FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS….

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? Something comfortable. Stay away from busy colors and prints. Try and have everyone coordinate (I know this can be difficult!!). If this is a family portrait, do not put everybody in black. Charcoal is a good choice instead of black. Moms and daughters/Dads and sons matching will always be a good choice. Just stay with neutral colors. You can always use the great stand-by, which is a pair of jeans and white shirts!

INDOOR vs. OUTDOOR PORTRAITS? Personally, I prefer outdoor portraits for family photographs. Because of lighting factors, I am only able to schedule outdoor portraits within an hour and a half of dusk. A typical outdoor session will last approximately one and a half hours.

CANCELLATIONS - Meltdowns…… Kids all have them. Although they are small, they are little people and have moods just like we do. If you know your child is getting sick, having a bad day, or something comes up – please call and reschedule your session – even if it’s last minute. Although advance notice is appreciated, it is NO problem to reschedule your session and there is NO CHARGE for this. I would rather have your children in a good mood when they’re here.

PETS? I am a dog owner and I love pets of all kinds. I charge a $20.00 pet fee if you would like to bring your pet for family photographs. I do this for many reasons, but the main one is to be able to replace backgrounds when needed - and because of the added clean up!

PARENTS - Please don’t coach your child to smile. Sometimes the most precious images are those when the child has an expression on their face OTHER than a smile. I know it’s difficult, but don’t say, “SMILE!!!’ They generally get that cheesy looking smile and once they start, I have a hard time getting them to stop. Before you leave your house, just tell them you’re going somewhere fun and let me handle the rest.

Let them explore things and let them be themselves. It helps me build a relationship with them and will be helpful the next time you are here. The first session can sometimes be the most difficult. I try and make it a fun experience (more like play time) and they generally don’t realize that they’re getting their photographs taken.

DADS: Although I specialize in newborns, babies, and children of all ages, I do take family portraits. I also have rules! Most dads DO NOT want to come. In those cases, I suggest letting the dad drive his own car – that way we can get the family photograph done first and dad can leave! Some dads have a blast once they’re here.

So, be honest - explain to them how long we’ll be. Don’t spring it on them after you’ve arrived. Most men do not like these types of surprises.

CONSULTATIONS: I generally try and have a phone consultation prior to your session. We can make sure there is clarity regarding your expectations so that you will get what you want from your session. You are welcome to schedule a consultation in studio prior to your session.

VIEWING: I have three ways you can view your images.

• I always post the images to your session on the internet (These are PASSWORD PROTECTED, so don’t worry)! You may view your images and order via email or phone. This can also be convenient if you have family members out of state, etc. You may send the link to anyone you choose – you just need to give them the website link and the password for them to view your images!
• If you would like me to print proof sheets for you, there is an additional $40.00 fee. You can generally pick them up within 24-48 hours and they are yours to keep. There are numbers you can use in conjunction with ordering and your order can be placed via email.
• If you would like to schedule an appointment after your session for viewing, I ask that you leave the kids at home! I schedule approximately 45 minutes for viewing. .

ARTWORK/CORRECTIONS: Babies are messy. Kids usually have scrapes and bruises, not to mention runny noses, etc. I charge for artwork depending upon the situation. If you would like ALL of the artwork included, you can pay an additional $25.00 at the time of your session and I will fix anything and everything possible on the print. Any extensive artwork is performed through my lab and you will be given an estimate for this before I place your order. Most artwork I can take care of myself and it is less expensive to pay the additional $25.00 so you know that most everything will be taken care of.