Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my session fee pay for?
Your session fee books the time for you with your photographer and compensates her for her time and talent during your session. Unlike other 'fast-food' studios where your session takes 20 minutes or less, your session fee is providing you with a photographer willing to invest her time to capture wonderful images for you.
Included in your fee:
Your photography is beautiful and unique. Are the costs for the portrait sessions and prints extremely expensive?
I specialize in capturing special moments and creating memories.
Our basic rate is a very reasonable $35. The sessions fee will vary based on locations, weekend sessions, and multiple people. The cost of the prints depends on how many you order and are reasonably priced by size. There is currently a $100 minimum order per session.
I want to buy package C, but I don’t need that many 8x10’s. Can I substitute?
Yes. We have flexible packages that allow you to trade out whole sheets from the package to make it meet your individual needs.
A sheet is equal to 1-8x10, 2-5x7’s, 3- 4x6's or 8 wallets.
Can I purchase all of the images from the session?
Yes, you can. A proof size is 4X6 for $7.00. We also offer DVD slide shows that include 50 images from your session. Additional images can be added. (Please refer to my pricing page for details.)
Do you take a specific number of images per session? My previous photographer specified that he would only shoot 2 rolls of film.
No, I never limit the amount of images I capture during a session. I simply don't feel this is fair. It can take some time for everyone to "warm up" and therefore, I like to shoot as many frames as needed to present you with a nice variety of images from which to select. It also allows me complete freedom when capturing your images and the potential to capture that one special image that I may not have caught had you been limited to a specific number of frames.
How long will my session take?
Your session will be individually tailored to meet the needs of your family. Portrait sessions are never rushed and typically last about 1 hour- with newborns needing closer to a three hour time frame because of feedings, moods, and naps. I like to devote ample time for your session in order to give your family the time and attention you deserve and in order to capture the moments you will treasure. I will work with you to determine the best time of day for your portrait session, working around naps, feedings, and the individual needs of you and your children.
How will I choose my pictures?
Your images will be available for viewing through a link sent to you by email. Within 1 week you will receive an email that includes a link to an online proofing site (which will be available online for two weeks) The red date at the top of the viewing page is the expiration date- meaning, that is the day you will no longer be able to see your proofs. You must have your order by the day before.
All orders must be placed within two weeks of your session.
Can I order more pictures later?
Your images will remain on file for a period of ONE YEAR from the date of your session, should you desire additional reprints at a later date.
There is a minimum order amount of $50 or a reorder fee of $15.
Where do you take your pictures?
I use beautiful locations as well as studio backgrounds to create unique portraits. Locations include, but are not limited to, our old barn in Chackbay, Our studio porch in Chackbay, Laurel Valley Plantation in Thibodaux, the dock behind the Thibodaux library, Bayou side at NSU in Thibodaux, downtown Thibodaux, E. D. White Plantation in Labadiville, St. Martin Law Offices in Houma, Grand Isle beach, your home, or any other location you wish.How long will my prints take to come in?
After you order your prints, you can expect them to arrive within two - four weeks. I understand how excited you are to receive your pictures; so if they come in early I will call you right away!
I am interested in purchasing a Baby Club Package. What is the best time to have newborn photographs taken?
I generally recommend that newborn sessions take place before the baby is two weeks old. Babies grow and change so fast. After two weeks, they become more alert and we have lost the opportunity to capture those adorable curled up positions and sweet sleeping photographs. If you are reluctant to take your baby out of the house, we do make home visits. Call for pricing information. Otherwise, try to make the appointment by 1 month.
Is there anything that I need to bring for my child's newborn session?
A new baby is so exciting... and overwhelming at times! I advise parents to pack a "Picture bag" when they pack their hospital bag- that way when picture time arrives everything will be ready to go- Stress free... well, almost! Include black short or 3/4 sleeve shirts for Mom and Dad (for naked baby shots), White shirts for a family picture, wedding rings (even if they don't fit yet), baby's outfit and accessories, and plenty bottles/ food/ pacifiers/ wipes and diapers. It's never a bad idea to bring a change of clothes for Mom and Dad... just in case.
I missed the newborn session. Can I still participate in the baby club?
Yes. When you miss a session you can make it up with either a family session attached to one of your baby club sessions or a 10/11 month old session to be used for birthday invitations. These sessions must take place during the baby’s first year and are the only substitutions allowed.
My child has a scar in a rather obvious place, and we are hesitant to get photographs created as a result. My child scratched her face the day before her pictures should we cancel our appointment?
I provide digital retouching services for any image you request. Because this is an intensive close-up artistic process, there is a retouching fee for this service. Please refer to my pricing page for details.
What if my family members want to select some images of their own?
Families will view their images online. The link to these pictures can be forwarded to as many people as you wish. This web gallery has pictures that are numbered and can be shared with friends and family around the globe. This gallery is available for two weeks. Please have family members submit their orders to you so that all orders can be placed at the same time. We will separate orders/ totals for you.
What if my online proofing runs out of time before I make my decision? Am I no longer allowed to order my pictures after 2 weeks?
The red date at the top of the viewing page is the expiration date- meaning, that is the day you will no longer be able to see your proofs. You must have your order by the day before. In the event that you were not able to make your final selections before your time ran out you have two choices. You may either come in to make your final decisions in the studio or you have them posted for an additional week for a minimal $5.00.
What if my child or I am sick on the day of the session?
