will be indicated on the estimate/proposal I provide as well as necessary.
Invoice receipts for deposits and remaining balance payments: These are generated and sent automatically to your booking email for both deposit and remaining balance payments provided. Please email me if you do not received on after you completed the appointment scheduler form on the booking page here.
You can log in and modify your appointment date and/or time (subject to the currently-available options) directly through the client portal here. I simply ask that you move your session more than two days in advance so as to allow others the opportunity to book the vacated time slot. Please refrain from rescheduling out of convenience rather than for health/sickness or travel reasons. I am a small business that is hit by changes, and I am committed to holding and honoring your time as important to me once your session is confirmed and the deposit is provided. Please note that the 50% deposit is retained for sessions that are entirely canceled or rescheduled two or more times or pushed out more than 2 months from the initially-scheduled session date. Please also note that the client remains liable for full payment if the client terminates the work at the editing phase and proceeds to use unauthorized versions, such as watermarked or modified raw versions of their selection gallery images without permission.
Yes! Invoice receipts are actually automatically generated and immediately sent to the email address with which you booked your appointment. The invoice is itemized in detail with the date and time, service type booked, additional add-ons, promo codes used (if applicable), and either the deposit amount paid or the remaining balance amount paid (depending on which milestone it is for which the invoice was paid). If you would like a receipt from Square as well, that is something that must be requested of me and I can pursue that for you. The majority of the time, the invoice from my appointment scheduling software suffices for company reimbursement.
Payment of both the 50% deposit due at booking and the 50% remaining balance are both very easy to fulfill through appointment scheduler on my booking page. From the form the following options may be used:
- Square: You may securely complete the payments via credit card, debit card, or gift card with square via the appointment scheduler.
- PayPal: If PayPal is your preferred method, you may click MyPay and pay from a balance or with credit or debit cards links to your PayPal account.
- Google Pay: That’s right, Google Pay. I’m not sure why Apple Pay isn’t an option, but Google Pay is.
Should you prefer to render the remaining balance in a different form, you may also send the remaining amount just prior to image delivery to my Venmo or CashApp handles. Please provide a note as to what the payment was for for my tax records.
🚫 To Cash and Checks. I consider myself a trusting and organized person, but please do not mail checks or cash, which can be lost in the mail, and please spare me the accounting headache of tracking and recording a cash paper trail for taxes in addition to the other methods of payment. Thank you thank you!!!
Travel within New York city’s five boroughs only requires cab fare to transport my studio equipment to and from my location. Travel within the tri-state area or beyond is welcome, but will require negotiation in a custom contract to cover the additional travel expenses. Travel expenses will not have a price markup, and I will provide a link to the travel costs within the proposal. I will also provide receipts for the travel expenses and will refund any difference between the projected and actual costs, if they turn out to be less than expected.
Yes, I do!
Promo Codes: I occasionally offer special promo codes and seasonal discounts on social media, via email, and on flyers in the neighborhood! Follow me for those!
Returning clients (10%): I offer a 10% discount to returning clients. I always enjoy working with familiary and friendly faces again!
Client referrals (10% refund per referral): If you are a previous client who refers someone t0 me who then actually books me for their images, you will receive a 10% refund back to your payment type (usually within 14 business days) following the date by which your referral fulfills their remaining balance on their session! In order for you to receive this referral discount, the client must provide your name either ahead of or during the studio session, and you must be a past client of mine to receive the refund bonus (I can only refund payment types that have been used before). You may also receive multiple referral refunds. Some past clients have almost been refunded the entirety of their own session as a result of the number of referrals they’ve shared! Thank you for spreading the word! ✨
Active-duty or retired armed forces (10%): 10% discount with proof enlistment. Thank you for your service!
Email, phone, text, DM- your pick!
