How far out should I book my session? I usually book out a couple months ahead of time. July through December is a high volume time. If you would like a session during those times, you should book three to six months ahead of time to get the date you need.
When do you book sessions? Photography is my full time job, however I shoot during specific times for specific locations. Typically outdoor sessions are in the evening, two to three hours before the sunsets. Studio sessions are done in the later morning to mid afternoon depending on the season.
I want to book my session, now what? Session fees are to be paid at the time of booking your session. I take credit cards, and we will take care of that over the phone. I cannot hold dates for any session without payment, due to the high volume of bookings I get.
How much are your sessions? Well, that depends. It depends on what session you need. Check out my session pricing page. After that, pricing is pretty much the same across the board other than seniors as their print packages contain more things like wallets and etc. There isn’t an average that my clients spend, some spend $500 and some spend $2000. Some do Canvas Collections, some are doing Keepsakes Albums, some do prints and framing. But I can tell you that you will get high quality images, high quality products, and my help along the way. Honestly, I keep my pricing at a comparable rate to those in my area with the same quality in their work. It is all about what style and service you like.
Do you sell digital files of my session? I do sell digital packages. They are on a USB drive and contain reference prints, and lab printing recommendations. I also tell my clients, that if you purchase the digital printing rights you are waving my assistance for reproducing, printing, and display. I do not sell the copyright, I retain that as I am the photographer, but I do include the printing release for you to print what you need. The images are full resolution size images, you could print a billboard if you would like. In fact…some do. 🙂
Do you have props and clothing? I sure do. I have lots of chairs, ottomans, stools and a couple sofas and a big traveling gypsy wagon to haul them to my sessions. For newborns, I have many blankets, quilts, hats, bonnets, and headbands. You are welcome to bring your own props.
How ‘new’ does my newborn have to be for photos? I do newborn sessions for babies who are less than 2 weeks old. So it is best to contact me BEFORE you have the baby. I will schedule your session based on your due date and we will be in touch. If your baby is older than 2 weeks, we can still do the session, however just know those sleepy-baby shots in baskets may not happen. Babies who are older don’t sleep as sound as when they are first born, and they may not fit into my props. Newborn sessions take 2-3 hours…they are in control of the session. Prior to your session, I will send you a newborn prep guide to give you tips that can help with the session. These are REALLY important, they aren’t a guarantee….but man, do they help for a productive newborn session.
Where do we go for our session? I take a lot of time scouting for unique locations around the area and I work with you prior to your session based on your clothing selections and the look we are going for. I wouldn’t put you in a wheat field if you have a pencil skirt and high heels. The locations I use are private land that I have permission to use, and some are public land. Keep in mind, I may not know your location until the day of your session, wind, light all play a part in selecting your location. Trust me, I will tell you where we are going. 🙂
We want you to come to our location for our session? Yes, I definitely can do the session at your location. Keep in mind there may be a charge for mileage. With extended family sessions, depending the size of your family, some locations can be limited. For example, “we want the lake in the photo with our 23 family members”, sometimes this works and some times it doesn’t. Again, wind, light, terrain all play a part. I want you to have quality photos of you and your family…that comes first, not whether the lake is in the photo or not. So I ask that you have flexibility and patience when I am looking at your location to find the perfect spot.
What the weather is bad the day of my session? If it is raining or the wind is more than 20 miles an hour at least an hour before your session, it will be rescheduled.
What if I need to cancel my session? Session fees are non-refundable.
What happens after my session? Depending on the time of year, you will get an email telling you that your gallery is ready 2-4 weeks after your session. This may be longer during my busy time of the year. Your session images will be loaded onto an online password protected gallery. Gallery sizes range from 40-150 images depending on the session. Your gallery will be online for 2 weeks. You can share the gallery with your family and friends, they can even order on their own as well. Galleries that need to be reloaded past the two weeks, will be charged $40.
Do you fully edit my images? While I am shooting your session, I help you pose in the most flattering poses for your body type and clothing. I like to get it right in the camera first (a lot less work after the session), the best poses, proper exposure, awesome locations, facial expressions, flattering light positions are the images I select for your gallery. I do a light edit on all the images in your gallery. Once you order, I go back and do a final, full edit of your images. Stuff like acne, stray hairs, clothing stains..etc. Tones, exposure will remain pretty much the same you will see in your gallery.
When do I get my order? Depending on the busy session and products ordered, turn around time is 2 weeks from when you place your order. Canvas, Keepsake Albums will take longer.
Can I put my images on social media? Right before your gallery will go online, I will put up sneak peeks on my Facebook page and Instagram account. I will tag you if I can, or you can tag yourself. However you cannot take pics, or screen captures from your gallery or directly from your prints. That is a copyright violation. And not to mention if you take a pic of photo, it doesn’t represent my best work. The quality can be compromised and that makes me sad. So…just use what I put out there for you, it will have my logo on it…but that is just to tell everyone who did them for you. I am proud of my work and I love for you to be as well.
Do you do wedding photography? Yes, I do. But not many. Just call me and we can discuss your special day and go from there.
