Question: Are appointments needed?

Answer: Since I work out of my home all sessions are by appointment.

Question: What are the studio hours?

Answer: Portrait sessions can be arranged for Monday-Sunday. I am open to most hours. Times for outdoor portraits is dependent on the position of the sun; and weather, usually the best time of day is a few hours before  sunset and early morning. An overcast day allows for a larger range of time.

Question: Am I open to suggestions?

Answer: Yes, I am always open to the ideas of my clients.

Question: How should I prepare for a portrait session?

Answer:

Clothing

You will be consulted about clothing style and colors in detail at the time of setting up a portrait session. In general, you will want to avoid patterned clothing. We will want to match the style of the clothing to the desired style of the images. For baby sessions, I prefer minimal clothes. For shots with clothing, solid darker clothing is best for black & white prints. Earth tones, pastels or bright colors can be good choices for color prints. You may bring a few sets of clothes for a variety of looks. For maternity sessions, wear loose clothing for the hour before the session to minimize clothing marks on the skin. You can bring robes, sheer material or fabrics that you love.

Props

You will be consulted about props at the time of setting up a portrait session. My style of photography uses very few props, but adding in some personal elements that are significant to the portrait can work well. If your child has a favorite toy that brings big smiles, please bring it but keep it hidden until we are into the session. Hats, special blankets, favorite dress-up clothes can be good additions. Any props should be "classic" in the sense that when you look at the photograph 10 years from now, it should not feel dated or embarrassing because of clothing or props.

Hair & Make-up

For children, no make-up is needed, but I do recommend bringing along Chap Stick for lips. Hair should be styled for children in a way that keeps it out of their eyes and face, unless you are ok with it being there.

Make-up for adults, you should wear more than you normally wear - preferably staying with "natural" tones. If you like black and white pictures go with a bit more dramatic on the eyes and lip color – while still feeling like you.

If you have long hair, I recommend wearing it away from the face for location sessions as conditions can be windy, and we often struggle with hair in the face throughout the session if it is let loose. For studio sessions, it is best to bring a clip if long hair is worn loose, in case we need to bring it back from your face for certain shots.

Question: What is the best time of day for environmental portraits?

Answer: Depending on the weather, usually the best time of day is a few hours before  sunset and early morning. An overcast day allows for a larger range of time.

Question: How long is a session and what does it include?

Answer: The length of a session depends on what type of session and the ages of the persons involved. Generally. a session can run anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours. A session allows for up to two clothing changes.

Question: What about retouching?

Answer: Basic retouching is included at no extra cost.

Question: When and how do I view my images?

Answer: Approximately one to two weeks following the portrait session you will be mailed a PC slide show of your photographs. At that time you may pick the images that suits your needs.

Question: When will my finished portrait packages be ready.

Answer: Portrait packages are normally ready between one and two weeks.

Question: How often is it recommended to have portraits made for an infant or child?

Answer: Your baby will changes the most during the first 24 months of life. These magical milestone moments can be captured through a portrait history. The minimum recommended is for the newborn: birth, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months. Some people like to do more. After age two the following ages: 3, 4 to 5, 6 to 8, 9 to 12 and 13 to 15 and the important age 16. Some do more.

Question: When is it recommended High School Senior pictures be taken?

Answer: Many seniors like to get a jump on their portraits so they can show them to their friends all summer and come in the late spring of their junior year. Others prefer the summer or fall.

Question: How often is it recommended to have family portraits created?

Answer: Every 1-3 years and each time the stork visits your family.

Question: When are session fees due?

Answer: Session fees are due at the start of the portrait session.

Question: When are portrait package payments due?

Answer: Payments for portrait packages ar due at time of order.

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