INFO & WHAT TO EXPECT

I offer sessions both in the comfort of your own home or out on location. On arrival, I’ll sit down and discuss your thoughts on a range of shots you’d like to create during the session. I focus on natural light imagery, by combining a state-of-the-art digital system with available light and specialized lighting techniques we aim to create elegant images with depth and spirit.

There will be no need to look into my camera lens non-stop during the session, it’s all about being natural and authentic. Capturing genuine emotions, expressions and real moments. Engaging with each other, laughing, cuddles, tickles, playing and my camera will be the witness capturing your families dynamic.

I understand that it might be important to have a more directed portrait that includes the whole family together smiling (if possible!) which we will take about 15 minutes to do during your session but the rest of the session we will endeavour to capture your true moments of connection.

For home sessions I bring both a black and white collapsible backgrounds with me and these can be erected just about anywhere should you wish to have a more neutral look to your images.

ABOUT THE SESSION

Before the session it’s best to ensure that your child has been fed and is rested. That should make for a re-energised and happy little subject for the start of the shoot. Breaks during the session for either you or your child are absolutely fine.

Portrait sessions can be booked on weekdays or weekends. But in a busy world, it may be tough for your family members to get away from the office during the work day. I can, however, organise sessions with you during the lunch hour if required.

I would suggest family members wear similar neutral tones as fancy or patterned attire will distract from the subjects.

I find that a slightly more casual approach tends to work better. Logos can look dated very quickly, so I recommend plain clothing wherever possible. White/ black/grey/ light pink/ light blue T-shirts/ shirts/ dresses/ polo/ tan trousers/skirts or denim jeans all work well. We would suggest not wearing a watch as it can be distracting in the images. Simple Jewellery is fine.

Whatever the attire though, it needs to be clean, ironed and looking fresh. Another advantage of doing the session at home is that changes of clothing can be done quickly and comfortable.

DURATION & SCHEDULING

Each session takes approximately 90 minutes, but if we run slightly over time you will not be charged any additional fee.

Before the session it’s best to ensure that your child has been fed and is well rested. That should make for a re-energised and happy little subject for the start of the shoot. Rest/snack or feeding breaks during the session for either you or your child are absolutely fine.

Portrait sessions can be booked on weekdays or weekends. But in a busy world, it may be tough for your family members to get away from the office during the work day.

I can, however, organize sessions with you during lunch hour. I can also arrange professional hair and make-up services for your session, in which case the stylist will need to arrive an hour or so before I do.

FINAL PRODUCTS

The final digital images are fully edited/cropped/contrast adjusted and provided as a high resolution JPG file.

The images are provided to you in both colour and black & white. Please allow 10-14 days for editing and up to 2-3 weeks in the busy holiday season. Should you require images for cards or announcements I will work to your specified deadline and provide you with your images via an online platform as soon as possible.

Please note that I do not provide RAW files, you will receive the best images that will be fully edited. All images are provided exclusively for personal and social media use but not for commercial use.

All prints and albums are printed using the very best in photo imaging equipment and are printed with quality pigment inks on to fine art paper.

MATERNITY SESSIONS

I usually recommend booking in a session between 29 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Everyone carries and feels different during pregnancy but in our experience the majority of women feel most comfortable prior to 37 weeks.

I believe simplicity is best and my aim is to produce elegant, elegant, classic and timeless images.

I suggest that you have on hand a selection of your pregnancy wardrobe—i.e.: black ,white, light pink or grey figure-hugging clothes, lace dresses, sheer tops, plain singlets, soft shawls/ fabrics. Colourful form fitting maxi dresses also look great. In addition, I will bring a range of black and white fabrics for draping, tube tops and tube skirts.

My goal is to ensure you feel comfortable, beautiful, confident, and empowered throughout your photo session, and I will guide you on posing and wardrobe.

Professional hair and makeup can be arranged should you require this and the stylist will arrive 90 minutes before the start of your session

NEWBORN SESSIONS

Capturing your new baby in the most timeless and natural way is my goal. My approach and style to newborn photography is clean, simple and minimalistic with an emphasis on your baby as the beautiful subject.

