The journal

Plan your New York photos like a local.

Location guides, holiday timing, what to wear and how we would plan your session, written by Mirela and Sandra.

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How to Book Holiday Photos in NYC (Step by Step)

How to book holiday photos in NYC, step by step: pick a session, a themed set and a date. Nothing to pay upfront, and your private gallery arrives in 7 days.

Read Holiday photos · 5 min read

Christmas Mini Sessions in NYC: What You Get in 25 Minutes

Christmas mini sessions in NYC: 25 minutes in our Christmas set, 12 edited photos, $225. How we run it, who it suits, and when a full hour is the better pick.

Read Professional headshots · 5 min read

How to Book a Professional Photo Session (and What to Ask First)

Before you book professional photo sessions, ask what is included, how many images, usage rights, retouching and turnaround. Plus how ours works.

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Holiday photos All 18 Holiday photos guides

Holiday photos · 5 min read

Christmas Family Photos in a Studio: Why Families Choose Indoors

Christmas family photos in a studio mean warm kids, no weather risk, a ready set and even light. An honest look at studio vs outdoor in NYC in December.

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What to Wear for Christmas Family Photos (Color Ideas That Work)

What to wear for Christmas family photos: four palettes that work in a studio set, how to coordinate without matching, textures to choose and kids' shoes.

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12 Christmas Card Photo Ideas You Can Do in Our Studio

12 Christmas card photo ideas for a studio set: reading by the tree, letters to Santa, the dog in a bow, sibling hugs, and how to frame it for a card.

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Holiday Card Photos: A Week-by-Week Timeline So They Arrive on Time

A holiday card photos timeline that works backwards from your mailing date: when to book, when to shoot, when the gallery lands and when to order the cards.

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Baby's First Christmas Photos: Ideas and How We Keep It Calm

Baby's first Christmas photos by age, from sleepy newborns to sitters and crawlers, with the safety rules we follow, nap timing tips and keepsake ideas.

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Christmas Pajama Family Photoshoot: How to Make It Look Great

Planning a Christmas pajama photoshoot? How to pick pajamas that photograph well, match or coordinate, make the set cozy and keep the kids laughing.

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Christmas Photos With Your Dog: A Studio Guide

Christmas photos with your dog in a studio: how to prepare, which treats work, who holds the leash, dog-safe props and what we need to know when you book.

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Winter Wonderland Photoshoot: A Snowy Set Without the Cold

A winter wonderland photoshoot in our studio: the snowy set, outfits in white, silver and blue, ideas for kids and couples, and when to book.

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Hanukkah Family Photos: Ideas for a Warm, Meaningful Session

Hanukkah family photos with meaning: menorah moments, dreidels and latkes, blue and silver styling, family heirlooms, and how we plan a personal session.

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New Year Family Photos: A Fresh Start in Front of the Camera

New Year family photos in the studio: gold and sparkle styling, number balloons, a yearly tradition worth starting, and why January cards stand out.

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Holiday Photos With Grandparents: Planning Three Generations

Holiday photos with grandparents, planned well: the right session, a priority list of groupings, comfy seating, pacing and outfits for three generations.

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Holiday Mini or Full Session? How to Choose

Holiday mini session vs full session: how to choose by family size, kids' ages, photos needed, sets and budget, plus our honest recommendation.

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Sweet Holiday Photo Ideas for Toddlers

Holiday photo ideas for toddlers that suit short attention spans: letters to Santa, cookies, ornaments, peekaboo by the tree, and how we pace it.

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Christmas Photoshoot Ideas for Couples

Christmas couple photoshoot ideas for the studio: cozy, playful and elegant poses, outfits that coordinate, plus ring and announcement ideas.

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Christmas Pregnancy Announcement Photos: Ideas That Feel Like You

Christmas pregnancy announcement photo ideas: a tiny stocking, a dated ornament, big-sibling signs, the ultrasound in a gift box. Simple and personal.

