About
Hi, My name is Tonya Brisson. I have over 25 years of professional early childhood education experience, 5 years of which were spent working with developmentally disabled children. I've been a mother since 1993, and a professional photographer since 2015. I understand Children and excel at capturing their unique quirks and charms.
I have structured my business to work exclusively with children. My Mount Pleasant studio is specifically designed for newborns & Children's portraiture that includes wardrobe, furniture, and props.
I annually partake in continuing education classes on Newborns & children, their development, safety, and photographic techniques specifically related to babies and kids.
When you have a medical condition, you go to a specialist. When you need a birthday cake, you go to a bakery. When you want to have an enjoyable picture-taking experience that results in authentic imagery of your amazing kids, you call me!
I am the only photographer in Charleston to work exclusively with children.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
1) First, we have a telephone consultation to determine your needs and explain our method.
2) To hold your spot, a 50% non-refundable retainer is due upon booking.
3) Newborn sessions are always scheduled between 9-10 am, in our Mount Pleasant Photography studio. Come with a clear schedule because newborn sessions last 3+ hours! We will do sibling and family pictures first.
4) In-home sessions (also known as Lifestyle sessions) are best done in the mornings and take about 2 hours. We will have a design consultation to talk about setup, wardrobe, and lighting.
Kids & Teens: Next, a wardrobe & style consultation to ensure the best results.
Kids & Teens part 2: Now it's picture day! As your family photographer, I will have your kids play games, role play, and just have FUN! Kids get to pick a prize from our treasure chest at the end of their session!
5) A sharable online proofing gallery with web-sized, watermarked social media files will be delivered to your email within 14 days.
6) Next is your View & Order Appointment for designing your photo album and/or purchasing your prints. This can be done in your home, our studio, or by zoom/Facetime.
7) Delivery: Most vendors are sending orders out within 14 days. We personally deliver orders to clients living within 30 miles of downtown Charleston, South Carolina. Out of town friends and family may order by zoom meeting, phone call, or from our online store.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have over 25 years of professional early childhood education experience, 5 years of which were spent working with developmentally disabled children. I've been a mother since 1993, and a professional photographer since 2015. I understand Children and excel at capturing their unique quirks and charms. I annually partake in continuing education classes on Newborns & children, their development, safety, and photographic techniques specifically related to babies and kids.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
30-minute mini-sessions start at $150 1 subject, 1 location, 1 outfit. 10+ images produced, 4 free digital downloads. Prints start at $20.
newborn Sessions last 2-3 hours and cost $425. last 2-3 hours, *1 Newborn (aged birth-6 weeks),*Wardrobe Consultation,*4 backdrops/sets,*3 outfits,*Use of Mount Pleasant Studio,*Use of studio wardrobe,*Use of studio props,*Professional retouching,*2 free re-edits,*20+ images delivered,*8 free digital files,*Online proofing gallery,*Social Media Posts,*Add a same-day family photography session to this package for $50,*In-home Lifestyle sessions (includes family imagery) add a $75 Travel fee. Finished Product:*1 free brag book ($125 value), Prints start at $20 for an 8x10.
Kids sessions last 1-2 hours and cost $275,*1-2 hours,*up to 2 subjects,*Wardrobe consultation,*3 Location Options (in-studio or on location in Mount Pleasant, Charleston or Isle of Palms),*Use of studio wardrobe,*Use of studio props,*Two outfit changes,*Two backdrops/set changes,*20+ delivered images,*8 free digital files,*Professional retouching,*One free re-edit,*Online Gallery,*Social Media Posts,*Add a same-day family photography session to this package for $50,*In-home lifestyle sessions (includes family imagery) adds a $75 travel fee. Finished Product:*1 free brag book ($125 value), Prints start at $20 for an 8x10.
Senior/Teen sessions last 1-2 hours and cost $275 1-2 hours. *Wardrobe consultation, *3 location choices, *Use of studio wardrobe, *Use of studio props, *3 outfit changes, *3 backdrops/set changes, *24+ delivered images, *8 free digital files, *Professional retouching, *One free re-edit, *Online Gallery, *Social Media Posts, *Add a same-day family portrait session to this package for $50! *Add friends to your session for $50 each! Finished Product: *1 Brag Book ($125 value)
Stylized sessions (Santa, Fairy portraits, Mermaid portraits, Princess Portraits, Unicorn portraits, or Superhero portraits) run $99-150.
I sell Albums, Wall art: matted and framed, canvas and loose prints. I sell novelty photo gifts such as jewelry, kid's toys, water bottles, and more. I also sell Holiday cards.
How did you get started in this business?
I started by photographing my own family and landscapes, just for relaxation and art. People liked my work and started offering to pay me to do their pictures. I have a Degree from Antonelli College, a national art school, where I learned to sharpen my artist's eye and how to use programs like photoshop to create the beautiful and magical world I see in my mind.
I've worked with children my entire life, and I love it. Becoming a children's portrait specialist was an act of a higher power. My entire adulthood has been a series of side steps leading me to this destination. Fate knew where I belonged before I did! I've never been happier!
What types of customers have you worked with?
Kids and adults of all shapes, sizes, races, religions, orientations, and abilities. I also have a background in wedding photography, so small details come second nature to me!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I did superhero portraits for a family of 5 kids, 2 of which were foster kids. Foster kids are not permitted to have their images on the internet, so I wasn't able to use their imagery on my websites. It saddened me to think about all the foster kids who never get to see their baby pictures, or how no one buys their school pictures. Pictures are what shapes our identity and make us feel valued and loved! I knew right then and there that I had to change this. I have since partnered with Together We Rise, a charity dedicated to Foster kids. I raise money for Superhero boxes and I am in the process of developing ways to ensure Foster kids get pictures of their growth and childhood. This way, as they grow up and when they become adults...they have a sense of identity and worth. They have something to show THEIR kids in the future.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Ask the photographer about their lighting education. Even in full daylight, flash is needed. Ask them how they relate to kids overall. What tricks do they use? How do they handle a child who isn't in the mood to be photographed? Bribery only goes so far. Your kids need to feel like they are in a safe place with someone who can relate to them! Patience and the ability to be silly in public are must-have skills! Ask them if they know how to pose adults. Angels and lighting are everything!
Photography is more than pressing a button and saying cheese. there's behind-the-scenes knowledge that every pro should know. You pay hard-earned money for your pictures. Be sure to invest in a professional who values this and has invested in his/her education, to serve you in the best way possible.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
1. Location. It sets the theme/mood.
2. Purpose. Is this for a milestone event or just a yearly portrait?
3. Where is the finished product going? Your Professional needs to know this so he/she is sure to get the right types of shots.
4. Personality. Your professional needs to learn a little bit about everyone being photographed. This way he/she can capture your/their true identity, not just the forced 'say cheese" pictures that leaves the viewer feeling blah!
5) Hire a photographer based on their skill, personality, and their results. Pricing will reflect their skill and experience. Photography is a personal purchase. One size does not fit all. If you find someone you like but can't afford, ask if they have discount programs or do payment plans. Photographers are emotional beings. Flattery works on us!