EXECUTIVE PORTRAIT SHOOT: YOUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
There are no stupid questions:
if one would not be answered here, fill in the form to receive our brochure or contact us directly!
I ABSOLUTELY HATE BEING IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA, I AM NOT PHOTOGENIC AT ALL, IT MAKES ME SO SO NERVOUS …
As we love to say, our thing is not to photograph perfect people. It is to photograph real people. Ambitious people. The ones who dare to dream big. And most of the real people (me included) do not feel naturally photogenic. Good news, I and my team are here exactly for that.
The portrait studio is a zero-judgment/ happy vibe zone and we are all part of the same team to create your business portraits. I will guide you all along for you not to have to think a second. It ends up being more of a conversation through which we take pictures, more than a photoshoot per se.
Another thing we often say after seeing so many clients experience it: the least photogenic you feel at the moment (we all have times in life when we feel in bad shape or more down than usual), the better the portrait shoot feeling will be! We know (and have witnessed it so many times) how positively impactful a great portrait of you can be. You will walk out of the studio really boosted & ready to tackle any challenges ahead of you!
I AM NOT A HUGE FAN OF THE TYPICAL EXECUTIVE/CORPORATE HEADSHOTS LOOK, I WANT SOMETHING MORE ‘ME’, MORE CASUAL, WHILE STILL PROFESSIONAL. CAN YOU CREATE THAT KIND OF IMAGES?
Our m.o. (modus operandi … in short: how we do things 😉) is to tailor everything around your needs and your wishes. Alice is fully trained and experienced with professional studio lights, natural light, indoor photo sessions, outdoor photoshoots, in the city, in the green, etc… so we create the photoshoot and portraits depending on what you need and want.
If your brand and energy are about being casual, super friendly & trendy: let’s go for it! We love it!
Do not worry, if on the other hand you don’t really know what you want and need, we got you covered with the pre-shoot consultation and a series of questions and discussion over mood boards and other tools.
I AM CONSIDERED DEMANDING AND VERY PICKY IN MY LIFE SO I AM AFRAID I WILL NEVER BE FULLY SATISFIED WITH MY IMAGES…
If you have your own business or are leading the way in your company, chances are that you are demanding with yourself and with your team to achieve your goals. We are all about serving ambitious and bold individuals and we almost expect you to be as picky and demanding as you wish. It pushes us to serve you even better. We aim at excellence and your entire satisfaction. We love clients who are demanding and highly selective.
We do offer a 'Happy or start over insurance' (see conditions in our brochure), but truth is that we never had to activate it. 100 %. Of all the people we photograph left the studio beyond satisfied with the executive headshots and portraits we created for them.
I AM NOT A C-LEVEL EXECUTIVE BUT MORE OF A SOLO/MOMPRENEUR.
WOULD A PORTRAIT SESSION WITH YOU ANSWER MY NEEDS?
Totally. You are the c-level executive of your solo business and of your life! You have a brand, you have clients, you have a message to convey through your business portraits: so yes, book a consultation for us to discuss your needs, targets & brand perception, and let’s create the professional photos you deserve!
I REALLY WANT TO HAVE A TAILORED SHOOT AND IMAGES THAT REFLECT MY BRAND, HOWEVER, I WAS NOT PLANNING ON THAT KIND OF BUDGET, WHAT DO YOU PROPOSE?
We understand that it feels a bit of an investment. However, it is an investment, not a cost. And the return is a very positive one: telling you that you will get your dream job tomorrow or reach your 6 figures sales target tomorrow would be lying, however, your portraits will get you noticed & remembered, apart from the rest. It will set your foot at the door. A good strong distinctive foot. The one that your target will remember for sure, feel impressed about and be left with a powerful first impression.
Your executive portraits will very clearly set you apart from your competitors & peers. It will be a solid support to grow your career.
We are all about making things easy, so we can definitely organize with you a payment plan at no extra charge. Let’s discuss, make things work for both of us & get your personal brand off the ground!
I JUST NEED ONE PICTURE, I DON’T NEED MORE. CAN YOU MAKE ME A SMALLER PACKAGE?
