FAQ: Session Details
I want your experience with Sarah Jean Photography to exceed expectations. I’ve found that communicating my responses to some of the most frequently asked questions helps ensure excellent customer service.
Philosophy and Style: Family is about belonging to someone — togetherness. Our sessions are about showing your family, your child, that they were (and are!) loved. It’s more than capturing what they look like as they grow and change, it’s about capturing the moments that exist between you now. Capturing Who You Are in the Places You Love!
Lifestyle Photography is photographing everyday life and capturing intimate moments between family members. As a portraitist, I specialize in family photography, with a passion for creating gorgeous art pieces that document those special times in a family’s life. I take a play-based approach with games and jokes; having a relaxed fun time for everyone is my goal. My photography sessions are unlike any other! Sessions are all conducted on-location — in your home, at a local park, a sandy beach or anywhere else that’s special to you and your family. Imagine capturing sweet images of baking cupcakes together, baby’s bath time, relaxing in the family bed, or just having fun in the backyard.
FAQ's
The answers to your questions
Session Length
A full photography session will last approximately two hours (sometimes three or more for newborns), which leaves plenty of time for feedings, diaper changes, and breaks. The time goes fast. I take the time to get to know your children and make them feel comfortable and at ease. Creating a relaxed and natural atmosphere is a big part of the experience with Sarah Jean Photography. My goal is to keep it personal and fun.
How Much Should I Budget?
Many families wonder how much to budget for a photography session and the images you’ll want to take home. I advise clients to budget about $500 – that would include the photography session and either digital files or a variety of prints and boutique items. Of course your budget will depend on a number of factors. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.
How Do I Pay for My Session?
- A $50.00 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. If you should need to cancel it can be applied to a future session within the year.
- Due to the custom nature of the work, it is requested that you pay for your prints in full at the time you place your order. Due to the personalized nature of the business, all orders are non-refundable once full or partial payment is received.
- Prices are subject to change.
- Accepted payment methods are EMT, cash, and cheque.
What if I Have to Cancel?
- Please provide as much cancellation notice as possible. 24-48 hours notice is preferred.
- Please reschedule if your child is sick, unusually upset or in an unhappy mood. Ideally we want to capture your child at their best!
- If you should need to cancel your deposit can be applied to a future session within the year.
How Do I View Proofs and Order Prints?
- About 2-3 weeks after your session the images are posted online in a private web-gallery. From the online proofing gallery you select your images for ordering.
- Once you receive your proofs the online gallery is active for 25 days.
- Once a gallery has expired there is a $30 fee to reactivate it for 2 days.
- Client is responsible for picking up the prints. The customer will be charged shipping and handling if any items are shipped.
Proofs are edited and prints are retouched - what does that mean?
Edited – this means color adjustments, lighting correction, some head switching for large groups, image cropping: Adjustments made in Lightroom when proofing the images.
Retouched – this means skin softening/clean-up, hair flyaway, liquefying areas, background removal, head switching, and any details that need fixing: Adjustments made in Photoshop to individual image.
What Will My Prints be Like?
- Prints will be printed on deluxe photographic paper. Each image will be hand-retouched and professionally finished by me. I take great care in my work, only delivering the best quality.
- All portraits 11×17 and larger are mounted and have a UV protective coat.
- Final prints can be picked up (Paris) or shipped for an additional cost.
- USB and digital images are high-resolution jpeg files. I cannot control or guarantee colour or density reproduction for any facility other than Sarah Jean Photography. For final quality, fully retouched, professionally finished prints made to exceptional standards please order from Sarah Jean Photography.
When is the best time to get Newborn photos done?
Newborns are best photographed when they are between 5 and 10 days old. That’s when they’re the most physically flexible, and they also tend to sleep more, I capture newborns naturally with minimum posing. It is a good idea to book your Newborn session in advance; I can hold a date that we can move around your delivery. A good tip is to book your Newborn session for two weeks after your due date.
What Should I Expect When You Photograph My Child?
- As you prepare for your session, please remember to have available any special loveys (blankets, animals, books, etc.). These not only comfort the child but may be incorporated into the photos as well!
- Prepare a simple snack like goldfish crackers and water to help keep the session going. We’ll take a break to allow them to refuel if needed.
- Kids will be kids. Please don’t worry — I’ve seen it all, and I’m a mom myself. It’s perfectly natural for kids to lose focus or decide they aren’t in the mood to pose with perfect smiles. If this happens the best approach is a positive, joyful attitude from both parents and photographer.
- Although photo sessions can be stressful the bottom line is that we’re there to create a fun, meaningful experience and capture your child as they are today.
- It’s possible that I may take your child aside and photograph them alone, just the two of us. Don’t worry — we’ll be close by. On some occasions a child just feels more relaxed and comfortable having a natural conversation with a friendly visitor and without other distractions.
Are the Images You Take Copyrighted?
All images remain the property of Sarah Jean Photography and are protected by federal copyright laws. Copying of any kind without permission is strictly prohibited.