Family Session FAQ
The family photography experience is much more than just creating pictures. It’s about capturing a lasting memory of who each family member is at this moment in time, preserving the moment through photographic art and cherishing it for generations to come.
Just as I do with my family, I will capture images that can be beautifully displayed throughout your home. A focal point for your family room, a grouping for the stairway, small prints for the mantle or office desk, digitals to share with family and friends. I want to capture everything you need and want in this experience and I want us all to have fun in the process. We want this to be a stress free zone!
My hope is that the images created during your session will be cherished by your family for years to come, and that your experience with us will remain in your hearts forever.
What Will We Wear?
Every detail matters. Hair and make-up play such an important role in photographs. Don’t be fooled by the term, “natural look”. Even the “natural look”, requires a good amount of make-up and hair products. We encourage you to consider working with our professional stylist.
Adding a scarf for a pop of color or texture, headbands, hats, bows and jewelry, will help add a bit of pizazz and personality.
Layering is an easy way to accomplish a variety of looks and incorporate all the colors in your selected palette. Scarves, jackets and cardigans are all great options.
Select your color palette. The first outfit selected should be for mom. When mom is happy and confident in her outfit, everything else falls into place easily. The rest of the family can build from there. Shop slowly. Pick up pieces here and there. Do not expect to run to the mall and pick up outfits for each family member in one trip.
The Preparation
Expect an email or text with session confirmation – date, time, location address and meeting point or backdrop options.
For outdoor sessions, in the event of bad weather, Cindi will contact you 2-3 hours before your session time if weather conditions are too poor for the session.
Visit the color palette link.
A color palette link will be emailed to you.
- Use the season and/or location as inspiration.
- Get your shopping done ASAP!
- Share pics of the outfits with us so we can give some tips and select
appropriate furniture, props and backdrops.
The standard session fee is $100.
In order to reserve your date and time, the session fee must be paid.
– An invoice will be mailed to you. It can be paid via credit card online, check by mail or cash in person.
We typically book one month in advance.
Give us a call at least one month prior to the date you are hoping to be photographed.
The fall calendar typically fills 4-6 months in advance.
Have an idea of what you plan to do with the final images so we can
plan the session accordingly.
Tips on a Successful Shoot
Orders can be picked up at The Studio
Orders are typically ready within 4-6 weeks.
- When the order arrives from the lab, you will be contacted via email.
- Set up a time to meet at The Studio to pick up your order. We have rather odd hours at The Studio, so booking a date and time will be necessary.
Please have payment ready.
Full payment is expected at the ordering session.
- Payment plans can be set up at your request.
- We accept cash, checks and credit.
You’ve had one week to share the proofs with family and friends. Now we will sit down at The Studio and make your final selections together.
You will find helpful forms right here in the handbook to help you prepare.
Your session is over, now what?
Book an Ordering Session
Orders are expected to be placed within 4 weeks of the portrait session
Once your images are ready to view, an online proof gallery will be created for you to view at home.
– An email with a link to your gallery will be sent one week prior to your ordering session.
Depending on the type of session, we will meet at The Studio for an indoor session, or a predetermined outdoor location. On outdoor sessions, the photographer will decide what areas to photograph in based on color coordination, scenery and lighting.
As a rule, we begin with the large group images and break into smaller groups from there.
Find me at the meeting point.
We will go over the game plan for the session. Get to know each other a bit depending on the type of session booked, we will photograph for 15 – 60 minutes
Please arrive on time.
Some things are beyond our control, but some are within. Do your best to arrive on time as another session may be scheduled right after yours. Sunlight can also be an issue.
Pack a bag the day before
Be prepared with proper footwear for the location. Footwear can be changed once we reach the exact location for the session.
Be aware of weather conditions. Have umbrellas, coats and blankets when appropriate. – Bottled water is always a good idea.
LOCATION
The Studio
50630 Van Dyke Avenue,
Shelby Township MI . 48317
586.737.7411
cindijonesphotography@gmail.com