Valerie Benvenuti Photography - Windsor, Sonoma County, Northern California

Thank you for visiting my website! I hope the following information is helpful. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.


WHAT DOES MY SESSION INCLUDE?

I often get requests to do family portraits; however, I prefer to photograph children individually in a setting where they are comfortable to play while I photograph them in their element. The exception to this is my pregnancy and newborn portraiture. I find that children respond best to being photographed when there are not too many people present and they can just be themselves. You will not hear me making funny noises or jumping up and down. I prefer to joke around and talk quietly at their level then capture their expressions when they are comfortable. Many times older children like to "help" me by looking through my lens, etc… I am a mom myself and understand that children need to take breaks, babies need to be fed, etc… I do not rush you through your session. Most sessions last up to two hours. I shoot in natural light, meaning we will probably be outside or near a large window. I will also bring backdrops if you prefer more of a studio type look. We can discuss location when we book your session. Children seem to be most comfortable in their own homes!


WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD WEAR FOR OUR SESSION?

I do a lot of close up shots. The beauty of this type of photo is that it focuses on the child being photographed, not a busy background. Solid colors look best. Khaki and denim tend to photograph well. Textured fabrics, such as corduroy and sweaters, look great! Bare feet are always cute. Just a diaper is fine, too. Please avoid any logos as they may get "cut off" and make for distracting photographs. The look we are after is something timeless, not trendy. I usually do not use props, but occasionally people request them. It is your session so feel free to use whatever you like. I love creative ideas so please let me know what you have in mind!


PREGNANCY PORTRAITS ONLY: A "mini session"- A one hour photo session in your home. Simple clothing works best-a solid color oversized shirt, plain black skirt, etc…


SPECIAL PREGNANCY AND NEWBORN PORTRAITS: Combine two sessions. The first session will be pregnancy portraits; the second will be portraits of your newborn baby and parents taken during the first week of life at your home. Babies change so quickly. I encourage you to have your baby photographed before all those cute wrinkles go away! The first week or two after they are born is ideal.


SENIOR PORTRAITS

I have found parents may have a certain look in mind while their senior may want something all together different. Let's work together! I typically spend about 2 hours with teens. No limit to clothing changes or creative options so parents and graduates all get what they want! The only thing I insist on is having fun and creating images that will forever bring back memories of this special milestone.


ORDERING PORTRAITS

An e-mail link will be sent to you to view your proofs on-line. Images are available for viewing for two weeks. Photos may be ordered in color, black and white or sepia toned.

A personalized spiral bound proof book is available for purchase with a minimum order. Other options include bound coffee table books, photo jewelry, and my "Life as Art" collection – your photographs produced in a painterly fashion on a signed canvas.


WHEN WILL MY PHOTOS BE AVAILABLE?

The usual turn around time is two weeks. I do travel during the summer and will let you know if I anticipate a delay. Allow extra time for any orders placed between October and December. Orders may be picked up at my home or shipped to you (additional shipping and insurance costs will be applied).

 
Valerie Benvenuti Photography - Windsor, California
Phone 707.836.8959 • Email info@valeriebenvenuti.com
Located in the heart of Northern California's Sonoma County wine country.
Copyright © 2005 Valerie Benvenuti Photography.