Frequently Asked Questions about Maternity, Newborn, and Family Portraits
FAQ'S
family sitting fee 175 | Newborn sitting fee 250
My Photo Style + The Experience
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE?
I spent 15 years as a staff photographer at the San Francisco Chronicle, so capturing candid, authentic moments is my passion. The variety of my assignments gave me the ability to think on my feet, get creative, and connect with subjects quickly. I'm always looking for those moments between the moments that may be subtle yet priceless.
I keep my family photography very natural, capturing the action as it happens, so it's lots of fun with minimal posing. I feel this will bring out the true character of all involved and will also make the session more enjoyable.
DO YOU TAKE ANY TRADITIONAL POSED SHOTS?
Yes, I will spend some time taking some relaxed portraits (and help with any posing) of you together as a family, as this can be an important record for you too. But I spend more time letting the action happen naturally and capturing the moments as they unfold.
DO YOU USE A STUDIO?
No, I am an on-location photographer and use our beautiful Bay Area as my inspiration. Also, a session at home makes for intimate and memorable images.
I’M NOT PHOTOGENIC AND ALWAYS FEEL AWKWARD IN FRONT OF A CAMERA.
Oh, everyone says this! It is my passion and joy to guide my clients into flattering angles and light. But don't forget how precious these memories are for your family's archives. Time truly does fly, so embrace the intention behind this experience to help you feel less self-conscious. These portraits are gifts to your future selves.
WHAT ARE YOUR SESSIONS LIKE?
Lots of fun! I am really casual and have my families walk, run, play, and act silly. This allows me to capture great moments.
CAN I SEE YOUR RECENT PORTRAIT SESSIONS?
Yes! Visit my blog HERE: www.nightingaleportraits.com/blog
DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH WEDDINGS?
Of course! Please see my work HERE: www.nightingalephotos.com
HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH?
Feel free to email me at: [email protected] or call 510-338-2997. Can’t wait to hear from you!
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SO INCREDIBLE
We had her come over to take photos of us with our newborn son and cocker spaniel. The session was so fun and the photos captured us perfectly and beautifully. We are so glad to have documented this joyous moment of our lives.
Jim
Planning the Details
What areas do you serve?
A 20 mi. radius of Oakland is included in my standard sitting fee. Clients often love sessions in Oakland, Berkeley, Orinda, Lafayette, and San Francisco. A small additional fee is added for the South Bay, Marin, and beyond. Feel free to ask for a quote for Santa Cruz, Tahoe, and your favorite California spot.
DO I CHOOSE THE LOCATION?
During our phone conversation, we decide on the ideal setting that you would want to see in the final portraits. If the kids are really young, I often suggest the home. If they are a bit older, we can venture out.
WHAT TIME DO THE SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?
It's all about the light! Family portraits are best in the morning or an hour before sunset, depending on the time of year. For sessions that take place at home, there's a lot more flexibility.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR A MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION?
Maternity sessions are best done between 30 – 34 weeks. You will have a nice belly but it is before being too uncomfortable.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR A MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION?
Your choice! We can choose a location special for you throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. If you don’t have a particular location in mind, I have many favorite spots and am happy to suggest one.
WHEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE MY NEWBORN PORTRAIT SESSION?
Newborn sessions are best done in the first 2 weeks of life. But, I also want Mom to have a great time, so I would rather take pictures when she is feeling up to it. Babies just get cuter with age, so don't feel as if you need to take your portraits right away.
HOW CAN I BOOK THE SESSION WITHOUT KNOWING THE DATE?
Please email me at least 1 week before you'd like the portraits done. They take place on weekdays, so I keep my calendar fairly open for them.
WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?
While patterns can be lovely, it's important to avoid bold patterns and logos that steal the spotlight. We want the focus to be on the connection between you and your loved ones, not loud clothing that distracts. For solid earth tone options, I recommend shades like deep browns, ivory, rust, camel, muted mustard, sage, clay, deep forest greens, or soft rose tones, just to name a few. These colors photograph beautifully and create a harmonious look.
HOW DOES YOUR PRICING WORK?
I have a booking fee which includes my time, travel, photography time, post-production, and delivery of a private web gallery for you to review the images. Digital photos, archival prints, albums, and keepsakes are sold separately. Please email me for full details.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE HAVE OUR PORTRAITS TAKEN?
For newborns, I love photographing them as newborns, then at the sitting and standing stages. After that once a year is a fabulous tradition to start.
Kids + Family
information
IF MY KIDS ARE YOUNG, HOW DO I PREPARE?
Morning sessions always seem to work best for this age group. Feed them before the session and feel free to bring a yummy snack to keep them “motivated” during the shoot.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD IS ILL?
I am happy to reschedule if this happens, I just ask that you let me know as soon as possible.
CAN I INCLUDE SIBLINGS AND FAMILY PHOTOS WITH MY BABY?
Absolutely! Incorporating sibling and family photos with your newborn is a wonderful experience for everyone involved. Grandparents are also welcome to join! And furry friends, too, of course.
SHOULD THE PARENTS BE IN THE PICTURES, TOO?
Absolutely. As your kids get older, they are most interested in photos that include parents. They love seeing their family and how you change through the years.
AFTER YOUR PHOTO SESSION
SHOULD THE PARENTS BE IN THE PICTURES, TOO?
You will receive a private gallery to review the images about 10 days after the session.
SHOULD I JUST INVEST IN SOME DIGITAL PHOTOS VS PRINTS?
No. Digital files are the least archival of all the products I sell. Prints last 200 yrs and will be heirlooms loved by generations. Digital archivists are already seeing digital rot and corruption. We don’t know their longevity and the ability to open them in the future. Please invest in stunning products that bring a smile to your face each time you look at them.
HOW DO I GET THE DIGITAL FILES IF I STILL WANT THEM?
High-resolution digital images with print release are available for purchase. Also, with every print you buy, a social media-sized digital image with my logo accompanies the print. Perfect to share on Facebook, etc.
Ready to book your family portraits?
