Below are the Studio's most frequently asked questions with detailed answers. If any questions you have remain unanswered, please send me an email and we will schedule some time to chat. 

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM OUR PORTRAIT SESSION?

Before being able to schedule your portrait, you'll have a phone call to discuss your session, pay your commission fee and officially book your date on the Studio Calendar. At that time, we will begin to plan and design the perfect portrait session for your family. We'll ask you a few questions to get a sense for all of the personalities in your family, what's most important to capture for you at this time and your preferences for your artwork. Having this short conversation before your portrait sessions makes a significant the difference in your results.

On your portrait session day, we will meet at my studio, just west of Harvard Square. Some families arrived ready to go and others get dressed for their portraits when they arrive. (This often depends on the ages of the children in the portrait as well as snacks eaten in the car!)

As soon as everyone is ready, I create a portrait study of you in front of a carefully chosen handpainted backdrop. I will pose and direct you so you know exactly where to put your hands and which way to stand and position yourselves. Together, we will create a truly meaningful and beautiful portrait.

DO YOU SHOOT ONLY IN B&W OR DO YOU PROVIDE COLOR?

My first love is black and white photographic portraits but a handful of my clients prefer color and that's within my expertise too. If you prefer color, please indicate that  in your consultation call and I'll help you to plan your clothing and our portrait session accordingly.

HOW LONG WILL OUR PORTRAIT SESSION LAST?

Your actual portrait session lasts approximately 1 hour, depending on number of people or dogs in the session.

HOW DO I SEE MY PROOFS?

About three weeks after your portrait session, you will be scheduled for your portrait reveal and ordering appointment via Zoom.This is a poignant time, when we review each of your portraits together, allowing you to experience and reflect on the beauty of your family through your portraits. All orders are placed and taken care of at this meeting as on-line postings and printed proofs to take home are not available. The reveal is often described as one of their clients' favorite and most memorable parts of working with the Studio. Please review the Artwork Section of our website to see some of our most popular artwork presentations for our clients.

WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?

I work with you to help select the right clothing for your custom portraits. Many families opt for a formal or semi formal classic and timeless look, while others prefer a more casual style, such as dark jeans, button up shirts for men, and casual dresses or skirts for women, or textured shirts and sweaters for all. 

WHAT ELSE DO WE NEED TO DO TO PREPARE FOR OUR PORTRAIT SESSION?

Here are a few suggestions…

Ideally men will have haircuts 1-2 weeks before the portrait session and not immediately before and close shave the day of the session for gentlemen is also recommended.

For women, touching up hair color if needed is also ideal 1-2 weeks before the session.

Simple manicures and getting a good night's rest before your portrait session are recommended. Any additional time you invest in preparing for the portraits will pay off.

Consider bringing your child's musical instrument, ballet costume or sports uniform to further capture this time in your child's life.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THE REVEAL & ORDERING APPOINTMENT?

Ordering and selection meetings are held via Zoom, also by appointment, no later than 3 weeks after your session. The Studio is typically closed Sundays and Mondays for family time.