Photoshoots – for you and your family.
The Big Picture Studio: What is your photographic style?
We are not your traditional photographer. There are no cheesy smiles, no forced poses. We strive to capture your images as naturally as possible – which is a process that is best unstructured and spontaneous – with as little artificial lighting and backgrounds as possible. We will talk, we will play, we will become friends. Then we bring out the camera.
Our sessions are not posed; our session is a playdate, a good time, a conversation, a moment, a memory, a blast. Everyone is relaxed and comfortable, with no pressure to perform. We are just as at ease photographing family images in your home as we are shooting commercial models in a studio.
How do I book a session?
Please give us a call on 028 9092 3886, or use our contact page to ask about available dates and times.
How can I prepare for a photo session?
Once you schedule your session, you will have access to a private, clients only website. There you will find advice on clothing, how you can help children cooperate for the session, how to prepare for your session, and the answers to other frequently asked questions. We are also in constant contact with you every step of the way, and are always available to answer questions or give you guidance throughout your portrait journey.
What should we wear to a session?
Solid colored clothing with a nice texture always photographs beautifully – but we have a wide range of ideas for you. Once your session is booked, you are provided with our unique What to Wear booklet which will help you determine what to wear (and what NOT to). We can also offer you the services of our personal make up artist who is skilled in photographic makeup and will also give you some great everyday make up tips!
Where do we have our session?
We hold sessions at an area location, or in your home.
What is the difference between a mini session and a full session?
Mini sessions are scheduled at predetermined locations several times throughout the year. These sessions are shortened sessions (25 minutes in length) and are booked back to back. A full session includes up to 90 minutes of photography at your location choice, and/or in or around the home. The session includes up to 2 clothing changes (3 clothing changes if only one subject). Full session rates are for up to 6 people. Additional fees may apply for locations greater than 10 miles from our studio, or for sessions with more than 6 subjects.
When do we see our images?
Within two weeks of your session, a complimentary review and ordering consultative meeting will be scheduled with you. In some instances you are provided with a private online gallery. This gallery will be available to you (and your friends and family) for five days. We will also look at your images together during your post session consultation.
How do we order pictures?
When the ordering process begins, we are glad to help you as much as you like. With your online gallery (password protected for privacy), you have the option to share your gallery with family and friends, and view your images at home without the pressure of ordering right at the session. . At the consultation, we work together to select the images that best reflect your session and your home. You will be presented with custom Artist Suggestions for your images. The entire process is catered to you, making your experience an easy and pleasant one.
I am pregnant. When should I book my maternity session?
Maternity sessions are best held during the six or seventh month of pregnancy, though we are happy to photograph your new shape at any time. Our maternity sessions are offered in conjunction with our newborn sessions, and both sessions are offered together with special discounted pricing.
I would like a newborn photography session. How do we book?
Newborns should be photographed within the first two weeks of life, and preferably within the first 5-7 days. We strongly encourage you to contact the studio during your sixth or seventh month of pregnancy to book your newborn session. We only schedule a select number of newborns during a given due date range. Once your session is booked, we pencil in your due date. When baby debuts, we ask that you or your partner contact the studio and we select your session date and time.
We hope that you find this informational page helpful. Of course, if your question is not answered or you would like more information, please don’t hesitate to send us an email, use our contact form, or give us a call at 028 9092 3886.
The Big Picture Studio: Individual or family portrait photography in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland.