FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
These are just a list of general questions that I have noticed many clients having, If you have any additional questions feel free to ask me, I am an open book. Afterall this is YOUR photoshoot, I am just here to capture the memories.
What if I need to reschedule? Will I lose my retainer?
We can always reschedule, I understand that things happen that might make it impossible to make it, or if the weather doesn't cooperate with us. I allow 3 reschedules per a retainer, unless agreed upon differently in writing. The only way you’ll lose your retainer off the bat is if you don’t show up at all, or if you want to reschedule and then never commit to a date in a 3 month time frame. Mini Sessions, however, are only able to be rescheduled during the event timeframe.
What should I expect?
Photo sessions are generally a hour long, plan for a bit longer for a newborn session though. I will talk, laugh, and play with your children in order to capture their personality in all the photos. Since I am photographing those intimat moments with your family, please feel more than free to bring any personal items that you would like to include in your session, it makes all of your moments that much more personable and special. This could be a quilt that grandma made, a favorite toy, or even bubbles and balls. My goal is to make you and your family relax, play, have fun, and BE YOURSELF. More than anything, don’t be afraid to play with your children during our session. They may get a little rambunctious, and that’s ok! I have a little baby tyrant at home who destroys everything in his path, but with the biggest smile on his face while it's happening. Sometimes it’s the best way to get a natural smile and not that forced cheesy grin that grandma hates.
What should I wear?
Clothing choice is always the biggest decision when planning your session. Children look great in fun, bold colors, textures or patterns, but I would say to avoid super large logos or clothing that may take the focus off of your child. It's best sometimes to keep it simple. Jeans, sweaters, hats, scarves and boots are all fun for winter and fall sessions. Sundresses and lighter clothing are suited better for the summer months. Families and groups don’t have to wear all the same color or same outfits, I do however suggest choosing from the same color family. Newborns usually are too small to fit well in any outfit, but a onsie or little tutu, or even naked make for adorable pictures. The main thing is to wear clothes that represent you and who you are. Feel free to also bring a change of clothing in sessions that are applicable.
When will I recieve my photos?
Approximately 2-4 weeks after your session (weddings usually take about 6-8), I will have your custom gallery completed, which normally will consist of your packaged images taken the day of the session, edited, in both high resolution for personal printing and web resoultion watermarked for online sharing. I will usually post a sneak peek photo of the session on my Facebook page within a few days of your session. You will receive a signed print release for all of the photos in the gallery, unless it is a print package. This allows you the freedom to have ALL the pictures on the disk, the ability to make prints from anywhere, and to post the web sharable images where your heart desires.
If a print only package was ordered, (ex: Boudior sessions), then the gallery will be used for you to pick the images that you want in your package. Order's will not be placed until selections are given to me in writing, whether it is in paper form or through email message.
Galleries will be open for 4 weeks to download images, afterwards they will be closed and a $25 reactivation fee will be applied. I do offer digital image preservation services, where I keep your images archived for a certain amount of time that can be purchased as a back up plan to make sure your memories are never lost.
Where will the session take place?
The location of the photo session is up to you, with both local and destination packages. Ideally, I prefer to use natural, available light, but for some weddings and indoor sessions I do use an external flash and artifical light sources. Once your photo shoot date is booked, we will discuss what type of feel you are looking for in your photographs, and we can then work together to come up with the perfect location. If you have a location special to you and your family I do not mind traveling, but I may charge a bit extra based on travel distance. Newborn photo sessions are almost always held within the comfort of your own home and grounds, but I am more than happy to travel for those as well.
When is my payment due?
Payment is due in two parts. One at the time of scheduling an appointment, which is a non-refundable retainer of $100.00 for sessions and is required to save the date. The remainder is due a minimum of two weeks before the scheduled session, unless agreed upon otherwise in writing. I do offer payment plans for qualifying packages, but Mini Sessions must be paid in full upon scheduling. Prices depend on location and how big the group is, and what type of session/package it is, but all will be discussed personally. The price quoted does however include the photo shoot and your personalized gallery containing all of your package images with the print release for you to share and print the photos from anywhere and keep forever.
Weddings are paid in 3 parts, $400 non-refundable retainer due at the booking, 1/3 due at the engagement session, 1/3 due 3 months before the wedding, and the rest due 2 weeks before the wedding. If the date is booked less than 3 months before the wedding, 1/3 will be required as a retainer to book, with the remaining due at engagement session and two weeks before the wedding.
I do offer payment plans for all qualifying packages as well, just ask about it when booking your session.
If your question isn't on this post, feel free to ask. I am more than happy to answer any and all questions you might have.
