WHERE DO PHOTO SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

Family sessions take place at a mutually agreed upon outdoor location or in the comfort of your own home. I personally like to shoot at Churchill Woods, St. James Farm, downtown Glen Ellyn, Lincoln Park Zoo, the West Loop and North Avenue Beach. I am always open to new locations and suggestions!

 

 

HOW LONG DOES THE FAMILY SESSION LAST?

The session usually lasts about 1 hour.   There is no strict time limit on the sessions, but generally kids (and dads) lose interest after 45 minutes or so.  Senior photos typically take 60-90 minutes if two locations are used and headshots are much shorter at 30 minutes.  I get a lot of positive feedback about how quick and painless my sessions are– I am a very fast and efficient shooter. 

 

WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?

It’s a personal choice. I like to suggest neutral colors, like navy, grey, cream, brown, plum, green, and black. I think it looks best when adults wear solid colors and children wear patterns. Try to avoid “matching” each other, instead try to complement each other’s outfits. The most important thing is to feel comfortable and be yourselves!

 

WE ARE AWKWARD IN PHOTOS.  CAN YOU HELP US?

Yes! I try not to give too much direction during the photo shoot, but I am happy to help you figure out where to stand and what to do with your arms (always a challenge).  Don’t worry! The more natural and relaxed you are, the better the photos will turn out.

 

HOW LONG AFTER MY SESSION CAN I SEE MY ONLINE GALLERY?

Within 2 weeks after the session, I will email you the link to your online gallery where you can view your images. You will have 2 weeks to make your selection of images, purchase digital images, or order prints a la carte.

 

DO YOU OFFER MINI SESSIONS?

I offer a limited number of mini sessions in the fall, my busiest time of year. These are 30 minute sessions that are at a designated location. Please shoot me an email if you are interested in a mini session.

 

CAN YOU SNAP A FEW HEADSHOTS OF ME AND MY HUSBAND DURING OUR SHOOT?

If you have booked a family session, the time I have set aside for you should be focused on capturing images of your family.  However, I am happy to set up a separate time to take your headshots. I do a lot of corporate headshots and have a separate session fee for those type of images.  The objective of a headshot session is very different than a family session and need to be handled separately - different location types and clothing.  Thanks for understanding.

 

ARE WE ABLE TO PRINT THE DIGITAL FILES THAT WE PURCHASE?

Yes. After you view your online gallery, you will select the images for which would like to purchase digital files .  You will receive these images on a flash drive with a print release. You can then print and share the files however you’d like.  You are not obligated to purchase the digital files and can simply order prints a la cart, if you prefer.

 

WHERE DO YOU RECOMMEND WE GET OUR FILES PRINTED?

I highly recommend using my professional printing lab. You can order prints directly through me at no up-charge (assuming you purchased the digital file of that image). Please please please (if you care about the quality and color of your photos) do not use the big box stores for printing! They are cheap for a reason. If you would like to print on your own, I am happy to refer you to a reputable lab.

 

CAN YOU DO MAJOR RETOUCHING TO OUR PHOTOS? LIKE MAKE ME LOOK THINNER?

I wish there was a magic photoshop button that would take away all the blemishes, stray hairs, and extra pounds. However, it is a very slow and complicated editing process which takes up A LOT of time. If there is a simple scratch/blemish on a face, smudge on a shirt, a few fly away hairs, I will correct those without you having to ask. I do not switch heads, make people thinner or ten years younger.  I give you so many options in your gallery that you will have plenty of images to choose from without have to “create” an image.

 

THIS SOUNDS GREAT! HOW DO WE BOOK A SESSION?

I’m so excited to work with you! Please send an inquiry using the contact form. I will reply via email and if you would like to chat on the phone, we can set up a time to talk.