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SCHEDULING A SESSION
What is a good location for my portrait session?
I shoot all my sessions on location, and the best location depends on the type of session you’re having. Portraits of newborns and babies generally work best in your home, where they are comfortable and can nap easily. Maternity shoots are also nice in your home so that the mother-to-be can take frequent breaks. Portraits of toddlers can also be taken in your home or backyard where the child feels at home and his or her toys are easily accessible.
Because I shoot primarily with natural light, the most important consideration for an in-home portrait session is the available light. Rooms with large, north-facing windows typically produce the best results, but any room with a window that’s not getting direct sunlight at the time of your session will work. I can scout your home for the best location . . . and may suggest a temporary rearrangement of furniture in order to create the best portraits!
For older children, seniors, and families, I recommend an outdoor location. Your backyard, local parks, rural fields, or downtown are all great options. Locations that have a special significance to you or your family are ideal. While we’ll try to schedule your session at a time when the light is most flattering, it helps if the outdoor location you choose has large areas of open shade.
I’m also open to any locations you have in mind, or I can make suggestions!
Do you travel to far-away locations?
Travel up to forty miles each way from Dallas is included in your session fee. Please add a $50 travel fee for locations outside the forty-mile radius.
For what time of day should I schedule our session?
The best times of day for natural-light portraits are first thing in the morning and the late evening hours shortly before sunset. I try to avoid midday at all costs, because the light then is often harsh and unflattering.
How long will our session last?
Sessions can vary in length from a little over an hour to up to three hours, depending on the number of locations we use and how quickly you or your child becomes comfortable in front of the camera. Your session will never be rushed, so please plan for at least two hours to ensure that we get a good selection of quality shots to choose from.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If the weather does not cooperate for your outdoor session, we’ll reschedule! At no additional charge to you, of course.
When is my session payment due? What kind of payment do you accept?
After we finalize a date and time for your session, I will e-mail you a contract. Please print, review, and sign the contract, and mail it back to me with your full payment. Your session fee must be paid in full in order to hold your session.
I accept personal checks, as well as credit and debit cards through PayPal.
What is your cancellation policy?
While I hope you won’t have to cancel, I do understand that life gets crazy somtimes! If that’s the case, we’ll do our best to reschedule, because session payments are non-refundable.
What is this model release form, and why do I need to sign it?
I ask all my clients to sign a model release form before their portrait session. The release gives me permission to use the photographs I take of you for advertising and trade. I enjoy including photographs of my clients on my website, blog, business cards, and newsletters, and this release makes it okay for me to do that!
AT YOUR SESSION
Who can be in my photos with me?
Your session fee covers portraits of up to five people. Additional persons are welcome for a charge of $25 per person. Pets are also welcome!
How structured will our session be?
I try very hard to keep every session relaxed. I prefer to photograph everyone–especially children–with natural expressions, doing what they do naturally. I might provide situational suggestions to create nice photo opportunities, but I leave the “posing” up to you. The whole point of your portrait session is to capture you being you!
What should I bring with me to our session?
Besides yourself, you should bring along any small props that are special to you or your child. Favorite toys, stuffed animals, and security blankets help keep children entertained and acting as naturally as possible–and they make for great photos too! Other props that look great are fun hats, scarves, brightly-striped socks, cute rain boots, coats or jackets with hoods, tutus . . . or be creative and bring along something totally new!
What should I wear?
Something comfortable! We tend to do a lot of walking and moving around, so make sure you’re wearing something that will allow for that. And the general rule is that simple clothing photographs best, so try to avoid loud prints and logos in favor of simpler attire. But, there are exceptions to every rule! See my “What to Wear” guide for more information.
AFTER YOUR SESSION
What happens after our session? How long until I can see my portraits?
After your session, I will narrow down your photos to the 20-30 best shots. Then I’ll spend up to four weeks digitally processing and enhancing your photos. This is when I hide blemishes, fix stray hairs, and apply creative black-and-white conversions or other special touches. Once I’m finished, I will upload your portraits to my online proofing gallery, e-mail you the password, and then you’ll be able to see your images on my website! Feel free to share the link and password with family and friends.
Your gallery will be available online for two weeks. There is a $35 fee to re-publish your gallery, so please place your print order during those two weeks.
How do I order prints?
You–and your family and friends–will be able to order prints from the comfort of your own home through your online proofing gallery. Each image can be added to your online shopping cart in whatever size you choose. When you check out, you’ll receive an invoice by e-mail. Then you can either send me a check for your order or pay online with a credit or debit card through PayPal.
If you are ordering any specialty products, like a storyboard, brag book, or session album (my favorite!), or if you are ordering a print package or display collection, it’s best to just write down the numbers of the photos you’d like included and e-mail them to me . . . or call me, if you like doing things the old-fashioned way!
Please note that I won’t begin processing your order until I receive payment.
Are your prints high-quality?
Yes! All of my portraits are archival quality and are printed professionally on long-lasting paper in a luster finish to protect from handling and fingerprints. All prints 11×14 or larger are professionally mounted and sprayed with a protective coating for longevity.
Do you offer any products other than prints?
Yes, again! In addition to standard-sized prints, I offer creative custom storyboards and collages that artistically display multiple images. I also offer boutique items such as gallery wrap canvases, brag books, session albums, custom birth and graduation announcements, holiday cards, and custom coffee table albums. For descriptions of all these gorgeous products, contact me for a product listing!
How long will it take to get my prints?
Your standard-sized prints will be ready no more than four weeks after your order is placed. Please allow six to eight weeks for boutique offerings.
Have a question I didn’t answer? Contact me!