Philadelphia area photographer - children and family photography.
© 2010-2012 Fig Tree Photography & Design - Patricia Figurski
... there is a small person with a big heart for other people, especially those smaller than herself. Loves nature and simplicity, mom of three wonderful boys and a happy wife of her husband.
Patricia Figurski
For details on pricing, questions regarding my services, or to book a session, please contact me via e-mail.
I am a non-traditional, very spontaneous and enthusiastic photographer, who thinks that even the most normal and everyday things can be the most beautiful. Someone who wants to capture little moments we easily forget and sometimes take for granted. I am the photographer who wants to capture who your child is rather than what they happen to be wearing.
I do not shy away from images of unsmiling children, artistic cropping and creative use of natural light. So if you are after stuffy studio shots, I am not the right person for the job!
When to book a session?
I am typically booked a few weeks in advance. Therefore, it is best to contact me as early as possible, especially for a weekend session.
With newborns, the ideal time to photograph them is from 5-12 days old, so it is important to contact me before your baby is born.
Sessions can be scheduled by phone or e-mail. I will hold your date open for 5 days, but definitive booking is made only upon receipt of your session fee.
What to wear?
Most likely your photos will become pieces of art on your walls, so when choosing your attire, consider a few things:
I'd be happy to assist you, but, if what you wear reflects who you are, it'll be perfect!
What is a newborn session like?
Newborns are one of the most beautiful subjects to photograph. I love everything about them - their smell, their softness, their purity. This is a real joy for me to work with babies when they are still so "new".
The first ten days are ideal for photographing newborns. This is the time when they sleep a lot, so it's much easier to capture their beautiful poses. I know it might seem too hard at the time - trust me, I've been there - but the wonderful images and treasured memories you'll have of this short moment in time will make it worth the effort a million times over.
I do not rush the session, and it's not uncommon to have several pauses while we wait for a baby to settle, feed, etc. Usually a newborn session can take up to 3 hours, depending on the baby. There is no extra charge for the extra time.
What to expect on the session?
Rather than in a studio, I photograph in playgrounds and parks, living rooms and backyards. I work where children play. My goal is to capture real life while having fun together.
On location I will take a few minutes to decide the best spots for both background visuals and lighting. The bright light of a sunny day isn't ideal for a picture, so my sessions are usually held during the morning or late afternoon.
If the session is at your home, I will need to wander from room to room to discover the ultimate setting with the best natural light. Sometimes, I might even need to move some furniture or open the curtains. Don't worry! I'll move everything back.
I always start the session with a chat and a smile before getting "snap-happy". I am a Mom myself so I know that sometimes children can take a while to warm up. That's ok. I am not in a hurry. Sessions usually last between 1-2 hours, but if your child needs more time - that's fine.
Sometimes it is easier for me to take great pictures if I am one-on-one with the kids. Some playful interaction makes them feel comfortable and less likely to look as if they are "performing". Please, do not be alarmed if I ask you to wander off quietly within full view of your child. I strive to create the perfect image for you, and if this is what I must do to achieve it, then I'll ask your permission to do just that.
I will do a variety of shots - some will be posed, but the majority will be capturing your family doing what you do best - being yourselves.
The most unexpected moment can create the most amazing photograph - you'll see!
What happens after the session?
Proofing your photos takes up to 2 weeks, at which time they will be available for viewing in your private on-line gallery. You then have 2 more weeks to choose your photos, share them with your family/friends, and to place your order. After that time, there will be an additional $25 weekly fee for holding your gallery live - up to 3 months.
You may order digital files and/or prints directly from your gallery. Prints will be promptly delivered to your doorstep.
Need more information?
Send me an email!
The children and family sessions start at $400, that includes the $200 session fee and $200 print credit. The session fee covers the following:
For Sunday sessions, there's an additional $50 fee.
Custom sessions with a greater number of images, or sessions outside of my service area, can be arranged at an additional cost.
The session fee is due at the time of scheduling and is not refundable. However, the session can be rescheduled due to weather, illness or other emergency situations.
The session fee covers the time and talent of the photographer and does not include any prints. Prints start at $35 for the 5x7 size. Contact me for more details on pricing and sizes of prints.
Capturing true smiles, precious moments, real personalities...
