How long before I receive my images?
- Typically within four to six weeks of our shoot. In this time, I will go through the hundreds of shots from our session and narrow them down to the very best ones, then careful edit them individually. The creative process takes some time to get just right. If you need shots sooner, let’s talk, and I’ll see what I can do.
In what format do you present images?
- You’ll receive a digital download of high-resolution un-watermarked .jpgs and a bonus set of smaller .jpgs for easy sharing on Facebook, etc.
- If you are doing the “blogger head shot” package, your images will be sized 1000px and emailed.
What about prints?
- You will have full non-commercial print rights. This means you can print your photos yourself for your own use, make your own albums, etc., you just aren’t allowed to sell them.
- I have a printer and album recommendations, and album design services, too.
How many images will we receive?
- About 45 per hour for portraits, elopements, and intimate weddings.
- For online dating profile photo sessions, you will get fewer, with more outfit and location changes.
Our family has a same-sex partnership. Will you still work with us?
- Yes, gladly. I am a feisty supporter of marriage equality and the LGBTQ community, and enjoy working with all loving families.
Do you blog every shoot?
- Yes, I want to make everyone I work with feel special and celebrated by showing them off to the world. If you’d rather I didn’t blog your shoot, no problemo. (I tend not to blog boudoir shoots, and I’m protective of more intimate moments.)
How long are shoots?
- Most portrait sessions are 45 minutes to an hour, and you should allow at least an hour and a half.
- For boudoir shoots, plan on it taking two hours.
- Timing for elopements and intimate weddings is customizable, based on your needs.
- Email for details. Amber[at]AmberMarlow[.]com, or use the contact form.
What should we wear for a family shoot?
- Whatever makes you happy.
- Ok, if you need more info than that, check out my Pinterst board “Portrait Style” for some inspiration.
- If you are pregnant – this is vitally important – wear something make makes you feel beautiful. Your partner should then coordinate with you.
- Don’t worry too much about matching colors, and don’t worry about clashing colors; everyone should wear what they look best in. The only thing you really need to coordinate is levels of formality. Most people opt for nicer “every day” clothes or fun party clothes for engagement and family sessions. You can get some variety by bringing a different sweater, scarf, tie, jacket or other colorful accessories. In the end, though, they’re your photos, and you should wear what you like (including bunny suits, matching Hanukkah sweaters, etc. I don’t judge.)
- A note about shoes: if you want shots in stilettos, bring sneakers or flip flops along for between locations. Please trust me on this one.
What shouldn’t we wear?
- Very trendy clothes – you’ll find the images look dated in a few months.
- Shirts with writing or images on them; a pattern is fine, though.
- Uncomfortable shoes or clothes on kids. Let them rock sneakers and comfy clothes for this session. I’m all about capturing the joy of childhood, not formal, stiff poses.
What should we bring?
- You don’t need to bring anything, but if you have props you’d like to be photographed with, feel free. Balloons, pinwheels, flowers, cupcakes, banners, sprinkled donuts and glass bottles of soda make charming additions to photos. Additionally some people like to be photographed with favorite books, musical instruments, old cameras, a favorite picnic blanket… whatever reflects YOU.
- If you’re doing a family session and want some shots with and some without the dog, bring someone along to “dog wrangle”.
Where should we do our photo shoot?
- Engagement photos / Elopement portraits – These photos of the two of you can be just about anywhere in this City, and I’m happy to brainstorm cool locations for you.
- Dating profile photos – Anywhere you’d like; we’ll go to coffee shops, walk around fun neighborhoods and find a park to give you natural lifestyle-type shots that look like you at your best and most fun. I’ll probably snap a few photos with my iPhone, too, to give you a “oh, just my really awesome at photography friend taking a photo of me” photo.
- Family shoots - I love working in your home and surrounding neighborhood, so your children can say one day “Here is where I lived when I was a kid.”
- Newborn photos – Tiny babies and new parents are usually more comfortable staying home or close to it.
- Maternity photos – usually best at home if you want to take your clothes off and capture some glorious bare belly shots; otherwise we can shoot anywhere we would take engagement portraits. We can also do a combo, starting at your apartment and then walking around.
- Boudoir photos usually best at home or a hotel for obvious reasons, although it’s perfectly legal for women to go topless in New York City in public, and if you want to head to Central Park and sprawl glorious and nude on a rock, let’s do it!
We were thinking about doing something unique for our photo shoot. How about a carriage ride in Central Park?
- No. Horses don’t belong in Manhattan, and I can’t encourage this practice with my art. I suggest you opt to snag a ride with your sweetie in a human-powered pedicab instead. The fun carriage colors mean awesome photos, and the tiny seats make sure you’re snugged up good. Romantic!
Do you retouch photos?
- Yes and no. For portrait sessions, I’m happy to remove a blemish or small scars, but I do not remove freckles, “fix” children’s teeth, take out braces, or “slim” the people I am photographing. If you would like more details or have special concerns, please talk to me.
Do you shoot destination weddings?
- Yes.
May my guests take photos at my wedding?
- Yes, although I ask in my contract that I be the only professional photographer hired.
- I will also encourage you to have your officiant create a moment where they invite the congregation to take one last photo of the couple at the alter/under the chuppah/etc. and then put their cameras away before the ceremony begins, especially for elopements and intimate weddings, where the close proximity means I’m in danger of having an iPhone thrust in front of my camera.
- Flashes going off at the same time as mine are also a problem occasionally, and it would be heartbreaking to miss key moments because of this.
- During formal posed portraits, I will ask that no guests to stand behind me taking photos at the same time, as it creates a distraction and causes people to not look at MY camera.
When should I schedule my maternity shoot?
- Between seven and a half and eight months. You’ll look nice and pregnant but still probably feel up to posing. You can absolutely do maternity shots earlier or later, though.
When should I schedule my newborn baby shoot?
- Within the first few weeks of birth, so we can capture that yummy, fleeting brand-new person look. I will come to your house. You do NOT have to get dressed for me, and you don’t have to clean up for me. I promise the photos will be worth me seeing you with spit-up on your shirt.
I want to do a boudoir shoot but I’m: 200+ pounds/have scars/feel weird posing in underwear/a guy/used to be male/am somewhere in between genders, etc. Is that OK?
- Yes! Let’s do it! I’m sensitive to all women’s bodies (I have one myself after all) and will work with you to capture your sexy, flirty, saucy side in it’s very best light. I will shoot men and couples, too, or anyone anywhere on the gender scale; I enjoy meeting and working with all kinds of nice people. And a note: each boudoir photo you see on this website have been used with explicit permission on a shot-by-shot basis.
What do I wear to a boudoir shoot?
- Whatever makes you feel sexy, even if that’s nothing at all. It’s really all about what makes you feel fantastic.
How do elopements work?
- I consider an elopement any wedding taking place with fewer than 10 guests. For City Hall elopements in Manhattan, you will need to obtain a marriage license at City Hall (141 Worth Street, New York, NY) a minimum of 24 hours before you hope to tie the knot. In Brooklyn, it’s 209 Joralemon Street. You get choose how much of your day is photographed; I can meet you in your home or hotel room to take “getting ready” photos, or meet you on the steps of City Hall or your wedding location. After your ceremony we will take photos in the immediate area, and you can opt for a fun portrait session anywhere in the City. If you need me to serve as your witness, I will be thrilled to do so.
