Below are commonly asked questions for family, children, lifestyle/newborn, and maternity sessions. If you are planning a wedding and have more questions to ask, I offer free consultations so we can discuss everything from details of the big day to general questions!
What should my family and I wear to our session?
This can be the most overwhelming part of planning a session, but it can be a simple process! The key is to coordinate outfits, and stay away from matching too much (like having everyone wear jeans and a white shirt), so that way people don't blend in together resulting in less of a "pop" in the photos. When planning outfits, start with one person who will wear a print or pattern. This could be a floral print for Mom, or a plaid print for Dad or little boy. For the next person, pull colors from the first outfit. Layering is encouraged; you can layer with jackets, scarves, or even jewelry and it will add life to the pictures! I would recommend to have two people wear patterns if there is a group of four or five. Coordinating, layering, and using patterns will add visual interest, which will help tremendously in producing beautiful images for your wall! Still stuck? Feel free to contact me, I would be happy to offer feedback!
How many outfits are included in a regular session?
Aside from mini sessions, outfit changes are unlimited. However, I recommend to do up to two outfit changes, but bring layers to put on/take off with each outfit - so it will look like you wore more than two outfits for your session!
How long does a regular session take?
I do not believe in putting a time limit on sessions, because I want to make sure I capture clients at their best - sometimes this will take time as kids may not cooperate, or engaged couples may need some time to warm up and get comfortable in front of the camera. The length of time also depends on the package of your choice, but it can range anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours. Mini sessions are twenty minutes.
What should I bring to my session?
If you have little kiddos, feel free to bring a favorite toy, blanket, some snacks and drinks. Be sure they've had their naps, and don't have them wear anything that is super uncomfortable. Happy kiddos make for smoother sessions and a more positive experience! If you have dogs, it's always helpful to bring squeaky toys or treats to get their attention. You are also welcome to bring any props or meaningful items you want photographed.
When should we book a session?
During my busiest time of year (August to mid November) I can be fully booked two to three months out. If you want a session in these months, I would recommend to book at least three months prior. During the slower winter and spring months, booking at least a month out should be plenty of time to get you marked in the calendar!
How do I book a session?
How long will it take to get my edited pictures back?
This really depends on the time of year, but on average, it will take approximately three weeks to receive pictures back from your session - minis will take up to two weeks.
What is PASS?
It is an online site where I will upload your edited gallery, and you have access to the photos for ten years before it deletes itself. I will share an unique link with you, and from there you can download images at high resolution for personal use. I will also have a print release form uploaded to your gallery. PASS essentially provides the same thing a CD or flash drive would, except you will receive your images instantly after I'm done editing them!
What is print credit?
Print credit is included in all my session packages, this means you have credit to put towards prints through a professional lab I use. The print credit is not an additional fee, it is included in the price of your session.
How do I use my print credit?
On the session package sheet, I have also included prices of popular print sizes. Once you decide which sizes and photos you want using your credit, send me an email or a message and I will have the prints ordered and delivered right to your door.
What is print release?
Print release gives you permission to print your photos anywhere you'd like. I will have the print release form uploaded to your PASS gallery.
Do you take indoor pictures/have a studio?
Currently I only use my home studio for newborn sessions, but I also offer lifestyle sessions in your home. At this time I do not offer family or engagement portraits indoors.
What are lifestyle sessions?
Lifestyle sessions are natural sessions showing everyday life. For this, I would come to your home and photograph your little one in the nursery and around your home. This can include mommy/daddy, siblings, and pets.
What is included in newborn sessions?
Newborn sessions will take place in my studio, where I have backdrops, props, blankets, and wraps provided. You are more than welcome to bring anything you'd like photographed!
Do you travel?
I do! For all sessions, I charge 40 cents a mile in excess of 30 miles round trip from Napoleon. Have a condo at the lake or a special place you call home away from home? I would be more than happy to travel to you!
Do you offer mini sessions?
Yes, I usually do them two or three times a year and will always post details about minis on Facebook. They usually get completely booked quickly, but if you'd like to be the first to know once plans are set, email me and I can have you put on a list. I will email information to people on the list before posting on Facebook.