Will the quality of your digital images be the same as film?
Can we have blemishes, stretch marks, or scars removed?
Can we get both color and black-and-white pictures taken in the same session?
Where are you located?
Will you go on location to the beach, park, or forest preserve?
How long will a session take?
My kids never sit still – what should I do?
Do you have some general tips to make my child’s portrait session more successful?
What about bringing along my older child to my newborn’s session?
What about bringing along my older child to my maternity session?
What if my baby is fussy and needs to eat?
Should we bring any props from home?
What do you recommend we wear?
What kind of headshots do you do?
What’s the deal with your new gallery of women (“For the Man Who Has Everything”)? Aren’t you a child and family photographer?
Do people actually hang sexy pictures of themselves on the walls of their home?
How quickly will I see my proofs and have my final prints?
Do you have any unique or special items available?

Will the quality of your digital images be the same as film?
Yes. I work with professional digital equipment that is designed to produce a high quality image. You final prints will be produced by a professional photo lab that ensures your portraits are as crisp and vibrant as any film print you have seen. The digital format allows me to offer you many new options that were not previously possible with film.

Can we have blemishes, stretch marks, or scars removed?
Yes. With the advancements in digital technology, corrective possibilities are almost endless. Minor retouching is done automatically. However, complicated work will be quoted on a case-by-case basis.

Can we get both color and black-and-white pictures taken in the same session?
Yes. Another advantage of digital photography is that you no longer have to make this decision before your portrait session begins. Any of the color images taken during your session can be converted to black and white, sepia toned, or be selectively hand-colored. Selective hand-coloring is partial color retention while the rest of the image is made black and white. Several examples of this technique can be found throughout my online galleries.

Where are you located?
My studio is in Morton Grove, Illinois. I am conveniently located between Chicago and the North Shore suburbs. The lower level of my house has been permanently converted to a studio.

Will you go on location to the beach, park, or forest preserve?
Absolutely! I want your portrait to be a reflection of who you are. For large groups or extended family portraits, it is often better to do an outdoor portrait.

How long will a session take?
I would say to plan for an hour, but the actual times may vary. Each session, my goal is to capture images that reflect the subject's personality and will touch the heart. With the unpredictability of babies and children, this could take a few minutes or an hour. I work quickly while children are cooperating, and am patient when they are not. If the child needs a snack break or a few minutes of playtime, then so be it. I try to keep the sessions as flexible as possible in to maintain a low-stress experience your family.

My kids never sit still – what should I do?
In advance of the appointment, do not make a big deal about the photo session. Simply telling them that they are going to go and play sets a wonderful mood for them. Also, do not build it up out of proportion -- a simple mention once or twice is enough.

One of the most interesting parts of photographing babies and children is that no two sessions are alike; I really never know what to expect! A baby can be grumpy one minute and gurgling the next. I do a pretty good job of making a fool of myself because very often that's what it takes to make a great portrait.

Do you have some general tips to make my child’s portrait session more successful?
Of course!

If by chance your child refuses to put something on or do something you want done related to the session, ignore it until you get to the studio. Many times we can get something done here that simply won’t happen at home.

During the session, it is best to follow my lead. I will always ask you for assistance if I feel I need some help, but in most situations it is best to remain silent and allow me to capture your child's attention. If too many people are talking to the child at once, telling him to smile, or otherwise distracting him, he won’t know what to do or where to look.

If you or your baby is ill, please reschedule. I will certainly understand. An ill child will photograph as that child feels.

Do not allow your child to have a sucker, candy, or colored juice before a session. The discolored lips and tongue will definitely show in the portraits and are very difficult to retouch in Photoshop.

What about bringing along my older child to my newborn’s session?
I love getting the new big brother or big sister into the pictures. They should also wear very simple clothing. If the big brother or sister is really still a baby him or herself, matching onsies, or matching bare chests, make a great picture.

What about bringing along my older child to my maternity session?
Yes, yes, absolutely include your older child/children in your maternity portraits! We will do those poses right away when you arrive while your children are still fresh and patient. Please plan to bring along a friend or relative who can then take the kids so that you and your spouse can relax for the remainder of the session. This will allow us to capture the best images.

