—  About

Welcome to Kat Monk Photography.  We are very well known in Southern California for the last 20 years as a cutting edge and fine art photography studio. We still offer film but mostly shoot digital these days. We have a 1500 square foot studio/garden located in Manhattan Beach. However, we also shoot on the beach at sunset or on location at our client's homes.

newborns
If you are planning to have newborn portraits done, please book your session as much in advance, as possible. Newborns session are “reserved” on Mom’s due date. The actual date of the session will be determined after delivery - within the first 2 weeks of life, with the first week preferred. Older newborns tend to sleep less and do not curl up as easily. Newborn acne and colic may flare up at around 2 weeks of age, as well.

Kat handles her sessions according to each individual newborn. It’s not uncommon for the session to last from one hour to three hours - depending on what type of images the client desires, allowing for plenty of time for feedings and comforting.

We offer a newborn package that includes newborn photos, 3 mos., 6 mos., 9 mos., and 12 mos. photos. It is a great way to guarantee that you won’t miss any of these major milestones in your babies life. We offer a newborn package that includes newborn photos, 3 mos., 6 mos., 9 mos., and 12 mos. photos. It is a great way to guarantee that you won’t miss any of these major milestones in your babies life. The package includes one 8x10 custom enlargement from each session.

pregnancy
If you are pregnant and wish to have maternity portraits done, please schedule them to be shot between your 30-34th week. I would check out the website and see if you prefer beach, garden or studio. If you are looking for a simple session in the studio, with just under 15 frames, taken – then you can book our mini session. If you are looking for a more in depth photo shoot but just in one location than this would be our child session. Last but not least, if you are looking for a two location shoot – studio and beach for instance – this would be listed under our pregnancy commission.

sweet 16/seniors/teens
If you are looking for a unique style of photography, you’ve come to the right place! Our goal is to stay away from traditional senior poses, instead, we strive for vintage, urban-chic, and fashion inspired editorial images. It is your child’s opportunity to be a celebrity for a day! 

We usually will go to a couple different locations depending on the look your child is looking for. Shy, nervous – have her talk to a friend and they can do their sessions at the same time and receive a $100 discount.We recommend hair and styling for this photo shoot because it adds to the confidence level as well as the final product. 

engagement
Once again we are striving for a unique style of photography for your engagement portraits. Please look at our website and let us know if you prefer a beach session, wilderness session or an urban session. We recommend hair and styling for this photo shoot because it adds to the confidence level as well as the final product. 

on location
Your session can take place where you feel, without a doubt, most comfortable. Depending on the style of portrait you have in mind, I can shoot in your home, at a favorite park or outdoor area, and of course in my home-studio. I recommend a location where your children can easily and freely express themselves. If you choose to have an on-location shoot, typically morning and evening light are best as we try to avoid mid-day bright sun as much as possible. Even a cloudy day can produce amazingly beautiful portraits. Please make sure that only the people you wish to have in your portraits attend the session, as this helps prevent unwanted distractions and cramped spaces.

holidays
The holidays are a wonderful time for planning family portraits. These sessions book up very quickly. We begin shooting them in July and go through the beginning of December. This is unquestionably, our busiest time of year and it is not uncommon for our repeat clients to book a year in advance.  Please make your appointments as soon as possible to insure an opening for your family. Feel free to call or email a timethat works best for you.

time
We try to tailor your session to your personal needs. Whether it be a morning session for a fresh and rested newborn, or an evening shoot when your entire family is available, we work to devote ample time for each session and do our best to work around naps, feedings or work schedules. Your session can last anywhere from 1-2 hours, depending on location and the type of portraiture we are working towards. Quality and creativity take time. Recommended times for our garden session are early morning or late afternoon. Recommended times for beach sessions are sunset. We realize that many clients would like to shoot at the Manhattan Beach Pier but we don’t recommend it – unless that is exactly what you are looking for. However, if you would like to take beach photos during the morning – the MB Pier is our only option to ensure that we are working in the best possible lighting.

what to wear
Kat often suggests that people wear casual, classic clothing, free of pattern prints or logos. Solid, either very dark or light shirts work well with khaki or denim and maximize contrast and drama. If being photographed in a group, try to keep a similar theme to your outfit choices, using complimentary colors and styles. I’m a big fan of naked babies and bare feet! Nothing is more pure and perfect than the skin of a child. I work to capture your expressions and relationships...don’t let clothing get in the way of an already flawless subject!

after the session
All images are presented to you approximately 2-4 business days after the session during your private presentation/viewing appointment. We are also available to arrange a time that works best for you, for Kat to visit you in your home or consult with you over the phone to personally go over your images, discuss custom framing or consult over the ideas you have for displaying your portrait pieces.

more
Before reserving your date, please be sure to thoroughly read the rates and details section of the pricelist. A 100% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your session date. Twenty four hours is required for rescheduling. During the holiday season we have a 48 hour rescheduling policy for weekend appointments. The holiday season is defined as 11/1-12/31.

all materials copyrighted by Kat Monk

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