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Frequently Asked Questions

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WHERE DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH YOUR SESSIONS?

Outdoor locations depend on where your residence is located. Fields, gardens, state parks, lakes, farms and orchards are great backdrops for your sessions. Some families like to be photographed in their own backyard, if they don't want to go on-location. In certain circumstances, indoor home photography can give a great lifestyle look too. I also just opened my home studio in Hooksett, New Hampshire for First Birthdays, newborns and other baby milestones. 

 

DO YOU HAVE A STUDIO?

I just opened my home studio in Hooksett, New Hampshire in January 2023! This is for newborn sessions, cake smashes, sitters and non-sitter babies. I will be consistently updating and posting content of  more designs, setups and clients' shoots..

HOW LONG UNTIL I RECEIVE MY PHOTOS? HOW MANY IMAGES WILL I GET?

In most of my full portrait shoots, I tend to take well over 200 shots. After the shoot, I will narrow that number down to what I think are the best of the best. The “narrowing down process” all depends on the ages of the kids; if someone was blinking; the needs of the client; the occasion and subject matter; etc. Check out the "Packages" link on my website to see more specific information. I give a roundabout number, just in case the kids aren't "feeling it" that day, or some other untypical situation occurs. This is extremely rare. I usually give much more than 30 in your gallery. Typically I will send your gallery within two weeks. Sometimes during the busier seasons (October-December), it could take 2.5-3 weeks. In this case, I will let you know when booking.   

Mini Sessions usually get you around 10 digital downloads. You will have a gallery to choose the specified amount. 

 

After the images are edited, I will send you a link to your own personalized Online Gallery, where you can download and save on your phone or computer. This gallery will also give you an option to share directly on social media and purchase prints or products like books & canvases. 

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK?

It's never too early to book. I recommend booking at least 1-2 months in advance. Busy months like May, October & November book fast and are usually fully booked the month before. Even if you want to book the week of, contact me to see if anything is available. 

I need at the latest 48 hours in advance to book any outdoor sessions if there is availability. Certain locations also require more notice to reserve. 

 

Cake Smash sessions need at the latest 2 weeks notice, as we will need to order a cake. 

Newborn sessions need at the latest 72 hours in advance, as there are certain cleaning protocols I do. 

WHAT DAYS DO YOU TAKE SESSIONS?

I run my business full time, and take sessions 7 days out of the week. Spots are based upon availability. Due to the editing process, I shoot about 2-3 days per week. Weekends are usually the first days to book, so I recommend reaching out to reserve those spots as soon as you have a date in mind. 

DO I NEED TO POSE OR TELL YOU WHAT I WANT?

Mainly I do the posing and set the scene. However, I do love to collaborate with my clients! If you have anything you would like to incorporate into your shoot, we will for sure discuss that beforehand over the phone or through email and execute it on your day. I will make sure we cover everything you need! 

 

CAN I DO OUTFIT CHANGES?

For Full sessions-Of course! Free of charge! Props too if you like! *Outfit changes are especially encouraged for single subjects*

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

If you're not sure what to wear, I suggest bringing a few outfits or emailing pictures beforehand to assist you with a final choice according to the look and feel of your shoot. Overall, dress what you feel comfortable in. We don’t want anyone to be self-conscious or second guess their choice. I have a full detailed blog post coming soon, but  below are some tips to get you started!

 

Most newborns shoots are photographed with wraps or other provided outfits. Clients are welcome to bring their own outfits as well.

 

What to wear:

  • Neutral Colors: Gray, White or Tan (Recommend year-round); Black or Browns (suggested for Winter & Autumn)

  • Earthy colors: Burgundy, Dark Green, Mustard Yellow, Coffee (Recommended especially for Autumn & Winter)

  • Jeweled colors: Emerald, Deep Purple, Sapphire Blue or Ruby Red (Especially recommended for Autumn & Winter); Turquoise (suggested more for Summer & Spring)

  • If you want to do colors like Peach, Periwinkle Blue or a Soft Pink, they are recommended for mainly Spring & Summer

  • I've learned a lot of people like to wear shades of blue, so I'm going to continue to suggest it! I've never had a shoot that I didn't like blue! haha 

  • Incorporate textures and layers with jackets, scarves, coats, vests, sweaters or gloves

  • Accessories like hats, earrings, and necklaces if you want to add some flare

  • Think “Timeless”

  • The classic button-down; Plain tee-shirts & jeans if you’re going for a casual look

  • Tunic dresses & leggings ; Sweaters & jeans or casual dresses are also great

  • Sundresses, especially in the Summer & Spring!

  • Consider your home décor

  • Make sure you're comfortable!

