The Ingredients

As part of the full service experience we provide our clients at Brandy Goldenberg Photography  every session from Pregnancy to Newborn through the 1 Year Milestone is fully styled.

When I decided to open a professional photography studio my guiding threads were client-experience and quality. The experience we provide our clients is luxury. In order to do that, we have to start with a quality foundation.

The 'ingredients' that go into creating a single portrait are important to the outcome. So this post is for both the consumer who has no idea what goes into a single portrait {and why the investment in a quality professional is a vastly different experience than with a part-time hobbyist} as well as for the aspiring photographer who is ... well ... curious!

Without the proper ingredients the final outcome is often disappointing {the proper ingredients are determined by the experience and quality desired for a client as well as by the style of the photographer}. My style has evolved over the years with experience, education and following my creative dreams. I aesthetically style all of our sessions so that we can maintain consistency with color palette, design and texture. We provide everything necessary for a beautiful portrait experience {except baby of course}.

Aside from having a quality aesthetic foundation with  props, outfits, backdrops, and fabrics the most important tools for creating my art is my equipment.

I won't bore you with ALL of the details but here are some highlights: My camera {I typically photograph with Nikon D810 or D700 back-up} and I use an assortment of lenses depending on what the image calls for {most used are my Nikon 85mm 1.4 prime, Nikon 24-70 mm 2.8 or the Sigma Art 50mm 1.4}. For soft studio lighting I use PLM with an Alien Bee {soon to be Einstein} and I use a giant calibrated monitor to process and edit images in LightRoom and Adobe PS CC software {with multiple added plug-ins}. My painted portraiture is accomplished with Corel and my Walcom paint brush.

Of course, I couldn't access any of you without my website {through Big Black Bag - big fan of this company}, my business organization {17 Hats}, my business fb page, my blog, and a phone.

I'll stop rambling and get on with the fun part of this post ... Below are many images from different session types along with the 'ingredients' used to create each from an aesthetic standpoint. Enjoy! 

For Pregnancy Sessions, we have gowns, skirts, and tops that have been designed by prop artists specifically for maternity portraiture. They provide a romantic and soft aesthetic to art I create capturing a very special {and often once in a lifetime} experience.  

In this portrait, the mama-to-be is wearing a halter pregnancy gown {$95} in front of a textured paper background {$65}.

In this portrait, mama-to-be is wearing a lined bump top with lace sleeves {$45} with a black tulle skirt {$105} in front of a black fabric backdrop {$150}.

In this portrait, mama-to-be is wearing a ruffled top {$35} and an extra train ruffle skirt {$110}.

For Newborn Sessions, virtually all of our props, outfits, bonnets, and headbands/tie-backs have been handmade. Each secured for their safety and aesthetics. 

In this portrait, baby is wearing a handmade tie-back {$12} and laying on organic wool {$25} and wrap {$25} in a wood bowl {$45} on a real-wood plank floor {$300} plus balancing fabric under props {$10}.

In this portrait, baby is wearing nothing {$0 ha} and laying on organic wool {$25} in a handmade nest {$75} on a flokati rug {$285} plus balancing fabric and weight in basket {$20}.

In this portrait, baby is triple wrapped {$50} wearing a green bonnet {$20} laying on a flokati rug {$285}.

In this portrait, baby is wearing a handmade romper {$40}, a handmade tieback {$10}, a tiny bracelet {$15} laying on organic wool fluff {$25} in a driftwood basket {$65} on real wood planks {$300} and using balancing/filler materials {$10}

In this portrait, baby is wearing a handmade pair of pants {$30} and a handmade tieback {$19} resting in a swing prop {$155} in front of a textured paper backdrop {$65}

In this portrait, baby is wearing a knit wrap {$18}, a handmade bonnet {$20}, organic wool fluff {$30}, prop bed {$75}, paper wood floor {$75}, lamp/floral accessory {$30}, and mattress/balancing material {$30}

In this portrait, baby is wearing a handmade bonnet {$35} on a soft blanket {$20} on a  newborn posing bag {$150}.

For Baby Milestone Sessions, most of our props, outfits, bonnets and headbands are handmade and some are designer label. This continues the organic, soft aesthetic from the newborn portraiture and allows for sweet images that highlight baby, not the outfit. 

In this portrait, baby wore his own jeans and is standing on a flokati rug {$285} in front of a paper texture backdrop {$105}.

  

In this portrait, baby is wearing a handmade romper {$35} with headband {$10} sitting on a custom made bench {$85} and handmade chandelier {$50} on a paper backdrop {$105}.

In this portrait, baby is wearing a handmade romper {$55} sitting on a flokati stuffer {$20} on a handcrafted bench {$50} on a flokati rug {$285} with real wood planks {$300}.

In this portrait, baby is wearing a handmade romper {$50} and tieback {$10} sitting on a rag rug {$25} with backdrop/floor {$120} with a wood baseboard {$30} and accessories {$20}.

 In this portrait, baby is wearing a custom ruffle dress {$40} and ruffle hat {$25} on a mini sofa {$150} on a flokati rug {$285} with a paper backdrop {$105} and a tiara accessory {$25}.

In this Portrait, baby is wearing a handmade pant/suspender set {$45} on a wool blanket {$20} on a handcrafted wood bed {$75} on a vinyl floor {$50} with a paper backdrop {$60} with a wood baseboard {$15}

For each session you can multiply what you see in one above image by 2-10, this gives you an idea of what goes into a gallery from a single session. Pretty crazy right?! Now image my storage dilemma in order to provide such a large diverse collection!

I only work with reputable artists and designers for my props, outfits, and fabrics. I think it is important to know where your ingredients come from and what quality you are receiving. All props are tested for safety before ever being used in a session. All props and fabrics are sanitized, washed or dry-cleaned after every use. And trust me ... my wash pile is pretty intense after a newborn session ha!