We want excellence for the people we work with. We want to go beyond average.
We are more than happy to make things smoother with a payment plan. However, we are absolutely convinced that nowadays, you need more than one portrait if you want your personal brand to have the strong impact it deserves. The ‘beginner’ mistake we all make is to use that one professional headshot for all our needs, whatever the platform, project or target.
Exactly like the fact that you don’t have just one personality trait, just one expertise, and just one skill, you should not have just one portrait. You deserve to have different portraits to show all your personality facets through the different media you choose. You also need several portraits to use like real marketing tool: by adapting their use depending on the project and the target to have a full real impact. (Website, Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, press release, Annual report, business plan, speaking engagement at conferences, podcasts, guest blogging, online articles, etc..)
HOW LONG IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK MY PORTRAIT SESSION?
Our photoshoot schedule gets busy fast so we would advise booking something like 4 weeks in advance.
However, we do know that executives and business owners have some very hectic & busy lives and sometimes deadlines are much shorter: feel free to get in touch as we might be able to fit you in on an evening or a weekend morning.
WHEN DOES THE PRE-SHOOT CONSULTATION OCCUR?
It depends how long in advance we got in touch before your portrait shoot but it can be 1 week before the shoot, to minimum 2 days prior to your session. We want you to have the time to get the clothes you want for your session.
I HAVE A PACKED SCHEDULE: HOW LONG IS THE CONSULTATION? IS IT HELD IN YOUR STUDIO OR VIA PHONE/ZOOM?
Don’t worry, we are all about delivering the best experience in an efficient way: the consultation is around 20-30min but if we need more time to discuss all your different needs, messages, etc, we can definitely take the time needed.
As much as we love meeting our clients face to face before their professional photoshoot, time is always the barrier on our client end. So we can organize a face to face meeting, but in real life, we do use more skype, zoom or facetime most of the time.
I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT TO WEAR FOR MY SESSION! HELP!
Seat down, breathe… we got you covered.
First, you can head to some tips on what to wear on professional headshots. It will start to give you general guidelines. Then, the outfit is a topic we cover during your pre-photoshoot consultation. Last but not least, we will send you a pdf guide before your portrait session to summarize all you need to know about your outfit choice.
HOW MUCH IS YOUR PACKAGE? HOW MANY IMAGES DOES IT INCLUDE?
We have a base package that includes 4 images to choose among your 20 edited favorite images from your portrait session. The whole Portrait Executive Experience (before, during & after the shoot) starts at 850$. If you would need more than 4 images, there is a purchasing option. Everything is detailed in our pricing menu in the Portrait Executive Brochure that you can receive directly in your inbox.
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN EXECUTIVE PORTRAIT SHOOT AND A PERSONAL BRANDING SHOOT?
In reality, these are the same type of portrait photoshoot but some people refer to it as ‘executive portrait shoot’, and some other ‘personal branding shoot’. They both answer the same purpose: to create professional photos for your personal brand. Your personal brand is, in short, ‘your reputation’ (offline and online) and whether you are leading a career in the corporate world or leading your own business, you need to differentiate yourself from your peers and competitors, offline and online. That’s where your personal brand enters the scene and that’s where your professional portraits impact your online reputation.
This is not something you want to leave up to chance as nowadays, the first time people see you is through Internet in most of the cases.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING FOR MY SHOOT?
You will bring different outfits and accessories. All of those depend on the message you want to convey, which we will discuss during your pre-photoshoot consultation.
HOW MANY OUTFITS CAN I BRING FOR MY PORTRAIT SESSION?
There is no real limit to the number of changes as we prioritize results over quantity. We are here to tailor the portrait experience and create the best photos for you. So it can be through 2 outfits, or 5 outfits, it will all depend on your needs, objectives, and project. On average there are about 3,4 outfit changes. But again, we are not here to set some strict rules (you already face enough of those in the other areas of your life !), we are here to get a job done with excellence and care.
