Questions & Answers

What is a “Sitting Fee”?     A sitting fee is the charge for the time, labor & materials involved in the taking of a quality Portrait. The fee is based on the number of subjects, the location of the sitting and any travel outside of Stamford.  At our studio, the “proofs” are put on a video tape or DVD in a slide show format. The “proofs” are numbered and set to music with personalized titles.  This is a wonderful keepsake and is included in your sitting fee. 

How do we dress for our sitting?     Clothing should not be the focus of the viewer’s attention.  Large stripes and bold patterns should be avoided.  If  the portrait is to be done outdoors, clothing should be relatively informal.  An indoor portrait at your home or at our studio may be either casual or formal.

     If the portrait is of a child or children, it is extremely important they be in clothing that is comfortable for them and does not need to be fussed with.  In example, clothing that is too large will need to continually be tucked and flattened, frilly collars will need to constantly be adjusted and shoes that are too loose will have to be put back on your child continuously.  Hair bows and hats are adorable, but can be a source of irritation to your child.  Please use your good judgment in their use. 

How do I get the most out of my child’s (or children’s) portrait sitting?     The window of opportunity to maintain the attention and interest of a young child is quite limited.  The following is a list of suggestions to help:

1. Do not bring along siblings or friends that are not being photographed.  They will be a distraction and will limit the time your child will be attentive to the photographer.
2. Choose a time for the sitting that is ideal for your child or children.  In example, not just before a nap or lunch.
3. Feel free to bring toys or props that you will not mind seeing in the portraits.  Do not bring toys that your child will want to hold, but you do not wish to see.
4. If your child is feeling under the weather, please feel free to reschedule your appointment (even on the same day as your sitting).  We have been photographing children for many years and a sick child is usually not a happy child.
5. Your demeanor will reflect on your child or children. Tension is contagious.  We have a high patience level and do not expect your child to smile on command.  We will make our finest attempt at making the sitting more play than work for our young portrait subjects. 

How can I make my large family portrait more successful?     Assuring that all family members are communicated with properly is the key! The following are a few suggestions:

1. Coordinate all family members both with colors and style of dress (either all be formal or all be casual…not mixed).
2. Make sure all family members have the directions to our studio and are timely.  All of the family members should arrive 10 minutes prior to their scheduled time.
3. Prioritize the groups by importance. Especially for groups with small children, the youngest members should go first.  The same patience level for children that was addressed in the previous paragraph applies to larger groups as well. 

What about retouching?     Normal retouching (blemishes, bruises, stray hairs) is included in the price of your portraits. Our portraits are shot on the highest quality digital equipment. As a result of our new method of shooting  many  other retouching possibilities exist.  Some examples of digital retouching that can be done at an additional expense are:

1. Switching of heads from one photograph to another.
2. Adjustment of clothing (color and wrinkles)
3. Weight reduction
4. Addition of hair
5. Addition or removal of people from a group
6. Changing of backgrounds 

     If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at 203-324-9311.