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Holiday Family Photos With Teenagers (Without the Eye Rolls)

Family photos with teenagers can be easy: give them a real say, keep it short, swap stiff poses for real interaction, and add solo shots they like.

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Seasonal sets All 11 Seasonal sets guides

Seasonal sets · 5 min read

Valentine's Photoshoot Ideas for Couples and Families

Valentine's photoshoot ideas for couples, kids, families and galentines in our studio set, with outfits in reds and pinks that look sweet, not costume-like.

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Easter Photoshoot Ideas for Kids and Families

Easter photoshoot ideas for kids and families in our studio set: eggs, tulips, baskets and bunny ears, ideas by age from babies up, and pastel outfits.

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Spring Family Photos in the Studio: Pastels, Flowers and Fresh Starts

Spring family photos in a warm NYC studio: pastel palettes that work, flower set ideas for every age, and when to book from March to May. No wind, no pollen.

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Mother's Day Photoshoot Ideas (and a Gift She Will Actually Use)

Mother's Day photoshoot ideas for mom and kids, three generations and new moms, plus how to give the session as a gift and when to book in our NYC studio.

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Father's Day Photoshoot Ideas for Dads and Kids

Father's Day photoshoot ideas dads actually enjoy: playful and classic poses with the kids, what he should wear, and gift timing for our NYC studio.

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Halloween Family Photoshoot: Costumes, Pumpkins and Fun

Plan a Halloween family photoshoot in our NYC studio: costume tips that photograph well, family theme ideas, little ones and masks, and our shot list.

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Fall Family Photos in the Studio: Warm Colors Without the Wind

Fall family photos in our NYC studio: rust, mustard and olive palettes, outfit tips, pumpkin and blanket ideas, and when to book from September to November.

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Thanksgiving Family Photos: Catching Everyone While They Are in Town

Thanksgiving family photos while everyone is in NYC: which day to book, big group logistics, the shot priority list we use, and outfits for 8 to 12 people.

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Back-to-School Photos: A Yearly Tradition Worth Starting

Back to school photos as a yearly studio tradition: the same backdrop and pose every year, a backpack and grade sign, and tips for a kindergarten first.

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Graduation Portraits in the Studio, From Preschool to College

Graduation portraits in our NYC studio: cap and gown tips, what to bring, family combinations, backdrop choices, and when to book around the ceremony.

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Summer Family Photos: Studio Comfort or Outdoor Golden Hour?

Summer family photos in NYC: how the July and August heat affects a session, when the studio wins, when outdoor golden hour is worth it, and what to wear.

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Babies & milestones All 15 Babies & milestones guides

Babies & milestones · 5 min read

Newborn Photography in NYC: What to Expect at Your Session

Newborn photography NYC guide: when to book, how our 75-minute studio session flows around feeds, how we keep baby warm and safe, and what parents do.

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When to Book Newborn Photos (and Why Before the Birth)

When to book newborn photos: reserve during pregnancy with your due date, aim for 5 to 14 days after birth, and what to do if baby arrives early or late.

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Newborn Photos With Big Brothers and Sisters

Newborn photos with siblings, done safely: how to prepare a toddler, the supported holds we use by age, the order of shots, and how we keep big kids happy.

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Newborn Photo Props and Safety: How We Work

Newborn photography safety at our NYC studio: no risky or composite poses, a spotter's hand, warmth, simple props, and parents always close by.

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What to Bring to a Newborn Photo Session (Checklist)

Our what to bring newborn photoshoot checklist: feeds, diapers, a pacifier, spare outfits, parents' clothes and family items, plus what to leave at home.

Read Babies & milestones · 4 min read

Maternity Photoshoot in NYC: When, What to Wear, What to Expect

Maternity photoshoot NYC guide: the best weeks (28 to 34), what to wear, how our 75-minute studio session flows, and how partners and kids join in.

