The Experience
Your family’s memories are precious and there is a magic in being able to capture them as portraits that will last a lifetime. Big Apple Portraits is proud to provide a one of a kind experience and create beautiful heirloom artwork that celebrates kids and family.
We have 3 different session types all to suit your lifestyle and budget: 30 Minute Studio Session, 10 Minute Mini Session, 60 Minute Outdoor sessions. All sessions are tailored specifically for your kids and your family. After you have scheduled your session, we will send you more information and tips about your session and a quick questionnaire where you can let us know details like your style, colors, props, wardrobe, and preferred shot list.
All sessions take place in our Upper West Side studio with professional lighting and backdrops. We have a private room for you to relax before and during your session. We supply all props and backdrops, but you are more than welcome to bring any special items. During the portrait sitting, our experienced photographers shoot with a hand held digital camera, giving them the freedom to move and interact with everyone on a personal level. While we carefully set up a pose, we understand that children are children and we let them do what they do best.
After your session, you will schedule a reveal session to view your photos and place your order with at least 24 hours between appointments. You will be able to see all of your images and select your artwork. You only need to choose the images you love – the beauty of no session fee. Our turnaround after you have placed your order is typically 7-21 business days after your viewing depending on your product choice.
Want to see our product choices? View your options here.
Please note: since we do not charge a sitting fee, reveal appointments are REQUIRED for all our of the sessions. Please plan for 2 appointments.
**Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, online reveal sessions will be made available via Skype, Google Meet, or Zoom.
The safety and health of all of our clients and staff is extremely important during the current pandemic. We have changed up our shooting schedule to accommodate complete cleaning between sessions and more. We do ask that you restrict the amount of people in your party to limit everyone’s possible exposure to COVID-19. Maximum of people in the studio 5.
We ask that you help us maintain a high level of cleanliness. We ask that all clients wash hands and remove outdoor shoes upon entering studio. If you would like kids to wear shoes for the shoot, please make sure they have not been worn outdoors & have been cleaned. As all surfaces and props are being cleaned between all sessions, we ask that you do not touch any unnecessary surfaces or props. We ask that you assist in keeping children from doing the same (though we know kids!). Children do not need to wear a mask in the studio. It is, however, recommended that adults not participating in the shoot wear a face covering.
Here are our tips to a successful photo shoot
(but let’s be honest, kids are still kids)
- Try to arrive about 5-10 minutes early. This will allow you to not feel rushed during your session. Do not arrive earlier than that to avoid impatient children or potential overlap with other clients
- Create a packing list to help you prepare before your session. See our recommended packing list below.
- Bring snacks. Positive reinforcement is a wonderful trick for kids. Don’t forget the water.
- Keep us informed. Let us know the details that will help your session run smoothly. Inform us about noise or light sensitivities and stranger anxieties or any special needs.
- Don’t stress. Just enjoy the experience. Kids absolutely feed off your energy. If you are stressed, so are they. Let us do what we do best.
We understand the importance of preserving your family’s precious moments. We are truly looking forward to your session! If you have any questions feel free to call or text us at 212-600-4457.
We know remembering what to bring for your photo session can be a little overwhelming. Here is our quick packing list to get you started.
Packing List:
- Any props or keepsakes you want to use during your session.
- Extra bottles for babies if you are not breastfeeding.
- Extra diapers and wipes.
- Pacifiers
- Bottle of water.
- Snacks (puffs, cheerios, etc.).
- Outfits and shoes for anyone taking photos (please note that we do not allow outside shoes to be worn in the studio).
- Comfort items or lovies (note that we will only use these in difficult situations).
