So, you've got some questions!
I have some answers. And if there is anything that I wasn't able to fully explain on the website or FAQs, please head on over to my contact form and let me know what I can help you with. And I hope you DO have questions because I would LOVE to start the process of meeting and serving you!
FAQ
How many pictures will we receive?
In the investments section on my website, each session type describes how many photos are given. The guaranteed minimum is 40-50 images depending on the session type. However, I tend to LOVE sharing all the useable images so it might be more than the minimum number of photos!
What camera gear do you use?
I shoot with a Sony A7rii mirrorless camera body. And I use 35mm and 50mm lenses. If a flash is needed for your session, I use a Godox V1s off camera flash.
How should we dress for our session?
First of all, wear something that you KNOW you'll feel comfortable, confident and most yourself in. After booking and completing a questionnaire, I can help guide you with outfits if you need it! I also have a mini version of a client closet, so if your outfit selections are lacking in some way, I offer some sizes and options complimentary to you!
How long will it take to receive the photo gallery?
Possibly one of my favorite parts of our time together, is when I send sneaks peeks of your gallery! A sneak peek is just a small selection of finished images from your session, so you can view and enjoy while you wait for the full gallery to be complete. The entire gallery will be sent within 4 weeks from the date of your session. The sneak peeks will be sent within 1 week of the session date. The sneak peeks usually consist of a handful of sweet images from a variety of "scenes" during your session.
How can we find the right location for the session?
Think about what you'd love to look back on to represent this season you're in. Is it indoors, simply at your own home, outdoors on an adventure, somewhere showing off the autumn colors, etc? After the booking process begins, you'll receive a questionnaire to fill out so I can hear your thoughts, vision and concerns for the session and work with you to help make that happen!
Can I request the RAW, unedited photos?
In short answer, no. RAW files are just not always universally compatable and require a certain software to successfully view them. As far as receiving unedited photos, that cannot be done because it doesn't accurately represent the artistry behind why we are working together. I can assure you that you won't miss out on any photos from the session! If you are searching for a particular style of editing, it's important to be sure in which photographer you'd like to go forward with in capturing your memories.
Is the retainer fee refundable?
The retainer fee is 1/3 of the total investment, which is due upon officially booking and signing a contract. This retainer secures your experience and choice of date for your session. The retainer fee cannot be refunded. If you have any concerns at all, please do reach out to me!
What if I need to cancel/reschedule?
It is completely understandable that unforeseen things will happen! I'd love to work with you through that as much as possible. To be able to best serve you, as well as other clients, there are some guidelines. You can learn more about this in the contract as well. Once you've booked and signed a contract, the retainer fee is nonrefundable. If there is an unexpected need to reschedule, there will be space to find a more suitable date without a penalty. However, if a permanent cancellation is needed, the investment amount (besides the retainer fee) will be refunded, since we did not complete the entire experience together. Please reach out for more questions in this area, if you have any!
Do you backup or otherwise secure images for protection?
Yes! I know this can be uncomfortable because you just invested yourselves, your time AND your money into this photo session. I use multiple ways of backing up photos. First of all, the images will not be deleted from the SD card until after your gallery has been fully delivered. The photos will go directly onto hard drives as well as my computer AND the editing software that I use. At this time, your gallery will remain on the viewing platform indefinitely, but if that was to change you would certainly be notified that your gallery would be expiring! If you have ever had a poor experience in this area, please contact me to share anymore questions or concerns.
Are you insured?
Yes! Part of my policy includes general liability which would insure bodily and property damage if there was an occurrence.
Why should I hire a professional photographer?
You might be wondering why you should make an investment in photographs when there are multiple other categories where you could direct your hard-earned money! The number of sessions you decide to invest in for you or your family is completely up to you! It might be once a year, only at big life changes, or whenever you add another baby to your family. But keep in mind that while you may document your own life changes. It can be a great challenge to get more than just selfies or photos without both parents included. You will never be sorry to have beautiful images to keep and forever share with the ones you love most.
