What’s included in my package?

Every session includes the time spent at the session, travel within 30 miles of Sacramento/Roseville, high-resolution fully retouched images (number of images varies by session), and a private online gallery to view and choose your proofs. Portrait and Newborn sessions also include all of your digital proofs (not available for Milestone sessions or Business Headshots).

What do you charge for travel outside of Sacramento/Roseville?

I charge $0.58/mile roundtrip, minus the 60 miles included in your session fee.

Do I get to keep all of my proofs?

Yes! If you book a Portrait or Newborn session, you get to keep all of your proofs.  You also get a certain number of retouched images depending on your package.  These are your favorites that you’ll want to share on social media or have printed to hang in your home.

What does “fully retouched” mean? Is it different from editing?

Editing is the culling of images to the best ones and includes color correction, exposure correction, and cropping.

Fully retouching includes smoothing skin, reducing wrinkles, getting rid of under eye circles, blemishes, and fly aways and whitening eyes and teeth. Retouching can also include body shaping if requested.

All of this is included in my packages.

How do I book a session?

I now offer online booking! Find the session you want, click “Book Online” and follow the process.  You’ll be able to pick a date and time, fill out the contract, pay your session fee and fill out our booking questionnaire.  Once you’ve booked, I’ll be in touch to confirm your reservation, go over details, and answer any other questions.

If you’d rather not book online, you can email me here or call me at (916) 837-5955.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We take all major credit cards, Venmo, Zelle and PayPal.

How far in advance do I need to book?

Typically two weeks is ideal to figure out all the details and make sure your session is a success. However, during the Fall (my busy season) you’ll want to book much further in advance to make sure you can get in.  Also, if you have a specific date you need, you’ll want to book as soon as possible to ensure your date doesn’t get taken.

Do you require a retainer?

Yes, all sessions require a 50% retainer when you book with the remainder due one week before the session date. If you’re booking within one week of your session date, the entirety of the session fee is due.

If the retainer isn’t paid within 5 days of the invoice being sent to you, your reservation is cancelled and you’ll need to start the process over again.

Are retainer fees refundable?

Since we turn away any other requests for the date and time you have scheduled, session fees are non-refundable; however, with at least 48 hours notice your session can be rescheduled.

Can I reschedule?

Your session may be rescheduled one time without an additional fee.  If you need to reschedule more than once, there will be a $50 fee added each time you reschedule to compensate for lost revenue due to the gap in our schedule.

Rescheduling Exceptions:

– If you have a sick child on the day of your session please call to reschedule. If you try to keep the appointment, we’ll most likely request that you reschedule if we notice your child is sick. Sick or uncomfortable children don’t like to be photographed and we know that you will not love your portraits nearly as much as if he or she was in good health.

– If you’ve booked an outdoor session and it’s raining, extremely cold or extremely windy on the day of your session, we’ll call to reschedule.

– If you or anyone in your family or friend circle is exhibiting signs of Covid 19 or has tested positive, we ask that you please call to reschedule.

When should I schedule my maternity session?

The best time for a maternity session is between 27 and 35 weeks.  The goal is for your belly to be big enough to show up in photos, but small enough so you’re still comfortable moving around during your session.

When should my newborn session take place?

The best time for a newborn session is between 4 days and 2 weeks old.  Your baby is much more likely to fall asleep quickly during this time so we can get those great poses you’re looking for.

How do I schedule my newborn session if I don’t know exactly when my baby will be born?

It’s best to call as soon as possible once you’ve decided to book a newborn session and I’ll put your due date on the calendar.  Once you have your baby, call me so we can confirm your reservation or reschedule if needed.  Newborn sessions typically take place in your home unless you’d rather come to my studio.

How do I choose the photos I want from my session?

Your proofs are put in a private online gallery within one week of your session.  From there you’ll choose the retouched photos included in your session.  Once I finish retouching your photos, I release all of your images for download.

You also have the option of adding on prints and products from your session within your online gallery.

Your friends and family are welcome to look at the gallery and place an order if they’d like.

How long does it take to receive my photos once I’ve ordered?

Generally, it takes about one week for me to finish retouching your photos. During the Fall (my busy time) it may take up to two weeks.  I’ll let you know for sure at your session.

If you’re in a hurry, you can jump to the front of the line by paying a 50% rush fee.

Do I have to order my prints from you?

No, your digital photos are your own to print and share as you please.  I offer professional prints through your online gallery, but there are plenty of photo printing options on the consumer level.  If you’d like recommendations after your session, please let me know.

What other products do you offer?

I offer a wide range of products including canvases, photo books, storyboards, framed prints, holiday cards and announcements.  If you’re interested in ordering additional products, please inquire for a complete price list.

How long does a newborn session typically last?

I set aside three hours for newborn sessions including set up and tear down of my studio equipment. While I’m setting up, I’ll ask you to feed your baby until they’re “milk drunk” and in a deep sleep.  This way we can quickly move through the poses of them by themselves.

It’s completely normal for newborns to wake up and need more feedings, diaper changes, and cuddling during the session. If this happens, we wait patiently for them to fall back asleep and then we continue the photos.  I’m not in a hurry and won’t leave until we have all the great photos we need.

What should I do to prepare for my newborn session?

I’ll send you an email about a week prior to your session with tips for a smooth newborn session.

What should I wear to my session?

I always recommend wearing something that reflects your style but taken up a notch. That can be as simple as adding accessories like jewelry, a hat, or a scarf or you can go so far as to dress up like you would if you were attending an event.

I have several Pinterest boards for style inspiration and how to coordinate outfits with your family.  If you want more in depth detail, click here for a great article.

What if my kids don’t cooperate during the session?

Over the years, I’ve found that most kids come around eventually, so I just wait them out.  I’ve had kids scream and cry for almost an entire hour and then snap out of it at the last minute allowing me to get some really great photos.

The trick is to treat the day as any other and not put too much pressure on them to perform.  Most of the time you’ll love the photos where your kids are being themselves more than the posed photos anyway.  So, letting them acclimate to the situation and be themselves is the best way to go.

Do you have a referral program?

Yes! You can see all the details here.

Do you offer discounts for booking more than one session?

Yes, as long as you book them at the same time.

I have a full Baby’s First Year Collection if you want to book all the milestone sessions of your baby’s first year.  You can see the details on the Baby’s First Year page.

Or I offer discounts for booking more than one of any session type.  You can see those details on the Pricing page.

Did I answer all of your questions?  If not, please get in touch here.