Portrait Session: The Whole Experience
(If you don’t want to read this, give me a call instead.)
The Consultation
We’ll start with a “get to know you” consultation phone call. We’ll discuss all your wants, hopes, and dreams; who will be photographed, and where the session will take place. I will help you decide on the outfits and props (the more, the merrier) to bring. Pricing will also be discussed over the phone.
I will send an email with a simple portrait session prep PDF after we hang up. I want you to look and feel your best on photo day, and having a guide can help.
Get excited! I know I am.
The Session
I’ll arrive early at the location to set up. You should arrive on time or a few minutes earlier if you need to change. We will start with the “Hi, how are ya’s” and then get right to it.
If we plan for an in-home session, I will arrive a little earlier to set the “studio” up. I’ll bring everything we need, so ignore me until you’re finished getting ready.
It will be a fun and carefree photo session. If you want to play music, you can! If you need to bring a hype friend, do it! At the end of your session, we will wrap up and give each other high fives or hugs.
If you are nervous about your upcoming session, don’t be. I will guide and pose you throughout the entire session. I’ll show you how to place your hands and which shoulder to tuck your hair behind. That’s my job, and it’s fun.
You get to be the star today, and I just know you’ll love it!
*I lightly retouch photos as part of my service. If you wake up with a blemish on session day, I’ll take care of that. If you have a small scratch your beloved cat gave you, I can take care of that too. I cannot, however, make you 10 feet tall or give you blue hair.
Ordering Session
We will meet again in 3 weeks, so you can see your images and choose what you want printed. This is when you will purchase wall art, albums, and anything else you’d like. You can pay for everything up front or choose a payment plan.
2 weeks after, I will meet up with you once more to hand-deliver everything you ordered. I love seeing the look on my clients’ faces when they open their beautiful art! It’s the best part.
FAQs
Q: You’re in the High Desert, will you drive to other Southern California areas?
A: Yes. Palm Springs, Rancho Cucamonga, the beach, and San Diego are all beautiful places and within driving distance. During our initial phone call, we can decide on a location and go from there.
Q: I love my images so much, can I purchase more prints afterwards?
A: Yes, of course!! I will keep your images for one year. You can order additional photo books, prints, or wall art within that time. After one year, however, you will need to schedule a new session.
Q: I only want digital photos. Will you give me those instead?
A: I’m a professional photographer and I photograph to print my art. Your images will be professionally printed by a company that is not available to consumers. Their job is to print beautiful images that will last for generations. I don’t want you printing at a local big box store or drugstore. The quality is not there, and the colors will not print correctly.
You will, however, receive a digital file of each purchased image(s) to use for social media. Here’s a video of a few things I offer you.
Q: Omgsh, I’m so excited! What should I wear?
A: We can discuss clothing during the consultation call. But, in the end, wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. You don’t want to wear 6” stilettos if you can’t walk in them. And don’t wear a three-piece suit if you don’t love dressing up. You do, however, want to have clean, wrinkle-free clothing. Read this blog post for some ideas.
Q: Are you available on weekends?
A: Yes. My schedule is more hectic during weekdays, so weekends work great for me! If you need a weekday or evening, get in touch. I’m flexible.
Q: How much do you cost? I don’t see pricing on your website.
A: I charge a $150 creation fee for each session. This is for my time and materials. After that, you only invest in what you want. Whether you want a large art piece to display over your couch or multiple images of each child is up to you. You can invest in metal prints, a beautiful gallery-wrapped canvas, framed art, gorgeous acrylic, photo albums, and more. You receive a digital file for social media of every purchased image.
Q: Why should I book a photo session with you?
A: I’m not like other photographers who only give you digitals. I’m a print artist, I create wall art that will be handed down through generations. I want you to have images of yourself (and family) hanging in your home. I offer portrait sessions that are filled with laughter and are all about YOU. You deserve to have images of yourself in your home. When kids see their portraits in their homes, it boosts self-esteem; adults like to see themselves, too. I will guide you through the entire experience, from start to finish. My goal is to create something memorable that will hang in your home.
Q: I’ve never had portraits done before. What do I do?
A: It is my job, as a professional photographer, to pose you and your hands, and to tell you which way to look, etc. I will guide you during the whole session. On the flip side, if you have other poses in mind, we can do those too.
I probably didn’t cover every question, but if you need any more information, feel free to reach out. I’m just an email or phone call away. Send me a text if you prefer.
Watch this short video to get an idea of how your portrait experience will go. Start to finish. And, you get to meet me, sorta.
