How long have you been a photographer?
I started Heather Eatherton Photography in June 2015, but I have been actively photographing children & families since 2010.
When should I book my session?
The best answer to this question is, as soon as you can! For newborns, I recommend booking near the beginning of your 3rd trimester, but at least 1-2 months in advance of your due date. There are slower times of the year where I am able to book at the last minute, so please don’t hesitate to call. For children & family sessions, I am a little more flexible, but weekends definitely book up faster. I only schedule 1-2 Signature Sessions during “golden hour” per weekend, so they will book up quickly, especially May through Oct.
When is the best time of day to take pictures?
“Golden hour”, or about 1-2 hours before sunset, is the best time of day to get an even, warm, natural light. This time of day produces the best images because you aren’t worried about bright sunlight leaving harsh shadows on faces or in the background. Early morning, 1-2 hours after sunrise, also can produce comparable results. I am flexible when scheduling family sessions, to accommodate for naps and meal times, but I typically do not shoot outdoors between the hours of 11a-4p.
What happens if the weather is bad, or my child is sick the day of the session?
In the days leading up to our session, I will be keeping an eye on the weather, and will be in contact with you if I think the forecast is problematic. If it looks like a total wash out, we can begin to work on back-up days/times. Same goes with illnesses– if everyone in your home is coming down with the stomach bug or flu, just give me a head’s up and we can work on alternative plans. Nothing is worse that trying to photograph ill children, no one is happy in that situation. When we keep the lines of communication open, we can always work something out!
What if I book a session and then have a conflict, can I move my session date?
It works in both of our favors to notify me as soon as the conflict arises. If you have booked a full session, then yes, we can work together to find another day and time that works for the both of us. Please note that during the busy fall season, this may be very hard to do. If you have booked a mini-session, you may transfer your retainer fee to another mini-session date, if any are available.
What happens if my child cries, or is uncooperative during the session?
Just like weather, kids can be unpredictable! I will do my best to make your little ones as comfortable behind the camera as possible, and often act (more than a little) silly to get them to show their natural smiles. But sometimes kids, especially those 1-3 years old, can just be in a funk. I work with clients to properly manage their expectations before the session, based on my experiences, and talk through likely scenarios. But there is no need to stress over your child’s demeanor. If they are not having photos at all, we can work on rescheduling for another day and time, based on my availability.
