Booking and Scheduling FAQs
What is included in the session fee?
My pricing structure is all-inclusive, meaning that the fee you pay covers my time planning the session, offering pre-consultation services, taking your photos, and editing them. In the end, you will receive a digital gallery with high resolution images ready for printing, lower resolution files for social media, and a print release.
I have a location in mind, could you come to us?
Yes! Most of the sessions occur at a client’s home or a location near them. I can work with any site provided that it is within 20 miles of zip code 60613. Sessions outside of that area are subject to a $100 travel charge. Please be aware that some parks and landmarks in Chicago require a special permit for photos. If this is the case, the permit cost will be fully covered by the client (approximately $45).
What is the best time to take photos?
For an outdoor session, photographers love the “golden hour,” which is the one-hour time before the sun sets. But ultimately, your family’s schedule will dictate the timing. This is particularly true for families with babies and younger children, who work their days around naps and feedings. Let’s find a time that works for you!
How do I schedule a newborn session?
Newborn photography sessions are best done during the first 14 days of the baby’s life. When you book a session with me, we will pencil in your due date, and a couple of weeks before it, I will call you to see how everything is going. All I ask is that you let me know once your baby is born, and we will find the day within those next two weeks that works best for both of us.
When do you recommend doing maternity sessions?
Between 24-36 weeks of pregnancy.
Who can be in the photos?
Photo sessions are limited to immediate family members (included in the package is a maximum of 5). Due to the complexity of posing and directing additional subjects and the increase in editing time, a $25 fee will be added per each person in the session beyond the limit of five.
For an outdoor session, what do we do if there is bad weather?
I will monitor the weather and discuss options with you – usually the day before. Sometimes shooting in the rain or snow results in great photos, but if that is not possible or is not what you envision, then we can change location, time of day, or reschedule the session entirely for a small fee.
What if I need to reschedule a session?
Life happens, don’t worry about it. If you need to reschedule we will work together to find another date/time that works for both of us. If we cannot find another date to reschedule, then you would be forfeiting the deposit payment you made upon booking.
Session FAQs
How long is a session?
Full-length sessions for family and children last 60 minutes. Mini sessions are shorter (less than 30 minutes), and newborn sessions last between 1.5-2 hours.
What should my family wear?
As part of the booking process, I will offer a 15-minute phone consultation and give you suggestions on what you and your family can wear through my Outfit Guide.
Do you offer Heirloom Portrait Sessions?
Yes! Heirloom vignette portraits have long been a southern tradition, but they are getting more popular around the country and I'm proud to be one of few Chicago photographers that offer these.
Do you give posing instructions? I’m kind of awkward/unphotogenic…
Yes. I will give you and your family direction for posing and for engaging with each other, as well as frequent feedback and guidance. However, my goal is to capture the sincere connections and magic that exists between family members, and this happens with more genuine interaction as opposed to “smiling at the camera”. This is what I will try to accomplish through my direction.
What if my children start crying?
It happens – don’t worry about it. I will do my best to play with small children and attempt to engage them. You are also there with them for the same reason, and I may ask for your help. If the children are still uncooperative, then we can talk about rescheduling. We want to make sure you get what you want out of the photoshoot.
When is payment due?
To book a session, you must pay a non-refundable deposit equal to 50% of the session fee and sign an Agreement. The remaining payment must be received 14 days before the session.
Images and Galleries FAQs
When will I receive my images?
You will receive your final images within 2-3 weeks of the photo session. An expedited processing fee can be added to the order, and you will receive them within two working days. The exception is newborn sessions, where I will deliver the photos within 72 hours.
How many photos do I receive with my gallery?
You will receive the number of digital files included within your package in full resolution for print. For a Classic session this is between 60-80 and for a Mini session between 30-45. The photos will be edited in full color, and some may be converted to black and white.
Is it possible to get all of the photos from my session?
Unfortunately, I cannot deliver all of the images taken at a session. For me to give you my best work, I will only release the ones I have selected and only after post-processing. The number of photos to be released with each package is included in the Pricing information. However, if a client is interested in obtaining additional images, I would be happy to discuss it.
What if I don’t like how a photo was taken/edited?
I strive to make you happy. If you don’t like a particular photo – let me know. If it is possible to easily adjust some aspects, like cropping or converting to black & white, I would be happy to do so. However, when you are booking with me, you are hiring me for my eye and my art, so there is an implicit understanding that I will inject my creativity and subjectivity into the photos.
Do you offer any physical products?
Yes, I carry a catalogue of additional products such as heirloom-quality albums, special frames, and professional prints. If you are interested, let me know and I will share with you the pricing.
What can I do with my photos?
They are yours to enjoy! However, note that you may NOT use the photos for any commercial purposes, i.e., you cannot sell them or make money from them. We all like to get credit for our work, so if you share on social media, I would appreciate it if you tag me or acknowledge me.