Frequently Asked Questions
Session Details
Q: What should we wear to our family photography session?
A: Wear comfortable, coordinating outfits that reflect your family's personality. Avoid bold stripe-like patterns (they cause a dizzy effect when viewing).
TIP: Figure out ahead of time where you want to hang said image(s) and take notice of what colors are in that part of your home…that will help you narrow down what color(s) to wear.
Q: How long does a typical session last?
A: Sessions usually last 60-90 minutes, depending on the package and number of family members.
Q: Do you offer mini sessions?
A: It depends on the season. Mini sessions are condensed photo sessions, typically lasting 15-30 minutes, designed to capture a few special moments or milestones. Time efficient, yet still receive a few high-quality professional photographs. When choosing a mini session with me, they are 20 min sessions and come with 3-5 images. You also have the ability to purchase more images after the session.
Q: What if my kids are misbehaving or uncooperative?
A: Don't worry! I’m experienced in working with children and will help guide them through the session.
Q: How much does it cost for a session?
A: It varies based on size of your party, but fees start at $350. Clients typically spend $750-$1000 or more each session.
Personalizing Your Session
Q: Can we bring props or special items to include in the photos?
A: Yes, we encourage personal touches that tell your family's story.
Q: Can we request specific poses or shots?
A: Absolutely! Share your ideas and we'll incorporate them into the session. Even if it’s on-site!
After the Session
Q: How soon can we expect to see our photos after the session?
A: Typically within 2-3 weeks, depending on the season and workload.
Q: What's the best way to display our family photos?
A: We offer guidance on printing and displaying options to showcase your beautiful images.
Logistics
Q: What if the weather doesn't cooperate for our outdoor session?
A: We'll work together to reschedule or find a backup date in advance of your session date.
Q: How do we prepare our kids for the session?
A: Explain what will happen, encourage them to be themselves, and consider a pre-session nap or snack. Tell them there will be a few scenes in the ‘movie’ or ‘performance’ that needs to happen, but it will be filled with silly songs, fun times and cheesy jokes.
Gallery Access & Sharing
Q: Can I share the gallery with family and friends?
A: Yes, you can share the gallery link with loved ones, and they can also purchase prints and art directly from the site.
Q: How will we receive our photos after the session?
A: Your photos will arrive through a private online gallery, where you can view, favorite, download, and purchase prints and digital files (once paid and final).
As of Aug 1, 2024: Viewing galleries will be available for 3 months from the date it is delivered.
Purchasing and Printing
Q: Can we purchase digital files or prints separately?
A: Digital files can be purchased, as well as prints, albums and wall art. Packages are popular for a lot of families that can be purchased ahead of time with a variety of options to fit your needs, and are adjustable after the session is complete (upgrade only).
Digital files can be purchased separately for headshots and corporate imagery.
Q: What's the best way to display our family photos?
A: We offer guidance on printing and displaying options to showcase your beautiful images. Keep in mind, while a computer hard drive is a good place to store files, it is not an ideal place to ‘display’ them and will likely get forgotten, stolen or lost.
Q: How do we purchase digital files or prints after the session?
A: I use the PicTime platform to deliver and sell to my clients. It's an online gallery and e-commerce site where clients can view, purchase, and download their photos:
Access the Gallery: Your photographer will provide a link to your personal PicTime gallery, where you can view your photos.
Browse and Select: Browse through your photos, select the ones you like, and choose the products you want to purchase (e.g., prints, digital files, albums, canvas wraps, etc.).
Product Options: For each photo, you can choose from various product options, such as print sizes, finishes, and framing.
Add to Cart: Add your selected products to the shopping cart.
Checkout: Proceed to checkout, where you can review your order, apply any promo codes, and enter payment information.
Download or Shipping: Once order is complete, you can download digital files or await shipment of your prints and specialty items.
Q: What professional lab do you use to print your work?
A: Rest assured that I carefully select the professional labs such as WHCC, Miller’s Lab and BayPhoto for printing and producing specialty items through Pic-Time, ensuring the best pricing and quality for your chosen products. This means you can trust that your photos will be printed with the utmost care and attention to detail.