frequently asked Questions
This is our most commonly asked question! 'Azzura' is pronounced exactly like the word 'azure', but with an 'a' at the end. The name 'Azzura' is derived from the Italian word for 'azure', the color blue. Since we have Italian lineage and all of our albums are custom-printed in Italy, we chose a name that reflects our heritage.
How do you pronounce 'Azzura'?
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Azzura Photography is internationally known for our ‘Illustrative’ style of photography, blending a photojournalistic approach with fun group photographs and unmistakable artistic vision. The result is natural and stunning photographs that truly tell the story of you and your family. Visit our portfolio to explore artwork from some of our favorite photoshoots!
How would you describe your photographic style?
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We never limit the number of images we create, which gives us the freedom to take as many frames as needed to get just the right expression. We expertly edit the images to provide you a curated set of finished images that you will love. Most family, maternity, and senior photoshoots will have 60-80+ images to choose from, and events such as holiday celebrations, bar and bat mitzvahs, birthday parties, and celebrations of life will typically average 50-75+ finished images per hour.
How many photographs will we receive?
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We work exclusively with the latest Canon EOS professional digital camera equipment, including the Canon 5D Mark IV and Canon 1DX. We carry between 3 and 4 cameras to every wedding as well as a variety of strobe and modeling lights, since different lighting and lenses work best for different photographs. Our favorite lenses are the "long lenses" (100-200mm) that allow us to photograph moments from a distance (often without you even being aware of the camera) and the L-Series 24mm 1.4, L-Series 50mm 1.2, and L-Series 85mm 1.2, which provide incredible sharpness with a shallow depth of field that create a truly unique look and work beautifully in low light.
What type of equipment do you use?
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Absolutely! We invest a tremendous amount of time after the photoshoot to create your finished collection of images. First we spend hours reviewing and culling the dozens (and often hundreds) of photographs created, selecting the best of each and every series. Next the selected images are organized into a cohesive storyline, and we begin the multi-day process of adjusting for color, exposure, contrast, and saturation in Lightroom so that each image looks its best. We complete the process by individually cropping the images for balance and composition, then convert them from their RAW format into the finished high-res archival .jpg files available for purchase as "Digital Images." If needed, our prints, albums, and wall portraits also receive complimentary additional retouching to ensure a perfect finish.
Do you edit the photographs?
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We love rich color, as well as the timeless and dramatic look of black & white photographs! Because we photograph in digital, every photograph we create is available in color and black & white. This gives us total flexibility when designing your collection of images, albums, and prints.
Do you photograph in color or black & white?
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Please visit our Investment page for details on sessions and pricing.
What can we expect to invest in our photography?
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We often book 2-4 weeks in advance, and some dates (particularly the summer months) are more popular than others. Please contact us at 425.746.0888 or inquire online to check availability.
How far in advance are you booked?
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Everyone is a little different based on how quickly your baby is growing, but we generally recommend scheduling the session between 32-36 weeks. We do book a few weeks in advance, so for the best options please contact us at 30 weeks to plan your session.
When is the best time to schedule maternity portraits?
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We love animals, and our cockatoo has jumped into more than one portrait session! We are happy to include your pets if pre-arranged. Please let us know when you book your session, and we will give you additional guidelines on how to successfully incorporate your furry (or feathered) friends.
Can we include our pets?
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The investment for your session comes in two parts: 1) the session fee and 2) your portrait order. The session fee is required at time of booking to secure your photoshoot, and ranges from $149-$475 depending on the type of shoot. After the photographs are created, you can then choose the combination of prints, digital images, and other products that will best fit your needs. Most of our families invest anywhere between $600-$2,500 in a combination of digital images, wall portraits, and gift prints. Families that choose to create an album usually invest between $1,900-$2,900, depending on the size of the album and their personal preferences. We accept cash, check, Visa and MasterCard.
What is the payment schedule?
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Great question! Visit our What to Wear Guide for great tips on what to bring and how to prepare to look your best.
How can I prepare for my portrait session? What should I wear?
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Absolutely! We want you to love your photographs, so if you have something specific in mind please don't hesitate to share.
If I have something specific in mind, is it OK to ask for it?
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We know you will be excited to see your photographs, and we will be excited to share them with you! Your photographs are typically ready 1-2 weeks after the photoshoot, which is when we schedule your Premiere Show at our Bellevue Studio. The Premiere Show is an intimate gathering where we break out the champagne to reveal your photographs for the very first time. After enjoying the images on the big-screen, we help you select the images you would like to order as prints, digital images, wall portraits, and albums to create your newest family heirlooms.
How soon after the photoshoot will we see our photographs?
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Please contact us at 425.746.0888 or inquire online to secure your photography session.