Before hiring Yoko for your photo shoot, it helps to know what to expect. If you’re engaging Yoko for an in-studio portrait (at her studio on the Upper West Side of Manhattan), an on-site photo shoot, or an event, scroll down to familiarize yourself with her process. Be sure to also read up on what to expect after the photo shoot

Initial Contact and Estimate

Photo shoots can range from a simple in-studio head shot to a complex on-site visit. Pricing on a photo shoot can vary widely, depending on the type of equipment (camera, lighting) that’s needed, length of time the shoot will take, etc. For this reason, before giving a price estimate on a photo shoot, Yoko conducts intake interviews for each new project. She’ll discuss with you your idea for what sort of photograph you need, the logistics of where and how it will be taken, and what you want to convey.

Many clients aren’t quite sure of what they’re looking for, so in the course of the conversation, Yoko will help you think through what your needs are, showing examples of lighting or photography styles, or sketching out ideas. On the other hand, if you have an idea of the type of photo you’d like, Yoko welcomes your input and is happy to look at photos you’d like to show her for inspiration.

After the intake interview, Yoko researches any materials that may be needed, such as color gels for lighting, props, lighting, and make-up. She’ll then send you a estimate for the total cost. When you’re ready to hire Yoko, she’ll send you a letter of agreement, outlining the parameters of the job, including the number of photos, delivery schedule, payment schedule, and usage rights.

The Photo Shoot

In-Studio Portraits

If you’re hiring Yoko for a photo shoot in her studio, she will build in extra time to ensure that the shoot goes smoothly. The lighting for the shoot will have been set up before you arrive. Since many clients are nervous before a portrait session, Yoko will have a brief conversation with you at the outset to help you settle in and to see if you’ve had any additional thoughts on your portrait since your last conversation. She’ll also help you select some music to put you at ease, and put you into position, often trying out a number of poses with you. She’ll fine-tune the lighting, often taking preliminary shots to review the composition and lighting. This initial settling-in usually takes about 30 minutes.

The photo shoot itself will typically take about two hours, depending on the complexity of the portrait. Often the best portraits begin to emerge between 45 minutes and one hour into the shoot, as the subject starts to relax. After the photo shoot, Yoko then culls through the portraits, an extensive, labor-intensive process. In selecting the range of portraits to present you with, Yoko will look for subtleties in expression that convey the image you and she initially agreed upon.

On-Site Shoots and Corporate Portraits

Prior to an on-location shoot, Yoko will need to visit your site and scope out the lighting and equipment needs. Set-up time for on-location shoots is typically one to one-and-a-half hours, depending on the location. However, Yoko will be able to give you an idea of the length of set-up time she’ll require after her initial site visit.

Location shoots which require multiple rooms or outside locations will require additional time. The length of time varies greatly depending on the size of the location, number of rooms or areas being feature, and the amount of preparation which needs to completed the day of the shoot (such as setting up lighting, moving furniture, etc.) Yoko will be able to give you an estimate of the length of time of the photo shoot after her initial on-site visit. Please note that should the condition of the site change greatly from her initial site visit to the day of the photo shoot, her time estimate may change.

On-site portraiture, such as executive headshots, typically takes a shorter period of time than studio portraits. In part, this is because the subjects are being photographed in a familiar location, and are less nervous. Boardroom or other on-site portraits are also scheduled around the busy schedules of the executives and workers being photographed. Of necessity, the photo shoots are designed to take less time. When you arrange for on-site portraiture with Yoko, be sure to let her know in advance what the scheduling limitations of your staff and executives are.

Event Photography

Unlike on-site photography or portraiture, event photography assumes a more candid approach to the photography. Yoko prefers to scout the event site before the day of the event; however, many event venues do not permit this. When this occurs, Yoko prepares with a range of portable equipment which enables her to respond flexibly to a wide range of lighting conditions. Additionally, many events require both candid shots and formal, posed shots. Yoko’s range of equipment can accommodate both.

After the Photo Shoot

Once the photo shoot is completed, Yoko will cull through the photographs, a time-consuming process that can take up to one week to complete. For example, from a 400+ photo shoot, Yoko will outright discard 50-60% of the photos. She culls carefully through the remainder, searching for the right combination of lighting, expression, color, and composition that express your vision.

She’ll then present you with a selection of photos to choose from. Should you select a photo but request any additional photo retouching, she’ll provide with an estimate for that cost. (Note that basic image optimization is included in your project scope.) The number of final delivered images and the schedule for delivery are stipulated in your letter of agreement.