Portrait Session FAQ
What is your availability for portrait sessions?
In Spring/Summer (March - September), portrait sessions will be booked with me weekday evenings, between 9-10am or 5-7pm for the best light. Wedding clients' engagement sessions will be the primary exception if in need of a weekend date, but in Spring particularly, I will still take some weekend sessions. In Fall/Winter (October - February), sessions will be booked on weekend dates between 9-10am or 3-5pm.
Where do you take photos?
Generally, city and county parks, around town, waterfronts and beaches, nature preserves, marinas and more. I'll ask you if there's anything particular you envision being your 'backdrop', whether that's beachy, forested/green, marinas, town, etc. to help determine a location that will best represent you - fortunately the PNW has no lack of variety! I also have a list with lots of ideas & descriptions of what the locations are like. I also offer in-home lifestyle sessions, which is popular with newborns.
What are your travel terms?
I work in all of Kitsap County, Washington (Bremerton, Seabeck, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Port Orchard, Kingston, Port Gamble, Bainbridge Island, Gig Harbor) Port Townsend, Marrowstone Island, Sequim, Port Ludlow, Port Hadlock, Quilcene, Tacoma, Kent, Steilacoom, Fox Island, Federal Way, Puyallup, & some surrounding areas. Maximum travel radius is approximately 1 hour from Bremerton, WA. If using multiple locations for your session, remember to account for the traveling time between the locations. Please review the travel terms for my packages when booking, as the Basic Session Package is only eligible for local locations; Bremerton, Silverdale, Poulsbo and Port Orchard; Deluxe & Extended are eligible for the full travel radius above.
What is the booking & payment process?
Booking a session date requires a signed contract agreement and a $100 retainer fee (this will apply towards your total balance). The remainder will be by due the day of your session. By default, I process all of this online, but I can also do paper contracts and cash/check, please just let me know if that is your preference.
How far in advance do you book sessions?
Generally I book session dates no earlier than a month or two out for weekends, and am much more flexible on dates and booking further out for weekday evenings starting in Spring through end of Summer when the sun sets later. In Fall and Winter, I can only do weekend dates. Feel free to contact me earlier than this, and we will plan your session and finalize a date around this timeframe.
What is your photography style?
I like to refer to my style as naturally-posed with a sprinkle of candids; Colorful, light-hearted and timeless. I always include a few poses that will be look-at-the-camera-and-smile shots, but encourage interaction for genuine moments with couples/families, and do my best to make individuals feel relaxed and create natural reactions and smiles. I'll find great backdrops to place you against, coach you as much as feels necessary on placement and posing and shoot! You will probably be a little bit nervous at first and maybe even feel silly, but trust me when I say you'll find yourself having fun and love the end result.
What's your turnaround time?
You will receive your final gallery within 14 days of your session. You will then receive and email with your gallery link and password code to be able to download all your images and print release file from your gallery.
What do I/we wear?
Coordinate your colors and styles without matching exactly, but rather complimenting each other with colors, patterns, and accessories. Stay away from neon/fluorescent clothing (highlighter yellow, fluorescent pink/coral/green etc), as these often will create a color cast on your skin. Normal shades of these should be fine. I have a pinterest board that I save outfit ideas and tips for every shoot from couples to families, and even elopements. See my Pinterest link near the bottom of this page!
Can I/we bring pets?
I absolutely love animals and always welcome it! All I ask is that you have someone accompany you to your shoot to hold off your pet(s) when we are not including them in photos. And that I can pet them. (Just kidding... unless you allow it, then I would love to.)
What rights do I get for my photos?
All of my packages include a personal print release for your gallery; this is standard among photographers who provide digital images. You are absolutely welcome to print, share online and post, even give files or prints to friends and family. Any use deemed personal is okay; meaning you are free to display in your home, use your photos for gifts, cards, make books, and so forth. Selling or entering the images in photography contests, or commercial or business use are examples of uses that would not be allowed. If this is what you need, however, I offer business photography too! A common misconception is that "copyright" literally means having the right to copy/print - it actually refers to the author of the photograph. I need the retention of the copyright to be able to continue to promote my business and share with my audience of potential clients and followers what I am producing. Please note that editing and altering is prohibited, as part of retaining copyright involves protecting the integrity of my art and advertised style. I happily welcome any questions regarding this as I completely understand it can be confusing!
What do we even do with all these photos?!
Your print release gives you a huge range of opportunities to use your photos and get them on the walls and in your hands! Many products are available for purchase right in your gallery print shop for the easiest experience, or you can use the high resolution image files to get products made somewhere of your choosing. Galleries are linked to a professional print lab with experienced photo lab technicians I have worked closely with for years - you can be confident I'll get you the best color. Because I personally approve orders made through my galleries, all orders are reviewed for crop settings and color prior to placement. You can find standard print sizes here from 4x6 up to large sizes like 24x36, as well as framing options to get a completely finished product, canvas prints & metal prints and more. Keep in mind I also sell professional albums from a pocket-sized 4"x4" to an impressive 12"x12". You are also more than welcome to share your images online on social media. All I ask is that you do not edit the images except for if cropping is needed!
How many images will I/we get?
Portrait session galleries generally include 30-70+ images, depending on your package & the type of shoot.
Someone in my session, or myself, really doesn't like being photographed. How do you handle this?
I am no stranger to someone in a session not particularly excited about the whole photo deal. I am very laid back about my direction, and will help with posing without forcing anything. I stay away from "okay, now smile!" because we all know that doesn't do the trick anyways. On the most part, I have had great responses on feeling comfortable from even the most hesitant subjects, and I promise I won't take it personal! Being on the other side of the camera can be very uncomfortable, but I expect nothing from you or others in your session than to show up and be yourselves.
How do I get my photos?
I automatically give every client a password protected online gallery to download their full resolution, edited digital images from. You can utilize the gallery on the web, and in a convenient mobile app. If you would prefer a USB mailed to you, you may purchase one for a portrait session for an additional $30, and I will ship it to you.
What if all I need is a single headshot?
I know that sometimes all you need is that updated image to use all over your socials and website and so on. For a reduced rate I offer a shorter session with one retouched image for those looking for a single head & shoulders style headshot. Find "Headshots & Branding" under my Pricing tab in the menu for information on this package.
Do you have the proper permit and insurance for sessions in Washington State Parks?
Yes, I do! I have an up to date photography permit and the proper insurance certificate for the WA State Parks.