IS THERE A MAKEUP ARTIST OR HAIR PROFESSIONAL AT YOUR NYC PHOTO STUDIO?
For women, we definitely recommend booking our hair and make up additional options, to make sure the results are neat from scratch. First, it is very time efficient to have everything done on-site: no need for you to run around getting your hair and makeup done. You are already too busy and your time is precious.
Second, it puts all the chances on your side for the flawless and hyper professional result you expect.
For men, feel free to ask us for a makeup and hair quote if you want that additional service.
CAN I SEE THE PHOTOS DURING MY PERSONAL BRANDING SHOOT?
A personal branding/executive portrait shoot is all about conveying a message and a story. For that particular type of session, we like to shoot ‘tethered’: meaning you see the images directly on a big screen. What it does is to make sure we build together the professional pictures you need through the right body language and expressions… it helps us correct and build up. You will only leave the studio when you are in full satisfaction with your images.
YOU THINK IT IS ABOUT PHOTOS,
BUT IT IS ABOUT HOLDING SPACE.
THE SPACE TO CAPTURE WHAT MATTERS MOST.
CAPTURE TOGETHERNESS.
NYC PREMIER PORTRAIT STUDIO
FOR ELEGANT & TIMELESS COUPLE, MOTHER-DAUGHTER
& FAMILY PORTRAITS
WHY COUPLE & FAMILY PHOTOS ACTUALLY MATTER
IT SHOULD NOT BE JUST ABOUT THE BEGINNING
Why do we photograph only the beginnings — couples on their wedding day, families when children are young? When actually the real act of love is what comes after: what grows with time, what evolves, what resists, what stays, what is chosen every day.
This is the part of love that truly deserves to be valued and photographed.
AN INVITATION TO PAUSE
We often wait for the “right moment” to take photos together, and end up never taking them at all. You never regret taking a photo, only not taking it. A couple or family portrait session is to give you the ability to press pause and capture what usually goes unnoticed.
TOGETHERNESS AS A RITUAL
We believe some bonds are so incredibly precious. We love the idea that portrait shoots become like a quiet ritual to honour them: it becomes a reunion, a date, a family memory in the making. In a world that moves so fast, it's a moment in time to stop, gather and simply be.
A MEMORY YOU CAN KEEP
These portraits are not for today alone. They become traces of feelings, gentle reminders of who you were together, at this precise moment in time. It holds so much meaning.
THE MADAME CHIC LEGACY EXPERIENCE: 4 MOMENTS
Each couple, duo & family is unique so each portrait experience is completely tailored around your wishes.
1PRIVATE ONLINE CONSULTATION &
PHOTOSHOOT CUSTOMISATION
We start with a private Zoom consultation. This conversation allows us to take a little moment to design a session that reflects you & your spouse or parent or family, in a way that feels really personal and intentional. Whether you arrive with a clear vision or not, every detail—from styling to atmosphere—is thoughtfully guided and curated just for you. We will then provide you with the "Duo Portraits Styling" pdf guide.
2 TAILORED PORTRAIT SHOOT AT OUR NYC STUDIO OR AT YOUR HOME
Because this moment is yours, every details is designed to make you feel good. The Portrait Madame Chic experience includes professional Hair & MakeUp for 1 person, done by a carefully vetted team. Nothing will be imposed on you. Your preferences will always be respected. You will then be completely guided through the couple / duo / family portrait session. You won't need to perform in any way or "be photogenic": Alice will warmly and calmly guide you from the minute your enter the studio to the minute you leave it. It is all about capturing real moments while ensuring your are seen at your absolute best. There is no predefined limit on wardrobe change: dressed, understated, casual, minimal, bold, etc. We can do anything that is on your list of wishes. For your session to be organised directly at your home: See our On-Location White Glove experience details on the main page.
3 PHOTOS PRE-SELECTION & EDITORIAL ELEGANT RETOUCHING
Following your couple anniversary, duo or family photoshoot, we will curate a preselection of 30 to 35 images. Each of those images will go under the expert hands of our Editorial Retoucher (Melissa): Elegance is our signature. We preserve what feels real while elevating other details.
