FAQ
How and when do we receive our pictures?
Approximately 3-5 business days after your session you'll receive a soft proof gallery from me.
These soft proofs are black and white and corrected for exposure so you can see the details. There will also be several fully edited sneak peeks from your session, if you've approved social media sharing then you may see these on Instagram before you get your soft proof gallery.
You'll receive instructions on selecting your images in the gallery invitation. After your images are selected I get to work! When you images are completed your gallery will be updated, a new email sent with instructions on downloading your images. At this point the store will also be active for prints and art work orders.
The size of your gallery will affect how long it takes to get your images completed, but traditional galleries are typically delivered within 2-3 weeks. Fantasy galleries are 4-6 weeks. If you purchased the full gallery the time will be on the longer end, if your session came with a set number of images it's likely to be much faster.
How should we dress for our session?
All full sessions include an optional and complimentary client closet appointment for selecting and trying on gowns. This can also be done via email and photos, if travel to me (and the closet) isn't a viable option for you. With details exchanged about fit, this is just as effective.
At this time we can also go through the whole family's wardrobe if applicable. I will help you choose a color palette, based on your preferences and give recommendations for all those participating in the session. The more information about individuals and their preferences the better suited the styling will be. My goal is to find something that is more coordinating, comfortable and still retains the persons personal touches!
All styling advice is complimentary.
Fantasy sessions also include a phone call to get to know each other, learn more about how the sessions work, begin gathering inspiration for your fairytale come to life.
*Fantasy props and pieces are limited to Fantasy sessions.*
When are sessions held and why?
The time your session is schedule for will be affected by the location. If your session is open skies then they are timed to wrap up at or just after sunset, this time is called golden hour. If your location is heavy shade then there’s a lot more flexibility and will be earlier in the day. If golden hour is difficult for your family, and you want to have an earlier time, then it’s best to choose a location with more shade, but if you want beautiful skies and light, then it’s worth the late day, trust me! Simply put, it is the best light. It's flattering, warm, soft. It reduces harsh shadows, it's easier on the eyes for less squinting looks. When you invest so much into your images, and hire someone experienced with putting the light to work for you, trust me to know when it's the best time to get you images that will last a lifetime. It is possible to choose other times for sessions in open skies, but please be aware that this will change the look of your images. If this is something that you’re interested in, let’s chat and I can show you examples so that you can make the best choices for your session.
What's the difference between a regular session and a fantasy session?
Regular sessions are typically for family, maternity, couples, seniors and newborns. The images are bold and colorful, with visible color through your image and a little bit moody, when the lighting lends to it.
Fantasy sessions are usually portraits & couples, occasionally families. They include access to all of the fantasy props, wings, crowns, headpieces and more. These sessions are longer, more involved, more in depth planning, prop creation. They also come with creative edits on chosen images. Their colors are different, tending to dark, rich and moody, lending to the fantasy feel of the images. I can’t guarantee that I have what you’re looking for but it’s all available for use for fantasy sessions.
Will you change how you edit for a session?
Typically, the answer is no. However, your choices greatly influence how your images look!
If you choose a brighter location and lighter clothing, your images will be lighter. I'm happy to show you how these choices change things.
Fantasy sessions are a little different, to some degree, the same is true for fantasy sessions. However, as they're meant to recreate a fantasy that you envision, your vision does play a part on how I approach your images.
What you will find throughout my work is that the skies are not so bright as to be white. That I'm far from what one would call light and airy. I'm typically a rich and little moody across all of my editing. I always recommend taking the time to look through your prospective photographers work, either by portfolio or social media.
Do you have Fantasy Sessions for Children?
At this time I don't have a separate offering for children's fantasy sessions. I do hope to be able to offer them at some point in the future after I'm able to create a fantasy closet for children.
They will not be mini sessions, as children take as much or more time than adults do, in all things. From changing clothes to getting comfortable and following some directions.
I understand that there's some interest in group sessions for children and their friends. I haven't yet figured out the best way for this to happen, for a number of reasons. It's something I need to figure out prior to opening up this offer.
Why do we have to book farther in advance?
I prefer to have sessions several weeks out for planning purposes. This way planning what you wear from the client closet, your locations, planning ahead for permitting at locations, all of these things take time.
Is it possible to do in less time? Maybe, it truly depends on what you're looking for and how motivated you are. Email me if you want to try to get fit in sooner and we can discuss!
Why do we need permits and how much do they cost?
Permits in many locations are required. This is simply the rules of many parks. Having permits means we are allowed to be where we're shooting and prevents trouble when we arrive, without one.
Permit costs vary based on location. Once your location is decided, the permit fees would be due, so that I can submit the permit application- if needed. Permitting does take time and a minimum of two weeks from application to shooting date is recommended.
California State Parks have a minimum permit cost of $100.