What is the pricing for your sessions?

Big Apple Portraits is a no session fee photographer. This means you do not pay an upfront fee. Our appointments are 30 minutes but do have pre-paid sessions available for longer sessions. You will come in for your session and then return for a reveal appointment. At the reveal we you pick your package. T You can find all the details and pricing here.

How do the sessions work?

Two appointments are required for every session: the portrait sitting and the reveal appointment.

During the portrait sitting our experienced photographers shoot with a hand held digital camera, giving them the freedom to move and interact with everyone on a personal level.  The goal is to make you feel comfortable and capture the beauty of carrying a new life. We have a selection of maternity dresses available for your session. You are also welcome to wear something you feel comfortable in. We will also encourage you to take a discrete nude photo.

Our sessions start with a review of what type of shots you are looking for. We then head into the studio for about 30 minutes of photos. We will shoot on usually 2 different colored backgrounds and do a variety of poses suited to the shots you are looking for. After we are done in the studio, we will schedule a time for you to come back for your reveal session.

At the reveal session you will watch a slideshow and to view your photos and select your artwork. You only need to choose the images you love – the beauty of no session fee. It will then take approximately 2-3 weeks for you to receive your finalized product.  Please note: since we do not charge a sitting fee, reveal appointments are REQUIRED for all our of sessions. Please plan for 2 appointments.

Have you made changes to your safety and health procedures since COVID19-/Coronavirus?

Yes, absolutely.  The safety and health of all of our clients and staff is extremely important.  We have changed up our shooting schedule to accommodate complete cleaning between sessions and more.  You can view all of our new updated procedures here.

Do you shoot outdoor sessions?

No, not at this time.

How do I schedule an appointment?

There are two ways to schedule an appointment at Big Apple Portraits. You can view our calendar and request a time online at http://bigappleportraits.com/book or call us at 212-600-4457.

Is it possible to add additional time to our 30 minute appointment?

By choosing one of our pre-paid sessions, you will get a longer time in the studio.  These sessions are particularly great if you are planning to have your children in the photos.  You can view our pre-paid sessions here.

Is it possible to pick my package online instead of attending the reveal session?

No, reveal sessions are required. We do not charge an upfront fee so please plan to attend a reveal session if you book a session with us. We are very accommodating with schedules and will work with you to find a time that works best.  Due to COVID-19, online reveal sessions will be made available via Skype, Google Meet, or Zoom.

What if I want to add more items on to my package or the grandparents want to purchase photos too?

While we always encourage all decision makers to be present for reveal sessions, we know that is not always possible.  After you have made your initial purchase, we will load an online proof gallery to order additional images or products.  It is shared via email and you can feel free to share the link with friends or family.

What backdrops are provided?

During your 30 minute session we will shoot at least 3 different setups. Our style is mostly modern. We typically shoot on a solid color backdrop that coordinates with your choice of clothing, the white backdrop which is simple and clean, AND the black backdrop to provide some beautiful artistic shots. Our goal is to make you feel comfortable while making you look gorgeous.  If you are looking for something particular, please call 212-600-4457 and we can discuss it with you.

What should we wear?

Anything you want. However, to offer some more helpful advice:

For you:  We offer a collection of dresses which you are welcome to borrow free of charge. If you have a dress that you absolutely love from our collection be sure to let us know ahead of your appointment so we can have it available for your shoot.  You can also bring anything you feel comfortable in.  We love both flowy dresses and tight fitting dresses; both allow for a variety of shots.  A white men’s button down shirt is always classic.  We recommend that you bring both black and nude undergarments.  If your feet still fit in high heeled shoes, please bring your favorite pair.  We also love any jewelry you love-accessories will personalize the pictures. You should arrive with hair ready.  If you have chosen a package with a make-up artist, we will have a make-up artist ready for you 30 minutes ahead of your scheduled time. Lastly, we love if you are comfortable showing your bump and allow us to take some more revealing photos. We are a family owned studio and intend to be tasteful and show our best work. We think you will love the images as much as we do. 

For partners:  Please make sure they coordinate with you and whichever colors you are planning to wear for the session.  Avoid strong patterns. Make sure that all clothing has been pressed prior to arrival, we do have a steamer available if necessary though.  If shirts are being tucked in, bring a belt for a clean look.  Make sure that all pockets have been emptied to eliminate bulk in photos.  We do ask that if you are planning to wear heels, men should wear dress shoes and not sneakers.  For men, we may also ask that they remove shirts, shoes, and socks for some shots if they feel comfortable.

For children: Coordinate to match with your outfit choices but to offer more specific options.

For newborns/toddlers: Tighter fitting clothing rather than looser for example a onesie or cute diaper cover. If you have a favorite outfit feel free to bring more options and we will help you decide.  We will commonly take a few nude shots with you which will require absolutely no clothes at all. (Again only if you feel comfortable)

Little kids: A favorite outfit of the moment always looks cute– jeans and a button down, a little sundress. Bring a few options and we can help you decide – it’s good to have a few different choices. 

Older kids: Either let them decide or something simple, a t shirt and jeans. Don’t force your teenager into anything they do not want to be wearing.

When is the best time to schedule a session?

Maternity sessions are traditionally done between 29 and 36 weeks.  Typically, we want your belly to have ‘popped’ but you still feel good.  Choose a time that you still feel comfortable being pregnant. 

If you are planning to bring children, always think about the age of your children and the time of day that works before for them. Young children sessions are almost always best in the morning, based on the best time around their nap. Even if your one year old is beaming and happy at 6pm when you or your spouse come home from work, we have found that this is not the best time in the studio. Older kids are great in the afternoon if they are not exhausted from school or sports & activities. Remember, no matter what age – everyone is always happier well fed.

Do you include partner or kids in shots?

 Absolutely!  We love when they are included in the session.  It will not only give you a precious memory but also give you a variety of shots to choose from.  Our sessions include a variety of different poses for you, you and your partner and as many combinations as your child will tolerate. The sessions are fast paced and we have a rhythm to capture all of those moments. The best part…. If you do not like how you look in the photo, there is no obligation to purchase that image. But your children will cherish the images of you in their session in years to come.

We do ask that you restrict the amount of people in your party to limit everyone’s possible exposure to COVID-19.

My child has a small scratch/bruise or their face, is that ok?

I know kids at this age are on the move! Lots of falling and tripping. If you child has a small mark on their face, do not worry as I am able to touch it up in post.

What if me or my child is sick?

A healthy child is a happy child. Please let me know within 24 hrs of your session if you or your child is sick, has a runny nose, or cough, or anyone in your family has been exposed to Coronavirus so we can reschedule your session.  We never charge a sitting fee just for this reason. We want the best and biggest smiles possible. Thank you for keeping me and my family healthy too!