FAQ
We are so excited to work with you. We value your time, so here are answers to some of common questions:
What is Authentic Portraiture?
We strive to capture a personal portrait of you that captures a feeling - an essence. We serve everyone - women, men, couples, and families - with the goal of providing you with a timeless treasure or gift.
What is the advantage of two photographers?
We are two photographers, not one, and come with very different styles and approaches. You will receive a selection of images from the eyes and cameras of two photographers for the cost of one shoot.
What can I expect during a shoot?
A Safe, Supportive Space with Professionals
We celebrate diversity and offer acceptance to all our clients.
We will be working with you to pose, to feel comfortable, and to bring out your best and capture an authentic emotion or aspect of you. No stiff smiling and saying cheese – we want this to be fun!
Modeling is work – and we realize this may be unfamiliar for you. We want authentic people showing their own unique beauty. We will work with you on variety in posing and expression.
We hope you will be willing to play for the camera – but also know that we take consent and comfort very seriously. This is a place of safety, support and unconditional celebration and acceptance. You have the final call on what you do – our suggestions are just that – suggestions.
What should I bring?
Yourself, well rested, feeling great and ready for fun!
We ask you to prepare yourself. Manicures and pedicure might help you feel pampered – go for it if you like, but not required!
Please do hair and make-up ahead of time, but bring it with you for touch ups or changes. There is a full changing room and make-up area at most studios, but if we are on location we’ll have to improvise.
We’ll have powder on site for those shine-reduction breaks!
This doesn’t mean you have to be all done up to look different than you are. Natural is wonderful but even the natural look can be enhanced by basic foundation, eyeliner, mascara and lipstick. That being said if you are looking for super glam or drama – go for it!
Fake-eyelashes – if you are going for glamour – are a great option if you want them but mascara works as well. If you – like Heather! – struggle getting them on or feel you need a make-up consult, your local Ulta or Sephora can help. Cosmetic professionals know what is needed for a photo shoot.
What should I wear?
While you are the focus, your outfit can enhance or distract from a portrait. We will discuss options with you during our planning consultation to help brainstorm options. Keep in mind that simplicity is the best – plain colors, not patterns, work best. What we want to see and adore is you – not your outfit (unless you are doing cosplay, historical re-enactment or other fancy dress!). Colors are great – but black and white can blend in the background.
If you are a couple or group, please coordinate so you aren’t clashing. You don’t have to match, but you don’t want to end up looking like you randomly met up on the street!
Can I bring my own props?
Yes, you can bring any props you would like to incorporate into your shoot. We appreciate creative input from all of our clients in creating your intimate photographs. We will happily discuss this with you in your planning consultation.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. We often have limited studio space for your shoot and ask you limit to a single colleague for an individual session – but of course for couples or groups being photographed we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
What is your retouching philosophy?
As a general rule we won’t be doing significant body re-shaping, but we may smooth skin or adjust light as needed. We love you as you are! We will work with you to ensure that you are happy with any retouching performed on your images.