Booking and Scheduling

Q: How far in advance should I book my session?

A: For regular portrait sessions, booking 2-3 weeks in advance is recommended. For special occasions or seasonal sessions (like Christmas or fall photos), consider booking 1-2 months ahead. Peak seasons (spring and fall) fill up quickly, so early booking is advised.

Q: What’s the best time of day for photos?

A: For outdoor sessions, the “golden hours” (1-2 hours after sunrise or before sunset) provide the most flattering natural light. For indoor studio sessions, any time works well. We’ll recommend specific times based on your chosen location and the season.

Q: What happens if it rains on our scheduled outdoor session date?

A: We monitor weather conditions closely and will contact you 24-48 hours before your session if weather appears problematic. We have backup dates reserved for such situations, or we can move to our indoor studio if you prefer.

Session Preparation

Q: How long will our session take?

A: Most family sessions last 60-90 minutes, individual portraits typically take 45-60 minutes, and newborn sessions can last 2-3 hours. We never rush our sessions to ensure we capture the best possible images.

Q: Should we bring our own props?

A: While we have a variety of props available, personal items that reflect your family’s personality are welcome. Meaningful items like family heirlooms, favorite toys, or special blankets can add unique touches to your photos.

Q: Do you provide hair and makeup services?

A: We can recommend professional hair and makeup artists who specialize in photography makeup. These services can be added to your session for an additional fee and should be booked in advance.

Clothing and Appearance

Q: Can we change outfits during the session?

A: Yes! Most sessions allow for 2-3 outfit changes. Our studio has a private changing area, and we factor outfit changes into the session timeline.

Q: What if someone gets a blemish or scratch right before the session?

A: Don’t worry! Basic retouching is included in our service. We can remove temporary blemishes, scratches, or minor imperfections while maintaining a natural look.

Q: Should everyone in the family match exactly?

A: Rather than exact matching, we recommend coordinating colors and styles. This creates visual harmony while allowing individual personality to shine through. We’re happy to review your outfit choices before the session.

Children and Pets

Q: What if my child isn’t cooperating during the session?

A: We’re experienced in working with children and understand they have different moods. We take breaks as needed, use games and activities to engage them, and never force poses. Some of the best photos come from letting kids be themselves.

Q: Can we include our pets in the photos?

A: Absolutely! We love including furry family members. We recommend bringing them for just a portion of the session, along with their favorite treats and toys. Someone should be available to take them home after their photos are done.

Q: How do you handle shy or anxious children?

A: We take time to help children feel comfortable before starting. We often begin with casual conversation and let them explore the studio or location. There’s never pressure to perform or pose immediately.

Technical Questions

Q: How many final images will we receive?

A: Depending on your package, you’ll typically receive 25-40 fully edited images from a standard session. We carefully select the best images that tell your family’s story, ensuring each photo meets our quality standards.

Q: Do you provide both color and black & white versions?

A: Yes, we provide both color and black & white versions of selected images when they enhance the emotional impact or artistic quality of the photo.

Q: How long until we see our photos?

A: You’ll receive a sneak peek of 2-3 images within 48 hours of your session. The complete gallery is typically ready within 2-3 weeks.

Investment and Products

Q: What payment methods do you accept?

A: We accept all major credit cards, cash, and bank transfers. A deposit is required to secure your booking, with the balance due on the session date.

Q: Do you offer payment plans?

A: Yes, we offer flexible payment plans for larger packages and wall art collections. This can be discussed during your consultation.

Q: What if we need photos for a specific date (like holiday cards)?

A: Please let us know any deadlines during booking. We can prioritize editing for time-sensitive needs, but remember to book well in advance during holiday seasons.

After the Session

Q: How do we order prints and products?

A: We’ll schedule a viewing and ordering session where you can see your images and choose your favorites. We offer professional printing services and a variety of wall art options.

Q: Can we share our photos on social media?

A: Yes! We provide web-sized images suitable for social media sharing. We appreciate photo credits when shared online.

Q: What if we need additional retouching?

A: Advanced retouching services are available for an additional fee. This includes more extensive skin retouching, body contouring, or background modifications.

Special Circumstances

Q: Do you accommodate special needs or disabilities?

A: Absolutely. Please inform us of any special requirements during booking so we can prepare appropriately and ensure a comfortable experience for everyone.

Q: What if we need to reschedule?

A: We understand that circumstances change. Please provide at least 48 hours’ notice for rescheduling. Emergency situations are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Q: Can you accommodate large extended families?

A: Yes! We have experience with large group photos and can recommend ideal locations or studio setups. Additional time may be needed for large groups.

Remember, these are just common questions – we’re always happy to address any specific concerns you may have about your session. Don’t hesitate to reach out with additional questions!