I allow room in my schedule to accommodate newborns, as the best time to photograph them is within the first month. I usually recommend baby to be either naked or in a short sleeve/short arm white/light coloured onesie.

By wearing something neutral the focus remains on the baby and your faces.

Please refer to my portfolio for ideas.

Make sure the onesie is quite fitted as its best that the outfit doesn’t ride up your baby’s neck or look too wrinkled.

In addition, I also bring simple monotone knitted blankets, a baby bean bag, fabrics for draping and baby wraps with me should you wish to use this kind of prop.

Please book in advance to secure your preferred date. The best time to book your newborn session would be at the beginning of your third trimester, once your confirmation deposit has been made the date will remain flexible until I know when your baby has arrived.

THE FIRST YEAR SESSIONS

Documenting the development and growth of your baby in the first year is important as their milestones are huge memory makers.

Gummy smiles, their first tooth, sitting, waving, crawling, playing, interacting with you/siblings and all their adorable expressions are incredible keepsakes.

Newborn, 6-8 months and 1 year are all poignant milestones that warrant capturing your little ones with a professional photography session. Please contact me for multi-session discounts and packages.

OUTDOOR/BEACH FAMILY PHOTO SESSIONS

I try to arrange our outdoor family session either bright and early in the morning or at golden hour (two hours prior to sunset) if the forecast allows. Nothing beats the gorgeous soft morning or late afternoon natural light. 

I generally recommend you wear comfortable shoes and clothes in neutral or pastel colours to get the best out of your photography session. It’s also best to avoid wearing bright colours and large prints as these tend to steal the attention away from the happy smiles.

Comfort is key though. During our shoot, we walk a lot, we run and lift kids up in the air, trust me, you will want the comfy shoes and the outfits that doesn’t require stiff poses.

I always make sure to check the forecast a couple of days before the shoot and in case of rain we can reschedule for another day depending on your availability.

However, we all know how hard it is to predict weather! It often happens that the forecast weather app shows sunny weather when it’s raining; or vice versa.

I suggest we regularly keep in contact and work out the best location as the day progresses and work around the weather.

PORTRAIT & BRANDING SESSIONS

Having been a business owner for 20 + years, I understand the importance of setting yourself apart using custom imagery on your personal blog, website and social media.

I help you create a folio of portraits that represent who you are and what you want to convey about your business to the world. Telling your story and building a brand personality through elegant, creative and unique custom imagery.

Before your branding photoshoot I will gain an understanding of you and your business’s core values.

Then we work together to capture the essence of your brand through natural light photography, delivering images that create a personal connection with your customers.

My goal is to ensure you feel comfortable, beautiful, confident, and empowered throughout your photo session and I will guide you on location, posing and wardrobe. Professional hair and make-up can be arranged should you require this and the stylist will arrive 90 minutes before the start of your session.

BOOKINGS & FEES

A non-refundable booking deposit of HKD $500 + travel costs if applicable, is required at the time of booking in order to secure your date and session time.

The balance of payment is due on the day of the session. Sessions may be rescheduled due to illness or injury.

Additional travel charges to South side Hong Kong Island,Kowloon, The NT and Outlying Islands will apply, please let me know your location for the session upon booking your session.

PAYMENT

All payments to be made to Radhika Rao via cash, cheque or bank transfer.

The final balance for your photography session is due on the day of your session.

PRINTING

I offer a wide range of printing services from individual high quality prints to canvases and framing.

To further discuss your printing options please contact me via the contact form or Radhika@radhikarao.com so we can create your vision together.

EXTRAS

PROFESSIONAL HAIR AND MAKE-UP SERVICES can be organized prior to your session at an additional cost, please let me know a week in advance, so I can book the stylist. This will be quoted for independently.

PROFESSIONAL RETOUCHING SERVICES  by my graphic artist and will be quoted for on an image by image basis depending on the level of retouching required.

GIFT VOUCHERS options are available to organise for family and friends. Please contact me on Radhika@radhikarao.com for more details.