Q: Where are you located?
A: I live in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, USA and shoot all over the South Florida area. I am also available for travel. You can contact me for my personal travel dates, or you wish to fly me to you.
Q: How can we get in touch?
A: The best way to reach me is via email. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response regarding session inquiries. My direct email is me@samiamphotography.com For a quicker response, you can call or text me 305-984-0069.
When you schedule a session with me, you’ll also schedule a pre-session consultation over the phone. During the consultation, we’ll go over your ideas for the shoot, the best wardrobe to compliment your ideas, what to bring with you, and how to prepare for the shoot.
All of my products are completely custom-designed by me.
Q: What subject matter do you photograph?
A: I primarily photograph newborn, children, maternity, child models,families, and special events.
Q: I am pregnant and am interested in a newborn session, when should I call?
A: If you are planning on a newborn session, the absolute best time to capture sleepy, curly newborn portraits is from 1-10 days of life. If you are having a bris, please schedule your newborn session prior to this. Give me a call in your second trimester to book! We will book the session and after that you just need to call us as soon as the baby is born so we can fit you in asap.
Little ones change quickly over the course of their first year, 6-9 months is the best age to capture your baby- they’re sitting up, smiling, and can really show off their personality!
Q: Do you offer mini sessions?
A: I do have seasonal specials ever so often. Which I will post on my blog and social media.
Q: Where do you shoot?
A: Most shoots take place outdoors. I have several go-to locations in the Miami - Dade and Broward area.
Setting options are:
in-home lifestyle / documentary
outside urban
outside natural park or beach
Q: What time of day do you shoot?
A: Fabulous sunlight is a large part of the equation when I create my imagery. For this reason, I shoot beginning two hours before sunset for all beach sessions. If sunrise is more your thing I can make an exception. 😊 Midday shoots depends totally on the location we select.
Q: Do you have studio lights or backdrops?
A: I like to keep things simple. I use natural light, whether from window light or outdoors. If you would like to shoot in your home, please know when you have the most natural light. You may choose one of your favorite places this is also casual, un-posed and always without backdrops.
Q: What is your session fee?
A: The session fee is $350 + $400 for newborns.
Studio Prints, Products and Digital Collections are sold separately.
Q: How long will our session last?
A: On location childhood and family sessions typically last 1-2 hours. Newborn sessions 2-3 hours.
If you have young children, remember to bring a snack and a water bottle just in case. I want your kids to feel like it's a play date.
Q: What is your policy on rescheduling?
A: The deposit listed above is paid in advance to secure your chosen date. It is non-refundable should you cancel, but is transferable to another date in the event you wish to amend your booking with at least 48 hours notice. South Florida's weather is very temperamental. I wait till 2 hours before our meeting time to cancel due to rain. If this is the case, I will re-schedule your appointment as soon as possible.
Q: What kind of clothes should we wear?
A: This is very important and should be taken seriously.
Newborns and babies are best photographed in their own skin.
For toddlers and children, bright colors, pastels, stripes, hats…bring whatever you like your child in. Even better whatever your child likes to wear. Every child is unique and beautiful in many different ways. Our children communicate outwardly through touch, sound, color and if given the opportunity will explore their world through fashion. What they wear enhances their personality and makes a statement about the little individuals they are trying to be.
When my daughter was younger she loved to wear her rain boots with everything, especially her white and silver tutu. I love bright colors and patterns. Hats make incredible pictures. Consider matching an outfit to the color of you child’s eyes. You may also want to bring something white or pastel for a more timeless feel. Also don't forget your child's favorite toy, doll, or blanket. The days of families wearing white shirts and blue pants are over; we don't all dress alike in real life and should not in creative portraiture either, unless that is what you want. Clothing changes are welcome, please avoid logos which can be distracting in photos. See the gallery images for more clothing ideas. If you need help , you can always email or call me for advice, or bring several different outfits to the session so I can help you choose which ones would work best.
Q: Who should come to our session?
A: It is best to only bring the persons being photographed to your session.
Q: What style of photography do you use when working with kids?