You can shoot me a message at [email protected] or you can text or call my work phone number, 845-663-1564. If I am unable to answer the call, such as if it is after business hours or if i’m taking photos for a client at the time, I will be back in touch as soon as possible, but certainly within 24 hours. You can also complete one of the contact forms for product photography or in-office or on-location sessions on my home page. My contact page also has a basic contact form you can use, if those prompts are more helpful. It is helpful if the “subject” line reads something like “inquiry for ___” to help me differentiate those messages from communication with active clients. I love it when people have feedback on my work, portfolio, or even website, so please feel free to contact me for those purposes, even if not business-related. If you’re a previous client, I may even reach out to you to ask how you’re enjoying your photos. Thank you for your business!
Something else?
Reach Out.
Phone
(+1) 845-663-1564
(+1) 845-663-1564
FAQ’s
The base rate for studio sessions (excluding product photography) is $260, which includes one hour of shoot time ($180) and two retouched images ($40 each) against a single studio backdrop of your choice. You may customize further with add-ons including +$10/additional outfit, +$20/additional studio backdrop, +$40/additional retouched image, and +$60 to make your session a “buddy package” whereby you and a friend or colleague split the shoot time and retouched images.
My on-location (and studio product) sessions are hourly at $180/hour (the same rate as in-studio sessions) with a minimum of one hour on-location. On-location sessions may be for example outdoors, in-office, in-home, or another location that is critical to telling the story of you or your work. On-location sessions do not include any retouched images bundled with the hourly rate. This is because often the number of images a client (or team) needs isn’t predetermined. After the session, the client can choose how many retouched images to purchase ($40/retouched image).
You can explore all in-studio and on-locatioh sessions and descriptions by visiting the booking page here. Please reach out via email with any questions you may have.
The base rate for studio sessions (excluding product photography, which is priced hourly) is $260.
The breakdown includes one hour of shoot time ($180) and two retouched images ($40 each) against a single studio backdrop of your choice. You may customize further with add-ons including +$10/additional outfit, +$20/additional studio backdrop, +$40/additional retouched image, and +$60 to make your session a “buddy package” whereby you and a friend or colleague split the shoot time and retouched images.
You can explore all in-studio sessions and their descriptions by visiting the booking page here. Please reach out via email with any questions you may have.
I’m available across all of NYC.
I fulfill my studio sessions (both for people and consumer products) out of my home studio, which is located in the Larkspur building at 304 w. 117th st.
Directions:
- By Subway: The building is a two-minute walk from the 116th st. (B/C) train stop, and a < 10 minute walk from the 116th st. (2/3) train stop as well as the 125th st. (A/B/C/D) train stop.
- By Bus: The M7, M3, M116, M10, and M2 buses all have stops in both directions within two and half blocks of my building.
- By Bike: There are spots to lock up your bike street side, but you may also bring your bike up with you in the elevator and into my apartment. There are also two Citibike docking stations within two blocks, one on the northeast corner of 117th st. and Frederick Douglass Blvd. and one on the northwest corner of 115th st. and Frederick Douglass Blvd.
I also travel to offices, businesses, and other on-location destinations. Expenses for taxi/Uber fare for the transportation of our studio equipment* on-location will be provided in an estimate for the session, and exact totals (with receipts provided) added to the remaining balance due for the session. Travel time is not marked up. The exact cost to get the equipment to-and-from the location of the shoot is simply to be reimbursed.
*This includes a larger roller and case with studio lights, light stands, lighting modifiers (large soft boxes), sandbags to secure stands, laptop and stand tethered to all the camera equipment and peripherals to view images during the session.
On Location
If you have somewhere specific in mind that you would like to shoot, please let me know via email or in the contact form on my contact page. I may need to acquire a city permit to use what the city specifies as professional lighting equipment, including light stands, there. Please specify as much as possible in your request. Thank you!
I fulfill my studio sessions (both for people and consumer products) out of my home studio, which is located in the Larkspur building at 304 w. 117th st.
Directions:
- By Subway: The building is a two-minute walk from the 116th st. (B/C) train stop, and a < 10 minute walk from the 116th st. (2/3) train stop as well as the 125th st. (A/B/C/D) train stop.