What if my baby is fussy and needs to eat?
No problem. It is common for babies to eat in the middle of their photo session, but for your baby’s comfort please feed them immediately before the session too. A baby with a full tummy is a happy baby. If baby needs a bottle or a nursing, we can take a short break. I nursed 2 babies, so I can relate to the stage where it feels like you never stop nursing. If that is where you are with the nursing thing, I totally understand.

Should we bring any props from home?
The decision to include props is entirely yours. I have a selection of props in the studio to choose from. However, you are welcome to bring along whatever you wish to include. I welcome your ideas regarding the props used for your portrait. Previous clients have brought handmade blankets, hats, flowers, small antique toys, handmade baby blankets, and family heirlooms.

What do you recommend we wear?
I suggest you keep it simple and solid. Avoid bold patterns, as they tend to distract from the subject. Many brands of children's shoes and socks have logos on the bottom, so I often prefer to photograph children with bare feet.

In a family portrait, proper clothing coordination is critical. Choose colors in the same tonal range so that no single individual stands out. I suggest laying out everyone's clothes on a bed and removing any items that stand out from the others. In addition, include socks and shoes and keep them in harmony with the clothing selections.
Regarding baby portraits -- You probably wouldn’t want your baby photographed in a dark color because it is too severe for them. Onesies and their own skin are your best bet. Very young babies look best simply as nature intended – nothing beats the simple beauty of smooth baby skin. And don’t worry because I am prepared for all accidents! Stretchy hats that fit your baby are great. Also wonderful to photograph with babies are any blankets, quilts, or afghans that have been made for them. Texture is wonderful in black and white; pattern is not good.

For parents participating in a baby’s session -- Again, simple is best. You will be a backdrop for some of the pictures, so please wear a solid color and sleeves. Your hands will be in the pictures-- French manicures look better than dark nail polish. Mom may also wish to bring a tube top or tank top if she would like a bare shoulder pose with her naked baby. Please, no shirt and tie for Dad--too formal for these kinds of photographs. Mom, dark red lipstick and nail polish doesn't photograph well in black and white.
For more detailed information on clothing suggestions for maternity portraits, please click here.

What kind of headshots do you do?
I have done professional headshots for real estate agents and mortgage brokers, business people, and actors, as well as more casual headshots for online dating galleries. If there is something else you are looking for, please call to discuss.

What’s the deal with your new gallery of women (“For the Man Who Has Everything”)? Aren’t you a child and family photographer?
The idea for this type of photography came about when a client approached me about it. I had done portraits of her children in the past, and she wanted to do some private and special photos of herself for her husband. We worked together to create fun, sexy, sensual images that she and her husband both loved. This type of photography is indeed a wonderful gift “for the man who has everything”, a wedding gift from a bride to her groom, or simply a great way to simply celebrate your femininity.

My reputation as a child and family photographer has actually helped me with this new venture. My goal is to work with you to create images that are classy and tasteful, yet still sensual.

Note that these private photo sessions are not for men (as subjects). Also, these sessions are ABSOLUTELY NOT for pornography or fetish photography. If you are looking for that type of thing, please find yourself another photographer.

Do people actually hang sexy pictures of themselves on the walls of their home?
Yes, some people do. But the majority of women choose to create a small private album for their husbands or significant other.

How quickly will I see my proofs and have my final prints?
The answer to this depends on the time of year, how busy things are at the studio, and the complexity of the order (example – is it loose prints, or custom framing). I am a “one woman show”, so to speak. I conduct the sessions, prepare the proofs, do all of the photo retouching, framing, and pretty much everything else that is needed around here to ensure your satisfaction. At slower times of the year, I may be able to complete an order within 2 weeks or less. During busier times of the year such as Christmas it may take up to 6 weeks to receive your order. But please know that I handle each and every order personally with great attention to detail and quality. Your portraits are an investment and an heirloom that should not be rushed.

Do you have any unique or special items available?
Yes. I am always looking for new and different ways for my clients to display their photos. My studio offers unique alternative to framing (floating mounts, plaque mounts, etc), custom albums, silk folios, photographic jewelry, and more.