Are you a planner? If you’re anything like me, you like to have an idea of how a new experience is going to go before you dive in. Or, maybe you’re super spontaneous and stumbled on this blog for some other reason. Either way, I’m glad you’re here. I’m going to tell you all about the experience of working with me, Em, for your next couples or family photo session!
Photo Session Inquiry
You might have found my social media or website through a quick search, or maybe you heard about me from a friend (psssst: I have a referral discount for existing clients and the people they refer!). Either way, the first step is to reach out! It’s a good idea to have a sense of whether I’m the right fit already by reviewing my website and Session Details or a sample gallery like this Fall family photo session, but we can get to know each other further still 🙂
For everyone who reaches out to book a session, you’ll complete my inquiry form to share some basic information and get you entered into my booking system.
Education & Information
I try to respond to all inquiries within 24-48 hours. If you don’t hear from me, please reach back out! One of your emails may have gone to spam and I don’t want to miss you! At this point, I’ll usually share some more information to help determine the details of your session.
I can help you choose a location that best fits date, time, and goals for your session. Or, I can help you identify the best date and time based on a specific location you have in mind. If your goals aren’t aligned with my approach, I am also always happy to provide recommendations for other photographers I know of who might be a good fit.
Booking Confirmation
Once we’ve determined that (1) I’m the right fit for you and (2) I have a date available that works for you, we can go ahead and confirm your booking. There are a few key components of this step. I will use the contact information you shared during inquiry to send you some important documents:
- Contract – this outlines the terms and conditions of our agreement for me to provide my photography services. It includes a lot of helpful and important information about the session, delivery of images, your rights as the client, and more. All clients MUST sign a contract prior to their session. I am more than happy to answer any questions you might have.
- Invoice – the invoice details your session fee, chosen collection & associated cost, and any other a la carte fees (like travel beyond 25 miles of Wareham, MA). The session fee is a non-refundable retainer that is required in order to secure your session date. Once paid, I hold your date and do not schedule anything else.
Photo Session Preparation
At this point, we will be confirmed for the session date and have time to further plan the best session possible. I will share my Client Guide with you. The guide includes wardrobe suggestions, advice for feeling relaxed and prepared for the session, and more. I’m always happy to provide additional guidance on location and wardrobe selection.
To help me plan the best session possible for you, I’m going to ask a few more questions about you, your loved ones participating in the session, and your personalities and expectations. After that, I’ll also share an important document: the model/photo release.
Model/Photo Release – the model release determines whether and how I can share your photos. I’ll always share a full release first which allows me to use the photos for various business purposes. However, photo privacy is always an option. Just ask me! A model/photo release must be signed for each and every person being photographed. Parents/guardians must sign a release for minors.
Oh and don’t worry – a few days before our session, I’ll send a reminder confirming, where to meet me, how to recognize me, and anything you’ll need to know to arrive prepared for the session.
Session Day!
I’ll arrive a bit early to the location whenever possible to make sure I am familiar with the current conditions and surroundings, and to greet you when you arrive. We’ll meet as close as we can to the actual spot we’ll be using for photos. Throughout the session, I’ll guide you with poses, prompts, and experiences. But, I want to encourage you to have fun and interact naturally with your loved ones. I promise you that the best photos are NOT the ones where you’re pleading with your child to smile at the camera. Instead, they are going to be the ones where you hold their hand as they jump up on a log, or watch as they run through the field, smell the flowers, and just be kids!
Follow-Up
I always try to follow up after the session within a couple days to share a couple sneak peek photos with you. It’s always so tough to wait to see the final product, so I love getting to share a small glimpse!
Gallery Reveal
After 1-3 weeks, depending on the time of year and workload, I’ll have your final gallery ready. I’ll share all the information you’ll need to navigate the gallery including choosing the images included with your chosen collection. You always have the option of requesting a 15-30 minute zoom call for me to personally walk you through that process and using the gallery. At that time, I can help you choose prints and wall decor that will best suit your home!
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