- By Bus: The M7, M3, M116, M10, and M2 buses all have stops in both directions within two and half blocks of my building.
- By Bike: There are spots to lock up your bike street side, but you may also bring your bike up with you in the elevator and into my apartment. There are also two Citibike docking stations within two blocks, one on the northeast corner of 117th st. and Frederick Douglass Blvd. and one on the northwest corner of 115th st. and Frederick Douglass Blvd.
In-studio headshot and portrait sessions typically last anywhere between +/- 60 minutes to 90 minutes depending on factors such as necessary pace, comfort level, and the number of backdrops and/or outfits changed. If getting settled in front of the camera and in conversation takes a little longer, no problem! No client should be penalized for their pace or practice. While I offer multiple session times to choose from on any given day, I aim to only schedule one session in the morning and one session in the afternoon, and block off available times once those are booked. This is deliberate to provide a buffer to work together at as casual as desired of a pace. Should you find that we nailed your photos quickly and you want to use in less time, “spare” time can also be used to review and select your images in person right away at the conclusion of your session. This is beneficial for both me and you as it reduces the amount of elapsed “dead” time between the shoot and reviewing the next chance you have, and it assures that your images are in my editing queue in a more timely manner!
This depends largely on your needs and the kind of shoot.
In-studio headshot and portrait sessions may last anywhere between +/- 60 minutes to 90 minutes depending on factors such as necessary pace, comfort level, and the number of backdrops and/or outfits changed. If getting settled in front of the camera and in conversation takes a little longer, no problem! No client should be penalized for their pace or practice. While I offer multiple session times to choose from on any given day, I aim to only schedule one session in the morning and one session in the afternoon, and block off available times once those are booked. This is deliberate to provide a buffer to work together at as casual as desired of a pace. Should you find that we nailed your photos quickly and you want to use in less time, “spare” time can also be used to review and select your images in person right away at the conclusion of your session. This is beneficial for both me and you as it reduces the amount of elapsed “dead” time between the shoot and reviewing the next chance you have, and it assures that your images are in my editing queue in a more timely manner!
on-location headshots portrait sessions are much more time-bound. This is important to me as a small business because, unlike studio sessions, on-locations require travel and I am not able to generate revenue nor am I compensated for any work the during travel time. As a result, a more exact use of time on-location (including set-up and tear-down time) grants that the time I am on location is fairly and accurately compensated. Additionally, in-office sessions tend to move at faster paces. The set ups tend to me more traditional and thus less complex (20-30 minutes both before and after), and staff members of all levels are busy people, so it is not unusual for me to have 3-5 minutes of face time with each employee.
For situational portraits elsewhere, location work has a few too many variables from the busyness of a specific area, road/park closures, birthday parties using a specific desired spot, etc. that sometimes time elapses just trying to get situated. With this in mind, I tend to recommend not having any thing planned after your on-location (non-in-office) session within three hours of the start of your scheduled session. I would hate for it to be a tight squeeze for commitments you have afterwards.
Getting good rest the night before, relaxing, not overthinking about the session, and treating this as an excursion truly help!
Some things to keep in mind:
-
- At its very essence, this routine is not natural! It’s okay to feel like it isn’t. 90% of this is setting you up in ways that seem candid and then 10% is drawing comfort and glimpses of who you are out in conversation, motion, humor, and micro-instructions.
-
- With the above point in mind, most people don’t like having their photo taken. Think about what you love about you, not the presence of the camera.
-
- We both want to create images that are accurate representations of you. My goal is to support you. I’m your champion.
-
- We both want your headshots to turn out as best as possible. We’ll work to that end and make it as enjoyable of an experience as possible.
If you’re wanting some preliminary inspiration, regardless of industry, it’s helpful to google or search on Pinterest ” [ ____ ] studio portrait photography” and replace the blank with the field relevant to you. You may see some sample images and poses that provide some ideas of what could work. Save them to your phone or computer and email them to me! Let’s work with and pursue what inspires you and appeals to you!
