CIN•E•MA
[/ˈsinəmə/] •noun
Cinema is the production of movies as an art or industry.
Since the beginning of my professional photography career, I knew I wanted to create art–not just photos. I wanted each photo to feel interactive as if you could step in and relive the same moment over and over with each glance.
I want each image to tell your story
CINEMATIC SESSION STYLING
Cinematic Imagery, also known as Documentary-Style or Storytelling Photography, is a method of photography that requires more planning off-camera versus on-screen. When you think about film-making, you consider all of the different elements: wardrobe, soundtrack, location, etc. Filmmaking & entertainment combined with photography creates my style, which is crafting all of the elements of your session to feel intentional and capturing it in a way that feels authentic. I call this...
Visual Poetry using Cinematic Session Styling
HOW DOES IT WORK? ( A.K.A THE PROCESS )
Prepare to relax and take part in your own short film. We’re in no rush, so sit back and enjoy our time together. Our goal is to create images that look and feel as if you’ve just paused your favorite movie. From the moment your inquiry hits my inbox, the planning begins. We’ll bounce ideas back and forth to determine what you want from working with me via a virtual/in-person meeting. This helps me get to know you, and your story, and break the ice before we start shooting.
01.
the inquiry
If you've been around a while, you'll notice my inquiry form has almost doubled in size. This is to help me determine if I'm the photographer for you! Once I receive and respond to your inquiry, we'll plan our first meeting and start the booking process.
02.
the meeting
In our first meeting, we'll go over my contract, welcome guide, and booking process. If you decide to continue with me as your photographer then we'll begin planning your dream session! We'll go over my storytelling questionnaire and while we chat, I'll be putting together your custom mood board.
03.
once you're booked
As soon as we have your session marked in our calendars, we’ll begin piecing together all of the elements of your story. Not only will you get your tailored mood board, but you’ll also receive a storyboard and playlist that follows your cinematic theme.
04.
the experience
My sessions will now be more of an experience than just a “photoshoot.” We’ll combine your hobbies and interests to formulate a session that is tailored to you. Whether that’s sitting at your favorite coffee shop or making Sunday dinner together, I’ll shoot my way around your day-to-day life. The goal is for you to be so engulfed in your partner that you don’t even realize you’re being photographed.
MOOD BOARDS & MORE
Each client will get a curated mood board, playlist, and movie poster that will tell a cohesive story throughout their session. This will include everything from wardrobe inspiration, textures, movie stills, and even some props/scene-building elements.
Mood Board
If you know me, you know that I LOVE Pinterest. When I'm not using it for home decor & recipes, I'm always saving my favorite visual elements. Each mood board will include wardrobe inspiration (products, colors, accessories, and full outfits), color schemes & textures, prop ideas, and visuals that draw specific emotions.
Playlist
Music is my biggest influence when it comes to creating art. Whether I'm painting, cleaning the house, or taking a road trip, the perfect playlist shapes my entire mood. Adding a playlist to our session will help you to step into each scene and channel emotions from each song– and it makes our time together more fun!
Custom Posters
Having your own movie poster helps to channel your inner film-buff and bring a sense of realness to your photos. It's also a super fun way to share with your friends & family that your gallery is COMING SOON...
I’ll also be introducing prop/wardrobe budgets to even further take the stress of planning and shopping off your shoulders. If there are specific props e.g. antique mirrors, books, or coffee mugs that you would prefer to feel lived-in/thrifted I’ll take your budget and search for props within that range. The same goes for your wardrobe, I include wardrobe inspiration in your customized moodboard, but if you prefer links to exact products, I have you covered.
CHANGING MY APPROACH
As I switch styles, you’ll notice traditional posing will be almost completely abolished from my portfolio. Instead of posing, I’m going to be prompting. I’ll give you a very simple direction and however you and your partner choose to “act out” that direction will be unique to you! So instead of saying: “Hold this coffee pot in your right hand, and smile at your partner” it’ll look more like— “Pour yourselves some coffee!” This allows for more natural interactions that feel raw and authentic.
Typically when you book a photographer you're looking for a photographer with a specific "editing style" whether that be: bright & airy, dark & moody, warm, etc. I can't truly place myself in any category when it comes to editing. My editing is heavily film-inspired (not currently offered, but could be a new addition to Palumbo Photography...) but it's also mood-inspired. The feeling of your session and the message we're aiming for will determine a large majority of the editing that is done in post. If I were to label it, it would be enhanced true-to-life, leaning more moody and nostalgic than bright and airy.
Moving forward, when you book with me, you’re not just booking a photographer…you’re making a new friend. A friend who is always available to see your fit-checks, thrift finds, or music recommendations. The goal is to create a long-lasting relationship between us so you’re getting photos from someone who GETS YOU.
I want my clients to have a memorable experience, not just photos of a memory
Don’t worry too much about this change, because until I fully transition to this style, I will always start your session with a good-ole “Mom Photo.” The one where you’re smiling directly at the camera and you can give it to Mom and Grandma for their fridge.
Why This Change Is Happening Now
I’ve spent so many years just booking sessions to have a fully booked calendar that I’ve finally learned to slow down and appreciate the clients who are willing to pay for my art. Dedicating time to each client is much more fulfilling for me, and in the end, your photos will show it. You’ll be able to FEEL the thought and care put into crafting each scene and composing each image.
I’ve teetered back and forth for so long wondering if this jump in styles is worth the chance and I’ve finally realized it was time. It’s a huge risk doing something out-of-the-ordinary–I mean how many people can say, “We just had our photos taken but we didn’t look at the camera once!” It’s daunting, especially when you’re so used to seeing photographers all over the marketing creating beautiful, traditionally posed images. I wanted to create an option for those who didn’t want the clean-cut, smile-at-the-camera type of photos.
To me, a fly-on-the-wall approach allows people to relax, open up, and be vulnerable. Instead of worrying about how you look, you’re so focused on being in the moment. Having a photographer you can trust to “get your good side” while you’re living and creating memories is so much more valuable than fabricated scenes that look good on a Christmas card.
closing remarks...
THANK YOU
I’ve met so many wonderful people on my photography journey and I’ve been able to learn so much from every one of them. If you’ve ever been photographed by me I want to say THANK YOU.
Thank you for being so patient with me on this journey and following along as I’ve been growing, changing, and crafting art.