  • A hat or sunglasses always make for a few fun shots

  • It's adorable when the babies have bow ties, suspenders, headbands, bows, or hats 

 

What NOT  to wear:

  • Busy patterns like stripes or tie dye (tiny patterns like little flowers or little polka-dots are okay)

  • Unless specific to a theme, I would also suggest staying away from cartoon characters and/or wording

  • Large logos

  • Short skirts or short dresses

  • Bright neon colors like lime green, orange or hot pink

  • Dressing the whole family in the same outfits. Some matching outfits for siblings are cute depending on the ages. I would recommend matching by keeping the same color scheme or theme instead.  

  • Completely contrasting colors such as one sibling in a full white outfit and one in a full black outfit; One in green, one in red (holidays), etc. 

  • Fluffy dresses or suits for newborns 

 

WHEN DO YOU BOOK NEWBORN PHOTOS?

The best time to photograph newborns is within the first three weeks after birth. (Preferably 6-14 days).  This is when they sleep the most during the day and are less likely to be awakened or distracted by lights and noises. I suggest making your appointment in the second to third trimester of your pregnancy when you know a more accurate time of your due date. Just in case the baby comes earlier or later, we can book two different days for you within this timeframe. Trust me, you want the baby to be sleeping throughout the shoot- they’re going to have their whole life to smile and be awake!

WHEN DO YOU BOOK MATERNITY SHOOTS?

We want a BABY BUMP! The third trimester is the best time to shoot these.

 

WHAT IF MY CHILD DOESN'T COOPERATE?

Understandably, this is a common question. I have been working with children’s portraits for over eleven years and have become an expert on these situations. A big reason for the 1-2-hour window, is that it leaves room for possible meltdowns where we could take breaks if need be. Some parents feel overwhelmed if their kids aren’t looking at the camera or cooperating right away. It’s okay! We will get it! I am not one to tell a kid to just “say cheese” or give up easily.  While taking the grouped family photos, you are able to just worry about you looking good! No need to point to me or verbally direct them to look at the camera. We wouldn’t want the kids to look perfect while the adults are speaking mid-sentence!  :) I will go all out to get what you need. If last resort efforts don’t work, I can reschedule you without an extra charge. To give you confidence, this has never happened in an outdoor scenario. See below for more details about rescheduling. Keep in mind too, the art of lifestyle photos is also getting everyone’s personalities through candid's. So, not every shot has to necessarily be looking at the camera. I’ve even had families throw crying pictures on their walls or Facebook profiles too.  Overall, I will make sure you get some super cute pictures!

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?

In the event it rains the entire day, we would reschedule for a convenient day or time. Your deposit will go toward the rescheduled appointment. A light snow or medium snow can be pretty. Luckily most of the time, it will not heavily snow or rain the entire day.  We could even simply make the appointment earlier or later on the scheduled day too. I also bring clear umbrellas for these kind of days. 

Indoor studio sessions require some available window light, but flash is used as well. As long as we have some window light, there should be no reason to reschedule. Indoor sessions are not taken after dark. 

WHAT IF I NEED TO RESCHEDULE?

Life happens!  If you need to reschedule, we will just find a convenient time for all of us. You will not lose your $50 deposit; it will still go toward your final payment. Please let me know 48 hours in advance. We can reschedule up to two times. If it goes passed that, it would be best to cancel until we can find a definite time in the future.

 

WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL?

I would love to reschedule you, even up to three months out. Please let me know 48 hours in advance if you need to reschedule or cancel, as I need to leave room for other clients’ sessions. Deposits for no-shows or cancelations will be non-refundable. Thank you for understanding.

 

 

DO YOU CHARGE PER HOUR?

Portrait shoots are not necessarily charged per hour. Most sessions can be covered in 1-2 hours. The prices per package cover shooting time and given poses. (This excludes Newborns and Seniors, which are allotted up to 3 hours.) If you are looking for coverage on an event, contact for more information on prices. These are charged by the hour. 

WHY DO STUDIO SESSIONS COST MORE THAN OUTDOOR SESSIONS?

Studio sessions require a lot more maintenance than outdoor shoots. Aside from the shooting and editing, I spend hours cleaning, preparing sets, washing props, backgrounds, clothes, wraps, etc. Also, newborn shoots involve a lot more skin-retouching than any other shoot.

WHERE SHOULD I PRINT?

I personally like to print from Shutterfly, Zazzle or Mpix. Your gallery will have both web-size and High Resolution images. Make sure to use your High Resolution images for printing. 

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

I accept cash, check, Venmo or PayPal. Due to limited availability, a $50 deposit is required to hold your session within 48 hours of booking the session. We will both sign a contract after discussing your customized package. Full payments are due day of shoot.

I HAVEN'T RECEIVED AN EMAIL BACK FROM YOU/I HAVEN'T RECIEVED MY GALLERY

Please check your Spam or Junk mail. Unfortunately sometimes it gets lost in there. I always get back to all inquiries within 24-28 hours.

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Please contact me for any other questions. I look forward to hearing from you!
-Danielle 

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