Frequently Asked Questions

If you're looking for something simple or don't need a lot of combinations, The Short Session is probably perfect. You'll have up to 30 minutes, which is plenty of time for one or two looks as time allows. Choose The Full Session if you'd like more time for wardrobe changes, multiple looks, family combinations, little ones who may need time to warm up, or simply don't want to feel rushed. Not sure? You can always book the Full Session if you'd rather have the extra breathing room.

Every session is different, so I don't limit your gallery to a specific number of images. You'll receive a curated gallery of the strongest finished photographs from your session, with duplicates, test shots, missed expressions and other unusable images removed. If I love it and it's worth delivering, I want you to have it.

Yes! Creative finishing is part of my style, and I often use effects such as atmospheric light, glow, fog, smoke, color styling and other enhancements where they complement the photograph. Your session also includes up to 3 signature art edits with more involved creative editing by request, such as transforming a scene from day to night, adding significant atmospheric effects or other fantasy enhancements. If you have a vision that requires extensive compositing or detailed digital artwork across a larger number of images, let me know during planning. I'll let you know before your session if it falls outside the included editing and requires a custom quote, that way there is no surprise charges afterward.

Nope! Your finished digital gallery is included in your session price. There are no reveal appointments, image-count decisions or required purchases after your session. You'll receive high-resolution digital downloads with personal printing rights. Prints, albums and artwork are available if you'd like them, but they're completely optional.

Mostly time. A Short Session gives us up to 30 minutes and works beautifully when we can keep things moving. A Full Session gives us up to 60–90 minutes, which allows more room for outfit changes, different setups, family combinations, elaborate concepts—or kids who decide they need a snack and absolutely will not cooperate with our timeline.  You aren't paying more to "unlock" additional photographs. You're paying for more time to create them.

Absolutely! My client wardrobe is available for sessions and includes an extensive collection of gowns, dresses, fantasy pieces and accessories.  You're also welcome to bring your own clothing or mix your pieces with mine.

I have an extensive client wardrobe with options for children and women's sizes ranging from approximately Small through 2XL/Goddess sizing, including many pieces with flexible sizing, corset backs, stretch or adjustable fits. I also have some wardrobe options for men and children, although there are a few size gaps in those collections. If you're hoping to use the client wardrobe and aren't sure what I have in your size, feel free to reach out before booking and I'll be happy to check! You're always welcome to bring your own wardrobe and we can use mine, yours, or mix the two.

Not at all. You don't need to arrive with a Pinterest board, a fully formed concept or any idea what you're doing. That's part of what I'm here for. Once you're booked, we'll plan your wardrobe, styling, location/set and overall direction together.

Sometimes thinking you know how to pose makes my job harder 🤣.  That's my job. I'll direct you throughout the session, from where to put your hands to what to do with your face. You don't need modeling experience or to even feel particularly comfortable in front of a camera.

You don't need to change your body before you're allowed to have beautiful photographs of yourself. If you want to make changes for yourself, that's completely personal and there's no judgment here either way. But please don't feel like you have to reach a certain weight before you can step in front of my camera. Part of my job is helping you with wardrobe, posing, lighting and angles so you feel comfortable and look incredible as you are right now. You don't need to know how to pose or arrive feeling perfectly confident—that's what I'm here for. And if you've been putting photographs off for years because you're waiting for "someday," I'd really love for you to exist in the photographs now, too.

Yes! Family combinations can absolutely be included. If you'd like several people, multiple combinations and individual portraits, I'd recommend the Full Session so we have enough time. For something simple such as Mom + child, a couple, or a few quick combinations, a Short Session may be plenty.

That's normal. I photograph real children, not tiny professional models. I have two of my own. I get it. We'll work with their personality rather than expecting perfection on command. If your child typically needs extra time to get comfortable, has sensory needs, or you'd like several outfits/combinations, the Full Session will give us more breathing room, unless you think they wont manage that long!

Yes. The session structure is based primarily on how much photography time you need, not whether we're creating fantasy portraits, maternity photographs, family portraits or something more traditional. Some especially elaborate concepts involving extensive custom artwork, materials, specialty makeup/hair, unusual locations or other significant production may require a custom quote. If that's the case, we'll discuss it before your session.

Hair and makeup are completely optional, so you can choose what works best for you! You're welcome to arrive camera-ready, do your own, bring your own artist, book with Serena when available, or have me help coordinate a professional artist. We have some wigs available.

