serpents & silks
Frequently asked questions
We do our very best to make sure you are prepared before our events and know exactly what to expect. We know your time is valuable and our events run on a detailed schedule and are organzied so you can get the most out of your day.
If you don't see the answer to your question here please don't hesitate to reach out via our contact page.
GENERAL
How do I get to the location?
FD Studios is located at 35-58 37th Street, 3rd floor, Astoria, NY
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The studio is accessible via the N, R, W or M trains to 36th Av. Parking nearby - meters rates vary with time of the day. Please READ signs when you park.
*FD has multiple locations, please make sure you are using the above address for the ASTORIA location!
Note - this is a walk-up, if you need elevator assistance please let us know ahead of time
What are the hours of the event?
The studio will open at 1:00 pm for setup, with photo sessions starting at 2pm. Attendees are welcome to arrive at any time after 1pm. All attendees must vacate the studio at 5:00pm.
What will the schedule be like?
We will have a space for hair, makeup, and changing, so feel free to get ready on site. Photo sessions are a half hour each and will run back to back. Snakes will be rotated each session. The full schedule and confirmation on this timing will be sent out to attendees the week of the event. Attendees will have the opportunity to shoot when not in their featured session with each other or guest photographers in the same space.
What are the facilities like?
A designated area will be available for changing, and bathrooms are on-site. Garment racks, steamers, makeup stations, and WiFi will be provided.
Will there be food?
Due to sanitation guidelines when working with reptiles, food will not be provided. Please bring your own lunch and snacks, or feel free to step out for food anytime.
Are the animals safe to work with?
Yes! The snakes at this event are tame, well-handled boa constrictors and will be under the full supervision of an experienced professional handler at all times. They are non-venomous, and the handler will guide you on how to safely interact, pose, and work around them. Please follow all instructions carefully to ensure both your safety and the animals’ comfort.
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While these snakes are accustomed to people, animal behavior can still be unpredictable. For this reason, all attendees will be required to sign a liability waiver before participating.
What if I need to cancel?
If you need to cancel your registration for the event, please notify us as soon as possible.
Cancellations made before 3 weeks prior to the event will be eligible for a full refund of the registration fee. Cancellations made within 3 weeks of the event date will be subject to a partial refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within one week before the event or for no-shows.
Refunds will be processed back to the original method of payment within 10 of the cancellation request. Please allow for processing time and note that it may take several business days for the refund to appear in your account.
Do you accept payment plans?
Your specific payment plan will be written on the invoice. Depsoits are non-refundable.
FOR MODELS
What does my ticket include?
Model Tickets Include:
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Unique opportunity to shoot with large snakes guided by an experienced handler
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One private 30 min photo session with a featured photographer and snake
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Content creation opportunities outside your private session for additional photo ops
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Access to a themed studio showcasing artfully designed sets, backdrops, and props
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A minimum of 5 fine-art quality portraits along with behind-the-scenes videos
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Add-ons like additional private photo sessions or bring a guest
What should I wear?
Anything you'd like! All themes and ideas are welcome. Models are responsible for providing their own wardrobe unless previously agreed upon look rentals were made. A variety of dresses, headpieces, and accessories from the host's collection may be available for use, please let us know if you are interested in anything from the wardrobe list. You are welcome to change as much as you would like for any shooting before or after you private session.
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing a water bottle, snacks, a phone charger, and any networking materials.
Models should come prepared with touch-up hair and makeup supplies, a small mirror, at least one full photoshoot look, and any jewelry, accessories, or props (weapons are allowed). It's a good idea to have a robe, sweater, or cover-up for between shots.
What do I get with a Private Photo Session?
Your ticket includes ONE half hour one-on-one with a professional featured fantasy photographer on a styled set. Add on sessions are available. You will receive a minimum of 5 edited images within three months of the event.
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If you choose to add an additional 15-minute session, you will receive at least 3 more edited images, get the opportunity to work with the other snake, and have your sessions spaced out throughout the event.
Will there be hair and makeup?
Please be prepared to do your own. There will be space on-site for you to get ready, feel free to bring any supplies. A small tabletop mirror is encouraged.
How does the Couples Session add-on work?
If you purchase the couples session add-on, you may bring one guest to join you for your 30-minute session with the snake. Your photos will feature the two of you together, working with one snake at a time. Individual photos may be taken only if time allows. You will receive the same minimum of 5 edited images included with the standard session.
How many photos will I receive?
Models will receive at least 5 professionally edited photos per private session from the FEATURED photographers. While three is the minimum, our photographers will aim to deliver as many high-quality images as possible.
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GUEST photographers will be shooting at a more flexible pace throughout the day, and only required to share one image per model, but they are encouraged to capture as many models as possible during open sessions.
How and when will I get my photo edits?
A Google Photos link will be shared the day of the event for everyone to post BTS content. A Google Drive link will be sent out the following week with galleries for all photographers to begin uploading edited photos.
FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
What does my ticket include?
Photographer Tickets Includes:
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A rare chance to capture striking images of models holding with large snakes
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A minimum of three 10-minute model + snake sessions on our themed set
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Open shooting opportunities throughout the event with available models
What equipment is available on site?
The photography equipment available includes: three studios equipped with lighting, backdrops, furniture, strobes, reflectors, umbrellas, wireless triggers, fans, sandbags, and apple boxes.
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Photographers should bring cameras, batteries and any props or special equipment for creative shots. We recommend bringing a water bottle, snacks, a phone charger, and your business cards / networking materials.
Am I required to shoot a certain amount or share my images?
Yes. Guest photographers are required to share at least ONE edited image per model you shoot with. This ensures that every model and contributor receives images from the experience. Photographers are encouraged to work with as many models as possible during open sessions to maximize both your portfolio and the models’ portfolios.
You will receive a link to a shared Google Drive folder where you can upload your photos. Any images you upload will be accessible to the full team—including models, hair and makeup artists, designers, the studio, and other contributors—for their personal use and professional promotion. These images may not be sold or used for profit without your permission.