 Frequently Asked Questions:
How long will a session last?: Most sessions last around an hour. Headshots are shorter (20-40mins) and newborn sessions may last as long as 90 minutes based on feedings, changing etc.
How much does it cost?: Please go to the 'pricing' section (top navigation) to see my pricing for various services.
What do I get with my session? You will receive the digital images in color and black and white (sent electronically via dropbox or on a disk - up to you). You will receive 5 8x10 or 5x7 prints (up to you) per session as well. I will also talk with you ahead before the session about location options and what to wear so you are prepared.
What if I need to reschedule? No problem. Kids get sick or injured; spouses have last minute business trips. Just let me know as soon as you think we may need to reschedule and I'll work with you to determine a new date. No fee charged.
What should I wear?
Maternity: My current favorite is a tank top and under-belly jeans (either the ones with the small panel that goes under your belly, or if you have some pre-pregnancy jeans that fit but just don't button, those are great as well). A fitted shirt and any color solid pants always look great as well. Dresses that hug your belly are also beautiful in pictures. For outdoor sessions, skirts and dresses that flow look great. Avoid full panel pants, if possible as they leave lines on your belly and look bunchy in photos. Bring several outfits for photo variety. If you would like to do nude or semi nude images, have pashminas or wraps on hand and I will have fabrics as well. Also, your hands will likely be in the photos, so make sure you are happy with how your nails look.
Newborn Portraits: The baby will be naked or solely in a diaper for most shots, but can be in a favorite outfit or simple onesie for some shots. If you have favorite booties, hats or blankets, have those available. If you prefer black and white images, Mom and/or Dad should either wear dark colors or black to serve as a backdrop to show off their little one(s) or everyone can be in white for a more ethereal, happy glow look. If you prefer color, then wear solid, deep or bright colors (avoid pastels if you would also like to see the images in black and white). Most new moms do not wish to have their healing body in the photos, so i will focus on the mom's face and hands (check your nails to make sure you're happy with them) and I will always block the belly with a baby, husband etc. If you have favorite cards in mind for newborn announcements, let me know what they are ahead of time so i can match the image orientation and colors (if applicable) to the card.
Family Portraits: Coordinating colors and layers (unless it's warm) always look great. For best results, choose a color palette with 3-5 different colors and put the family members in colors from the palette. If you like bright vibrant shots, pick a bright color palette. If we are doing the shoot in a park or beach, choose earth tones that complement the scenery. Avoid wording on shirts for family shots. If you have a favorite shirt with wording for a kid shot, put your child in it for those images and then change him for the group pictures. The easiest way to tell if your selections will work is to lay the outfits out together on the bed or floor. If they look good all together, then they will look good in the photos.
Childrens Portraits: Avoid wording on shirts. Bright or dark colors look great in both color and black and white shots. Pastels look fine in color but may look a little too muted in black and white. Props (dress up clothes, tutus, sporting equipment, etc) are great as they document what the child is interested in at this age. As a mom of a former Princess, I know the phases are sometimes short lived, so it's fun to document them while they are in it.
Headshots and Senior Portraits: If you would like both formal and casual looks, bring several clothing options.
What if my child (or spouse) is not cooperating? I have one child who loves the camera, one who's the king of fake smiles and a husband who cringes if the camera comes out. I know you want your children (and spouse) to look engaged, listen and create beautiful happy family shots but I don't expect it. If you are completely stressed, it will show in your pictures. And let's be honest, you want cute shots of your kids but you need to look good too. If your child is supposed to sit and then starts running around, that's OK. I'll start taking pictures of him running, pictures of the family trying to chase him down and if he does indeed sit, great! If not, even better, as that likely reflects his personality. I'd rather get a shot that shows what your family is really like than a posed portrait of a fake looking family. So, have fun with it. Get your children excited for the shoot or for whatever you have promised after the shoot! Some sort of happy anticipation will look better than the 'when is she leaving' looks. The best shoots are when there is some bit of chaos and everyone shrugs their shoulders and embraces the chaos....and if your child is not sitting, or giving me fake smiles, just rest assured that i have non-sitting, fake smilers at home too.
What should I do to prepare for a newborn session? Have the baby in just a diaper, wrapped in a blanket for warmth and then feed him/her just before I arrive. When i arrive we'll start taking shots with him in the diaper and blanket. I guarantee if you want sleeping baby shots your baby will not sleep and vice versa. So we'll try our best to get both, but it seems to be easier to start with a sleeping baby. If you need to take breaks to feed, burb, change etc., that's fine. I'll have black and white textured fabrics with me, and keep out any blankets you have as well as hats or cute booties. Also, let me know before the shoot if you like the natural home background or if you would like me to bring a black or white background with me.
When will we see our photos? Approximately two weeks after our photo session, I will send you a link to see your photos online (see an example here). After reviewing your photos, you will then be able to tell me if you would like any photos altered (cropping something out of the photo, additional retouching, etc). If you don't require any adjustments, you will be able to share and order pictures immediately. If you request changes, I will make the adjustments, post the modified pictures in the same album, and then deliver you a CD with all of the final images. After reviewing your photographs, you will also choose which photos you would like printed and I will have it sent to you.
How do we share the pictures with friends and family and/or order prints?
Approximately two weeks after your photo session, I will send you a link to see your photos online. At that time, you can order prints from the site and/or forward the email link to whomever you wish. Friends and family will also be able to order prints and gifts from that link. The online albums are not searchable or readily available on any site and can only be accessed with the link I provide, but let me know if you would like your link password-protected for added peace of mind. What if I don't like my images? Once you see your images please let me know if you are dissatisfied. At that point we can schedule a free reshoot. Please note that I do my best to ensure client satisfaction, but due to the many hours spent working on images from each session I do not offer refunds.
Can you help me with cards or birth announcements? Yes, I can help you on the creative end and with uploading photos, placing an order, etc. I also have a partnership with a graphic designer if you are interested in custom creations. I have a relationship with Tiny Prints and can offer you a discount - just ask.
What if we would like books made or canvas prints or large enlargements made? My general practice is to not offer a slew of services and add ons to you as I find that annoying when it's done to me. I may have a coffee table book with me for you to look at (and mainly to see what types of photos and coloring you are drawn to). However, I will not bring canvases with me or make you feel pressured to buy any other materials. As such, if you have an interest in books, box mounting, canvases, customized cards and the like, please let me know and I will be happy to give you more details.
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