About me
My style is pure and simple. I make honest portraits of kids being their natural selves. I strive to capture their many spontaneous states from happy to dreamy, silly to sensitive, irreverent to innocent. My photography captures the spirit of kids in the moment.
For me, a great portrait is all about expression. Kids are very expressive when they’re playful and relaxed. I tell their story by photographing them doing what they love most. That’s why I shoot primarily outdoors or at your home. Through a collaborative effort, I work with you to make personal and memorable images of your child. I approach each session with an open mind, creative eye and a sense of humor. My goal is to have a lot of fun!
I hold a B.A. in Photography and a B.S. in Architectural Design from the University of Virginia, and received a grant from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. I have over ten years of experience in the professional photo industry that includes photo shoot production, photo retouching and photo editing.
My love of photography was born the instant I made my first print in the darkroom. I soon fixed my lens on the wildly expressive natural world, and embarked on an ongoing series of botanical portraits. And now that passion extends to making portraits of children. My flame was fueled by the birth of my twin sons. They’re my wildly expressive and limitless sources of inspiration.
It’s true—childhood is fleeting. There’s no better reason to capture your child’s individual spirit at any and every major milestone. Photographs have a way of reminding us of what’s most important in life. I think doing what makes you happy is what’s most important. I’m happiest when I’m making photographs. I’d love to translate that joy into photographs of your child.
For more details about booking a session, please call me at 347-249-1358 or e-mail me at dian@dianlofton.com
Testimonials
I love the photos. We not only had a blast at the shoot you did at our house, we now have wonderful keepsakes of our very young children. You did what I’ve found impossible: You got all three of my kids—including the baby—to sit together for a sibling shot. I’m so happy with the photos. The prints are beautiful. We cannot stop looking at them. Many many thanks.
—Kristen, Montclair, NJ
The photos of my daughters are beautiful. My entire family just loved them! We are very happy with the prints. Thank you so much.
—Nesh, Bloomfield, NJ
My husband and I looked at the gallery of proofs… They are just gorgeous. We’re really happy with your work. Of course we think our kids are cute, but you were really able to capture their spirits. The pictures are just amazing. We are going to order quite a few. Thank you!
—Tammy, Montclair, NJ
These photos are a treasure—I love them all! What a wonderful record of our son. You made us look so nice. We are really lucky to have these. Thank you so much.
—Nicole, Princeton, NJ
We had a blast at our session with Dian. She was thoughtful and patient with the babies’ and my son’s schedules and moods. The images are great! She captured them at their best. We are so happy to have such beautiful photos.
—Nancy, Glen Ridge, NJ
Infant/child sessions
Where I shoot
My normal area of service in New Jersey includes Essex and Hudson Counties, parts of Bergen and Morris Counties, as well as the five boroughs of New York City. Additional travel fees may apply outside of these areas, please inquire.
My session fee
My session fee is $250.00 for up to 4 people, $25.00 each additional person, with a 6-person maximum. This fee is for my time and travel, and includes a pre-session phone consultation and an edited selection of 20-25 of the best images in a private online gallery. Portrait prints and products are priced separately.
When to book a session
I suggest booking at least 2 weeks in advance to ensure availability. A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 toward the session fee is required to save the date—the balance is due on the day of the session. Weekday and weekend sessions are available. Sessions that fall around major holidays are limited, so please book early.
Kids photograph best when they’re in good health, well rested and well fed. I like to schedule sessions around naptimes. We can take short breaks during the session for snacks and feedings as well.
Please also see the section Newborn sessions for more specific details.
When to reschedule
Please call at least 12 hours before your booking to reschedule if your child becomes ill—even the sniffles can put a damper on a portrait session. Because I shoot using as much natural sunlight as possible, I’ll contact you at least 24 hours before your booking to reschedule in the case of inclement weather.
Our phone consultation
During our pre-session phone consultation we can discuss the details of the photo shoot: What are you looking for in a portrait? What outfit would look best? What are your child’s interests? Is there a favorite location you have in mind? A special room in your home? Do you prefer color, black-and-white or both image options?
What to wear
If you don’t have a special outfit in mind, I find that kids look great in bright colors with simple patterns. This style of clothing works really well for black-and-white images, too. For timeless portraits, it’s best to avoid logos and brand names on clothing and shoes. Feel free to select a few outfits for different options. I’m happy to help you decide what will work best to create the most striking images.
What to expect at your session
Your session may last up to 2 hours. At the shoot location I look for the best light—I like to use as much natural light as possible. Then the fun begins! The shoot will be very playful and spontaneous, allowing your child to share with me their favorite things and their favorite things to do. I get to know as much as I can about them, and shoot to catch them in the moment.
Depending on the age of your child, I can also incorporate some gently posed images. I’m always ready to catch the genuine smiles and giggles, but I relish all your child’s moods and document them as we talk or play.
Every kid is unique, so that means every session is different. That’s what makes them exciting for me. Some sessions take place in one or two distinct locations, and others will be a study in perpetual motion. I love them all!
What happens after the session
Within three business days of your session, you’ll receive an e-mail containing a few preview images from the shoot. Then, within two weeks of your session you’ll receive a link to a private online gallery. The gallery will contain an edited selection of 20-25 of the best images for viewing and sharing with friends and family. Your personal gallery will be available for two weeks during which time prints may be ordered.
