Session Info
Finer Points + Pricing
You can book a Spirit Session …
For yourself.
For you + a partner.
For you + your family.
You’ll invest $1,500 for the full experience — whether it’s a solo session, a couple’s session, or a family session.
Your investment includes absolutely everything — the prep call, the photo shoot experience, 30 digital pictures + up to 10 prints. Clean + simple.
(One exception to the $1,500 rule: If I’m traveling more than 30 miles outside of Albany, NY to do your Spirit Session, plan on an additional mileage charge of 55 cents per mile. If I’m traveling more than 100 miles, plan on a mileage + hotel charge. Talk to me, and we can work out a custom quote. No sweat.)
You’ll reserve your Spirit Session with a downpayment of $500. The remainder of your payment will be due by the date of your session. You can pay via PayPal, cash or check.
Any questions? Email me, anytime.
I aim for clarity + easy-breezy-ness. Always.
Spirit Session and Coaching Raves
Click on the photos to read more…
Elizabeth Duvivier
“All I can tell you is that if you EVER want photos that make you sing with happiness of you, or of someone you love, contact Thea Coughlin. I know you think I am biased (and I am) but I am telling you– she has the genius for taking portraits.” Elizabeth Duvivier
“.. doing a Spirit Session with Thea was one of the biggest gifts I’ve ever given myself. It isn’t just about the photos she takes—-its about the way she takes them. The way that she is attune to the energy dancing between the her subject and the lens; the way she makes you feel in the photo just exactly the way you feel in your soul.
If you ever find yourself needing a photo like this. One that makes your heart sing because it feels authentic, and gorgeous and true to you and the creative work that you do, seek Thea out. She’s pure magic.” Christina Rosalie
Cal Patch
“…if you are a creative business person, you know that shaping your visual presentation, your image, is all-important. i don’t think there’s any more i can say about how thrilled i am to have thea’s photos representing me. the pictures really say it all!”
Sarah Ahearn
“the images are so dreamy and beautiful, it made me see my space and myself in a whole new way” Sarah Ahearn
Maya Donenfeld
“She has a great knowledge of how to illuminate with light and lenses, but her true gift is the ability to first create a safe haven for your soul. She was then able to coax out my true self… my best self.” Maya Donenfeld
“Thea has the ability to nurture her clients as if they were her own family and create a lot of comfort around the photographic process.” Pixie Campbell
Click photo to read more
Christine Chitnis
“Thea helped me to feel beautiful, and the resulting images captured me- the “me” that I know and love” Christine Chitnis
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Mati McDonough
I had never met Thea before (admired her photography on-line), but she instantly made me feel relaxed and my most beautiful self. She was completely un-intimidating and down to earth, funny, generous and a straight shooter– especially when it came to my self-conscious areas… we all have them, and Thea has the tricks of the trade to solve them and is a woman who gets it and hones in on what IS flattering. She has this incredible gold apparatus too that makes the reflective light beautiful, such a pro. Mati McDonough
Christine Mason Miller
“These photos are IT… the photos I have been imagining in my mind…I am so excited about these…THESE are the pictures I have always wanted!!!”"My portrait session with Thea was one of the most enjoyable afternoons I’ve ever had, and I will never forget it. She put me completely at ease, made it totally fun, and I now have a beautiful collection of photos that I absolutely love sharing. As a professional artist and author, these photos are invaluable to me. Thea captured exactly what I was looking for and I couldn’t have asked for anything more perfect.” Christine Mason Miller
Samantha Cotterill
Cover photo of Samantha Cotterill Hands by Thea Coughlin
Click photo to read more
“…the observations that come from these sessions are true, honest representations of who we are at that moment….This is a gift that can only come from someone whose approach to photography allows us to let down our guards and be real. And you do that with incredible ease…..” Samantha Cotterill
Campbell | Family Session
Portfolio
I am in the process of updating my website. I apologize for the inconvenience.
You can view my family portfolio by visiting my website
FAQ
Do you have a studio location?
I have a small studio in my home, but I primarily shoot on-location. I can come to your home or any location you choose, indoor or outdoor. This saves you the hassle of traveling to and waiting at a studio, making your child sit in front of a backdrop in unfamiliar and sometimes uncomfortable surroundings. Most importantly, having me shoot in a location of your choice enables me to get to know the spirit of your child(ren) so that I can capture what is so unique and wonderful about them, and your family.
What if I do not have anywhere in my house that you could shoot the session, or if I have no ideas for a great outdoor location?
Weather permitting, I love photographing outdoors. I love scouting out new unique and beautiful settings for photoshoots, so I can make many suggestions if you are not sure where you would like to go. We spend so much special family time in our homes, that I do think my clients are really happy when we get to do part of the session in their home. Typically, I find excellent places for pictures in your home that you would not even consider. I have so many clients that ask this question who end up being very surprised once they see how small a space I need when I photograph indoors. If you still have any concerns, please address it specifically with me, and I promise we will work through it.
So do I have to hire a cleaning crew before you arrive at my home?
Haha, NO! Please remember, I am a parent, too. I know the reality of life. I have had sessions in the middle of home remodels, piles of laundry, and random piles of toys. Rest assured, I am so laid back that none of that bothers me, so do not drive yourself crazy getting your house ready before I come over.
What does it mean to be a “natural light” photographer?
When possible, I do not use flash or studio lighting. I use whatever light sources are available in your home or from outdoor light coming in (this is “natural light”). We can work with anything from morning sun through evening light. When I come to your home, I find all the places that use the natural light well and we go from there. I do have a portable studio lighting set up that I can use for backup on those super-overcast days, and the photographs look absolutely beautiful.
What if my child does not cooperate?
First, if you believe that your child is sick, we are better off rescheduling than forcing them through a session while they are uncomfortable. That said, my style can be described as “photojournalistic portraiture”. I want to help you and your family feel comfortable, so I can capture the love and life you share. I am not a traditional portrait photographer, so there will be no need for your child to sit still in an uncomfortable position to “pose”. They just need to be themselves, and I will capture them in photographs so you will never forget this stage of their wild and precious life. I am also a mom, and for 5 years I taught teenagers! We will take our time, get to know each other, and most of all, have fun. It is my goal to put your child(ren) at ease from the start, to go along with their moods, and stop for breaks as necessary. This is why my standard sessions are 2 hrs.
What if my child won’t cooperate at all?
I really do like the kids to be themselves. It shows their true spirit in the pictures. That said, we would all like some nice pictures of our children being happy and not throwing a fit! Here is the thing: most kids listen to other adults better than they do their own parents. Who knows why, but they do. When a toddler or child is having a rough time, I often encourage the parents to step away a bit. We just talk and play and I keep them at ease. I can sneak in some great pictures this way.
What clothing is necessary for maternity portraits?
I have photographed expectant mothers from completely bare to fully clothed depending on their comfort level. We will discuss a variety of options prior to your session.
What clothing is best?
Bottom line, what you wear is up to you, but here are a few pointers: Bright colors are good, but busy prints can take the focus away from the subject. White tends to wash out lightcolored skin, and can add too much contrast against dark colored skin. Bare feet look more natural and relaxed in general. Long sleeves are typically more flattering for adults, while kids look great with bare arms. Groups look best in similar styles or colors. Most of my clients choose casual everyday clothes over dressing up so that the photographs truly reflect who they are.
What if we are looking for formal portraits?
I encourage you to take a look at my web galleries before scheduling your session.You will see that I maintain a casual style. My goal is to capture natural expressions, not forced smiles. If you are looking for only traditional poses, studio portraits or backdrops, I can recommend a few studios.