Frequently Asked Questions - Sensual Portraits

Q. How much is an 8x10?

A. No, I am not THAT kind of a photographer. I don’t see myself as a retailer of sheets of printed paper. My clients commission me to create one-of-a-kind portraits for them and pay me a creation fee to do so. I charge $500 for a portrait session with up to two hours of photography time. (I may recommend adding additional time for some couple sessions. Additional time is charged at $150 per hour.)

My creation fee includes the pre-edited original files (digital ‘negatives’, high resolution files) of the session. Location sessions are $75 extra plus any admission or location charges.

Q. Who is your typical client?

A. My clients are curious about themselves and open-minded. They appreciate photography as art. They do not want a portrait in a staged pose that will not reflect themselves. Status is not important for them. They are not interested in fancy fake background sets nor feather boas or fake Greek columns.

Some of my clients commission sensual portraits as gifts to their loved one and to themselves.

Q. How do you approach Intimate Portraits?

A. As in all my portrait sessions, capturing your essence is what it is about. Add the natural beauty of your body and we will create intimate portraits that display your personality and sensuality. Often I add some bodyscapes to the session. We keep the setting simple and focused. No tacky fake Greek columns to be found here. If there are accessories that are meaningful to you, please feel free to bring them along. I am open minded and look forward to working with your ideas.  My images will always be artful and in good taste.

Q. How does the whole process work?

A. You contact us, schedule your session and pay the creation fee at that time. We can also discuss any detail questions about clothes, hair, and makeup before you come in. During your session we will get to know each other while I capture you with my camera. I will try to make the session as stress free as possible. We may do a little relaxation exercise at the beginning or at another time during your session. We may play soft classical music in the background as well. (Please feel free to bring in your own CD’s for the shoot!) I do everything I can to make it easier for you to be yourself.

Approximately three weeks after the session, sometimes sooner, you will receive a CD and an image catalog with the best images of your session. You can use the CD or the catalog (or, if you prefer, our website) to select the images that you would like to have printed. I will be happy to let you know which portraits are best suited for art prints. You can order regular photographic prints from any lab of your choice, or of course through us. Retouching and other image enhancements are available from us at an extra charge.

Q. Why do your Sessions take so long? Please tell me more about your approach.

A. If you come in for a sensual portrait session, we will spend approximately 2 hours together, sometimes more. I don’t start a session with a pre-conceived notion of how I want to make you look. I am really interested in getting to know you. This approach allows me to capture your essence. Don’t be scared. I am warm, approachable, and non-judgmental. I open myself up to allow you to be yourself. A session is more like a long conversation that involves me taking photographs of you. During your session you will be able to preview your images so that we can make sure you will be completely happy with your images.

Q. Do you do Pregnancy Portraits?

A. Absolutely. I think that pregnancy is a very special time in your life and should be documented to preserve the joy that you are experiencing. In addition to capturing your essence and inner beauty we will work on showing the beauty of your pregnant body. It is completely up to you how little or how much you would like to reveal in those photographs. I will work sensibly with you according to your taste and comfort level.

Q. I would like to get Sensual Portraits with my Partner or Spouse. How does that work?

A. Ideally both of you would first come in individually for personality portrait sessions. This would allow all of us to really get to know each other. With this preparation I will be able to get the best possible results from your sensual portrait session. If that is not an option, we can schedule a longer session. I will start out spending some time with each of you individually. I will take a few individual shots to get a sense of who you are without your partner. This makes it easier for me to better understand and capture what is special about your relationship.

Q. Why is your preferred printing method Black & White?

A. The main focus of my images are my clients’ faces and the natural beauty of their bodies. I feel that they are best presented with as little distraction as possible. Props and fancy backgrounds are distractive. That’s why I don’t use them. But color can be distractive as well. Some clients require color - typically for commercial uses. All images are available in color, but I really prefer to see them printed in Black & White.

Q. What are your Art Prints about?

A. I personally retouch and optimize every detail of a portrait for an art print. The image file is then printed on archival quality Watercolor Paper with a set of four pure pigment monochromatic inks (quadtone). These giclée prints show more detail than any traditional black & white print and are much more durable as well. The prints have a life rating of about 200 years without noticeable changes. All art prints come hand signed. They are framed using custom archival mats, clear glass, and gallery style frames.

Q. Should I request a Studio or Location session?

A. Our studio provides a comfortable setting for your sensual portrait. For many people it is easier to relax when they are away from home in a quiet studio. However, if you feel that you can relax best in your home or at another location, then this may be your best choice. Also, if your ability to leave your home is restricted, an in-home session can be arranged.

Q. What about Hair and Make-up?

A. Women should have their hair appointment no later than a week prior to the session. This will help ensure that you look natural in your photographs. Wear the least amount of make-up that you are comfortable with. I realize that some people don’t feel comfortable without any make-up. That is ok. Just keep it to a minimum. It is much easier to retouch a few blemishes than to get rid of the pasty look of make-up in a photograph.

Men need to consider their facial hair growth. If you have strong growth you may need to shave directly before the session. Also ensure that your hair looks natural.

Q. Why and how do you pre-edit the Images?

A. I see it as part of my service to select the best images from the session. Photo editing is a critical part of photography. Too many clients get caught up in the quantity end of things. Just as you trust me to know when to press the shutter you can trust me to pick out the images that best convey your personality. My job is to give you the best possible portraits.

Q. What if I have a question that is not covered here?

A. I you have additional questions please don’t hesitate to contact us through our contact form.