Where are you located?

I shoot on location anywhere or at my studio in upstate New York. Meetings and consultations also take place here. This way, we can relax and enjoy each others company in a quiet, stress-free environment. I often have snacks and drinks too! Coffee, anyone?

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What should I bring to the session?

I have newborn props on hand such as blankets, wraps and headbands. However, you are welcome to bring any props meaningful to you and your family.

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Why is photography so expensive?

There are an array of prices out there for photography and if you don't want to hire an amateur to take your photos, you may find the prices to be a bit high. This is because there are certain costs associated with running a business. The first is time. After a family session or wedding, the photographer spends hours and hours editing photos after each event. Second, the equipment a photographer uses factors into the cost. Keeping up to date equipment to provide quality photos, the costs of camera bodies and lenses add up. Photographers also carry backups in case their equipment fails. There are other factors such as insurance, transportation, advertisements and so on.

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Most importantly, education is a major part of photography for a professional. After all, the more educated they are, the better their techniques and the better you will look!

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These and more factor into how much photography costs.

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When and how do I pay?

Wedding payments are due two weeks prior to the wedding date. Family and portrait session payments are due at least one week prior to the original session date. Payment can be made with card, Cash app, check or cash.

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What should I wear?

Great question! I have a blog post on that here.

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What time of day will my sessions be?

The Golden Hour, when the sun is just before the horizon line, is the best time for photos outside. Photos at sunrise or sunset create long shadows and soft light. In-home sessions are done near the windows in your home. This is best done in the middle of the day when the sun is nice and bright outside but the light inside is soft. One of the reasons why I love the studio is because we can create portraits anytime of day and under any weather circumstances!

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Can you take out the scratch on my baby's face or make me look skinnier?

Absolutely! I create natural works of art that you can pass on to family members. I am constantly studying to find the best ways to do this. For newborns and wedding photos I use the same type of editing to smooth out blemishes so that you look your natural best.

I do not advocate over editing or altering clients to be what they are not. I truly believe you are beautiful in every way and over editing is not my goal. I have found that proper posing and lighting does wonders for figures. Posing and lighting are very important for anyone no matter the age, weight or gender.

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When can I view my photos?

Depending on the session and amount of editing required, turn around times vary. Wedding photos are complete within about 2-3 weeks and portrait sessions are within one week. If any additional editing is required, an additional week may be needed. I will communicate this with you throughout the process!

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Why can't I get the digital images by themselves?

I have been a photographer for more than seven years. When delivering digital images only, I quickly learned that, although dearly loved, my photos were soon forgotten. Years later, these digital images were left in the depths of the cyberspace abyss. Spend hours and hours getting the perfect image and editing photos to have them forgotten was heartbreaking. I strive to create images that you want to see everyday and never forget. I want to create pieces of art that you can pass on to your legacy to remember these times together, for always. In saying that,   I understand we live in a digital world. So, I provide the opportunity to download photos when you order packages, prints or albums.

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What's the difference between Copyright and Print Release?

I want my clients to be able to share and print their photos! When asking for a copyright, most are asking for the print release. So here is a breakdown of what these mean.

 

Copyright is defined as "a person's exclusive right to reproduce, publish, or sell his or her original work of authorship." Copyright is a legal right that grants the creator of an original work exclusive rights for its use and distribution.  As soon as I click the shutter, the photo is mine, unless I sign over the copyright. Copyright gives me the rights to alter and determine how the photo should be reproduced and distributed. My photos represent my brand. I must protect the quality of my brand. It devalues my products to let someone else edit them and is then no longer a McLaren Studio photo and I feel I am doing my clients a disservice by providing them with a half completed product or unable to guarantee my normal quality. 

 

A print release is included with any photo you receive of mine and gives you permission to reproduce images for your own personal use. With a print release, clients can order prints, canvases, albums, etc. I encourage you to do that for yourselves and your entire family! However, you are not able to sell the photos or alter them besides the natural cropping that may occur when printing. With the print release, you can share your photos and post to social media or print in any form. You may not edit or alter the images, including adding filters, claim the work as your own or use for commercial gain.

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Do you have payment plans or discounts available?

I understand that life can get in the way and circumstances arise so I try and be flexible to offer payment plans upon special request. However, full payments are due before the session which is why I suggest requesting a session sooner rather than later! I also offer discounts to college students and those that serve in the military.

 

Do you offer gift certificates?

Yes! You can contact me to order one here.

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