Preparing for a photography session should be fun, not cause you unnecessary stress! I work closely with my clients to ensure they feel involved in the entire experience, from start to finish. I have not done my job if you don’t feel excited & completely ready come picture day.
So you have a better understanding of how the whole process works, I’ve broken it out into a few simple steps–
- When you are ready to book your session, please contact me via email or phone. At that time, we will discuss the date, location and package that is right for you. I primarily shoot outdoors and am happy to recommend locations and times based on different natural backdrops (trees, flowers, open water, barns, playgrounds, etc.) If you prefer to have photos taken inside at a specific location, we can do that too. We just need to be sure there’s plenty of good lighting!
- Session fees include a pre-session consultation, wardrobe assistance, time and talent of the photographer, standard editing & retouching, and image delivery via a private online gallery. All sessions are DIGITAL ALL INCLUSIVE, unless otherwise noted. This means that you will receive a specified number of high-resolution images to download and print. Printed materials are not included in the session fee, but can be purchased separately (packages and a la carte).
- I will send you a contract and an invoice for 50% of the session fee. Payment of the retainer is due within 48 hours and is non-refundable*. This retainer secures your preferred date and time and prevents me from taking on other business that will conflict with your session. The remainder of the session fee is due before or at the start of the session.
- Next, I will follow up with an online questionnaire to gather more specific information about you and your family, so I can begin to plan out our session. It’s short & fun, and who doesn’t love to talk about their kids?!
- About a 1-2 weeks before the shoot, we can schedule a pre-session consultation to go over any other final details and/or discuss wardrobe, props & groups/pairings. I will also send out a “session prep” email just before our scheduled session with super helpful tips to make our session run even more smoothly!
- As a parent, I know how stressful family photos can be. But during the session, I want you to relax and enjoy the experience as much as possible. Children pick up on their parents’ nervous energy, so let me be in charge and I promise they will be more cooperative. I have a few tricks up my sleeve to keep your children engaged and bring out those smiles!
- Within 48 hours after the session, I will share “sneak peeks” from your session on my Facebook Page. I will also share more images on Instagram as they become available. You will receive a link with your full gallery approx. 2-3 weeks after our session (depending on season).
Some other important details–
- Early-to-mid-morning (before 9am) & early evening/sunset “golden hour” (1-2 hours before sunset) are the absolute best times of the day to take photographs. If you want to optimize our time together, and get the most beautifully-lit images, I recommend scheduling your session during these times. I know it might be hard with kids’ schedules, but you won’t be disappointed if you do!
- When booking your session, please also consider your child’s nap times, meal times, and “witching hours”. Help them shine in your photos by choosing a time of day they will be at their best.
- I understand that professional photography is an investment. Rest assured that your session retainer fee is transferrable (but non-refundable*). If you need to reschedule your session after you book, please try to give me as much notice as possible. If you have a sick child the day our session is scheduled, just let me know and we will reschedule as quickly as possible, based on my availability.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know at any time. I look forward to working with you!
* Non-refundable retainer: In order to book your session, 50% of the session fee must be paid as a retainer. This means that I will hold the agreed upon date & time and I will not schedule any other work that could interfere with your session. In the case of an illness, inclement weather, scheduling conflicts, etc., you may transfer your session fee to another day and time, based on my availability. In the event of a day-of-session no-show or cancellation of business altogether, the retainer is non-refundable. Thank you for your understanding.
