I am just *tickled* that you’re considering me as your New York City portrait photographer! As your portrait photographer in NYC, I am on a mission to give you photographs that steward your story well. Don't let life fly by without a way to remember it—make time for photos! Through photography, I want to help you press pause on a busy life and make time to invite joy and beauty into your everyday.

My preferred medium is 35mm black & white film. (I shoot color digitally.) I choose film for its unbeatable color and grain. I have a penchant for intentional blur and the graininess that lends incredible texture and depth to an image so that it feels like an Impressionist painting. 

Thanks to my journalism training, I take a semi-documentary approach to photography that relishes the unguarded moments over the manufactured. When you step in front of my camera, my greatest wish is that you understand that you are known and loved.

a californian, francophile portrait photographer in new york city.

bienvenue

I want to debunk any notion that a portrait session is awkward, confusing, scary, or stress-inducing. As a portrait photographer in NYC, I want to put you completely at ease. You should walk away from your portrait session grinning and wanting to do it all over again. 

Before you press send on that contact form (exciting!) be sure to include all the information you want me to know about you! Your kids, your business, your vision, your trip, your significant other. Then, we can dream up a session you’ll love.

how does it work?

Once you reserve your date, it’s time to talk about LOCATION! I am a huge francophile and Wes Anderson fan and enjoy locations with beautiful/quirky architecture. I also will die over a field of flowers. But, as your portrait photographer in New York City, what I really want to do is photograph you in a place that is important to you. Maybe that’s reading a book with your toddler on the kitchen floor. Or jumping on the trampoline. The café where you and your significant other meet every week for a pastry. The county fair your family visits every summer. It could be anywhere, as long as it means something to you. But, if you need suggestions, I will proffer them happily!

LOCATION

Not sure what to wear? Have a vision for the final result but can’t quite put your finger on it? Do not worry! I will share a Pinterest board and a style guide that aims to give you some inspiration so that you can dress yourself for success at your portrait session. 

And, if you want to chat about it in person, I am here for that, too. My only two rules? 1. Photographs are an occasion; dress the part. 2. Wear something you feel good and confident in.


waRDROBE STYLING

The day before, we’ll make sure that we still have clear skies ahead (especially if we’re outdoors). We’ll confirm our location, phone numbers, your outfits, and any other details specific to your session. Sessions generally last an hour to one and a half hours—don’t forget your makeup bag, walking shoes (if you’re wearing “pretty” shoes), snacks for the kids, and any props you want to include. 

The SEssion

Turnaround time is between four and six weeks, depending on the volume of photographs. This includes film shipping (up to five days) and developing (up to 10 days) time.

When your photographs are ready, you’ll receive a gallery link to download all the digital files you want. Prints are available for purchase. 

DELIVERY

WHAT TO EXPECT –

Additional Hour $429
Polaroids (per 8) $35
Proof Prints $15
Deckled Fine Art Print ­ $35
Keepsake Box ­ $275
8x8 Album ­ $625
10x10 Album ­ $825
Wall Art Collection ­ $625

à LA CARTE

Includes: 
Session/vision planning, location scouting, prop sourcing (may incur additional fees)
1-3 locations
2 to 2.5 hour session on 35mm film + digital
150-200 digital images with commercial rights

From $1,000

personal brands, small businesses, lookbooks, etc.

branding
product
editorial

$675

collection 4

$800

1 to 1.5 hour session
Choose color, b&w, or both
50+ Digitals, online gallery
24x36 canvas
Families, couples, children, lifestyle

collection 3

$725

1 to 1.5 hour session
Choose color, b&w, or both
50+ Digitals, online gallery
Proof prints
Families, couples, children, lifestyle

collection 2

1 to 1.5 hour session
Choose color, b&w, or both
50+ Digitals, online gallery
Families, couples, children, lifestyle

$600

collection 1

PORTRAIT RATES BEGIN AT ­$600.

Includes: 
Pre-­session consultation/planning  by phone, session in the Client’s home or outdoor location, digital files.

Prints and products are purchased separately.

A date is not reserved until the 50% retainer has been paid.

SESSION FEES

1 to 1.5 hour session
Choose color, b&w, or both
50+ Digitals, online gallery
8x10 deckled print
Families, couples, children, lifestyle

click here for INSPIRATION

Still not sure? Check out my Pinterest board for inspiration on clothes, hair, makeup, and accessories. When you book your Birmingham portrait session, I’ll also send you my style guide PDF with all the tips!

FIND INSPIRATION

click here for INSPIRATION

For kids and across the board, I recommend leaning on a little color theory to get you going. However, don’t be afraid of patterns and color! If you love neutrals, by all means. But, if you’re wanting that happy pop, color theory is your friend in making sure it’s all cohesive—not chaotic. 

For the Littles

The best thing you can wear to your session is something that you feel good in. If that’s a billowing skirt and giant straw sunhat, go for it. Same if it’s jeans, flats, and your favorite blouse. Just keep in mind that clothing and accessories have a huge say in the final outcome and aesthetic of your photos. If you want something dreamy, don’t come in a t-shirt. If you want something vibrant, don’t wear black. Don't be afraid to accessorize, either. It can say a lot about your personality! 

WHAT TO WEAR

photographs are an occasion. dress the part.

WARDROBE STYLING

Sooner is better! As a practicing artist and writer, my weekends quickly fill with projects. Also, don’t be afraid of an off-season (winter and summer) date—especially if you are wanting an in-home or in-studio session.

You reserve your session date by signing a contract and paying a deposit. Need to reschedule? No worries—just reach out.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD i BOOK?

Two words: Don’t worry! I think that the posing experience can make or break a session. You should feel like I’m the best portrait photographer in Birmingham because of the way I make you feel when you’re in front of my camera. I promise clear directions and no guessing about where to put your hands or if your hair is out of place. And, I’m not afraid to get down and play with the kids to catch that unguarded, sweet moment. 

i feel awkward in front of the camera.

Should the weather be inclement and your session is outside, I will work to reschedule you as early as is convenient for both of us. We might even get a little creative and switch to an indoor session if you want!

WHAT IF the weather takes a turn?

I have a turnaround time of approximately four weeks for regular sessions and six weeks for special projects. This is includes film shipping (about three days) and developing (up to 10 days) time. Should you be in a crunch, please let me know. I will bring a digital camera as well so you have something to tie you over while we wait for the good stuff! When your gallery is ready, I will send you a link so that you can download your images. 

How will i receive my photos?

FAQ

click to CONACT marissa

I’m super thrilled you’d consider me as a steward of your story. To reserve a date—or just to chat and learn more—drop me a line! Tell me about yourself, your vision…who and what you love. Can’t wait to meet you! À bientôt!

click to CONTACT me & RESERVE YOUR DATE

READY TO BEGIN?

A newsletter that encourages you to invite joy + beauty into your everyday. stories, photographs, updates, plus print shop + portraiture offerings.

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