My name is Léa Cartier, I am a professional photographer specializing in portrait, newborn, and maternity photography. Capturing seminal moments for my clients is a gift, and I approach every shoot with gratitude and openness. I take great pride in creating striking and flattering photographs. I studied fine art photography and earned a master’s degree in studio lighting. Fifteen years ago I founded Le Studio in New York City and have won many awards since.
I first like to plan a shoot with my clients over a free phone consultation, to discuss their bespoke session. During the shoot, my goal is to make you feel at home, welcomed, and relaxed. I am here for you and strive to focus the shoot around you and your needs. I will capture your story in natural and professional portraits that you will cherish for life.
Technical Excellence: I use studio lighting which enables me to shoot at any time of day, in any location. I use high-end fashion photography gear and lighting to create crisp, beautiful photographs that flatter your skin and features.
Premium Wardrobe and Styling: I provide and curate a wide array of textured gowns, silks, and wardrobes for mothers to craft elegant and timeless photographs. For infants, you will choose from an extensive selection of knit clothing, specialized newborn props, and scenic backgrounds that will result in heirloom artwork.
Luxury Studio Location: I am excited to welcome you into my spacious 1,500 square-foot, 16ft ceiling studios in Brooklyn and Manhattan. My top priority is my clients’ safety. The studio, props, and gear are cleaned thoroughly between each shoot. Each booking is spaced in time so that clients will never cross paths. I wear a mask for the entire shoot and I get tested weekly. Please call me to discuss any specific concerns.
On-Site Photoshoots: I offer photo sessions at clients’ homes as well. I can bring all the necessary equipment for newborn and family sessions to you. You do not need to worry about lighting, as I will bring professional studio lighting equipment. The choice of props, scenic backgrounds, and styling is identical to studio photoshoots. You have the option to experience a high-end newborn or family session in the comfort of your own home with equal results.
FAQ
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Your appointment can be rescheduled without charge up to 48h before the shoot. The deposit is not refundable.
What are the High-Resolution Digital Images?
After your photoshoot you will receive your color enhanced, High-Resolution Digital Images. I will edit out the blinks, blurs, and obvious ‘in-between’ shots, and share for your review all pictures from your session. Each package comes with a certain number of High-Resolution Digital Images that you will be able to download from your online gallery. From your Online Gallery you will also be able to select your favorite images for Artistic Retouching and the Fine Art Digital Composition. If you want to purchase more images than are offered in your package, please do not hesitate to ask me.
What is Artistic Retouching?
With the Artistic Retouching, I will remove or reduce any imperfections to improve the overall image, both background, and subject. This includes skin and silhouette enhancement for adult and maternity portraits. I remove blemishes, smooth out wrinkles, eczema, dry patches, and erase dark circles or scratches. My style retains skin texture while keeping shading and highlights natural. Furthermore, on request, I can slim double chins and extra weight. At your request, I can also whiten your teeth and improve the overall appearance of your hair. I strive to make my models look their absolute best while still looking like themselves. Please refer to the before/after gallery for examples.
What is a Fine Art Digital Composition?
With the Fine Art Digital Composition, I photoshop the subject into a scenic background of your choice from our portfolio. Options for Newborn Portraits include baskets and swings. Options for Maternity Portraits include flying silks and windowed silhouettes. The Fine Art Digital Composition includes Artistic Retouching as described above. Please refer to the before/after gallery for examples.
How long after the photoshoot will I receive my photos? Is there a fast turn around available?
You will receive your High-Resolution Digital Images two weeks after your photoshoot. From there you will be able to select your Artistic Retouching and your Fine Art Digital Composition. Two weeks after submitting your selections you will receive your retouched images.
A fast turnaround is available for an additional $100 rush fee. We will deliver your downloadable gallery link of High-Resolution Digital Images within three days instead of two weeks. After that, you will be able to select photos for your Fine Art Retouching and can also have them delivered within three days instead of two weeks for another $100 rush fee.
Where will the sessions take place?
Le Studio Portrait Photography NYC has two locations, one in Manhattan and one in Brooklyn.
Our Brooklyn studio is located at 14 Verona Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231. The 1,500 square-foot, 16ft ceiling studio has elevator access and easy parking. You will probably be able to park right in front of the building at our Brooklyn location!
Our Manhattan Studio is conveniently located in the center of the city in Union Square, at 873 Broadway, New York, NY 10003. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. It will be my pleasure to help you prepare for a session or find either Le Studio NYC location.
Depending on the package and portrait, we also offer in-home or on-site sessions for an additional cost. Experience a high-end newborn, baby, or family session in the comfort of your own home! The choice of props, scenic backgrounds, and styling is identical to studio photoshoots. For adult portraits, we can take photos at a location of your choice with equal results. You do not need to worry about lighting, as I will bring professional studio lighting equipment. On-site shoots are available for Complete and Deluxe Sessions only, in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Please inquire for a custom travel fee if you are based elsewhere. I can travel nationally and internationally.
What are my usage rights for the photographs?
You are free to use the images from your photoshoot for your personal use and for self-promotion. Even though Le Studio maintains copyright for all photos, we are very flexible and want you to get the most use out of your photos. Please tag us on social media when you publish your photos! To credit us please add www.lestudionyc.com or @leacartierstudio.