4 PORTRAIT REVEAL & ORDERING PRIVATE GALLERY
Once the pre-selection of 30-35 portraits have been finely edited, they will be revealed to you on a private online gallery. The Portrait Madame Chic Legacy experience already include 15 favorite images for you to pick among the pre-selection. The choice is all yours. There is an option to purchase any additional images if you want more. (20 images collection & 25 images collection available). You only purchase what you love ! The portraits you select will be delivered to you in hand-crafted Art Prints presented in an elegant Folio Box (as well as their jpg digital files duplicates) coming all the way from our artisan photo lab in Tuscany, Italy. Have you ever seen a portrait of yourself on an art print? It’s a feeling hard to describe, but even harder to forget!
OPTION: ON-LOCATION PORTRAIT MADAME CHIC LEGACY
A WHITE-GLOVE EXPERIENCE
For couples, duo or family who prefer comfort, ease, privacy, Portrait Madame offers an exclusive on-location portrait service at your own home throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn.
If you are already hosting a family reunion or you want to give a unique editorial feel to your couple photos, this is the level of experience you want to choose.
Alice, the lead photographer, personally arrives with her team and the full portrait equipment, carefully transforming your home into a refined portrait environment. The same exact standards, lighting options, and aesthetic found in our studio are brought directly to you—no compromise.
Working within your own space allows for a calm, efficient experience, and results in portraits that feel editorial & unique.
This is a concierge-level service designed for clients who value an experience that is effortless, discrete and highly qualitative.
HAND CRAFTED ART PRINTS IN FOLIO BOX FROM ITALY INCLUDED
IN THE PORTRAIT MADAME CHIC LEGACY EXPERIENCE
SOME MOMENTS ARE WAY TOO PRECIOUS
TO JUST STAY DIGITAL.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
TESTIMONIALS ON OUR LEGACY PORTRAIT EXPERIENCE
“Alice is a such highly talented photographer. She was able to captures all the little things that makes us "us" and translated it perfectly into the our anniversary photos. Even if not being used to the camera, she put us at such ease and actually made the shoot an extra fun with my husband ”
Zully + Randy
PORTRAIT MADAME CHIC EXPERIENCE INVESTMENT
THE BESPOKE PORTRAIT MADAME CHIC LEGACY EXPERIENCE
STARTS AT $2700 excl. tax
Inquire below to get access to the full pricing menu.
REQUEST ACCESS TO PRICING MENU & RESERVATION INQUIRY
LET'S MAKE TOGETHERNESS THE PRIORITY
JUST FOR THE TIME OF A REUNION
& CAPTURE IT ALL.
ALICE PHOTOGRAPHS A LIMITED NUMBER OF CLIENTS EACH MONTH.
INQUIRE TODAY AND WE WILL LET YOU KNOW SHORTLY ABOUT
THE NEXT AVAILABLE SESSION AND HOW TO SECURE IT:
GIFT A PORTRAIT MADAME CHIC LEGACY EXPERIENCE
Access our online boutique to purchase and gift a curated Legacy portraits experience.
YOUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT COUPLE MILESTONES & ANNIVERSARY PHOTOS
WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR FOR COUPLE ANNIVERSARY PHOTOS ?
Styling will be fully discussed together during your private online consultation prior to your couple portrait session, so you feel supported and confident in every choice. We will guide you as well for that should your partner wear. We will also share with you a dedicated guide on our blog as well as a "Legacy Portrait Styling" PDF guide.
MY PARTNER HATES HAVING PHOTOS TAKEN, HOW DO YOU MANAGE THAT ?
We don’t photograph people who love being photographed — We photograph people who love each other: We will guide absolutely everything else.
MY PARTNER AND I ARE SO UNCOMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF A CAMERA, BUT WE WANT PHOTOS THAT FEEL NATURAL AND NOT STIFF, WILL YOU GUIDE US ?
