Did you or your partner get pregnant during the pandemic? Looking to stay safe but hoping to capture your pregnancy or newborn with a photo shoot? No problem! NYC area family photographers are stepping up to help your family capture these important events while you’re keeping close to home. Book a virtual photo shoot via Zoom, FaceTime, etc. Read on to learn how it all works, and see actual pictures taken via remote sessions!
Pivot!
Like so many other businesses, photographers have taken things online. The modified professional photo shoot involves a pro serving as a consultant and guide to a client before, during and after a photo session."We plan out the shoot from top to bottom: decorations, outfits, locations you name it!," says Michelle Rose of Michelle Rose Photo, who launched her remote milestone shoots in April of last year. "They send photos of their space for me to take a look at and I point out where the best spots would be to take photos, just like I do when I enter a clients apartment for the first time."
Yes, in most cases you are the one taking the actual photo (probably with your phone), but it's with the input of a professional via Zoom, Facetime, etc. Perhaps not the ideal situation for your big shoot, but the good news is that probably not surprisingly, rates are significantly less than those for in-person sessions.
In addition to guiding you during the actual shoot, these photographers will help you style your shots, recommend colors and/or props and retouch your favorites to make them super pro. Sessions are typically about 30 minutes to an hour, and basic tech needed is a phone and a wifi connection.
Karen Haberberg Photography
Karen Haberberg is doing maternity, birthday and infant shoots virtually, providing a portfolio of three to five retouched photos from the sessions. For her photo shoots, she is the one actually taking the photo, capturing frames via FaceTime, while she coaches parents on elements such as angles and lighting.
Haberberg was also moved to do pro-bono portraits for essential workers and their families over the last year as a way of saying "thanks." Learn more about that project here.
Online: karenhaberberg.com
Michelle Rose Photo
For her remote shoots, Rose schedules the sessions to take advantage of when an apartment is receiving the best natural light. And, she makes sure you're prepped. "The day before the session I send over a checklist for each client individually so they have everything they need the next day for the shoot. Nothing is out of the ordinary and should already be in the home, except for maybe some cake smash decorations and the cake." (Order in, folks!)
Contact Rose for rates, which are significantly reduced from those for IRL sessions.
Online: michellerosephoto.com
Stylish & Hip Kids Photography
This photo from Stylish & Hip Kids Photography proves the yes, you can get a lovely newborn shot (with an assist). For all remote sessions, owner Mariliana Arvelo consults with the parents about outfits, lighting in the home, and the basics of setting up a camera; she also provides a gallery of images to use as a reference. Sessions are 30 minutes and produce a gallery of 10, retouched photos. The cost is $300, a significant break from the standard rate of $900 for an in-person session.
Online: stylishhipkids.com
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