Creative Arts:
You will know best what sort of roles for which you are usually typecast. It’s helpful to be ready with the wardrobe that you’re comfortable in and that matches your personality, but also that hints, along with your expressions and physique, at what sort of character you are. I suggested bringing 2-3 looks with you, even if just end up picking 1. If you have an agent, ask them if they have any specific expectations or requests for the style of your photos. They may have some specifications and requests as well. I want to make sure I capture exactly what you and your representation would like.
Modeling and Commercial:
Depending on the kind of modeling, I recommend that you come to the shoot with a more conservative level of make-up applied. Many times, agencies will want to see a “beauty portrait” of your (primarily) natural appearance, especially for close-up and extreme close-up shots. You can add make up as needed during our session as well. Skin care ahead of the shoot is also essential. For commercial modeling (for or with products), please ensure that wardrobe and the products are ready, clean, cared for, and coordinated in advance of the session.
Corporate and Business Branding
Consider ahead of time whether you want solid color or dynamic backdrops, and if you will want to have some images with or without certain looks, including necklaces, glasses, ear rings, blazers, ties, textured clothing, etc. I tend to recommend solids and subtle patterns for clothing, with loud patterns reserved for accent pieces or when it’s inseparable from your personality and style.
Getting good rest the night before, relaxing, not overthinking about the session, and treating this as an excursion truly help!
Some things to keep in mind:
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- At its very essence, this routine is not natural! It’s okay to feel like it isn’t. 90% of this is setting you up in ways that seem candid and then 10% is drawing comfort and glimpses of who you are out in conversation, motion, humor, and micro-instructions.
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- With the above point in mind, most people don’t like having their photo taken. Think about what you love about you, not the presence of the camera.
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- We both want to create images that are accurate representations of you. My goal is to support you. I’m your champion.
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- We both want your headshots to turn out as best as possible. We’ll work to that end and make it as enjoyable of an experience as possible.
If you’re wanting some preliminary inspiration, regardless of industry, it’s helpful to google or search on Pinterest ” [ ____ ] studio portrait photography” and replace the blank with the field relevant to you. You may see some sample images and poses that provide some ideas of what could work. Save them to your phone or computer and email them to me! Let’s work with and pursue what inspires you and appeals to you!
Creative Arts:
You will know best what sort of roles for which you are usually typecast. It’s helpful to be ready with the wardrobe that you’re comfortable in and that matches your personality, but also that hints, along with your expressions and physique, at what sort of character you are. I suggested bringing 2-3 looks with you, even if just end up picking 1. If you have an agent, ask them if they have any specific expectations or requests for the style of your photos. They may have some specifications and requests as well. I want to make sure I capture exactly what you and your representation would like.
Modeling and Commercial:
Depending on the kind of modeling, I recommend that you come to the shoot with a more conservative level of make-up applied. Many times, agencies will want to see a “beauty portrait” of your (primarily) natural appearance, especially for close-up and extreme close-up shots. You can add make up as needed during our session as well. Skin care ahead of the shoot is also essential. For commercial modeling (for or with products), please ensure that wardrobe and the products are ready, clean, cared for, and coordinated in advance of the session.
Corporate and Business Branding
Consider ahead of time whether you want solid color or dynamic backdrops, and if you will want to have some images with or without certain looks, including necklaces, glasses, ear rings, blazers, ties, textured clothing, etc. I tend to recommend solids and subtle patterns for clothing, with loud patterns reserved for accent pieces or when it’s inseparable from your personality and style.
You have some options to choose from here.
The DIY approach: This is the most common for the majority of my clients. You know what you like and you have your routine established. You can choose whether or not you want to do your own makeup prior to arrival, or apply it here before your session. If you want your makeup done ahead of time but with an even more professional touch, you can also make an appointment at a store make-up counter the day of your session. Same for the salon! Just make sure, for either or both, to allow enough time to arrive on time for your appointment with me.