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What to Wear for Maternity Photos: Fabrics, Colors and Fit

Our what to wear maternity photos guide: fitted vs flowing, colors that flatter the bump, fabrics that photograph well, and why to bring two outfits.

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Maternity Photos With Your Partner and Kids

Maternity photos with partner and kids: prompts that feel natural, how to stay close without feeling awkward, ways to include little ones, and announcements.

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Cake Smash Photoshoot in NYC: The Complete Guide

Cake smash photoshoot NYC guide: the best age, what our set includes, cake tips for allergies and colors, outfits, cleanup, and how the session flows.

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Cake Smash Ideas and Themes Babies Love

Cake smash ideas that photograph well: 14 themes with color stories, balloon and bunting tips, matching cakes and outfits, and sweet bath-time cleanup shots.

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First Birthday Photoshoot: Ideas Beyond the Cake

First birthday photoshoot ideas beyond the cake: milestone poses, family shots, balloons done safely, keepsakes to bring, and how to time it before the party.

Read Babies & milestones · 6 min read

Birthday Photoshoot Ideas for Kids and Grown-Ups

Birthday photoshoot ideas by age, from big numbers and balloons for kids to relaxed portraits for a 30th, 40th or 60th. Plan it in our NYC studio.

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Baby's First Year Photos: Which Milestones to Capture

Baby first year milestones photos, stage by stage. Newborn, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, what each age brings and how to plan the year without overbooking.

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Six-Month "Sitter" Sessions: Why This Age Photographs So Well

Sitter session photography explained. Why six months is such an easy, expressive age, how to time it around naps and feeds, and simple sets that work.

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Gender Reveal and Pregnancy Announcement Photo Ideas

Pregnancy announcement photos and gender reveal ideas for the studio, from ultrasound prints and tiny shoes to big-sibling moments, kept sweet and tasteful.

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Family photo guides All 22 Family photo guides guides

Family photo guides · 5 min read

Choosing a Family Photo Studio in NYC: What to Look For

How to choose a family photo studio NYC parents feel good about. What to check, from sets and comfort to editing, delivery and prices, plus questions to ask.

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Family Photo Outfits: The Color Guide We Send Our Clients

Family photo outfits made easy. The palettes we suggest for each season and set, how to coordinate without matching, which textures work and what to avoid.

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How to Prepare Kids for a Photo Session

How to prepare kids for photos, from what to say the week before to snacks, naps and outfits, plus the games we play in the studio and what parents can do.

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Toddler Photoshoot Tips From Two Photographers

Toddler photoshoot tips that work in real life. Realistic expectations, the best timing, games for 1 to 3 year olds, and why two photographers make it easier.

Read Family photo guides · 4 min read

Family Photo Poses That Look Natural

Family photo poses that look natural come from prompts, not stiff posing. The prompts we use, how we layer heights, and how to get real hugs and laughs.

Read Family photo guides · 5 min read

Big Family Photoshoot: Organizing 10 People or More

Planning a big family photoshoot for 10 or more? How to build a shot list by family branch, time the day, coordinate outfits and fit it all into 90 minutes.

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Three Generations in One Photo: A Planning Guide

Multigenerational family photos, planned well. Seating and comfort for grandparents, energy for little kids, and a priority list so nothing is missed.

Read Family photo guides · 5 min read

Family Photos With Pets in the Studio

Family photos with pets in the studio, done calmly. How we plan for dogs and cats, why a handler helps, treats, safety and what to tell us before you book.

Read Family photo guides · 5 min read

Siblings Photoshoot Ideas (From Two Sisters Behind the Camera)

Siblings photoshoot ideas from two sisters who photograph families together. Prompts, poses by age gap, keepsake ideas and how to plan a siblings session.

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Why Families Book Photos Every Year

Annual family photos turn into a story you can line up on one wall. Why a yearly session is worth it, how to repeat the same set, and how to budget for it.

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How Much Do Family Photos Cost in NYC?

What family photos cost in NYC, and why. What drives the price, what should be included, how to compare studios fairly, and our own clear prices from $225.

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How Many Photos Do You Get From a Family Session?

How many photos, family session or mini? Our exact counts for every session, how we choose them, and why 35 great photos beat 300 near-duplicates.

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What Happens at a Studio Photo Session (Minute by Minute)

What happens at a studio photo session, minute by minute. Arrival, settling in, warm-up shots, groups, breaks and wrap-up, so you know exactly what to expect.

Read Family photo guides · 4 min read

Give a Photo Session as a Gift

A photo session gift people actually use. How to give one, which session suits which person, the best occasions, and how to make the booking easy for them.

Read Family photo guides · 5 min read

Printing Your Family Photos: Sizes, Paper and Albums

Printing family photos well. Which sizes crop and which don't, paper finishes, how to plan a wall grouping, albums, and why a calibrated lab is worth it.

Read Family photo guides · 4 min read

How Editing and Gallery Delivery Work

Photo editing and delivery, explained step by step. How we choose the best frames, what we edit and what we leave alone, and how your private gallery arrives.

Read Family photo guides · 6 min read

Camera-Shy? How We Make Family Photos Easy

Camera shy photos do not have to look stiff. How we run a calm studio session for people who hate posing: small steps, real prompts and no pressure.

Read Family photo guides · 5 min read

Family Photos for Children With Sensory or Special Needs

Sensory friendly photography in a private NYC studio: extra time, breaks, no forced poses, and a session planned around what helps your child.

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Twins Photoshoot Ideas, From Newborn to Toddler

Twins photoshoot ideas for every age, newborn to toddler, plus how we plan feeds, safe poses and two cameras so neither twin gets missed in the studio.

Read Family photo guides · 5 min read

Mother and Daughter Photoshoot Ideas

Mother daughter photoshoot ideas for every age, from toddlers to grown daughters and grandmothers, with outfit palettes and prompts that feel natural.

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Couples Photoshoot in the Studio: Ideas, Outfits and Prompts

Ideas for a couples photoshoot studio session in NYC: anniversaries and engagements, outfits that go together, and prompts for couples who hate posing.

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Anniversary Photoshoot Ideas for Every Year Together

Anniversary photoshoot ideas for a studio session: recreate an old photo, vow renewal portraits, milestone years with the family, and booking it as a gift.

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Professional headshots All 10 Professional headshots guides

Professional headshots · 4 min read

Professional Headshots in NYC: How to Book a Session That Gets Used

Professional headshots NYC guide: what a good headshot needs, backdrops, what to wear, honest retouching and the files you get. $195, pay on the day.

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LinkedIn Headshots in NYC: Quick, Natural, Professional

LinkedIn headshots NYC: 30 minutes, the right crop for the circle, a clean background, expression coaching and honest retouching. $195, paid on the day.

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What to Wear for Professional Headshots

What to wear for headshots: the colors, necklines and fabrics that photograph well, plus glasses, makeup and grooming tips, and why to bring three options.

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Which Headshot Backdrop Color Should You Choose?

Choosing a headshot backdrop color: light grey vs white vs dark, what different industries tend to use, how to bring in brand colors, and how to match a team.

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Team Headshots in NYC: Consistent Photos for a Whole Company

Team headshots NYC companies can use everywhere: same backdrop, same light, same crop, everyone photographed back to back in our studio. How to plan it.

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Actor Headshots in NYC: Real Expression in the Studio

Actor headshots NYC: commercial vs theatrical looks, wardrobe that reads on screen, light retouching, and how we plan 3 looks in a 30-minute session.

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Realtor Headshots That Build Trust

Realtor headshots that build trust: an approachable expression, a look that fits your brand, and crops for signs, cards and listings. 30 minutes, $195.

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What Happens During a Headshot Session (30 Minutes, Step by Step)

What happens during a headshot session with us: arrival, light check, three looks, expression coaching, choosing favorites and delivery, minute by minute.