A: My photography style is like me, its laid back, casual and fun, never rushed or posed. Kids will be kids and I understand that they will have moments of imperfection (we all do) and that's okay! If it takes a little longer than it's supposed to, don't worry. I will not ask your child to smile or say 'cheese'. I will only ask that they be themselves. I want to see their funny faces, their goofy smiles and sometimes even some tears. Since I do all my sessions on location you are free to be in your own element where I can capture some of life’s precious, unscripted moments.
Q: How long does it take to view my images?
A: After the session I will typically post a sneak peak on social media (make sure you're following me on Facebook and Instagram) within 3-4 days. Your proofs will be up to view within 7 days, because they are straight out of the camera. Once your order is paid in full I will retouch your selections.
Q: When will my photos be ready?
A: Your images will be available for viewing proofs on your private web gallery in 5 days. After you order is paid in full, product fulfillment time depends on the type of product ordered - for example, prints and cards arrive within 3-5 weeks, custom wall art 6 weeks, and custom albums or coffee table books 12-14 weeks. Sam I Am Photography owns the copyright to all images, including proofs. Images may not be copied, scanned or reproduced in any way without permission from Sam I Am Photography.
Q: Can I share the gallery URL?
A: Yes, you may share the gallery with anyone you like.
Q: When and how do we order the images?
A: Once your web gallery is up you can either email me with which images you would like to purchase, and what size. I am also happy to consult with you, over the phone to help you in the decision-making process. When I receive your order, I will send you an invoice that will allow you to pay online with credit card via PayPal or Venmo You may also pay with cash or a check. After payment is received I will place your order. Your online gallery will be up for 14 days and then there will be a $50 fee to put it back up. Your family and friends are welcome to order through email as well. Your gallery will be available online for 14 days.
Q: I love my portraits, but there are too many to choose from! How can I decide what to order?
A: This is the question I hear the most. What I suggest is to create a list of “who needs what” before you even view your proofs. For instance, you may need one large 20x30 print, four 8x10’s for your family, and 5 5x7’s for everyone’s desks. Once you know what you need, you can simply choose the images you love to fill your order.
I can customize a package just for you, or design a coffee table book which includes around 20-25 images from your session. Or, if you are still stuck, you might want to consider the digital option so that you can print the portraits at a later date.
For custom packages, simply create a list of the images and sizes you would like to order. Then give me a call or an email, and I will work out a package discount for your prints.
Q: Do you offer the sale of digital files?
A: Absolutely. Digital Collections start at $850. Digital Files are delivered in high resolution and come standard with a Personal Print Release. Files are delivered via Wetransfer within 3 weeks of purchase.
Q: Do you archive session image files?
A: Only images that are purchased or kept for portfolio use will be archived for 1 year. Images that are not ordered are purged from our systems twice monthly, in order to make room for new clients.
Q: Can I put in a reorder?
A: Yes, for 1 year you have the opportunity to reorder. There is a 50.00 minimum on reorders.
Q: I need modeling portfolio shots - how is this priced?
A: I know about getting your child into modeling. My daughter is with an agency. If you are interested in getting your child into modeling, snapshots (a close-up and a full body shot) are perfectly fine to send to an agency. If, and when, your child is signed, I will gladly do a portfolio session. Prices and policies are significantly different than portrait sessions so please email for more information.
Child Models check with your agency to make sure they approve of my style before booking a modeling shoot with me. Each agency has specific requirements for comp cards, so I will work with them to make sure I produce what they need.
Most of the time, parents just need to send snapshots (a headshot and full-body shot) to an agency to be considered. In some cases, agencies may require a ‘book’, which is a portfolio of larger photographs that show the models’ range. If the agency requires a book, I would be happy to create a portfolio for your child and supply the required prints.
Gift Certificates
Sam I Am Photography gift certificates are available in any denomination. Please contact Samantha for more details. Contact me to arrange shipping or pickup of a gift certificate!
Don’t Forget
As soon as you receive digital files from me,
BACK THEM UP!
You can never have too many copies of digital files for safekeeping. Wall art is sturdy, durable and won’t fade. If it happens to get something on it, most wall art can simply be wiped down with a cloth. Prints and other products are sprayed for protection.
