FAQ
- May 4, 2017
- 6 min read
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. After all, this is YOUR photo shoot, 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 1 reschedule 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 time frame. In the event of a "No Call, No Show," (failure to show up and/or give me 48 hour notice of cancellation without just cause) the retainer is forfeited and the full balance is still due, plus a $50 NCNS fee will be applied.
If I have to reschedule you due to a birth, it does not count against your reschedule limit. I know births are unpredictable, and while I try to accommodate everyone to the best of my abilities, sometimes life intervenes. Which is why I don't penalize you for it.
What should I expect?
Photo sessions are generally 30 minutes to an 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. I am telling your story, so I shoot until I feel it is told to my liking, and what you will cherish.
Since I am photographing those intimate 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! It is apart of your story, I want to tell it! 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.
If you still can't think of anything, I have color suggestions HERE
When will I receive my photos?
Approximately 2-4 weeks after your session (weddings usually take about 6-8), I will have your custom gallery completed, your precious story told, edited, and put together; in both high resolution for personal printing and web resolution 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 link to 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 where ever you want. Plus, the ability to make prints from anywhere, and to post the web shareable images where your heart desires. Although, I do recommend ordering from me to ensure the best quality of your memories.
If a print only package was ordered, (ex: Boudoir sessions), then the gallery will be used for you to pick the images that you want in your package. There is an option to "favorite" your selections in the gallery for those that you want put into your album design.
Recently, I added the option to print right from your gallery. This way you can select the image and sizes you want, check out and have them shipped directly to your home. I do recommend watching out for crops before ordering, because certain sizes do crop off some of the image. Normally this is an easy fix, but if you have questions to contact me before placing your order. Once they are placed, they go directly to my lab and I have no control.
This doesn't take away the option to order directly through me though. I still love to be able to sit down with you over coffee and plan out a specific order for your family's needs. Order directly through me ensure the best quality as I control every aspect of my lab handling.
Galleries will be open for 4 weeks to download images, afterwards they will be closed and a $50 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.
*Orders through me will not be placed until selections are given to me in writing, whether it is in paper form or through email message.
Where will the session take place?
The location of the photo session is up to you, with both local and destination collections available. Ideally, I prefer to use natural, available light, but for some weddings and indoor sessions I do use an external flash and artificial light sources. I want your location to be representational of you and your family, etc. So I always suggest picking a place that is close to your heart.
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?
For traditional sessions, payment is due in two parts:
One at the time of scheduling an appointment, which is a non-refundable retainer of 25% the total session price for regular sessions and is required to save the date.
The remainder is due at the beginning of your scheduled session, unless agreed upon otherwise in writing. You are more than welcome to pay ahead of time, or even in full if that is easier for you.
I do offer payment plans for qualifying packages, but Mini Sessions must be paid in full upon scheduling.
Pricing is dependent on the type of session, the location, and how big of a group you will be having photographed, 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:
The 50% non-refundable retainer due at the booking,
25% due at the engagement session,
The remaining 25% is due 1 month before the wedding.
If the date is booked less than 3 months before the wedding, 75% will be required as a retainer to book, with the remaining due at engagement session before the wedding.
Weddings booked under a month in advance will be required to pay in full at booking.
Birth Stories are paid in 2 parts:
$1,000 non-refundable retainer due at booking
The remaining $1,500 is due at/before 37 weeks gestation, before any on-call time is started.
*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.
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