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Frequently Asked Questions
WHERE DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH YOUR SESSIONS?
My home studio is located in Hooksett, New Hampshire for First Birthdays, Families, Newborns, Baby Milestones and Seasonal Mini Sessions. Outdoor locations depend on where your residence is located. Fields, gardens, state parks, lakes, beaches, 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.
DO YOU HAVE A STUDIO?
I opened my home studio in Hooksett, New Hampshire in January 2023. This is for for First Birthdays, Families, Newborns, Baby Milestones and Seasonal Mini Sessions. The studio is a multi-functional permanent room dedicated to year-round sessions.
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 not common, though. I usually give much more than 30 in your gallery. Typically I will send your gallery within two weeks. Sometimes during the busier seasons (May, October, November & December), it could take 2.5-3 weeks. In this case, I will let you know when booking.
Mini Sessions usually get you around 8 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.
For full session studio sessions, I 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!
For studio sessions, I have a document full of options per occasion that I will send you after you book. Here, you can customize with backgrounds, colors, props, etc. We can also collaborate on other ideas.
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?
You can now get my Style Guide after the booking process! It will be full of tips, inspiration photos & suggested retailers. 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.
Most newborns shoots are photographed with wraps or other provided outfits. Clients are welcome to bring their own outfits as well.
WHEN DO YOU BOOK NEWBORN PHOTOS?
The best time to photograph newborns is within the first two weeks after birth. (Preferably 6-10 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! Check out if I'm available even if you just got busy and forgot to book. I will need 72 hours notice and may still have something available the week you contact me.
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 retainer; it will still go toward your final payment. Please let me know 24 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 24 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.
HOW DO I BOOK?
The best way to contact me is by email, text, or contact form on this website. I can also be contacted on Facebook or Instagram. In order to book, I require a signed contract and retainer fee of $50. The $50 goes toward your final payment. The contract protects both the photographer and client, and is a standard requirement with professional photographers.
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.
HOW MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE?
I have twelve years of experience photographing families, kids, babies, seniors, maternity, couples, etc. I graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design in 2012. After graduating, I worked for a Portrait company called "Portrait Innovations" until 2019. There I managed multiple studios, as well as taking thousands of different shoots. In 2019, I started my own business with outdoor shoots and in-home newborn shoots. In 2023, I created a home studio of my own where I shoot year-round.
WHERE SHOULD I PRINT?
I personally like to print from Shutterfly, Zazzle, Mpix or your Pic-Time personal gallery. Your gallery will have both web-size and High Resolution images. Make sure to use your High Resolution images for printing. I would avoid printing at places like Walmart or CVS. If there is a color corrector or printer calibration option for prints, spend the extra money and add that on. My digital images are also made for printing, but printers and companies vary in their quality.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
I accept cash, check, Venmo or PayPal. Due to limited availability, a $50 retaineris required to hold your session within 24 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.
