Family Portrait FAQ
How long is a family photo session?
Sessions usually last 1 1/2 hours, depending on the number of family members and ages. Younger children may take time to "warm" up to the camera and photographer. We'll make sure to take as long as needed to get some great shots!
What's included in my session fee?
Sessions include the time and talent to photograph, select and edit the best images from your session. It also includes the pre-session consultation, 30 minutes of travel to our location, and the viewing session.
What do we wear to the session?
That is the million dollar question! How do you want your photographs to look? Classic or trendy? Just remember that in a year or two, you won't want your images to look outdated, so keep trendy within reason.
Where will the session take place?
We will talk before your session to discuss how you want your photos to look. It could be a park, an abandoned building, city streets, your home, or even the beach. We'll talk about options. I have several locations that are great - but I'm willing to go where you want, especially if the location has special meaning for your family.
What if it rains?
We will reschedule to the nearest possible date.
Can we bring the family dog?
Of course, he's part of the family! Please bring someone else along to hold the leash after we're done with him. I wouldn't be able to concentrate if there was a dog waiting in the car until the end of the session!
How will I get my young child to cooperate?
I am all for bribery or persuasion if all else fails, however, let me give it a try first. I may ask Mom and Dad to step away and let me have some one on one time with your little wild one! Even if it doesn't work, the last thing you want to do is yell at your child, because that will guarantee a miserable looking tot in the picture!
How can I prepare for the session?
Plan your outfits. Get a good night's rest. Remember that this is supposed to be fun!
How long does it take to see my images?
Your proofs will usually be ready in two weeks. We will have a viewing consultation where you can see what your images look like printed.
How many photos do you take?
I take a bunch of photos, then edit the very best. A typical session will produce about 15-20 final images.
How long does it take for print orders to arrive?
Print orders usually arrive within a week from placing your order. Specialty items may take a little longer.
Why prints and not digital files?
This is a big one. Imagine if in the early 90's digital images were offered. They would be on floppy disks. How would you view those images now? When was the last time you saw a floppy drive on a computer? Technology changes. Hard drives crash. PRINTS will last. We all have prints from our childhood, maybe even our parent's or grandparent's childhood! You can frame a print, create a beautiful album, hold them, touch them, look at them displayed in your home. All the effort and time put into your portrait session should result in something solid you can cherish forever, not some digital image in a cloud somewhere.
Why can't I get digital files and print my own images?
When it comes to professional portraits, prints and wall art are the way to go! Your photographs will be heirlooms to pass on to younger generations. In hiring a professional photographer, you are showing that you value your images as art. I use a professional lab not available to the general public. Standard on-line labs or local labs such as your pharmacy or chain store don't offer that level of professional printing. They're a great option for snapshots of holidays, parties, vacations and everyday photos, but not for portraits. The color or the tone of the photograph may be off. You deserve the very best quality photo paper and printing available.
I understand we live in a digital world - where images are shared via email and social media. Technology can change - and although sharing is fun, the truth is you don't know if your images will even be accessible in 10 or 15 years! Nobody knows what the next media storage will be.
If you have any other questions, please - contact me!
© Sharon Elizabeth Photography