Bridget Shevlin Bridget Shevlin

How to Get The Most Out of Your Photoshoot with Northbound Studio or any Photographer

At Northbound Studio, we believe that photography is not just about capturing moments but also about the expression of self. We cherish clients who share our passion for documenting life's authentic beauty, both big and small. To help you prepare for your photoshoot and ensure a seamless experience, here's your comprehensive guide to becoming the ideal Northbound Studio client.

What Makes an Ideal Northbound Studio Client:

  1. Value for Artistry: Ideal clients deeply appreciate my work and the artistic expression it represents.

  2. Preparedness: Coming to your photoshoot well-prepared makes a world of difference. Consider getting a haircut, ironing your clothes, and bring any props or ideas you'd like to include. Your vision matters, so share it with us beforehand.

  3. Embrace Documentary-Style Photography: Northbound Studio thrives on capturing genuine, unscripted moments. Ideal clients share our enthusiasm for this documentary-style approach.

  4. Appreciate the Everyday: Beyond special occasions, we find beauty in the everyday and the passage of time. Ideal clients share this sentiment, valuing the subtle moments in life alongside the more meaningful ones.

  5. Respect for Fair Compensation: I believe in fair compensation for our work. Ideal clients understand and respect the value we bring to their memories.

  6. Respect for Time and Process: I respect your time, and hope for the same in return. Ideal clients appreciate the creative process and the time it takes to produce stunning photographs. They communicate any cancellations with us quickly and effectively.

  7. Humor: My ideal client values directness and humor!

What to Expect When Working with Northbound Studio:

  1. Clear Communication: Before your photoshoot, expect open and clear communication. We want to understand your vision, hobbies, and what the photoshoot means to you.

  2. Preparation Tips: We'll send you a reminder email with tips on how to prepare, ensuring you get the most out of your session.

  3. A Safe Space: Our studio is a safe space for you to be yourself, express your desires, say yes or no, and most importantly, have fun.

  4. Guidance and Empowerment: During the shoot, you can count on our guidance, empowerment, and protection to ensure you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.

  5. Timely Delivery: After the shoot, you'll receive your photo gallery within the timeframe it takes to edit your specific photoshoot. Typically, weddings and engagements take 5-6 weeks, senior portraits and headshots take 2 weeks, and all other sessions take 2-3 weeks unless otherwise specified.

  6. Abundance of Photos: Expect a diverse digital gallery featuring all the great shots from your session. We don't set strict limits because what may seem like a silly expression to us might hold immense joy for you. Take a look at some of our full galleries here.

  7. Potential for Future Collaborations: Lastly, we hope that your experience with Northbound Studio will be so fantastic that you'll consider rebooking with us in the next season.

We're excited to embark on this photographic journey with you, capturing the essence of who you are and the beauty that surrounds you. Together, we'll create lasting memories that tell your unique story.

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Bridget Shevlin Bridget Shevlin

Seasonal Photos: Embracing Saratoga's Changing Landscapes

When it comes to capturing the essence of a place, few things are as magical as the changing of seasons. In Saratoga Springs, a city nestled in upstate New York, each season brings its own unique charm and beauty. As a portrait photographer, I've had the privilege of witnessing the transformation of this picturesque region throughout the year, and I'm here to share how different seasons in Saratoga Springs offer distinct opportunities for stunning portrait sessions.

Spring: A Time of Renewal and Vibrancy

As winter's chill fades away, Saratoga Springs awakens with bursts of color and new life. Spring is a season of renewal, and the landscapes here come alive with blooming flowers, budding trees, and fresh greenery. For portrait photography, this season presents a canvas of vibrant backdrops that perfectly complement the energy and excitement of young individuals.

  1. Cherry blossoms in Congress Park: As cherry blossoms burst into delicate pink and white blooms, Congress Park transforms into a fairytale-like setting. The soft hues and dreamy atmosphere create a whimsical backdrop for springtime portraits, capturing the essence of fleeting beauty.

  2. The Saratoga Spa State Park: With its flowing springs, reflective ponds, and picturesque pathways, the Spa State Park is a haven of natural beauty. Spring offers the opportunity to photograph against a backdrop of blossoming trees, daffodil-filled fields, and the lush greenery that envelops the park. (Note: you may need a permit)

Summer: Basking in Sunlight and Joy

As the sun graces Saratoga Springs with its warm embrace, summer unveils a vibrant landscape that's perfect for outdoor portrait sessions. The longer days and balmy evenings provide ample time to capture portraits in the flattering golden hour light that bathes the city.

  1. Saratoga Lake: The glistening waters of Saratoga Lake offer an idyllic setting for summer portraits. Whether capturing candid moments on the docks or dramatic silhouettes against the sunset, the lake's tranquil beauty adds a touch of serenity to the images.

  2. Broadway Street: The heart of Saratoga Springs comes alive in summer. Broadway Street, lined with its historic buildings and charming shops, becomes a bustling backdrop for lively portraits that radiate the warmth of the season.

  3. Seasonal Farms: Don't miss the opportunity to capture portraits in Saratoga's seasonal farms, like Herrington Pumpkins sunflower fields. The vivid colors and rustic charm of these farms provide a unique and enchanting setting for summer portraits that evoke a sense of nostalgia and joy.

Fall: A Tapestry of Colors and Coziness

As autumn paints the city with rich hues of red, orange, and gold, Saratoga Springs transforms into a cozy haven. The fall foliage and crisp air create an inviting atmosphere that's perfect for portraits filled with warmth and character.

  1. Yaddo Gardens: Yaddo Gardens, with its diverse collection of trees and plants, becomes a mosaic of autumnal colors in the fall. The pathways adorned with fallen leaves and the play of light filtering through the trees offer a serene and enchanting setting for portraits.

  2. Saratoga Battlefield: The historic Saratoga Battlefield, with its rolling fields and distant horizons, presents an expansive backdrop that perfectly captures the spirit of fall. The warm tones of the landscape complement portraits with a touch of nostalgia and grandeur. (Note: you may need a permit)

Winter: Capturing the Quiet Beauty

As snow blankets the city in a serene embrace, winter in Saratoga Springs exudes a quiet charm that's perfect for capturing intimate and reflective portraits.

  1. Saratoga Spa State Park covered in snow: The Spa State Park, now blanketed in a layer of snow, offers a unique and tranquil setting for winter portraits. The white landscape, accented by the park's architectural elements, creates a sense of calm and purity. (Note: you may need a permit)

  2. Boulder Brook Farms Christmas Tree Fields: Embrace the festive spirit by capturing winter portraits in the enchanting Christmas tree fields of Boulder Brook Farms. The rows of evergreens, dusted with snow, provide a picturesque backdrop that evokes warmth and holiday cheer.

  3. Cozy indoor sessions: Winter in Saratoga Springs is also a time to embrace indoor settings. Coffee shops, bookstores, and elegant indoor spaces can offer a backdrop of warmth and intimacy, creating portraits that focus on connection and emotion.

Embracing the changing landscapes of Saratoga Springs through the seasons provides a wealth of opportunities for creating diverse and captivating portrait sessions. Whether it's the vibrant blooms of spring, the sun-drenched days of summer, the colorful tapestry of fall, or the serene beauty of winter, each season offers a distinct backdrop that can beautifully frame the stories and personalities of the individuals being photographed. As a portrait photographer in Saratoga Springs, I'm privileged to witness and capture the city's ever-changing beauty, and I'm continuously inspired by the unique possibilities that each season brings to my craft.

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