Session times are allotted based on type of session and can be found HERE. The session time begins at whatever time is agreed upon prior to the session. Please do everything possible to arrive to your session on time, for they are timed very specifically and deliberately - taking many variables into consideration (sunset times, preceding or subsequent sessions, etc.) I am not able to extend session times because of tardy arrivals; thus, the amount of time a session is delayed from starting will be deducted from the total session time (i.e. if you are 10 minutes late, the session will be 30 minutes instead of 40 minutes).
EDITING:
My philosophy is to enhance images, not manipulate them. This means I perfect tones, lighting, and colors in post processing, as well as touching up obvious blemishes both in the background and on skin (i.e. removing bystanders, scratches on little one's faces, obvious acne, etc.). I do not manipulate body shapes, weight, hair styles; nor do I change outfit colors, "iron" out wrinkles, etc. I do offer advanced editing services for $75/image if you desire it; but this will likely delay the final gallery delivery since it takes far more time.
I'm a firm believer in capturing beauty in every life - bringing out your best features through posing and angles; not changing things about you in post-processing. Please do everything possible to come to the session looking like you want your images to turn out!
Also, I am an artist and have developed a specific, particular style of editing (which is probably why you're interested in hiring me!) I edit all my images with the same methods and techniques, and I do not accommodate specific stylistic editing requests (i.e. "light & airy," "desaturated," "dark & moody," etc.). Hiring a photographer is similar to commissioning a piece of art; I'm grateful for clients who trust my abilities and artistic eye.
ON LOCATION TIPS:
Prepare for outdoor sessions like you would any other family outing. If it’s a sunset session, wear bug repellent (we basically live in a swamp – lots of bugs!) Also, wear sunscreen if you think it’ll be necessary, wear appropriate shoes, bring an extra outfit, etc.
REGARDING LITTLE ONES: My aim is to make sessions fun, upbeat, and adventurous for little ones so they will enjoy themselves. We all want your session to go smoothly and to get stunning images, but sometimes children don't share that goal and can make things a little difficult. If they are a bit uncooperative, don't stress too much - I am confident we will still get beautiful images, even if they aren't the perfectly posed, smiling shots grandparents want for their mantles. I have three little ones and have mastered capturing sweet moments whether they're cooperative or not! However, I cannot be held responsible for inattentiveness or unruliness. I will do my best to capture all your desired poses, but cannot guarantee them if little ones aren't cooperative. Also, I will end the session if things get too out of hand (this is an absolute last resort, but one I will enforce). In the unlikely event this happens, I will provide images captured until then, but no refund will be issued; nor will a reshoot occur without a new, full session fee.
LIABILITY:
I will never knowingly put you or your family in any kind of danger, nor will I ask you to take unreasonable risks for poses. As a mother of three, I priorize safety and will never compromise it for the sake of a photograph. However, things happen occasionally (small foot lacerations from broken shells on the beach, a skinned knee from tripping and falling over a fallen branch, etc.). I cannot and will not be liable for any injuries or other incidents that occur during sessions. I partner with parents in caring for their children during sessions, but ultimately, parents bear responsibility for their children, and adults are responsible for themselves.
PAYMENT:
Unless another arrangement has been worked out previously, the full amount of each session is due at the time of the session. No sneak peeks or galleries will be released until payment is received in full. Most forms of payment are accepted: cash, checks, PayPal, Venmo, and card payments. Please note that a 3% processing fee is added to the total of credit card payments.
GALLERIES + DELIVERY:
Your online proof gallery will be delivered to you within one week of your session. At that time, you may choose the select number of images that came with your package (additional images will also be available for purchase). I kindly request clients choose their images WITHIN ONE WEEK. After you select your favorites, I will finish editing your images and will provide you with a new gallery within two weeks (or three weeks if it's taken you longer than one week to decide). I do NOT provide unedited images or proof images; only polished images per my crafted editing process. After receiving your gallery, you are free to download each hand-edited, high resolution image as many times on as many devices as you (or your family members) desire. You are also free to share the link with others, should you choose to do so.
You will have permission to print your images from whatever venue you want, though I do highly recommend printing directly from your gallery, which is linked to my professional printing account. I cannot guarantee image quality printed elsewhere.
Your gallery will available to you for 30 days. I recommend downloading your images immediately and on multiple devices to keep them safe. I guarantee image protection for 30 days after the gallery is delivered; if you need access to your images after that, there will be a $50 re-upload fee.
SWEET MEMORIES CAPTURED:
Our session together is going to be WONDERFUL, and I am so excited! Even if things don't go exactly as planned, we will get some gorgeous images, and more importantly, images that capture this sweet time in your life. I'm thankful for every one of my clients who trusts me with preserving their memories in this way, and cannot wait to do so for you! Cheers in advance to a lovely session and gallery!