What is the process once I book with you?
After booking a session or a wedding, we will chat about what you are hoping to accomplish–whether you want a traditional portrait or a more candid, lifestyle look. Usually my sessions are a happy medium between the two styles, but I am always trying to meet your expectations so you get exactly what you are hoping for.
After the session is finished the images will be done within two weeks. You will receive a link to instantly download the images printable up to 8×10 — no more waiting around for a CD to show up in the mail! I will post a few images on my blog and send you a link to share with your friends and family. You will also receive a link to your online gallery so you (and any other family members) can place any additional orders.
How much should I plan to spend? What is included in a session fee?
The $200 session fee for portraits is due at the time of booking. It covers my time spent shooting and editing AND 20 images delivered digitally and printable up to 8×10. You can also add more time & images to your session, upgrade your digital files to high resolution, or add on an extra enlargement, album, or canvas gallery wrap. But beyond the $200, you have no obligation to spend more!
Wedding prices start at $900 for the base collection and a non-refundable retainer of $300 is due at the time of booking.
What is the benefit of purchasing an album?
I believe very strongly in albums! Even though I give you your digital files, in my own (and my clients’) experience, it seems like nothing ever happens after that. People have every intention of making prints, but it just never happens and the photos are only ever seen on a computer screen. And I think that is sad!
The solution to this problem (along with actually making prints) is to purchase an album from me. It includes most or all of the images from our session in a beautiful hardbound book that can sit on your coffee table to be admired by all. :) Later it might be put on the shelf with your other photo albums and as the years pass by, you will occasionally pull it out to remember what your family’s life was like when those photos were taken. And before you know it, that album will have become an heirloom. (Can files stuck on a CD accomplish that??)
Do you include the digital files?
Yes. They are included in your session fee and you receive 20 fully edited digital images by instant download. The images included are printable up to 8×10, but if you want to upgrade them to full resolution, it’s just $100 more.
What about prints and canvases?
Of course I also offer prints of all sizes and gallery wrapped canvases. Large prints come mounted for stability and with a pretty lustre finish. I LOVE gallery wrapped canvases. Your image is printed on canvas which is stretched around a 1.5 inch thick wood frame. They are SO pretty. They do cost more, but the advantage is not having to purchase a frame and have that added expense (which can add up to a lot, especially if you are framing a large image). Your canvas comes with hardware attached to the back so it is ready to hang on your wall right away. This is a product you will have a hard time finding on a consumer-level — I have not been impressed with other canvas companies, but my professional lab makes ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS canvases. I LOVE THEM and totally recommend adding one to your order.
What should we wear??
Don’t stress out over the decision of clothing! Try to avoid being too matchy–just wear coordinating colors and/or patterns. Make sure to avoid large logos and words. Texture, layers, and color always look great in a portrait. One helpful tip is to aim for wearing clothing that is one step dressier than the look you want. For babies and small children, less clothes is better! Bare skin on babies and small children is so charming and sometimes clothing (no matter how cute) tends to distract from their face and expressions.
Now with all that said… I’m no style expert, but I do know that if you wear something you are comfortable and confident in, your photos will be much more relaxed and genuine. Ultimately, photographs are about faces and expressions and your clothing shouldn’t draw the attention away from that.
How do we decide on a location? Can we use multiple locations?
First I suggest determining what look you want your photos to convey (do you want something formal? fun? natural and relaxed?). Let me know and then you can either choose one of my usual locations that fits your look or you can choose a location of your own. I LOVE working in new locations and definitely encourage creativity with this.
Another tip is finding some place that has meaning to you… the park where he proposed to you, somewhere you like to spend time together, etc. It gives your photos some personal meaning.
One thing I absolutely love is to use your own home and yard for family/children photos. I LOVE doing this, as every home and family is different. Your house does NOT have to look like the inside of a magazine for this to work–it should look like you actually live there! It’s so fun to photograph a child in their own room and they are so much more comfortable and at ease. By doing this, not only will we be capturing your family at this stage of life, but you will also remember what life was like where you lived.
In the end though, DON’T stress too much about your location. We can make great pictures ANYWHERE as long as we have good light. (I promise!)
As for multiple locations, I prefer to stay in one place so that we have more time to actually shoot, but I am open to using more. Just remember that we only have so much time together and I’d rather spend our time shooting fun photos rather than driving all over town. Plus, I think staying in one place gives all the photos a sense of continuity.
Also, you may want to note that there may be travel fees associated with going outside of Cache Valley (see answer to question below).
Are you available for travel?
Yes–my sessions usually take place in Cache Valley but if you are located along the Wasatch Front, I am happy to come you as long as there are at least three sessions scheduled in the same trip… or if I will already be down visiting my family or something. :) Keep an eye on my blog for availability details in certain locations. If you need me to make a special trip somewhere between Brigham City and Provo, I’m happy to do that — see my pricing list for specific fees. I am also available for travel for weddings. If you are interested in having me come somewhere further than Provo, contact me for details.
What if after my session I just love my photos SO MUCH that I tell ALL my friends about you?? :)
I would LOVE it if you’d spread the word for me! It’s the best way to grow my little business. To say thank you for doing that, any of my previous clients receive a $25 gift card for each person they refer to me who books a session. If you refer a wedding to me, you will receive a $75 gift card. The gift cards can be used towards any future orders on prints, albums, or other products as well as future session fees. Or you can give them to others as gifts! And there is absolutely no limit to how many gift cards you can receive, so spread the word to your heart’s content!