• You'd love to have a family portrait session that fully captures who you are, how you connect, and how much affection surfaces when all the members of your family are present within the camera frame.

    We're happy to capture your family in our studio, complete with gorgeous light and minimal distractions, or in your comfy-cozy home full of familiar toys and routines. No matter where our session takes place, we'll delight in your delight. And we'll encourage you to pay attention to one another instead of the camera, because there's no 'add happy' button in Photoshop.

    We don't care whether you're barefoot or wearing fuzzy slippers, and we won't be sending over a twenty-page list of suggestions about what to wear. (We can make you look beautiful in sweat pants if you love each other.) We just want to capture your family. Your habits, your quirks, and your love. And when you view the images we've created together for the first time, we want the depth of love you feel for your family to grab you by the collar and bring tears to your eyes.

    The video below provides a peek at how portrait sessions unfold. If you have questions or would like to schedule a portrait session, click on the 'Contact' link above or call 215-206-3689. Oh -- and thanks for stopping by, lovely!

    -- Kristen & Haunani, Essential Imagery owners

    P.S. That's Kristen up in the header -- Haunani is camera-shy.

  • GRAB THE NEWSLETTER & PORTRAIT GOODIES.





FAQ – Kids

galleryforblog2

::: What makes you different?

My approach to children’s photography involves shooting on location in both digital and film medias, paired with a ridiculously snazzy experience from start to finish.  Essential Imagery photography sessions have no time limits, as they tend to unfold more like adventures — your kiddos lead, I follow.  We create nifty artwork, together.  (Oh, and I book no more than four sessions per week, so you’re assured of undivided attention and optimal creativity!)

::: Where’s your studio located?

The Essential Imagery loft can be found at 122 East Lancaster Avenue, Suite 300, in Wayne, Pennsylvania.  We’re straight up the steps from the Gene’s Urban Baby Boutique entrance.  There’s no elevator, so a visit to the loft totally counts as cardio.

:::What’s included in the session fee?

A portrait consultation with Haunani, travel in the Philadelphia region, shooting time, editing time, a blog session preview, and a personal presentation session are included. Our Main Line gallery loft space includes many options for displaying your portrait photography, and we’ll help you decide which is right for your home.

::: I’ve noticed that your minimum purchase is $450.   What can I expect to spend beyond that in your studio?

The average client purchases a portrait collection, which includes a variety of prints and products.  Our collections are priced from $1250 – $2950.  Of course, some Moms choose to forego the collection savings and spend less, while others spend significantly more. We’ll work with your needs, your wants, and your budget to make sure you’re leaving the studio happy as a clam.

::: Will you come to my shore home for a portrait session?

Absolutely!  I’m happy to travel to you, wherever you may be.  Add $100 to the standard session fee for a New Jersey family portrait session. Similar travel fees for Maryland or Delaware portrait sessions apply, just contact me for a quote.

::: I live in ______________.  Will you come to me?

Sure, darling.  I’ll be happy to use my frequent flyer miles and/or passport on your behalf.  Travel sessions are limited to two per month, so they typically book four to six months in advance.  Travel collections include a range of portrait products, your session images on CD, and up to $500 in travel expenses. They are priced from $2650.

::: Are you like _______ in ________ who bamboozled me into spending $8,000 by not showing me the pricelist until the pictures had already been taken?

Clients are welcome to request pricing information before booking, and I’ll share every option that’s available. (Pinky swear!)

::: Can I buy the digital files, pretty please?

Sure!  The hi-res files are available for purchase, but most clients opt for a more customized, we-take-care-of-everything-and-you-get-credit-for-having-fabulous-taste collection of portraits.

::: How long have you been doing this?

I’ve been a full-fledged, full-time photographer for 4 years.  Haunani has been a customer service goddess & master of all things retail since her son was born.  (He’s in college now.)

::: Will you shoot my wedding/mitzvah/engagement/fashion show/little league team/cookbook photos?

Nope, but I do have quite a few photographer friends who are local, lovely, and talented.  I’m happy to refer you to them, just e-mail me!

galleryforblog-copy

F R E E   P O R T R A I T   G O O D I E S