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Headshots for Small Business Owners: One Session, Every Channel

Small business headshots planned for your website, socials and press: three looks in one 30-minute NYC studio session, with commercial use included.

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Example sessions All 18 Example sessions guides

Example sessions · 5 min read

Example Session: A 25-Minute Christmas Mini for a Family of Four

A Christmas mini session example, minute by minute: how we would plan 25 minutes in our Christmas set for a family of four, and the 12 photos we aim for.

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Example Session: A Family Studio Hour With Two Sets

A family studio session example: how we would plan 60 minutes with the Christmas set, then a classic backdrop. Timing, outfits, shot list and breaks.

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Example Session: How We Plan a Newborn Session

A newborn session example: how we would plan timing, feeds, safe setups, parents' and sibling photos in a 75-minute studio session, safety first.

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Example Session: A First Birthday Cake Smash, Step by Step

A cake smash session example, step by step: portraits first, then the cake, a bath cleanup and family photos, planned for one 75-minute studio session.

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Example Session: A Studio Maternity Session, Planned Step by Step

A maternity session example from our NYC studio: how we would plan 75 minutes, from outfits and poses to partner and kids shots and the 30-photo gallery.

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Example Session: Easter Set With Toddlers, Minute by Minute

An Easter session example for toddlers: how we would plan 25 minutes in our studio Easter set with eggs, baskets and bunny ears, and what the 12 photos show.

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Example Session: Halloween Costumes in the Studio, Hour by Hour

A Halloween session example: how we would plan an hour of family costumes in our studio, from costume order and props to theme ideas and the 35-photo gallery.

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Example Session: Three Generations in 90 Minutes

A generations session example: how we would plan 90 minutes for 12 people across three generations, with groupings by branch, seating and a 50-photo gallery.

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Example Session: Three Headshot Looks in 30 Minutes

A headshot session example: how we would plan three looks in 30 minutes in our NYC studio, with backdrop changes, wardrobe swaps and six retouched headshots.

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Example Session: A Hanukkah Family Session in Our Studio

A Hanukkah session example: how we would plan an hour in our studio around menorah moments, your own family items and blue and silver styling, plus 35 photos.

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Example Session: A Valentine's Set for a Couple and Their Kids

A Valentine's session example: how we'd plan an hour in our studio, couple portraits first, then the kids and family, plus outfits and the 35 photos.

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Example Session: Winter Wonderland With a Baby and a Big Sister

A winter session example: how we would plan an hour in our winter wonderland set with a baby and big sister, from soft white outfits to timing and 35 photos.

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Example Session: Christmas Pajamas and Hot Cocoa

A Christmas pajama session example: how we would plan a cozy 25-minute mini in our Christmas set with mugs, a blanket and a clear sequence, and 12 photos.

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Example Session: The Family Dog in the Christmas Set

A pet session example: how we would plan an hour in our Christmas set with the family dog, from a handler and treats to safe props, sequence and 35 photos.

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Example Session: Fall Family Photos With Pumpkins

A fall session example: how we would plan a 25-minute mini in our autumn set with pumpkins, a rust and olive palette, a clear shot list and 12 photos.

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Example Session: A 40th Birthday Portrait Session

A birthday session example: how we would plan a 75-minute 40th birthday shoot in our studio with balloons and numbers, solo portraits, friends and 30 photos.

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Example Session: Same Set, Every Year

An annual family photo example: how we would plan a yearly studio session that recreates one pose on the same backdrop, so you can see the kids grow.

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Example Session: Twin Babies at Six Months

A twins session example: how we would plan an hour with six-month-old twins in our studio, with two photographers, safe positions and 35 photos.

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Outdoor on request All 6 Outdoor on request guides

Outdoor on request · 5 min read

Ready when you are.

Pick a session, a set and a date. We confirm by email, and nothing is paid until the day.

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