A La Mode Photo — Local services in Santa Monica

I don't even know where to start with this review! From the moment I discovered Heather at A La Mode Photography (through yelp) I knew she was the one my husband and I wanted for our maternity shoot! Heather offered to meet me in person to check out her portfolio. She is so professional and just a gem of a person! Someone I would now consider not only an extremely talented photographer but a friend! She did a "belly assessment" and made recommendations on an optimal time to schedule the shoot. I'm so pleased I listened to her. She sees lots of baby bumps and she knows her stuff! So based on her recommendation we booked the shoot this month.

When we got to the location Heather had everything ready for me. The only thing we needed to worry about bringing was a strapless bra and my husbands shirts...easy! That took a huge burden off of me because I'm a perfectionist. It's hard to find maternity dresses/outfits that suit my personality and show off my bump in a pretty way without being limited to 1 or 2 outfits. Not to mention the cost of maternity dresses is outrageous and the selection is limited. Having Heather provide my outfits was amazing and she tailors them to your body on site at the shoot! Genius!

I'm OCD and Heather definitely far exceeded our expectations! I knew the shoot would be amazing because she is extremely gifted but I always worry that mine might not come out as pretty as everyone else's. Well I can tell you they came out stunning (based on the sneak peak shots I got)! I've never had a photographer send sneak peaks...not to mention so quickly! It really put my mind at ease and I can now relax knowing the rest will be phenomenal too!

We got married out of state fairly recently and that photographer was not cheap and had glowing reviews on yelp....well he definitely doesn't have nearly the eye that Heather does or the attention to detail. She is one of a kind! Heather pays attention to every fine detail but in such a way that you feel relaxed and you don't even really notice during the shoot. She makes you feel so comfortable. Looking at the wedding shots vs Heather's pictures you can see the difference in my husband's and in my face...we look way more relaxed and confident in the pictures Heather captured. Heather is so friendly and outgoing. She keeps the shoot fun because she is so relaxed and in her element doing what she loves...photography!

Her shots are so beautiful and timeless. She is a dream to work with! I'm truly blessed I found her. These pictures will be cherished forever. They are something I'll look back on with my husband years from now when our son is grown and we will reflect on what a beautiful memory pregnancy was!

We are forever grateful...

I had an excellent experience with Heather at A La Mode Photo. I am 100% convinced she is the guru of maternity photography! Her style is untouchable, she is highly talented with a unique style and eye for this art. I discovered Heather by doing an Internet search, and while searching I stumbled upon many other "maternity photographers." Yet, none of the other on-line portfolios were comparable to what I saw when I viewed Heathers on-line portfolio. Heather has a way of capturing the true spirit of pregnancy. I love how many of her photos are taken by the water, I feel like this acts as a metaphor for the baby growing within a belly, surrounded by amniotic fluid. By taking pregnancy photos on the beach it provides an artistic connection to the power of the pregnant woman.... which truly is "goddess like." And Heather will capture the goddess within you! Personally, I am a very "camera shy" personality, but was pleasantly surprised by the experience and how comfortable Heather made me and my family feel. It was fun! The photo shoot with Heather, of my family and I, felt like a celebration of my baby! What a wonderful way to honor the pregnant journey. In addition to being impressed with the actual photo shoot, I was also very impressed with the results! I am very happy with the wide selection of photos and the professionalism Heather has demonstrated throughout the process. She returns calls and emails promptly and enthusiastically, she assists not only during the shoot (by styling you and helping you to pose), but before the shoot and after the shoot with any questions, concerns and / or follow up photo selection. She is truly invested in her client, creating the ultimate experience of feeling sincerely cared for, as she provides excellent customer service. On a personal note, here is my "bottom line" opinion: If you are pregnant, and looking for a photographer, look no further. Working with Heather, and taking photos of this amazing transformation in your life is a must! I never spent money to do this in my previous pregnancy or even to have a professional photographer at my wedding... and I regret that. There are certain times in your life that should be documented. Heather provides an invaluable experience and can beautifully document this precious time in your life... don't let that opportunity...

Professional Customer Service

I decided to choose you as our photographer because your Google review was excellent. I got a different experience with yours. I was willing to spend money to get a professional photography company for our wedding photographs. Because wedding photographs are one of our most importing memories in our life. It took four weeks to get 20 wedding pictures and the quality of the pictures are not I was expecting. My suggestions a professional photographer should do the following things.

You should review the profile and ideas I gave to you before you came to take photographs. I didn’t want to help you to find Wi-Fi especially if I am the one dressed a long dress on that day. You should have a working Wi-Fi connection if necessary.

You should have confirmed again before you took the photo for us. When we first met we already decided we wanted” The Grand Package”, but on that day the end you told us you already took the photo of “The Museum Package”. It is important to stay with the package we ordered.

After one week, my husband sent an email thank you for the sneak peek of photos. He asked when we can see the rest of the pictures? You replied: “Probably tonight. I will send you a link when I am finished. There is a lot to go over.” We got the link the next day. If I were you, I would have to give a client a clear and formal answer. If you couldn’t do this on time, you should give a reason, we could understand.

When clients send email to you and copy to someone. You should have replied to include a copy to that person. You only replied the email to my husband without a copy to me. You knew he was out of the town, and I needed to follow this project. At that time, my husband needed to forward the email to me again and again. It is annoying.

I hope you will use my suggestions for your work with future clients. I still have to thank you for had done...