Once your order is pre-paid in full, please allow 3 weeks for delivery of your prints. Some custom products may require up to 6 weeks for delivery. Purchased images are archived for one year only.
Newborn sessions
My newborn session fee
My session fee for newborns (up to 8 weeks old) is $300.00 for up to 4 people, $25.00 each additional person, with a 6-person maximum. This fee is for my time and travel, and includes a pre-session phone consultation, an edited selection of 10-15 of the best images in a private online gallery, as well as one 8x10 print of your choice. Additional prints and products are priced separately.
When to book a newborn session
Please call during your third trimester to book a newborn session. We can tentatively schedule a booking based on your due date, and touch base again a few weeks before. I always leave room in my schedule to accommodate early and late stork deliveries!
Whenever possible, I like to shoot newborn sessions within the first 10 days after your child is born to catch the amazing curled-up body shape they’ve been holding for months in the womb. They tend to start naturally stretching out at around the two-week point.
Our phone consultation
During our pre-session phone consultation we can discuss the details of the photo shoot: What are you looking for in a newborn portrait? Are there personal items you’d like to incorporate into the photographs? Is there a favorite location you have in mind? A special room in your home? Do you prefer color, black-and-white or both image options?
What to expect at your session
The session may last up to 3 hours to allow for a relaxed pace. I shoot around your newborn’s natural need for naps, feedings and cuddle time. I shoot with as much natural light as possible. I collaborate with you to create personal and memorable images of your newborn’s first days, and the new family relationships that are created upon his or her arrival.
What to wear
New babies look very natural and classic in their bare skin. Colorful, textured blankets, pillows, rugs and hats are all excellent additions to newborn portraits. I can also make available several options for a soft “nest” for your newborn to comfortably and safely relax in during the photo session. For more visually graphic images, you can opt to have your own black clothing handy to act as a backdrop for your little one as you hold them in your arms.
What happens after your session
Within five business days, you’ll receive a link to your private image gallery. The gallery will contain an edited selection of 10-15 of the best images for viewing and sharing with friends and family. Your personal gallery will be available online for two weeks during which time prints may be ordered.
Once you choose an image for your complimentary 8x10 print, it will be delivered within five business days.
If you order additional prints, allow up to two weeks for delivery once your order is pre-paid. Please inquire about options and pricing for baby announcements. Some custom products may require up to 6 weeks for delivery. Purchased images are archived for one year only.
Pricing
For session fee information, please see either Child sessions or Newborn sessions.
A la carte print pricing
All prints are professionally printed in color or black-and-white on Kodak® Endura papers with a water-based luster coating for added UV protection and longer life when displayed in bright light.
24x30 - $255.00
20x24 - $220.00
16x20 - $145.00
11x14 - $90.00
8x10 - $40.00
5x7 - $30.00
4x6 - $20.00
8 wallets - $20.00
Storyboard prints
A series of portraits from your private image gallery, custom-designed by the photographer. Images are presented on one photographic print and printed on Kodak® Endura papers with a water-based luster coating.
16x20 (2 to 4 images) - $220.00
10x20 or 12 x 24 (2 to 4 images) - $165.00
10x10 or 12x12 (9 images) - $120.00
10x10 or 12x12 (2 to 4 images) - $85.00
Gallery wrap canvas prints
Printed on Kodak® Endura Professional paper, the emulsion is stripped off and bonded to museum quality canvas using high pressure and heat. The canvas print is wrapped around a high quality wood stretcher frame, so that 1-1/2 inches of the image is visible on each side of the frame. A water-based luster coating is added for UV protection and longer life when displayed in bright light. Backing paper and hardware are attached so the print is ready to hang.
24x30 - $495.00
20x24 - $390.00
16x20 - $300.00
11x14 - $230.00
Digital files on CD
Package A - $750.00 - All of your personal gallery images suitable for printing up to 8x10 inches, with a set of low-resolution files optimized for digital use.
Package B - $400.00 - All of your personal gallery images suitable for printing up to 4x6 inches, with a set of low-resolution files optimized for digital use.
Package C - $200.00 - All of your personal gallery images (without photographer's watermark) optimized for digital use such as cell phone, digital frames, screensavers, etc.
Individual files of your choice for printing up to 8x10 inches are available at $75.00 each.
Gift certificates
Gift certificates are available and make a great gift for baby showers, Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthdays, anniversaries and ‘just because’.
Please inquire about photo albums, photo books, cards, announcements and portrait packages.
Retouching
Retouching of skin complexion (such as blemishes) is included at no extra charge. Extensive retouching is available at your request for a fee of $50.00 per hour.
How to pay
Payments can be made by cash, check or credit card via PayPal.
Sales tax
New Jersey sales tax will apply to session, print, product and retouching fees for New Jersey residents.
All prices are subject to change without notice. Published prices are good for 30 days from the date of your session.
Terms of use
All session images are for your personal use only. Please contact the photographer for prior written permission if you would like to publish or reproduce images from your session. The photographer remains the sole copyright holder of all session images.
My guarantee
If you’re happy, I’m elated. That’s why I stand behind my work with a 100% money-back guarantee. If you’re unhappy with your session, I’ll be glad to do a new session at no charge, or give you a full refund of your session fee.