Portraits

Q: What does my session fee pay for?

A: The session fee pays for my time and talent during the session, post production work, and your private online gallery.

Q: Where will my session take place?

Your session can take place at the studio or out on location at a favourite place – whether that’s the woods, the park, the beach, or in your own home..

Q: What about baby shoots?

A: Baby shoots generally take place at the studio, unless your baby is less than 3 weeks old in which case s/he can be photographed at home if you prefer – you will need to specify when booking. As for the shots taken, we will take shots fully clothed and with just a nappy to capture the cute babyness of your baby. Please bring any little hats or favourite outfits.

Q: What should we wear? Do we have to wear white t shirts and denim jeans?

A: No! Please don’t – those days are so over! Simple clothes and solid colors work best for photographs but children can wear fun, bright colours. At home, little ones may have a few clothing changes, but please avoid logos or very busy patterns which can be distracting in photographs and will take the focus away from the face.

Q. I’ve seen some of your beautiful ballerina portraits- can I bring my daughter’s ballet kit and have her photographed in that too?

A. Of course! I also keep a range of tutus and ballet skirts for that very purpose.

Q: Who should come to our session?

A: It is best to only bring the persons being photographed to your session.

Q: What style of photography do you use when working with children?

A: My photography aims to capture children just being themselves. I will make them feel as comfortable as possible to enable me to capture their unique personality. I am very patient and I am to establish a rapport with the child to enable their personality to shine. I don’t mind waiting to get that perfect shot. Without using unnatural props, I capture, the little quirks and expressions which makes each child unique.

Q: When is the best time to schedule newborn photographs?

A: It is best to photograph newborn babies before they are 10 days old. You will want to book your newborn session before the baby is born. Little ones change quickly over the course of their first year, so consider having portraits again at 6 months and again at 1 year as their true features and personalities really emerge. Our Baby’s First Year package is a fantastic keepsake for any parent.

Q: What happens if my baby screams constantly and you can’t get any photographs?

That very rarely happens, but for reassurance I offer a free re-shoot should your baby not be in the right frame of mind to be photographed.

Q: What if my baby needs feeding during the shoot?

That’s no problem! I can warm your baby’s bottle for you or provide privacy if you are nursing.

Q: Can you retouch scratches, scars, bruises …

A: Of course, if you wish!

Q: When will my photos be ready?

A: Your images will be available for viewing on your private web gallery generally in about a week – slightly longer for very busy periods. Final print orders will be ready within 2 – 3 weeks. Melanie East Photography owns the copyright to all images, including proofs. Images may not be copied, scanned or reproduced in any way without written permission from Melanie East Photography.

What about products?

If it’s thinkable… we can do it! For newborns, then large canvases make a wonderful display choice to decorate the nursery – and for older babies and children, large canvases or art blocks look spectacular. We also of course offer small framed portraits for grandparents and unframed unmounted prints.

Q:  Are you going to invite us back for a viewing to show us lots of beautiful photographs which we won’t be able to afford ?

A:   I don’t agree with pushy sales tactics – my photographs sell themselves – so I’ll show you lots of stunning photographs in your private gallery – these images are hosted online for you to view in your home at your leisure.  I believe my products are realistically priced given their exceptional quality.  I don’t hide my price lists either! – all prices are displayed under “Information and Investment” on the main website.

Q: I have some more questions..

A: Then just shoot me an email right here and I’ll do my best to answer!