Nuovo Artistic Studios Houston

Nuovo Artistic Studios is a fine art portrait photography business with studios in Canada and the United States. Toronto was its first permanent studio, and Miami was its first US location. The business describes New York as its premier flagship. The business also describes its photography as world-class and its lighting technique as award-winning; these are its own claims.

Sessions are built around pre-determined poses, with photographers guiding clients throughout. Three collections are offered: Self-Love for individuals, Life for those expecting, and Passion for couples. The business also offers semi-nude artistic photography sessions. Two looks are available: a high-key concept with colourful chiffon against a white background, and a low-key concept with red silk and dark shadows.

A session runs about three hours with a makeup service and about two hours without one. The makeup session is a soft glam look that includes false lashes and takes 45 minutes. Clients are asked to arrive with a freshly cleansed and moisturized face and little or no makeup, to bring their own mascara, and to leave jewelry at home. Guests are suggested to attend alone. Immediately after the shoot, clients view and choose their favourite images in a viewing session.

Retouching is handled by an in-house team that removes temporary skin imperfections while keeping permanent features such as tattoos and birthmarks. Custom image designs are not included in digital packages and are an optional upgrade. Digital photos are emailed through WeTransfer within 15 business days of the shoot. Albums and aluminum prints are mailed about four weeks after the client approves them for printing, though delivery dates are not guaranteed.

Booking requires a fully refundable deposit that reserves the appointment. It is refunded in full if the client attends, or can be applied to in-studio products. Rescheduling or cancelling needs at least 48 hours notice, and later cancellations are not refunded. Rescheduling more than once requires another non-refundable deposit of the same amount. Payment plans are available through Affirm, Klarna, GoCardless and an in-house financing program. The business says the average investment is around $1,500. Minimum ages to visit a studio are 19 in Canada and 21 in the US, and consultations are offered in English, French and Spanish.

Sessions combine pre-set poses with hands-on guidance from the photographers, and retouching is done in-house.

Each studio has its own setting, from a multi-floor Toronto space lit by skylights and a grand chandelier to a Gastown studio with exposed brick and views over Burrard Inlet.