Bring a stylist or friend to the session: Have your own trusted hair and makeup artist, friend, partner, or sibling to do it for you? They’re welcome for the session. If you want a hair and makeup artist for an on-location session, please make sure they are aware of their responsibility for makeup setup, application, and teardown. Keeping in mind the hourly rates for shooting on location, please also encourage the hair and makeup artist to be on time and to operate efficiently while on the clock.
HMU services as an additional bundled expense: I unfortunately do not offer hair HMU services with my studio base rate, but if you would like HMU services at the time of your session, I have partnered previously before with a Broadway HMU artist for client sessions. Please book a session at least 10 days in advance if you would like me to arrange a HMU artist for your session. The added expense for their services is dependent on their specific going rate.
HMU for multi-employee companies: If you would like to bundle HMU services additionally, as described above, you may also do so for group sessions. Either way, in an effort to keep our shoot on schedule I encourage each employee to make a quick visit to the restroom mirror before they are on deck for their portrait. If it appears that hair falls in an unpleasant way in your portrait, I will do my best to spot-check as we shoot, but that is much better done with someone focused specifically on HMU being present!
You have some options to choose from here.
The DIY approach: This is the most common for the majority of my clients. You know what you like and you have your routine established. You can choose whether or not you want to do your own makeup prior to arrival, or apply it here before your session. If you want your makeup done ahead of time but with an even more professional touch, you can also make an appointment at a store make-up counter the day of your session. Same for the salon! Just make sure, for either or both, to allow enough time to arrive on time for your appointment with me.
Bring a stylist or friend to the session: Have your own trusted hair and makeup artist, friend, partner, or sibling to do it for you? They’re welcome for the session. If you want a hair and makeup artist for an on-location session, please make sure they are aware of their responsibility for makeup setup, application, and teardown. Keeping in mind the hourly rates for shooting on location, please also encourage the hair and makeup artist to be on time and to operate efficiently while on the clock.
HMU services as an additional bundled expense: I unfortunately do not offer hair HMU services with my studio base rate, but if you would like HMU services at the time of your session, I have partnered previously before with a Broadway HMU artist for client sessions. Please book a session at least 10 days in advance if you would like me to arrange a HMU artist for your session. The added expense for their services is dependent on their specific going rate.
As many as you select and license.
In-studio sessions include two retouched images that you may select from your private selection gallery. The client selects exactly how many retouched images to license (ie purchase) for on-location sessions (at $40/retouched image).
The watermarked images I provide in your selection gallery within 24 after your session are not edited, however, nor are they enabled for download. They are raw images shared for the sole purpose of making your selection of images that you would like to purchase for licensed use. Once you make your selections, which can be done in person, if time permits, immediately following the conclusion of your session or later once I send your gallery link to you.
I will retouch and upload your final selections and then enable those images for download once the edits are approved and remaining balance for the session is fulfilled.
Please note: I do not, under any circumstances, provide raw files or any full collection of images to clients. This is because 1) The state of the raw images does not accurately reflect my portfolio or standard of work produced for public use and 2) The authorship credit of the full collection belongs to the photographer upon their creation and the licensing (purchase) is required for the shared, non-exclusive use of the images by both the photographer and the client.
As many as you select and license.
In-studio sessions include two retouched images that you may select from your private selection gallery. The client selects exactly how many retouched images to license (ie purchase) for on-location sessions (at $40/retouched image).
The watermarked images I provide in your selection gallery within 24 after your session are not edited, however, nor are they enabled for download. They are raw images shared for the sole purpose of making your selection of images that you would like to purchase for licensed use. Once you make your selections, which can be done in person, if time permits, immediately following the conclusion of your session or later once I send your gallery link to you.
I will retouch and upload your final selections and then enable those images for download once the edits are approved and remaining balance for the session is fulfilled.
