Judah S. Harris - Family Portraits


FAQ

How will the session be conducted and where can I have the family photographs taken?

There are two options for family portraits: the 1.5 hour or 2.5 hour session. You can choose a location anywhere in the LI, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan and NJ area (inquire regarding other locations not listed and for hotel program opportunities during the yom tov holidays). Photography can take place at your home, in a park, or at any other appropriate venue. For large groups or specialized work, we can rent a studio for an additional fee. The 1.5 hour session includes one location and the longer 2.5 hour session allows for a second nearby location. I will craft a family portrait and may also photograph individuals or smaller groups during the allotted time. These portraits of your family are intended to be casual and creative, and the experience overall, a fun one. You won't have to hold a smile. At times I will ask people to smile, but usually I let things happen naturally; and I don't believe that people have to wear smiles in every portrait. (Please try not to cry though.)

How should we dress?

Dress nicely and in a way thar reflects the style of your family. If you like to don suits and get all dolled up, go do it. If you'd like a more casual approach, then choose comfortable clothing that you like to wear - and that looks good on you. Stay away from any major fashion statements or loud designs (unless that's the image that you are looking to present to future generations that will for sure discover the 2010 portraits in some chest in the attic decades from now). Consult with me if you have questions. Dress for the weather. No need to sweat or shiver. Bring an extra layer in case it's cool. We won't be doing a lot in direct sunlight.

What happens if it rains?

I don't mind overcast skies, but actual rain will hamper the portraits, so we either move indoors or if need be reschedule for another time. If we reschedule due to weather, there is no additional cost.

How much is the Deposit and what if we need to cancel the session?

A Deposit of 50% of the full cost of the session is payable at the time of booking. The balance is due when the proofs are delivered (usually within two weeks, and often quicker). If you cancel for any reason within three days of the session, you'll receive a refund of your deposit, less $100. There is no refund of the deposit for cancellations made less than 24 hours from the scheduled session (except for weather reasons as noted above). However, if you cancel less than 24 hours and choose to reschedule prior to December 1, 2010, I will offer a $100 discount on the new portrait session.

What is the full-day option and how is it different than the portrait sessions?

The full-day option is part of a special program that I offer called The Family Documentary Project and includes a full 10 hours of documentary photographic coverage of your family. Consider it a "Day in the Life" of your family and a valuable opportunity to have a photojournalist and fine art photographer create a visual  portrait of the lives of the people most important to you. I will be there with you for many hours, recording the activities and interactions of your family in the home and outside the home. The artistry of the imagery and emotional reality captured in the photographs will allow you to see yourselves in ways that you never have before. This is a very personalized session. I meet with each family prior to the actual day of  the session and again afterwards to go over the photographs. I then design a 35-page keepsake album, sequencing the photographs as a photo essay. The Family Documentary Project itself is a longer term, multi-session project and can incorporate film too. This full-day session is a powerful taste of the longer term, more costly project and provides you with what can be considered one of the most articulate statements available of who you really are as a family. It's a way to preserve your family forever through the photographic medium.
  

Can we hire you to cover a family event we are planning?

Yes, Judah S. Harris Photography + Film provides a complete range of photography and video services for weddings, bar and bas mitzvahs, and other celebrations, family and organizational. Please contact me to discuss the event and the dates and visit my website for more information about my creative work.


To read more about Judah S. Harris, visit www.judahsharris.com/about.htm

To see more of Judah S. Harris' work or to contact him, visit his website