You will be fully guided from the minute you enter the studio, to the minute you leave. Alice has an extended experience to hold a safe space and guide you entirely to let what is real between you two show naturally.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO ORGANIZE OUR PORTRAIT SESSION LATER AFTERNOON TO GO FOR A DINNER OUT AFTERWARDS ?
Absolutely ! We love making it a whole date night experience. Our studio space is located close by Celestine and other "anniversary worthy" restaurants.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE OUR COUPLE PORTRAITS TAKEN AT OUR HOME ? OUTDOOR IN NEW YORK CITY ?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to organise your couple portrait session at your home with our white glove on-location option. Portrait sessions at home have an editorial feel that will be very unique and meaningful to you and your partner. Yes, we can also take photos outside in New York City. Depending on the location of the shoot and the outdoor location chosen, there might be a travel fee: we will always let you know prior to any decision being taken.
CAN WE ORGANIZE OUR COUPLE PHOTOSHOOT DURING THE WEEKEND ?
Yes, we can organise your couple portrait session during weekends, it is an option included in any Portrait Madame Chic experiences.
HOW CAN I GIFT A PORTRAIT MADAME CHIC LEGACY EXPERIENCE ?
You can access our online boutique directly on this website and you will be able to purchase the Portrait Madame Chic Legacy experience and receive a gift certificate to print.
FAQ ABOUT MOTHER-DAUGHTER PHOTOSHOOTS
HOW A DUO PORTRAIT SESSION IS SUCH A MEANINGFUL MOTHER-DAUGHTER TIME SPENT TOGETHER ?
The beauty of a portrait session is that it becomes a moment and a memory in itself that you two will share and remember. It becomes a perfect moment away from every day life for you two to reconnect. You will both look fabulous after the session so we highly recommend to plan a lunch or dinner out afterwards !
IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE HAIR AND MAKE UP FOR 2 PERSONS BEFORE OUR MOTHER-DAUGHTER PORTRAIT SHOOT ?
Yes, absolutely, it is possible to add an additional Hair & Make Up service on top of the Portrait Madame Chic Legacy experience (which already includes Hair & MakeUp for 1 person)
HOW MANY OUTFITS CAN WE WEAR DURING OUR MOTHER-DAUGHTER PHOTOSHOOT ?
There is no limit ! You can both bring different outfits that you love and we will follow what feels right in the moment. And of course, prior to your session, we will discuss together everything on that topic during the online consultation.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO ORDER A 2ND COLLECTION OF ART PRINTS & FOLIO BOX ?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to order a 2nd collection of art prints & Folio box on top of the one already included in the package. We will share all the pricing option before you make any decisions.
FAQ ABOUT ADULT FAMILY LEGACY PORTRAIT SESSION
I ONLY SEE ADULT FAMILIES PHOTOS IN YOUR PORTFOLIO, DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH FAMILY WITH YOUNG CHILDREN ?
Our focus is on families with adult children, where the portraits capture lasting bonds and life lived together, because it is often neglected and not captured enough, yet so precious. We do occasionally work with younger children in specific circumstances.
WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR AS A FAMILY ?
There are no strict rules — we encourage outfits that feel authentic to each of you. During our private pre-session consultation, we will discuss colors and styling so that your portraits feel cohesive and elegant.
WHERE WILL OUR FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT TAKE PLACE ?
Family photoshoots can take place in our NYC studio, designed to create an elegant and intimate environment. For those seeking something truly personal, we also offer a white-glove on-location option — whether at your home, a meaningful space, or wherever your family reunion is taking place — allowing the portraits to also reflect your story in a setting that has meaning. Request access to the pricing menu for details on the On Location option.
HOW DO YOU KEEP EVERYONE ENGAGED AND COMFORTABLE ?
Some love the camera, some don’t — that's absolutely normal and that’s perfect. We always make sure to create a space for everyone to be themselves with a ton of engaging guidance.
CAN WE REQUEST SPECIFIC GROUPINGS AND CANDID MOMENTS ?
Absolutely. Your wishes shape the experience. Whether it’s formal groupings, candid interactions, or quiet pairings, every portrait is crafted to reflect your family’s dynamics.