Please note: I do not, under any circumstances, provide raw files or any full collection of images to clients. This is because 1) The state of the raw images does not accurately reflect my portfolio or standard of work produced for public use and 2) The authorship credit of the full collection belongs to the photographer upon their creation and the licensing (purchase) is required for the shared, non-exclusive use of the images by both the photographer and the client.
Here’s what you can expect amenities-wise for portraits out of my home studio in Harlem:
Changing Room/Restroom: We have a dedicated restroom in our two-bath apartment.
Mirrors: In addition to the mirror in the restroom, there a large wall mirror in the shoot space that is perfect for checking hair and/or makeup before and during the session. I also have a hand-held mirror that stays by the client for checking and adjusting during the session.
Hair and Makeup Resources Include:
- hand-held steamer
- hair dryer
- hair spray
- lint rollers
- Facial towels
Seltzer and plain bottled water are also complimentary during the session, and I enjoy music while we shoot. If you have any special music requests, please share!
This depends on the package or scope of the session.
For studio portrait sessions: You may refer to the delivery timeline for each package using the “view rates” buttons on both my home and headshots pages, and on my booking site.
For multi-employee companies: You can always email me to get a projection after the session, but generally I am able to provide a realistic timeline of delivery with the information you provide when completing the form on my home page in the “In Office / On Location” section. That form pertains to multi-employee sessions specifically, and the variables regarding the volume of employees and the number of images per employee are the greatest determining factors for the anticipated length of the turn-around time.
Typically within 2-3 business days for the studio base option (2 images), but a little more depending on the volume of images purchased beyond the studio base and for on-location (especially multi-employee) sessions.
*Expedited Delivery*: Should you need your studio base images sooner within one business day of selection, you may opt for $50 expedited delivery fee. As I am working to deliver a number of client’s images at the same time and in-between client sessions, the expedited delivery option moves the your session forward in the sequential job queue.
EXCLUSIVELY.
This is very much for your expectations and protection as much as mine. The contract holds me accountable to my high standards and provides clarity on what you should and will expect of my work. It also assures me that I will be compensated for my time and work I have invested in the session. The deposit secures your requested time slot so that it is not booked by someone else. Please note that all sessions require that I receive the digital record confirming, via the appointment scheduler form, that the client has reviewed and agrees to the terms of the contract (linked therein the scheduler form) for the requested session type and once the 50% deposit is fulfilled, confirming the appointment on the calendar.
Payment of both the 50% deposit due at booking and the 50% remaining balance are both very easy to fulfill through appointment scheduler on my booking page. From the form the following options may be used:
- Square: You may securely complete the payments via credit card, debit card, or gift card with square via the appointment scheduler.
- PayPal: If PayPal is your preferred method, you may click MyPay and pay from a balance or with credit or debit cards links to your PayPal account.
- Google Pay: That’s right, Google Pay. I’m not sure why Apple Pay isn’t an option, but Google Pay is.
Should you prefer to render the remaining balance in a different form, you may also send the remaining amount just prior to image delivery to my Venmo or CashApp handles. Please provide a note as to what the payment was for for my tax records.
🚫 To Cash and Checks. I consider myself a trusting and organized person, but please do not mail checks or cash, which can be lost in the mail, and please spare me the accounting headache of tracking and recording a cash paper trail for taxes in addition to the other methods of payment. Thank you thank you!!!
I absolutely can and do..
Estimates/Proposals for custom and undefined on-location sessions: For custom projects that are outside the scope of studio headshots and portraits, I typially create and send an estimate via email following our initial contact. Payment timelines will be indicated on the estimate/proposal I provide as well as necessary.
Invoice receipts for deposits and remaining balance payments: These are generated and sent automatically to your booking email for both deposit and remaining balance payments provided. Please email me if you do not received on after you completed the appointment scheduler form on the booking page here.
