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.
A PAUSE.
JUST THE 2 OF YOU.
BECAUSE PREGNANCY DOESN'T HAVE
TO BE ANOTHER THING TO MANAGE —
IT CAN ALSO BE SOMETHING TO EXPERIENCE.
NYC PREMIER MATERNITY PORTRAIT STUDIO
FOR MODERN & ELEGANT PREGNANCY PORTRAITS
WHY MATERNITY PHOTOS ACTUALLY MATTER
IN THE RUSH OF PREPARATION, WE HOLD SPACE
Maternity photography is about freezing this absolutely wild, beautiful moment in time, so you can return to it again. Very soon, life will become louder, you will be taken into the motherhood whirlwind, and before your know it, those photos are going to hold an incredible sentimental value. For you. And also for your child.
FOR YOU TO EXPERIENCE WHAT IS ALREADY HAPPENING.
BECAUSE EVERY PREGNANCY IS A FIRST ON ITS OWN
First pregnancies are often carefully documented, and then the ones that follow get often completely absorbed into the rhythm of life. No pregnancy repeats itself. Each child is unique. Let's hold space to document each of these journeys.
THE MADAME CHIC MATERNITY EXPERIENCE: 4 MOMENTS
Each pregnancy is unique so each maternity 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 your pregnancy 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 "Maternity Portraits Styling" pdf guide.
2 TAILORED MATERNITY 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 by a carefully vetted team. Nothing will be imposed on you. Your preferences will always be respected. It also include the full access to our Maternity Wardrobe at the studio that include many different pieces going from elegant black dresses to a whole collection of silk fabric. You will then be completely guided through the maternity 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 maternity photoshoot, we will curate a preselection of 25 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 25-35 maternity photos have been finely edited, they will be revealed to you on a private online gallery. The Portrait Madame Chic Maternity 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 Frame (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 MATERNITY
A WHITE-GLOVE EXPERIENCE
For women who prefer comfort, ease, privacy, Portrait Madame offers an exclusive on-location portrait service at your own home throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn.
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 and unique.
This is a concierge-level service designed for women 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 MATERNITY EXPERIENCE
SOME MOMENTS ARE WAY TOO MEANINGFUL
TO JUST STAY DIGITAL.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
TESTIMONIALS ON OUR MATERNITY PORTRAIT EXPERIENCE
“I was tired, felt out of shape and I was about to not do my photoshoot ! But Alice's magic changed it all. She knew what to say and how to make me feel to capture this moment in the most beautiful way. She was listening to create exactly what I wanted and knew how to make me feel comfortable. An experience I would recommend to any mum-to-be even if you feel tired and out of shape. Those images are hugely meaningful to me now.”
Norena
PORTRAIT MADAME CHIC EXPERIENCE INVESTMENT
THE BESPOKE PORTRAIT MADAME CHIC MATERNITY EXPERIENCE
STARTS AT $2700 excl. tax
Inquire below to get access to the full pricing menu.
REQUEST ACCESS TO PRICING MENU & RESERVATION INQUIRY
BEFORE LIFE GETS LOUDER,
LET'S HOLD SPACE TO CAPTURE WHAT'S ABOUT TO BEGIN.
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:
HOW OUR MATERNITY CLIENTS REACT DISCOVERING
THEIR PREGNANCY PHOTOS
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GIFT A PORTRAIT MADAME CHIC MATERNITY EXPERIENCE
Access our online boutique to purchase and gift a curated maternity portraits experience.
YOUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT MATERNITY PHOTOSHOOTS
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO DO A MATERNITY PHOTOSHOOT ?
The best time to do a maternity photoshoot is between week 28 to week 36. It also depends if it is your first pregnancy or a subsequent one: your belly will have a tendency to show faster on subsequent pregnancies. The sweet spot is when your belly properly showing while still having a bit of energy & mobility.
WHAT IF I DON'T FEEL CONFIDENT ABOUT MY BODY DURING PREGNANCY ?
Not feeling confident during pregnancy is actually far more common than most women admit — and it is always welcome here. This studio is a judgment-free space, designed to honor real bodies and the changes they go through. You are not expected to look a certain way or to perform confidence. You are fully guided throughout the entire session, with caring directions, thoughtful posing, and an attentive approach that highlights what feels uniquely yours. The intention is not to transform your body, but to help you see it with more presence, love, and care.
I AM NOT COMFORTABLE BEING NUDE OR SEMI-NUDE ON MY PHOTOS, IS THAT OK ?
Yes, it is absolutely ok to not want nude or semi-nude maternity photos: This is your moments so we design it totally around what makes you feel the most You and the most comfortable.
WILL MY BODY WILL BE EDITED IN THE FINAL IMAGES?
Editing and retouching on final maternity images is always approached with care, intention, and respect. The level of editing is entirely adapted to each of our client’s wishes: we take the time during your maternity session to discuss this together so you feel comfortable and in control. Our philosophy is not about changing your body, but about refining the image while preserving what feels natural and true to you. All retouching is done by hand by our professional editorial retoucher, Melissa, using refined techniques that enhance light, skin, body shapes—without altering who you are.
DO YOU PROVIDE MATERNITY DRESSES OR WARDROBE OPTIONS AT YOUR STUDIO ?
Yes, the access to the studio Maternity Wardrobe is included in the Portrait Madame Chic Maternity experience. We will review everything together during the private Zoom consultation before your session. And of course, you are absolutely welcome to bring any other outfit you would like to wear on your maternity photos.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR MATERNITY PHOTOS ?
You don’t need to decide alone. Styling is discussed together during your private online consultation prior to your maternity session, so you feel supported and confident in every choice. We will also share with you a dedicated guide on our blog as well as a PDF Maternity Styling guide.
IS PROFESSIONAL HAIR AND MAKE UP INCLUDED IN A MATERNITY PHOTOSHOOT ?
Yes. Professional hair and makeup is included as part of the maternity portrait experience. The carefully vetted team will always respect your preferences, with a focus on what feels natural, comfortable, and the most true to you.
CAN MY PARTNER AND SIBLINGS BE PART OF THE MATERNITY SESSION ?
Yes, your partner and siblings can absolutely be part of that this special moment. We will review the timing of everything with you during the online consultation.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF YOUR MATERNITY PORTRAIT EXPERIENCE ?
The Portrait Madame Chic Maternity experience includes: - Online private consultation to design your session - Professional Hair and Make Up - Access to our studio maternity wardrobe - Fully guided photoshoot with Alice - Elegant editorial retouching by professional retoucher - Delivery of your 15 (or 20* or 25*) favorite images for you to choose among a pre-selection - Delivery of your favorite images in Art Prints presented in a Premium Folio Box. *For access to the full pricing menu, fill in the inquiry form.
HOW CAN I GIFT A MATERNITY PORTRAIT SHOOT ?
You can access our online boutique directly on this website and you will be able to purchase the Portrait Madame Chic Maternity experience and receive a gift certificate to print.
WHAT IS A MATERNITY PORTRAIT SESSION ?
A maternity portrait session is a dedicated moment to pause and document your pregnancy in an intentional way. It is not only about creating photos, but also about offering space to experience this moment with presence. The session is fully guided and centered around you in an empowering and safe way.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR MATERNITY PHOTO SESSION