In the event of family illness, I would kindly recommend that you call and reschedule the session. Children who are sick have difficulty following commands, and are often too sick to make your photographic session successful. Trying to "tough it out" will only result in disappointment, as your finished images will likely not be “the child you know”, and their state of health will show through in the images. I would much prefer to reschedule a shoot if it means getting you images that you can truly be proud of.
What happens if I need to cancel and rebook my session date?
I understand that other events in our lives can sometimes interfere with our appointment, and I am always available to reschedule if the need arises. I do ask, however, that you provide me with 48 hours notice so that I can make that time slot available to other clients.
I also understand that emergencies happen where 48 hours notice is not possible, but I would kindly ask you to adhere to this time guideline whenever possible.
What if the weather does not cooperate?
If it is too wet for an outdoor shoot, we will reschedule for an alternate date. If the weather is unsettled I will call the morning of the appointment to confirm. You also have the option of switching to a studio session.
What should my family wear?
I take candid pictures that focus on capturing your child’s true personality. Too many colors or too much pattern takes away from your child and we only end up seeing the outfit. I recommend solid, light colored clothes without patterns or designs. When coordinating outfits, stick to similar colors. The old thought that everyone should wear the same color or all white (although it does make a great picture) is definitely not your only option. For a twist on this old favorite, try cream! For something different, choose similar colors and coordinating pants for a unique look. Also consider the colors of the main room in your house where you will display the photos to give you some ideas for color combinations.
What makes your pictures different from other photographers?
I offer a unique approach to photographing your family. I have a relaxed, natural, and un-posed approach to photography, and I believe that the best portraits are captured when people are being themselves. I prefer to play and talk with those I photograph in order to capture natural expressions, rather than simply asking people to pose and smile.
Can I bring my pet to be photographed?
I understand that pets are members of the family too! I invite you to make your pet part of your portrait session. In this case you should bring your pet’s favorite treats, leash, kennel and someone to help occupy your pet when he is not being photographed.
I noticed you have many black and white photographs; will my pictures be taken in black and white or in color?
All images are taken as color images because we are able to create, black and white, sepia (antique), or color select from these color images. Your proofing site will allow you to see how some of these effects look. Simply let us know how you prefer your image at the time you order. There is a minimal fee for antique and color select services ($5.00-$10.00). Please refer to my pricing page for details.
How do I get to your studio?
Please see Map for further details.
May I bring my own props for a studio session?
Yes. When preparing for your portrait session we encourage guests to bring along specific items which may represent their personality. When working with young children it may also be important for the child to have a familiar toy or blanket available during the session. If you have any specific questions regarding the use of an item you may wish to be photographed with, please ask when making your appointment.
I am interested in booking a maternity session. What is the best time during pregnancy to have photographs taken?
I generally recommend that moms-to-be arrange to have their session take place during weeks 28-33 of pregnancy. This time frame allows you to be significantly pregnant with gorgeous curves and that pregnancy "glow", but not so far advanced in your pregnancy that clothing changes and positioning would be difficult to achieve during our session. Moms-to-be typically aim for several different clothing options (I recommend 2-3), and therefore, there is a lot of changing into and out of different styles. As pregnancy progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to do so. In addition, some of the positions that moms-to-be would like to see in their portraits become difficult to attain during the latter stages of pregnancy. However, feel free to book as early as 26 weeks to have photos available for display at your baby shower and for use on custom invitations.
It is best to call for an appointment during the early stages of pregnancy so that the session can be booked well in advance.
I recommend moms-to-be call anytime from weeks 15-20 in order to make session arrangements.
I have already booked a maternity session. What should I bring to my session?
I take pictures according to mom’s wishes. You decide how much of your belly you would like to show and what clothing options to go with. Generally moms do one or two maternity shirts/tanks in solid colors that are form fitting with jeans or other pants and choose from different fabric wraps or pajamas that I provide. Choose jeans that do not have the maternity elastic band. You can even wear pre-pregnancy jeans and leave them unbuttoned. Make sure to bring white and/ or black tank tops and wear flesh colored underclothes. Strapless is a big help. Don’t worry about stretch marks. We can edit them out with the computer or keep them in the pictures as a badge of honor. You can also bring baby items such as booties to place on your belly- or use the ones we have here.
Can my husband or other children participate in my maternity session?
I love taking maternity pictures with family members. What a wonderful way to preserve those memories! I recommend that if young children are part of the session that you arrange to have someone bring them home after we capture their poses in order to finish your individual pictures.
I am so excited about taking portraits of my child eating her cake for her 1st Birthday session. What do I need to bring?
Some babies like to get messy and some cry if they accidentally touch the icing! It's always exciting and sometimes surprising to see which personality a baby will have. Be prepared for both! In addition to your, cake, 6-9 balloons, party hat, bib and diaper cover you should bring wipes, a wet washcloth in a Ziploc bag and a sippy cup of what your child drinks. We provide the white wrapped gifts (with pink, blue, green, yellow, red and purple bow options), balloon weights and we also have generic girl (pink) and boy (blue) hat and bib sets.
How do I order a custom collage?
A collage is a great way to group similar pictures as a way of telling a story. The first step would be choosing the size of your collage. Our most popular sizes are 11x14 and 10x24 (storyboards). You can either choose a layout from our featured collages or let us create something special. You should also choose the pictures you would like in your collage. The amount is determined by layout you choose from our featured collages found in the portfolio section of our website. Remember- The more pictures you choose the smaller they will be on your collage. Finally you can choose to add your child’s name, a date, and/ or a quote. All collages will be posted online for approval before ordering and are available to be mounted on art board or on canvas.