You can log in and modify your appointment date and/or time (subject to the currently-available options) directly through the client portal here. I simply ask that you move your session more than two days in advance so as to allow others the opportunity to book the vacated time slot. Please refrain from rescheduling out of convenience rather than for health/sickness or travel reasons. I am a small business that is hit by changes, and I am committed to holding and honoring your time as important to me once your session is confirmed and the deposit is provided. Please note that the 50% deposit is retained for sessions that are entirely canceled or rescheduled two or more times or pushed out more than 2 months from the initially-scheduled session date. Please also note that the client remains liable for full payment if the client terminates the work at the editing phase and proceeds to use unauthorized versions, such as watermarked or modified raw versions of their selection gallery images without permission.
Yes! Invoice receipts are actually automatically generated and immediately sent to the email address with which you booked your appointment. The invoice is itemized in detail with the date and time, service type booked, additional add-ons, promo codes used (if applicable), and either the deposit amount paid or the remaining balance amount paid (depending on which milestone it is for which the invoice was paid). If you would like a receipt from Square as well, that is something that must be requested of me and I can pursue that for you. The majority of the time, the invoice from my appointment scheduling software suffices for company reimbursement.
Payment of both the 50% deposit due at booking and the 50% remaining balance are both very easy to fulfill through appointment scheduler on my booking page. From the form the following options may be used:
- Square: You may securely complete the payments via credit card, debit card, or gift card with square via the appointment scheduler.
- PayPal: If PayPal is your preferred method, you may click MyPay and pay from a balance or with credit or debit cards links to your PayPal account.
- Google Pay: That’s right, Google Pay. I’m not sure why Apple Pay isn’t an option, but Google Pay is.
Should you prefer to render the remaining balance in a different form, you may also send the remaining amount just prior to image delivery to my Venmo or CashApp handles. Please provide a note as to what the payment was for for my tax records.
🚫 To Cash and Checks. I consider myself a trusting and organized person, but please do not mail checks or cash, which can be lost in the mail, and please spare me the accounting headache of tracking and recording a cash paper trail for taxes in addition to the other methods of payment. Thank you thank you!!!
Travel within New York city’s five boroughs only requires cab fare to transport my studio equipment to and from my location. Travel within the tri-state area or beyond is welcome, but will require negotiation in a custom contract to cover the additional travel expenses. Travel expenses will not have a price markup, and I will provide a link to the travel costs within the proposal. I will also provide receipts for the travel expenses and will refund any difference between the projected and actual costs, if they turn out to be less than expected.
Yes, I do!
Promo Codes: I occasionally offer special promo codes and seasonal discounts on social media, via email, and on flyers in the neighborhood! Follow me for those!
Returning clients (10%): I offer a 10% discount to returning clients. I always enjoy working with familiary and friendly faces again!
Client referrals (10% refund per referral): If you are a previous client who refers someone t0 me who then actually books me for their images, you will receive a 10% refund back to your payment type (usually within 14 business days) following the date by which your referral fulfills their remaining balance on their session! In order for you to receive this referral discount, the client must provide your name either ahead of or during the studio session, and you must be a past client of mine to receive the refund bonus (I can only refund payment types that have been used before). You may also receive multiple referral refunds. Some past clients have almost been refunded the entirety of their own session as a result of the number of referrals they’ve shared! Thank you for spreading the word! ✨
Active-duty or retired armed forces (10%): 10% discount with proof enlistment. Thank you for your service!
Email, phone, text, DM- your pick!
You can shoot me a message at [email protected] or you can text or call my work phone number, 845-663-1564. If I am unable to answer the call, such as if it is after business hours or if i’m taking photos for a client at the time, I will be back in touch as soon as possible, but certainly within 24 hours. You can also complete one of the contact forms for product photography or in-office or on-location sessions on my home page. My contact page also has a basic contact form you can use, if those prompts are more helpful. It is helpful if the “subject” line reads something like “inquiry for ___” to help me differentiate those messages from communication with active clients. I love it when people have feedback on my work, portfolio, or even website, so please feel free to contact me for those purposes, even if not business-related. If you’re a previous client, I may even reach out to you to ask how you’re enjoying your photos. Thank you for your business!