We have a short FAQ page on our website, but it turns out we have some particularly curious clients. Which is awesome! We want you to feel prepared so that you’ll love the experience as much as you’ll love your portraits. So for those of you that want to know the “what” or the “why” behind it, here’s a more complete list of the most frequently asked questions.

Why a contemporary portrait session?

Whether it’s to preserve a moment in your life, to commemorate a milestone, or to boost your confidence to reach yet another, our contemporary portrait experiences are versatile, customized portrait shoots that are perfect for any occasion. (Or no occasion!) It’s not just about taking your picture. It’s about expressing and celebrating your individuality, and translating “you” into beautiful portrait artwork. We tailor the experience to bring out your personality in each portrait so they’re as unique as you are. From headshot to family, glamour to boudoir, we photograph a wide range of Contemporary Portraits.

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What should I wear?

There are no hard rules, and we encourage you to show off your personal style. If you’re unsure or want some suggestions, we have you covered! We offer a handy online outfit planner, and we include a style&design consultation with our contemporary portrait packages. We’ll go over clothing and outfit choices with you in person so you can get our personalized advice. We even offer at-home consultations so we can talk over your wardrobe!

How early should I book my session and consultation?

Sessions are typically booked a minimum of 2 weeks in advance, and we recommend scheduling your consultation 1 to 2 weeks before the shoot so you’ll have time to prepare. If you’re ready to book, you can view our availabilities and schedule a portrait session through our Website!

Do you offer hair and makeup services?

Yes! Professional hair and makeup is available for Contemporary Portrait sessions, and really takes the experience to the next level. We’re also happy to recommend our favorite hair and makeup artists for lifestyle sessions as well. Feel free to check out our Before/After Gallery for some examples.

Do you offer in-studio portraits?

Yes! We recently moved to a beautiful studio in Vienna, VA, just a short drive from Tysons Corner. Professional hair and makeup are done in the studio as well. We invite you to check out our contemporary portrait portfolio for some examples of in-studio portraits.

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Can I have my shoot at home or at my favorite place instead?

Wherever you have in mind, we’ll gladly work with you to get portraits that you’ll absolutely love!

If you’re still searching for that perfect place, we’re happy to recommend locations in the Northern Virginia area that we know are perfect for portraits. Have a location in mind already? No problem! Travel fees may apply for locations more than 15 miles from Vienna, VA, but we’re happy to meet you at your favorite spot in the DMV area!

Do you share my images?

We would love to show off your portraits, but only with your permission! Your privacy and comfort are top priority. Just let us know if you’d like to keep your portraits private and we’re happy to do so.

I’m nervous about having my portraits taken. What should I expect?

We completely understand. Not everyone feels comfortable in front of the camera, or maybe you’ve never had professional portraits done before. But we’re here to guide you every step of the way! Making the process as seamless, fun, and natural as possible is our highest priority. 

We’ll discuss your expectations and ideas for your portrait shoot beforehand, and we’ll help you plan during your style&design consultation. We’ll also coach you throughout the portrait shoot itself to create beautiful, natural portraits. (No forced smiles or stiff poses for us, thanks!) That way you’ll know exactly what to do, you’ll feel prepared, and most importantly, you’ll have fun with it! 

Do you Photoshop my images?

We edit images for light, exposure, and color balance. But our goal is to celebrate you and lift you up, not to edit you down! That means we’ll never “remove” or alter those permanent parts of yourself that make you unique. But if you’re concerned about something in particular, or if there are aspects of yourself that you’re still learning to love, we get it! Just let us know and we’ll guide you through the shoot to make you look and feel your absolute best. You’ll be surprised what a difference good makeup and amazing light makes.

Can you recreate this photo I found on Pinterest/Google/Facebook?

Portrait artists have their own styles, levels of experience, and specialties that distinguish their work. If you really love that one photographer’s work and want those portraits for yourself, your best bet is to hire the same photographer who took them. You wouldn’t ask Jiro Ono to make you one of Bobby Flay’s famous burgers, right?

So while we don’t recreate other artist’s work, we’re always happy to include your ideas and personal style! Just let us know if you have something in mind or if you’re shooting for a certain feel. We want your portraits to be as unique to you are!

What type of print products do you offer? 

We offer a variety of print products from wall art, to collages, to albums and folio boxes. All of our prints and print products are heirloom-quality and intended to last for lifetimes. Our wall art comes professionally framed or on museum-quality canvas, ready to hang. We’ll also help you plan how to display your images at your post-shoot reveal, including custom portrait layouts designed for your home. 

Do you offer digital (archival) files?

We offer individual high-resolution files a la carte, as well as digital packages. But before you get your heart set on digital products, let us ask you something: What are you going to do with those files?

We find that archival files tend to become just that: archived. We don’t want those beautiful portraits to sit invisibly on your hard drive. (Or get forgotten 4-years deep on your Facebook timeline.) What we do want is for you to have the images you love most, and to have them in the format that allows you to appreciate them every single day. When you make your portraits part of your home, the moments they reflect can become an everyday part of your life. 

That’s not to say that archival files aren’t useful! We understand that they’re practical for storage, or social media, or to send to family and friends. That’s why we include them with most of our print products. But think about it: You know when you flip through old pictures on your phone every 10 months? That happy feeling when you rediscover that one memory?

Wouldn’t you rather have that every single day?