The FAQ
How is location chosen?
Unless you have a specific spot in mind, I normally suggest a location that I feel will suit your session, family, and the season best. I look for scenery with varied backgrounds, textures, and that work with the sunlight at the time of your session.
How many photos do we get?
I strongly believe in not making you choose between photos you love or adding more work to your already full plate, so I deliver all culled images in an all-inclusive package. I guarantee at least 40 edited images, and often deliver more. The only exception to this rule are stylized mini shoots, which are advertised as such.
How do we get our photos?
Your photos will be delivered in an online gallery available for full-resolution download. From there, you are able to download, print, and share!
What contributes to the cost of photos?
While on the surface it may look like I am charging you for the hour or so we spend together, in reality that is the least of the time, effort, and money that goes into delivering your perfect photos! On average, I spend at least 6 hours per session hand-editing each and every photo in your gallery. This is in addition to the time spent preparing for sessions by scouting locations, communicating with clients on a variety of platforms, styling, and more.
Additionally, there are so many hidden fees that go into running a photography business! Of course, the camera gear itself, but also the computers I edit on, SD cards, monthly fees for editing software, my booking platform, business insurance, website+gallery delivery service, outsourcing, ongoing photography education, childcare, and more. Truly, at the end of the day the fees just barely cover these expenses while hopefully providing a small profit.
What should we wear?
I totally understand the stress of coordinating outfits, whether just for yourself or for your entire family. While I truly believe your wardrobe should express who you are on a daily basis (but elevated), I do provide generalized tips and recommended clothing sites to help you upon booking. Additionally, I offer the add-on option of a stylist who will professionally choose your family's outfits. Styling can make an enormous difference to the quality of your images!
Why only sunrise or sunset?
I've got two young children who thrive off their early bedtime routines, so I totally understand the concern for the little ones when I say sunrise or sunset is the best time to shoot. With that said, in order to achieve the beautiful golden glow, sunflares, no harsh shadows, and overall esthetic you see in most of my photos, shooting during "golden hour", or the hour before sunset, is best.
If you're working with young kids' bedtimes, I recommend for that one day stretching your time by offering a late or extra nap, lots of snacks, and a late dinner. If you feel this won't work to keep your kiddos at bay, fall is a great time to schedule photos, as the sunset is much earlier than during summer!
How do we book you?
You may find my full booking calendar at: https://sessionl.ink/carinvalentinephoto
If you have questions about booking or need to book a newborn session, please contact me at cvalentinephoto@gmail.com.
Do you have a question?
Still have a question that wasn't covered? Please reach out and I'm more than happy to answer!