Privacy: the basics

When you book a photo session, you will be asked to sign a contract. The contract defines the timeline (when you are being photographed, when your gallery should be delivered, by when you will have to select your favorites, etc). It also defines the ownership model for the photographs. As a rule, the photographer retains the copyright (rights to use the photographs whichever way they fancy), which ranges from low-volume promotional materials to high-volume wholesale.

An example of low-volume promotional materials is using a photograph in the portfolio. Portfolios are viewed by a smaller audience, have very few photographs (usually, less than 30) in them, and photographers constantly update their portfolios. Result is such that only a few people will see it, hence "low-volume". An example of high-volume use is selling a picture on Adobe Stock Photos. Potentially, completely unrelated 3rd party, say a postcard manufacturer, could buy the right and put the photograph in every supermarket of every town in your country. Some people like it, others are less comfortable with such scenario.

As with any other commercial activity, always seek to obtain a photo session contract, and read it somewhat carefully. Make note of every question you have.

Remember that family photographers genuinely love people---they will work with you to make you be comfortable. Even if you did find something in the contract that gives you a pause: reach out and ask the photographer about their stance on the issue, explain your uneasiness. Your photographer can always modify the contract to address your particular concern.

Professional photo sessions create memories you will enjoy for years to come---they will help you decorate your workplace and living room. They are fun and designed to enrich your life, not make it more complicated. So, glance over the contract, discuss if you have questions, and:

Book your session | Galleries | Facebook

Newborn skin editing

Newborn skin can be very tricky and requires a lot of post-processing work and patience. Every photographer has their own vision but I prefer to remove all temporary blemishes, flakes and acne...



...as well as uneven color (redness, purpleness or yellowness). I prefer to not distract parents and want to help them remembering just how tiny and cute their baby was at the first couple weeks of his/her life.



I strive for natural, not over-smoothed "runway" look. Baby skin should feel natural, and a little color variation should be preserved. For instance, I love to see some pink on those tiny feet and toes and would never edit it. It is my personal preference, however, and others may or may not feel different.

More about newborn session | Portfolio | Facebook

Westford MA pregnancy photo-sessions

My client's 3-year old loves her maternity album. He points at her baby bump and says: "Look, look, that's me! That's me in my mommy's belly" :)

Maternity sessions are always fun! I usually suggest scheduling pregnancy shoots when mom is at 32-36 weeks. At this point, she already has beautiful curves but is not yet exhausted and able to pose for an hour with a few changing brakes.

 We keep the studio rather cool, and oftentimes use a large fan to show some fabric or hair movement.

 I am providing maternity gowns for the shoot: all of them are from maternity boutiques, custom-made specifically for maternity photo sessions. Sometimes, we get up to 4 gown changes per session :). Outdoor shoots are also available [per special request], and I would really appreciate having 4-5 weeks notice.