I absolutely love sessions for so many reasons. Mostly because they are a ton of fun. I get to meet so many amazing people like you and I get the opportunity to tell your story! 

This guide is meant to help you prepare for your session and it will hopefully help answer some questions for you. As always, let me know if there are any other questions that come up from this information. 

I can't wait for your session!

I'll send over a questionnaire to get some more details from you about your thoughts for your session. After that, we'll pick your location and talk about any other details you have in mind for your photos.

01. let's chat

Time for your session! I know this is a new experience for most people - so please don't feel like you need to come in knowing what to do. I'll tell you what to do along the way! But don't be afraid to be in the moment and let the PDA happen!

02. let's create

Your full gallery will be ready within about 2-4 weeks from your session date. Your photos are delivered through an easy to use online gallery.

03. let's deliver

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the process

1. I always recommend thinking about your outfits as if they're one big outfit. What I mean by that is think about how your colors and patterns work together. Try to stick to a similar color palette and avoid too many clashing patterns. If one of you has on a pattern, I would recommend the other stick to solid colors. Try to avoid clothing that has logos. Please be aware that intensive photoshop retouching is not included in your editing so please come to your session how you would like to be photographed! Editing that is included is light skin retouching, removal of small blemishes/stains if necessary, exposure and overall color of the images. Examples of things that will not be edited: chipped nail polish, roots, bra straps, body transformation of any kind, etc. 

2. A cute pair of shoes can add so much to an outfit so don't be afraid to opt for some cute heels! But make sure to bring a comfortable pair of shoes for walking in between locations if you're not comfortable walking in heels. Please keep in mind that if we're in New York City, there's a good chance that white shoes can also get dirty.


What to wear

3 Please keep in mind that the way the gallery is delivered is the editing that's included! My style of photography is very natural, so I do not alter bodies and I typically ask that you arrive how you would like to be photographed. Examples of things that would be edited: blemishes, small stains, bruises. Examples of things that would be considered an additional request: bra straps, wrinkles on clothing, skin/body alterations. This applies to the wedding day as well!

4. Most importantly, make sure that you feel like you! Do you love getting dressed up? Go for it! Do you lounging around in jeans and a T? Do that too! I want these photos to feel like you so never feel like there's anything that you can't do! You can also feel free to bring an outfit change as well to get a bit of variety. Check out the board below for some inspiration!

CLICK ME

This session is really just a celebration of you two at this time in your lives. This is meant to reflect who you are so please don't hesitate to bring along anything that you think will help tell your story together. I am literally down for anything! Just let me know what you're thinking when I send over your session questionnaire and we can start planning. Click through for more!

One tip that I can give you for this session is to just be present. I will be there coaching you along, giving you different prompts that will help you interact naturally with one another, but feel free to do your thing! I always tell my couples to think about us making a movie, rather than taking photos - always bringing movement into play. I know how awkward it can feel in front of the camera, which is exactly why I'm there to tell you what to do, but if at any point you want to just grab each other and kiss each other - go for it! There are no rules.

I always try to give a ton of variety with my sessions, incorporating a mixture of fun, playful poses with classic, moody poses. I also love to incorporate some vintage, film edits into my galleries, so you'll receive some of those as well!

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The experience

questions

Frequently Asked

You'll receive all of the useable images from our time together! That means pretty much any photo that doesn't include people blinking, isn't exposed correctly, etc. I guarantee at least 80 images from your session!

Your gallery comes with a store attached where you can order prints and other high quality products. I also offer custom album design for engagement session albums.

There are no travel fees for locations within 120 miles (round trip) of me in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ (07423). Locations beyond 120 miles are billed at $0.75 per mile and travel to NYC and the outer boroughs are subject to a $150 travel fee. 

For all sessions, you'll receive your gallery within 2-4 weeks from your session date, but don't worry - you'll get plenty of sneak peeks before then!

I do not provide clients with the RAW files for a few reasons. One of them being that my editing style is a huge part of what defines me and is a huge reason why people choose me to photograph them! Having images out there that are not edited in my personal style can be damaging to my business and my brand. Make sure that you are IN LOVE with everything about the images you see in my portfolio before booking with me. If you take a look around and love the editing that you see, I promise you will not be missing the RAW files one bit!

If the weather is not working in our favor, we can definitely reschedule! I usually ask that we decide the night before so that I have time to coordinate childcare. I typically say that if the chance of rain is 50% or higher, we should definitely reschedule. If it's below 50%, I'll leave it up to you to decide! If you need to cancel/reschedule for other reasons, I ask that you provide me with at least 48 hours notice, or you will be subject to an additional $100 deposit fee. 

I always try to make sure that you'll receive a ton of variety throughout your gallery. You'll receive some classic shots, fun shots, moody/editorial shots and you'll also receive some filmy, vintage edits in your gallery as well. 

Make sure to view your original proposal for your payment schedule! The first half of your session fee is due at the time of booking and the second half is due one week prior to your session date.

Not at all! It's my job to coach and encourage you along the way! I'll tell you how to pose and give you some fun prompts along the way, but never feel like you need to be super stiff in any position. You can chit chat, kiss each other, run your hands along each others' arms. Whatever you'd like! There are no rules! And the more natural you are with each other, the more variety you'll receive in your gallery.

I will own the copyright to all of your images; however, you will receive a print release once your gallery is delivered that allows you to use the images on your social media or print the images. Your gallery will not have any watermarks!

Alaina was so amazing to work with! Very accommodating to what you envision in your photoshoot and also gives great suggestions and eases you through the process. I had such a fun time shooting and it’s all thanks to her!

Tatia & Marco