My Approach
The goal for your session is to forget why I’m there.
to our session
The last thing a photo + film session should do is cause more pain. As a family photographer and filmmaker with 14 years of experience, it’s important to me to put you at ease quickly, to earn everyone’s trust, and to create a relaxed, stress-free experience that leaves your family more uplifted and connected than when I arrived.
Depending on the context/timing, these sessions will feel light-hearted and playful. I feel deep purpose in creating a context for everyone’s enjoyment...a calm in your storm. While there may be tender moments, my mission is to capture memories you’ll cherish and want to remember. I desire to create keepsakes for you and your children that will be uplifting and heartwarming…not painful or harming. To this end I am intentional in the music I choose for your film and how I edit your story.
“Amy is the kindest, most soulful, creator. She will make absolute magic for you and make it feel effortless.”
shaina s.
Complete an inquiry form and sign up for an introductory call.
My Process
We will discuss your budget, session dates/timing and cast a vision for your project.
I’ll send over a contract and questionnaire.
I’ll confirm details the week of your session.
You’ll send me assets (e.g. a self-recorded voiceover, personal photos/videos) to incorporate in your film.
I’ll come to your home or meet you at our location and guide you gently through it.
I’ll deliver your photos within 2 weeks and your film in about a month.
Allison W.
"Amy is the kind of person that you think you must have known for a long time, she is so invested in your story that you feel like she must have known it from the beginning.
When I received our family film, I sobbed the entire way through because of how perfectly her work captured us. It is an heirloom - it is such a gift to us now and will be for the generations to come. I cannot recommend Amy enough…she is a master at what she does."
I have a two-prong creative business…both are purpose-filled and missional for me. Amy Murgatroyd Portraits + Films (AMP+F) was built for income and Chiaroscuro Photos + Films (CP+F) was built for impact. AMP+F finances both.
We will discuss the scope of your project and determine what you can reasonably afford. Payment plans are available. Often my Chiaroscuro families are gifted discounted sessions by people in their community looking for a way to support and bless their family. It’s been a privilege to be a conduit of that love.
PRICING
6. Push myself creatively to tell your unique story in the most beautiful way possible.
4. Honor your loved one’s dignity and celebrate their strength and resilience.
5. Create a context for joy and playful abandon.
3. Preserve your memories because they matter.
2. Hunt for the light above your darkness and beauty beyond your shadows.
1. Love your family through my lens.
As your family's storyteller I will...
my promise
Here are some questions you might have and answers that should help…
FAQ's
How quickly can I get on your schedule?
When we chat over our call or Zoom, I’ll get a sense for your urgency and will do the best I can to accommodate. Weekends book out further. If I can’t find you a weekend date in the time frame you need it, we may have to settle for a weekday. That said, I do have limited capacity. As much as it pains me, there may be times I can’t accommodate.
How long is a session?
Typically 1.5-2 hrs but that will depend on your loved one’s energy/capacity. I don’t want to overstay my welcome, and will work with whatever time you can comfortably afford me.
What do most families spend? Do you offer payment plans?
Photo galleries take me about 6 hours to edit, and films can take up to 20 hours. To maintain a profitable business and to cover my expenses, I charge about $75 per hour over at AMP+F.
Many of my CP+F families are facing soaring medical expenses, and that isn’t realistic for them. For this reason, I don’t have set pricing. I am happy to work with you on pricing, and we can discuss it on our call. I do offer payment plans. Many CP+F clients are also gifted sessions with me, and I will work with friends and family to make it affordable.
Do you offer gift certificates?
I do! Gift certificates are packaged with a note, welcome guide, and small gift and mailed directly to the recipient.
What if our situation changes and we need to cancel or reschedule?
I fully understand that there are many unknowns in your world, and life can be hard to predict. I am happy to reschedule or cancel as needed.
What do we wear?
I will give you guidance on our call and in your welcome guide/prep email, but please don’t stress this. If I do my job well, the last thing anyone will notice is your clothes. It will be your connection as a family that shines!
What if we have mobility issues?
As a PT by training, I’m familiar with wheelchairs, mobility devices, and adaptive equipment of every kind. In both of my professions (PT and photographer), I have worked with families in hospitals and with those who are bedridden. Our session will comfortably adapt to your family.
Can we book you for photos only?
If that’s what your heart needs, but I will try to talk you out of it. Video captures your loved one's voice, mannerisms, laughter, and personality. I promise you that video is what your heart will crave years from now. There are many, many photographers in the Boston area, but video is something I can uniquely provide you and your children.
Where are you located, and are you willing to travel?
I am based in the Boston metro area. I ask that discounted sessions be within a 30 min. radius of my home. Sessions beyond that radius may incur travel charges.
How do I order prints? Do you charge extra for prints?
Depending on your urgency and my schedule, you should receive your photo gallery within 2 weeks of our session. For the truest color and longest-lasting prints, I recommend ordering your session prints direct through your gallery. Your order is fulfilled by my preferred professional lab, at no markup (i.e. I make no profit from your prints). Pro labs print on higher-quality printers and paper. If you’d prefer to spend a little less on lesser-quality prints, then I recommend uploading your images to MPix – the best consumer print lab I’ve found. Just promise me you won't walk your files into a Walgreens or Costco!
What’s the best way to view and enjoy my film?
Your photos will be delivered first, and your film 3-4 weeks after your session. I can’t begin your film edit until I have all your personal assets (e.g. self-recorded love letter, photos/videos) from you. Therefore, delivery may be dependent on when you have the emotional bandwidth to get them to me.
You will receive a download link to your film. Be sure to download the highest 4K resolution! All films are shot in 4K resolution and are sharp on even the largest screens.
I recommended purchasing a Motion Book video album. I have an affiliate discount and can pass on those savings by ordering a video album for you. They cost about $140. These video albums are shipped directly to your home preloaded with your film.