Makeup by Serena — $125
Allow approximately 90 minutes.
Simple Hair Styling by Serena — $95
Curls, waves and simple photo-ready styling. Allow approximately 30–60 minutes.
Professional Hair & Makeup — from $150 per service
For more elaborate styling, specialty looks, or if you'd simply prefer to work with someone who does hair and makeup full-time, I'm happy to help coordinate a professional artist.

Hair and makeup time is in addition to your photography time, so it won't take away from your Short or Full Session. If you're not sure what you need, I'm happy to help you decide what will work best for the look we're creating.

Sessions can take place in my Newfield, New Jersey studio or on location within a 40 minute drive. If you have a particular location in mind, let me know during planning. Locations requiring significant travel, permits, admission fees or other expenses may have an additional charge that will always be discussed ahead of time.

Every delivered photograph receives my finished color, tone and overall styling, along with appropriate skin and image finishing.
Some images naturally call for more detailed artistic work than others. Extensive compositing, major alterations or highly elaborate custom artwork may be quoted separately when they're part of a custom concept.

Yes. Your gallery includes high-resolution downloads and personal print rights, so you're welcome to print and share your photographs.
Professional prints, wall art and albums are also available directly through your gallery if you'd rather have me handle it.

Your finished gallery will be delivered online, within 2-4 weeks depending on busy season. During high traffic times or many requested creative edits, galleries may take up to 6 weeks. If you are on a schedule please reach out and let me know and I can give you an ETA prior to booking.

Once your session is reserved, you'll receive everything you need to start planning. We'll go over your vision, wardrobe and any other details before your session. Then you show up, I guide you through the photography, and afterward I take care of the editing.
No reveal appointment. No choosing which photographs you can afford. No required purchase afterward.

Every session is different, so I don't limit your gallery to a specific number of images. You'll receive a curated gallery of the strongest finished photographs from your session, with duplicates, test shots, missed expressions and other unusable images removed.

I love elaborate. If we can create your vision using my existing wardrobe, backdrops, props and studio resources, your regular session collection may be all you need. If your concept requires me to purchase or create something specifically for you; such as a new gown, custom backdrop, extensive set or props, specialty materials, significant travel or location fees, or unusually extensive production, we'll create a custom quote before you book. You'll know exactly what your session costs before we create it.

These collections cover most portrait sessions, including access to my existing studio sets, backdrops and client wardrobe. If your vision calls for something beyond what I already have, such as a custom backdrop or gown, extensive set building or props, specialty materials, significant travel or location fees, or an especially elaborate production, I’d love to create it with you! Reach out for a custom quote and we'll dream up the details together.Any additional costs will always be discussed and approved before your session.

I love sharing the beautiful work we create! Images from portrait sessions may be featured in my portfolio, website, social media or other Serena Star Photography marketing. Prefer to keep your photographs private? Just let me know. Privacy requests are always respected, and you're welcome to discuss any concerns with me before your session. I understand that some sessions are more personal than others. Boudoir images are never shared without specific permission.

Absolutely! You're welcome to bring a friend, partner or family member along for moral support, dress fluffing, hype-person duties or just because you'd feel more comfortable having someone you know nearby. I only ask that anyone you bring is supportive, doesn't interfere with the session or make you uncomfortable, and respects the studio and other clients. My studio is also home to lots of wardrobe, props, artwork and retail goodies, so guests, especially children, will need to stay with you rather than exploring the studio on their own. If the person you're bringing would also like to be photographed, just let me know during planning so we can make sure your session has enough time for everyone.

I do! The studio can host private photography experiences, birthday celebrations, girls' days, fantasy dress-up experiences and other small group events. Parties can be customized around your group and may include photography, access to wardrobe and studio sets, themed activities or other creative additions depending on what you're dreaming up. Because every group is a little different, parties and private events are custom quoted based on group size, photography time and what you'd like included. Have an idea? Reach out and tell me what you're celebrating—we can create something magical around it. Think faerie parties, princess/fantasy dress-up, birthday portraits, mother-daughter experiences, girls' days, creator nights or simply an excuse to get dressed up and make something beautiful.

YES. If you've looked through my work, know which session fits you and you're ready to create something beautiful, you don't need to contact me first. Choose your session, select an available date and reserve it online, pay your deposit online!