Frequently Asked (Portrait Photography) Questions
F.A.p.p.Q.
ABOUT PORTRAITS IN THE PARK - GET TO KNOW YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Why should I book a family photography session with Portraits in the Park
Everybody you talk to would like to have beautiful photos. So we’ve addressed the two big roadblocks: 1. Anxiety free, quick sessions, outdoors, so they’re child (and dad friendly too)
2. We are one of the most affordable professional family photographers in the Sutherland Shire with no strings attached – what is shot is all yours.
What makes Portraits in the Park professionals that I can trust?
We choose and prepare a location in the Sutherland Shire, working with you to get the type of photos you're after. Our experience in composing a scene, utilising lighting and professional equipment results in very detailed and emotive pictures.
What is the Portrait in the Park style?
Bright, vibrant, natural colours but ultimately, we aim for your personality to shine through instead of imposing any particular style. The best outcome is to achieve both. We don't do fussy or drawn out shoots, get some great expressions and bonding before fatigue sets in and kids burn out. With Wedding Photography its classic posing and beautiful composition. All natural colours that last the test of time, no Instagram type filters that date, wash out the images and just don't look as great framed. Same for black and white, it's the modern worlds, these effects can all be applied later.
What is it that makes a Portrait professional?
Professionals craft photos rather than capturing them by chance. A great portrait captures the warmth and love between family members. Expressions are the most important element, then posing, composition and sculpting with light to create photos that sparkle and pop. The kinds of shots that makes people think “you’ve been professionally photographed”.
How do you capture quality portraits in such a short time when some studios take hours?
As a Wedding Photographer you need to be quick as events unfold, light changes and fit into a hectic schedule. We apply these skills to our portrait work for busy families. As the saying goes, give someone a day to complete a project and it will take a day. We think it takes a fraction of the time to achieve creative, emotive, well posed and directed photos. Our photographic experience and technical skills and time spent after the photoshoot enhancing the images results in key shots we know you'll love.
ABOUT THE PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATION
What if the weather is not so great?
A surprising number of excellent photographs have been taken in “bad” weather, adding an interesting element, especially for Weddings when there is sometimes no other option. If the weather is looking really bad / uncomfortable to be out in, we’ll be in touch the day before and reschedule. Our equipment is not waterproof but for Weddings we do have specific covers and backup cameras should the worst happen.
Why outdoors Portrait Photography?
Outdoor Photography comes across as more genuine and we love environmental light, it has an exquisite beauty that’s difficult to replicate authentically in the studio. If you’re up for it, consider a dusk or dawn session as its unique light can add additional interest to your photos. Wedding Photography clients definitely need a backup location though.
What is the best time of day?
This really depends on your schedule. We can take beautiful photos at any time. A skill every Wedding Photographer needs. Ideally closer to Dusk or Dawn when the light is magical and soft but don't get hung up on it. The most important thing is you being there at a time that works.
When is the best time of the year to have your portrait taken?
Have your portrait taken when it’s right for you. All seasons provide beautiful backdrops and that includes Wedding Photography. In the colder months the days are shorter and angle of light is low, shadows are long and the lack of leaves provides a unique look. Spring captures blooms at their fullest. Summer is well-illuminated for colourful, well-saturated images. We are open to negotiate a cheap deal for Wedding Photography or Family Photography in the colder months too.
ABOUT THE DAY
How do you work with people that aren’t comfortable having their photo taken?
We’ve found that most people, and especially kids, that are nervous about having their photo taken really loosen up in front of the camera when they are outdoors. As we aim for a quick portrait photography session you’ll be settled by good direction, a friendly approach and the session will be over before the nerves kick in.
“I’d like to get some nice portrait photos of my husband but he’s not really into posing”
Guys tend to dislike a posed look, we do something more natural and only try to squeeze in a few poses. We have a few other tricks up out sleeve too.
How can you be sure we’re going to get great Family or Wedding photos?
By focusing on you, the subject, along with directing, posing, lighting and composing will present you, your partner or family at your best in a beautiful environment. And we email you a comprehensive tip sheet beforehand to help make the session a success.
"I'm not happy with my body shape so I don't like photos"
We have all sorts of tricks to help you look your best.
"I'm not photogenic"
Part of a professional photographers job is to compose you and your family so you'll look your best in each photograph.
Do you use a stylist or makeup artist?
The expert touches of a professional stylist’s corrective measures have their place but makeovers aren’t our thing as we’ve found people often say “It looks OK, but it doesn’t look like me”. As women have a preferred way they wear their hair and makeup so we’ve found it will mean you are more relaxed, resulting in natural photos. After booking we’ll email you some specific tips though that will make all the difference.
What if I'm running late?
We can still get lots of great photos in a shorter time and there is a little bit of extra time between Photography sessions.
TECHNICAL QUESTIONS
Can we have specialised looks applied post, grungy or vintage look, black and white?
Yes, just let us know when you’re making the booking and we’ll create some variations.
What is the resolution of the image you supply?
Our full frame professional DSLR cameras produce a high resolution image suitable for prints A4 and up. We also provide a lower resolution version you can email or upload online.
How many images do I get?
We supply to you every photograph minus flawed captures like blinking, awkward poses, duplicates etc. They are all colour and graded to look stunning.
What if I download and later delete all the photos by accident?
We keep a backup of all your high-resolution photos for five years.
BOOKING QUESTIONS
What types of Portrait photography does Portraits in the Park take?
Anything you can think - most common are families, couples and infants (up to six weeks).
At three months your child has usually been smiling for several weeks and will photograph beautifully. We wouldn’t recommend another photography session until six to seven months or when your child is sitting up. Props are also great to bring personality into your photos.
Do you take maternity photos?
Yes, maternity photos are best captured first thing in the morning for a bit more privacy and beautiful soft light. Book in the mid to late 30 week mark, for a lovely, shapely bump while the mum-to-be is comfortable moving around.
Do you take newborn or toddler photos?
Yes but… this really is a specialist field mostly because of the setup, props and hygiene involved, that said if you brought along sheets and a large blanket or even get a bit creative with baskets, different textures, material, wool or hessian we’ll get some great shots. We’d recommend you book a longer session if you want the whole family and to allow for feeds or any mishaps and unavoidable delays.
Babies often require retouching which we can take care of. Best to get in touch and we’ll work with you to photograph some amazing baby images at an affordable price. Life goes by so quick even more so if you have a newborn baby or toddler. Don’t regret not having amazing photos to look back on.
Can I bring a pet to have their photograph taken too?
Absolutely. Pets are a beloved part of many families, a must in any family portraits.
How many people can come to a session?
There is no limit but the less people the more tailored experience. Our goal is to get a bunch of key shots and with the spare time we start to get creative. Ideally one family or up to four, otherwise we’ll be spreading our time too thin across everyone. If you do have more people or extended family we recommend booking a longer session.
Your prices seem too cheap compared to other Sutherland Shire Wedding Photographers & Family Photographers, what's the catch?
No catch, no strings attached. Family and Wedding Photography complements our Commercial Photography and Retouching during the week and we genuinely enjoy it. You get all the high-resolution images to take away and for prints, posters, books, framing and we are confident we will see you again next year because it was too easy.
Can I bring a business shirt and get corporate photography too?
Yes, in fact that's a top idea for claiming the Photography session as a business expense.
I’m looking for a model / actor photographer to capture great photos for a look book?
Yes we certainly can photograph great images for your book and help create the book too if you need.
What if I need to cancel the photography session?
We like 24 hours notice so we can fill the spot. Unlike other Family Photographers for cancellations less then 24 hours we'll refund you the cost no questions asked or you can reschedule.