How to prepare for your MINI studio session with Irena
Your mini session will be held in my photography studio based in Oneroa, Waiheke. This session is short and sweet but will still guarantee you an amazing result.
My studio location: 93 Queens drive, Oneroa, Waiheke Island.
How to get here: If coming from the Auckland city: take a ferry from downtown city or Devonport to Matiatia ferry terminal. From Matiatia wharf jump on a 502 bus (heading to Rocky Bay). Get out at Hauraki Road stop (it will be 12-15min drive) and walk 1 min back. If coming by car during evening, please leave your car on the street as there is very limited parking by the studio. For daytime sessions you are welcome to drive in. On the bus simply use your ATHop card or bank card for payment.
If you or your children are feeling unwell, please don’t attend the session! Please be considerate that I am pregnant and want to avoid any health risks. Simply text me on 020 401 79041, and we’ll arrange another time that works for both of us.
To help keep the focus on your presence, here’s a useful guide:
Clothing
Please bring your own outfits: The length of your booked session allows us enough time just for 1 outfit. You are welcome to bring multiple options and I can recommend the one which would photograph the best.
Keep it simple colour wise: If you can, stick to neutrals like black, white or cream as it help the light and contrast do their magic. Strong and vibrant colours tend to leave unwanted hue on your skintone.
Avoid heavy patterns or graphics: These will draw attention away from you and often can look tacky. But textures like lace, linen or even wool can add wonderful feel depending on the look you want to create.
Choose elegant and timeless clothing: See example photo below for reference but you are welcome to bring your own personality, there are no limits or restrictions as long as you are happy and comfortable with what you wearing.
Shoes: These sessions are primarily barefoot only. But if you would like to have some shoes with you, please make sure they are spotless clean and won’t leave marks on my studio backdrop.
Jewellery: It is your preference and anything is welcome.
Underwear: Match whatever you intend to wear and is not visible unless intended.
Please make sure all outfits you plan to wear are clean, as wrinkle-free as possible, and ready to be photographed. I do have a steamer available in the studio if needed, but keep in mind that steaming clothes on arrival will take time away from your session. A little preparation beforehand helps us make the most of your shoot.
2. Hair and Makeup
Hair & Makeup: That is up to you how elevated you wish to look in photos. Even if you normally don’t wear make-up, I still recommend you having some. Either DIY or professional, you decide what result you wish to have. Hair and make-up does play a big role as face is always a main focus point.
Manicure: Hands often feature in the frame, so please come with clean, well-kept nails. Neutral polish or bare is ideal but it is up to your preference.
Pedicure: These sessions are best done barefoot (as shoes can easily damage the paper backdrop I have installed), so please keep your toes tidy.
After the Session
Image selection process
The same day (or, at the latest, the following day), I will send you the unedited images from your session so you can select the included digital images in your package for editing and purchase any additional images if you wish.Image editing
These mini sessions only include light skin retouching to remove noticeable blemishes, dark circles, or other noticeable skin imperfections. If you desire heavier edit, I can do that for additional fee. Please let me know your prefer edit preferences during your image selection process.Final Delivery
You’ll get your hand-edited portraits delivered digitally with an option to print directly from your private online gallery. Image delivery time frame is 5 days (during summer season it can take longer or if Public holidays falls in between).If there is particular portrait you wish to receive sooner, please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate you.