I often get asked questions about “how this all works,” so I decided to write a fairly comprehensive overview of the whole custom photography process from start to finish. You get a gold star if you read the whole thing – feel free to skim for relevant info.

Booking a Session

The first thing to do is either call or email me to check my availability. I schedule sessions for almost any day of the week. Because I shoot outdoors and sun position is critical to my style, I always book sessions for 1.5-2 hours before sunset. I only schedule 1-2 sessions each week so I have time to manage your session from start to finish. Sometimes I’ll squish in a third if time is of the essence (such as a newborn shoot). During the busy season, September-October, especially, it’s best to call 3-4 weeks ahead or more. If your schedule is tight because of your job, I might even schedule your session up to 2 months ahead of time. For newborn sessions, you should contact me during your third trimester and I will leave spots open shortly after your estimated due date.

After we talk and pick out a date and time, I’ll send you a link to a booking proposal, which is really more like a client portal. I utilize a service called ShootQ. You’ll be able to electronically sign the portrait contract, submit your payment and update your contact information, all in one place. You will be given a password so you can always sign in again later and print out your invoice, contracts, change your mailing address, etc. If you lose your password, don’t worry, it’s easy to get another one. If you are not comfortable using the client portal, we can always meet up in person.

Payment

I require your downpayment at the time of booking to reserve your date. I require the entire session fee at the time of booking. A portion of the fee is a print voucher that you can use towards any of the prints and product that I offer. Please note that your date is not secure until I receive your signed contract and your payment. I accept checks or credit/debit cards. For a full fee schedule, please visit the pricing and services page on my website.

Picking a Location

I have accumulated a lot of favorite spots for photos, but let me let you in on a little secret, when the light is right and you are having fun, the location is secondary. So, please don’t stress too much about *where* your session takes place. If you have a sentimental location that you would like to use, chances are we can make it work – I do bring lighting for location work because natural light is not always reliable. Places I love include Macktown (Rockton), Beckman Mill (Beloit), Anna Page (Rockford), downtown Rockford, Levings Lake (Rockford). In the winter, we can go to a park for a snowball fight or we can do a lifestyle session in your house. Think outside the box… let’s talk about what kind of look you’re going for and we’ll work from there.

What to Wear?!!

I care way more about clothes than location, seriously. Wearing awesomely coordinated outfits can take your photos to the next level. It can be the difference between something that will stay on your Facebook profile and something that you will plaster all over your walls. Don’t feel like you have to wear the same exact thing, but look at your family as a unit and treat each person’s clothing as a piece of the outfit. If you’re stumped, pick an outfit that you love for one member of the family, and then base everyone else’s outfits off that one outfit. This works the best if that initial outfit includes a variety of colors or a fun pattern. Need inspiration? Try looking through the examples on Wardrobe Wednesday. Make sure everyone’s clothes are clean, not wrinkled, fit well and remember that accessories are your friend. Last but not least, don’t forget about the shoes – please don’t wear sneakers with your dressy outfit – they will stick out like a sore thumb!

Weather Woes

Weather is my boss… sometimes it demands that I reschedule your session. Have no fear, I have never had to schedule a session more than twice… we will get that picture perfect weather eventually. I can handle clouds, even a little drizzle. They don’t bother me a bit! A heat advisory, however, or threat of thunderstorms are a reason to reschedule. I’ll call you the morning or the day before the session if I think rescheduling is a possibility, and then we’ll make our final decision a few hours before the session. I don’t have strict guidelines when it comes to weather, it really depends on who it is and what they can handle

Picture Time!

I will direct you on how to pose, how to interact, and I’ll be my goofy self to get those natural smiles. Sessions with me are fun and pretty relaxed. They are about 1-2 hours depending on the attention span of my subjects and how many different locations we visit, or how many times you change outfits. With large families, I will need you to tell me which combinations of family members you want in different poses (for example ‘grandma with the boys,’  or ‘each child alone’). There may not be enough time for me to do every single combination so you’ll need to tell me which ones will mean the most to you. If you don’t  have specific preferences I’ll suggest poses that are the most popular with my clients. If at any time you do not want to do a certain pose, speak up – I want  you to be happy!

The Waiting Game

After your session, it will take me 1-2 weeks to carefully select, edit and present your gallery of images. Sometimes I will have a pretty full schedule and will let you know when you book that you  might have to wait a little longer. I do my best to churn out the galleries as quickly as I can, but at the same time I want your images to look amazing, so please be patient with me.

Retouching

When I edit photos, I might crop or straighten, edit the color or add contrast. I love black and white images and sometimes a picture just demands to be in black and white. For the most part, I maintain a fairly clean and natural look. I do general skin smoothing and remove blemishes. I sometimes remove distracting elements in the background, or a hair from someone’s face.

Other types of retouching, however, I do upon request, since I don’t want to offend anyone by dramatically changing their appearance. I can make you look thinner, for example! Generally I will not do these types of “fixes” unless you ask me to, particularly if I think they will change your appearance enough that your friends and family will notice. I would never want people to think that I thought they were not “good enough” as they are. If you know before your session that you are going to want me to slim your hips or tuck your tummy, just let me know, and these things will be done before you ever see your photos!

Ordering

Once I have edited your session, I will order your proofs and contact you to schedule your gallery presentation and ordering session. I will bring your proofs, a slideshow and samples to your home (or a coffee shop if you wish) and assist you with putting together the perfect collection of prints and products for you and your family. I will also show you how you can access your online gallery – so your friends and family can see or order your images as well! Bring whoever you would like to your ordering session. Live out of town? Let me know ahead of time – I’ll make sure to go over everything with you at the end of your portrait session and you’ll be able to order through your online gallery.

Revisions

You can order any image in color or black and white, regardless of what color it’s presented in. I do take special editing requests, within the scope of my style and abilities. Just ask!