I would love to show you just how lovely your story is, whatever season you're currently in.
How long does a session take?
The investment & experience sections on my website will have more info on this. But each session type may vary. Between all the session types, it's either up to 1 hour or up to 1.5 hours. Typically, an engagement session will only need 1 hour. A different session, like a family or newborn may require up to 1.5 hours to allow for breaks or the unpredictability of young children. However, I won't leave your session behind if there's something more needed to have fully served you and deliver beautiful photos for your keeping!
We don’t feel very confident in front of the camera, is that ok?
Yes it's alright! You deserve to have documentation of this sweet season you're in and I'd love to help you with that. If you or your loved one feels awkward or more reserved in front of the camera or with new people, please know, I will probably be the most clumsy and awkward one present at the session! You don't have any pressure to perform in any way. Just show up as the individuals that you are, and we will create something wonderful together. I will also guide you with mostly "prompts" rather than poses, to encourage natural interactions and I promise, that will help ease the nerves SO much!
What is the best way to handle meltdowns with children in a session?
As a mother of 3 young children, I know the absolute joys AND the hardships that can come simply with just getting kids out of the house! I highly recommend considering your children's nap times/crankiest time of day when we schedule your session. We can discuss this more later on as well! Bringing children (and adults!) fed and well rested can make all the difference. If we are in the middle of the session, and your child is over stimulated or beginning to meltdown, we can take breaks, or I can continue on photographing the other family members while you take a break with your child. Moments of naturally comforting your little one can also make for wonderfully precious images, if you don't mind being photographed a bit during those intimate moments. It's also important to remember that I will be giving you a variety of photos including a few updated/"posed" family photos, and LOTS of candid natural interactions between your family. That will include giving you some "prompts" and at other times, simply just following the lead that your children provide throughout the session.
Can I bring my pet(s)?
Yes! If you'd like to incorporate your animals, we can make that happen! I have photographed dogs and also horses during sessions. If you plan on bringing pets (such as dogs) to an external location (not your own home) I HIGHLY recommend asking for a friend or family to come with so they can be with your pet while we take more photos without in order to have a variety of options. I would LOVE to incorporate other animals if you live on a homestead or farm. Think you'd like to have some image options with your chickens or your cattle? Let's go for it! This is something we can discuss more later. All I ask is that you let me know that you'd like your pets present before the session date so we can plan accordingly.
How do we pay and in what increments?
Payment can be made with the convenience of a card through HoneyBook, which is the software that I use to send you files such as the contract for easy electronic signing. You may also use a check if that is more convenient. At the time of booking and signing the contract, a non-refundable retainer fee is due, which is 1/3 of the total investment amount. Then the remainder of the investment is due no later than the day before your session.
Do you offer just a quick session so I can purchase a few photos?
This is not something I can help with, since I would be leaving you without my full services. I believe you and I both would be lacking in the experience together. In order to successfully serve you and document your valuable needs, we need to go through the full process together that is described in the experience section on my website.
Do you include prints with the investment packages?
There is no choice of prints included in the investment of a session. However, the service (Pic-Time) that you will be receiving your gallery through, does an absolutely beautiful job with prints of any need. Whether you're interested in standard prints, albums, calendars, greeting cards or more, you will receive high resolution prints, from professional
labs, delivered right to your home!
Do I get the copyright/ownership of my photos?
The copyright/ownership generally stays with the photographer in this field of work. If you have a major need for the copyright, the ownership of the photos can be purchased for an additional fee. However, you WILL be receiving a print release that verifies your right to freely order prints, share the images online, or basically anything for personal use and not monetary gain. Please reach out to me if you have any questions!
Do you have any other questions?
Do you have any questions or concerns that I wasn't able to address on my website? PLEASE contact me I would be more than happy to talk with you!