What kind of photographer are you?
My style is unique – fun, emotional and fresh. I like photographs that are contemporary yet that will stand the test of time. I love to shoot with natural light, but I am also a realist – if the light isn’t perfect on the day I’ve trained to beautifully supplement the light available. I believe sessions, weddings and events should be filled with enjoyment and excitement – and that the resulting artwork should be distinctive to you and your family.
What is Custom photography?
Take a look at the link here, which explains a little more about quality, tailored, boutique photography.
Why should I choose an experienced, established photographer?
For the same reason you wouldn’t expect to be a top chef just because you bought a new magimix, a photographer is not just someone with a great camera! My images and my style are the result of years of education and experience, a background in both film and digital photography and graphic design training.
Where do you shoot?
Either in the studio (Located opposite the MTR in Tin Hau, near to Victoria Park) or at a location of your choice. I have worked at many locations for weddings and events and also, at last count, at 14 of Hong Kong’s beaches over the years! Parks work beautifully, the city has many photogenic corners and streets and I am happy to give you ideas of what could work for you. I suggest you take a look at the pictures on the website and facebook pages and choose your favourite style and also what style of photography would work well in your home as artwork.
What do you think we will spend?
Mini shoots start at $3,000 in the studio. For regular shoots, there is a studio & location fee, of $1200 or $1800, and then the rest is up to you. Prices are à la carte. People generally spend between hk$6,000 and $30,000.
When should we book?
Try to book with the studio at least 4 weeks in advance of the date you would like to have a portrait session. However, if you miss this time scale please contact us anyway. Sometimes another person may reschedule, or we may be able to fit you in. For weddings, the earlier the better. In Hong Kong, whilst there is no particular wedding season, weekends are my busiest days and are more likely to be booked in advance. I have been able to help people plan their wedding timings to help them to capture the best light for photography!
Should I really come in the first 10 days for newborn photography? We will barely be home from hospital!
There are perfect tiny newborn features, which only last for those few days. Newborns can curl into unique poses for a beautiful snuggled look. For some families this is their first day out! The shoot is very relaxed, there is plenty of time to feed and change and enjoy this exceptional time.
How can we pay?
Cheque, cash, or bank transfer. Your shoot fee is payable at the time of the shoot and the mini fee is payable on the day. Everything else is due when you collect your products.
When will we see our pictures?
A week or two after your session. You will be invited back at a mutually convenient time so that you can see a slideshow of your pictures and I can help you to plan frames, books, canvases, etc. Some regular clients know that they will be purchasing the digital files and are happy to skip this step and email me later with their choices for frames and canvases and that is fine too – let me know at your session that you would like a full set of files and I can send you them as a download, or a flash drive in the mail.
How many pictures will there be?
A mini shoot is your best 12 shots fully edited and sent to you in a download file. For a full shoot your full set of files consists of your best shots, beautifully edited. There will be 40 or more in black and white and colour, so 80 or more images in total. The ones which don’t make the cut are ones with movement blur, which happens with excited children, people blinking etc. Photographers take test shots to make sure that the light is doing what they want and each time we change settings. So in every shoot there are images which are not intended for public consumption – we just give you the best ones.
What are our pictures used for?
What you use your pictures for is up to you. I am happy for you to print digital files you purchase at your discretion, the print release is included, if you have bought them. They should not be printed without any adjustments that aren’t my own, without express permission. I do not sell client pictures to other parties without express permission and a model release. I may use some on this website or facebook page, especially when people request a sneak preview and they have already arranged to purchase their digital files. If you would prefer not to be on the website then please mention it at your shoot or your viewing.
What’s the best time to have our baby photographed?
For babies, newborn is a wonderful, yet short phase (see above), then around 3 months when they can usually hold their head up and smile on demand. Then a lovely time is when the baby can sit up on their own – usually this is around 6-9 months. Most phases are gorgeous, that first year –though the hardest time to get great shots is when they start to crawl as they just want to move all the time! Sitting up on their own is wonderful, they are happy to smile and laugh and love the goofy adults entertaining them. Once they start to walk it is a great time to get them outside and have toddling and playing sessions on the park or beach.
What if I am running late for my session?
If you are running late, please call me immediately and let us know how late you are running. If you will be over 30 minutes late, we may have to reschedule your shoot, or slideshow, depending on other commitments in the schedule.
What if someone is sick on the day and we need to cancel?
Let us know as quickly as possible. We will do all we can to reschedule for you in unforeseen circumstances and sad, poorly people do not make for a great session.
What shall I wear and bring?
Take a look at this article on the blog with suggestions.
I don’t like being photographed! What do you suggest?
Well…firstly, congratulations on making the decision to give it a go! People generally come round to the idea, but, if you are really nervous, then plan what you will wear, and take time to do hair/make up so you know you are looking your best. I have a few sneaky techniques for making everyone look their best in pictures, too, which I can impart on the day.
My baby usually has a nap at X o’clock, what should I do?
Please don’t skip it! Plan your shoot and travelling time around the baby’s sleeping and eating schedule as far as possible. I can tell when we have got as much “action time” in front of the camera as possible and if your baby misses a sleep that time is hugely reduced. There is always time to feed built in, but it will really maximise your time with me if you all arrive happy, rested and with full tummies. Newborns are a little different – just bring them along as they are and we will feed them and get them nice and snoozy in the studio.
How long does it take to get frames, etc?
Around 2-3 weeks after your consultation. Occasionally longer for certain books & albums as our manufacturers are outside Hong Kong. Acrylic & perspex can also take a little longer. It is important to factor in this time when planning for gifts or especially the festive season. Many clients use their photo shoot to make cards and family presents, so people turning up for their shoot on December 10th are likely to be disappointed!
Do you offer lessons?
Yes, both in photography and graphic design. I’m happy to do 1:1 new camera lessons ( I get a lot of people wanting to do more with their DSLR!) and am also flexible about working with groups of friends if you like. I also teach photographic editing – if you want to know a little more about making the best of your great pictures.
© Genevieve Spizzirri. Not to be lifted in part or whole without permission.
