Booking a photography session is exciting, but it’s completely normal to have questions! Below you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about your photography session, including what to expect, policies, timelines, editing, printing, and more.
My goal is to make this process smooth, professional, and enjoyable from start to finish. I am genuinely excited to meet you and help create memories that you will cherish for years to come.
What Should I Wear to My Session?
You do not need to perfectly match your family in identical outfits. Instead, choose a cohesive color palette.
For example, mustard, light to medium grays, creams, soft blues, or earthy neutrals photograph beautifully together. Think of styling your outfits the same way you would style a room: coordinated, balanced, and complementary.
Most importantly, choose clothing that feels comfortable and suits the weather on the day of your session. When you feel at ease in your outfit, it will show in your photos.
Avoid:
- Large logos
- Neon colors
- Busy patterns that distract from faces
If you need help, I’m always happy to offer styling guidance.
Can You Cover Up Blemishes and Scars?
Yes! Professional editing is included with your session.
I take great pride in helping my clients feel confident and beautiful. Minor blemishes, temporary marks, and distractions can typically be corrected. However, I do not over-edit; natural skin texture and authentic features are preserved.
Please note: extensive retouching beyond standard editing may incur an additional fee.
Do I Really Need to Sign a Contract?
Yes. A photography contract protects both of us.
It secures your session date and time and clearly outlines:
- Session expectations
- Payment terms
- Copyright policies
- Delivery timelines
- Rescheduling policies
This ensures a smooth and professional client experience.
How Much Is Required to Book My Session?
To secure your date:
Family, Newborn, Headshots & Lifestyle Sessions: Full session fee (retainer) is required.
All retainers and session fees are non-refundable due to the time invested in planning, location scouting, and reserving your date.
However, in cases of serious illness or emergency, please contact me as soon as possible. I am happy to discuss rescheduling options, and in some circumstances, I may consider exceptions at my discretion.
Any remaining balances (if applicable) are due by the session date.
How Long Does It Take to Receive My Photos?
Delivery timelines:
- Portrait Sessions: 10–14 business days
- Lifestyle Sessions: 14-21 business days
Your images will be delivered through a password-protected online gallery. Your gallery will be available for 2 weeks to make it easy to view, download, and share.
If you need more time, please let me know, and I am happy to discuss possible extensions.
Expedited editing may be available upon request for an additional fee.
How Many Images Will I Receive?
The number of images you receive depends on the session package you choose. You can find detailed package information on my website, or feel free to contact me directly for a personalized overview. I am happy to help you select the option that best fits your needs.
For most portrait sessions, your online gallery will include approximately 30–60 fully edited images to view and choose from. These are the best images from your session, carefully selected and professionally edited.
I focus on delivering quality over quantity, ensuring every image in your gallery meets professional standards and reflects the best moments from your session.
If you have questions about a specific package, feel free to reach out for details before booking.
Will I Receive Unedited (RAW) Images?
No.
Only carefully selected, professionally edited images will be included in your final gallery. Unedited or RAW files are never delivered.
Each gallery contains the best images from your session, the “golden” moments, thoughtfully curated and edited.
I Heard Your Camera Clicking Hundreds of Photos. Do I Get All of Them?
No.
Multiple shots are taken to:
- Avoid blinking
- Capture natural expressions
- Ensure sharp focus
- Avoid background distractions
Only the strongest images that meet professional standards are delivered. Quality always outweighs quantity.
Will I Receive a Photo from Every Pose?
Not necessarily.
Sometimes a pose doesn’t translate well on camera, or expressions vary. My responsibility is to deliver high-quality images, not every test frame.
You can trust that your final gallery includes the very best moments from your session.
Can I Edit My Images Myself?
No.
Images may not be altered in any way. Editing, filtering, cropping, or modifying images violates copyright policy and compromises the artistic integrity of your photographs.
If sharing on social media:
- Watermarks (if provided) must remain visible.
- No cropping of watermarked images.
If you need a specific adjustment, please contact me.
Can I Bring Someone With Me for Support?
You are welcome to bring your partner, children, a trusted friend or helper, and even your well-behaved pets to your session if it makes you feel more comfortable.
For family sessions, children and immediate family are absolutely encouraged to attend and participate. If you or any member of your group requires accessibility accommodations, please let me know in advance. I am happy to make arrangements to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience.
If you’d like to bring someone for support, please let me know in advance, especially if special accommodations are needed. Keep in mind that while extra people can provide support, they can sometimes unintentionally distract from the session.
To help everyone feel at ease and capture natural expressions, I may occasionally ask support guests to step back during certain portions of the session.
My top priority is creating a relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone present. To capture natural expressions and genuine moments, I may ask support guests to step back during portions of the session.
What If It Rains?
Weather and unforeseen circumstances sometimes require a backup plan. If weather or emergencies arise, we will coordinate a new session date that works for both of us.
What If I Need to Reschedule?
Please provide at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to reschedule your session. Rescheduling requests made with proper notice will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Can I Print My Photos at Walgreens or Local Labs?
While local printers are convenient for personal snapshots, professional photography deserves professional printing.
At my professional lab, you can choose from a variety of beautiful print products, including high-quality photo prints, fine art albums, framed enlargements, and gallery-wrapped canvases.
These options help showcase your images at their very best, making it easy to cherish and display your memories.
Consumer labs often:
- Shift colors
- Reduce sharpness
- Lower print quality
For the highest quality prints and products, I always recommend ordering through my professional lab.
Can I Get My Session Fee or Retainer Back?
Session fees and retainers are non-refundable.
Considerable time goes into:
- Planning
- Location scouting
- Scheduling
- Preparing your session
Your date is reserved exclusively for you.
What Happens After Your Family Session?
Once your session is complete, the magic continues behind the scenes.
Your photographer will carefully select and professionally edit the very best images from your session. Each image is refined for color, light, and consistency to ensure your gallery feels cohesive and timeless.
Most galleries are delivered within 1-2 weeks, depending on the season and workload.
What You’ll Receive
- Professionally edited images in their gallery, so they can relive the session’s joyful moments.
- A password-protected online gallery available for 2 weeks
(You can easily share this link with family and friends.)
Depending on your package selection, you will receive:
- Download instructions
- A print release
- Access to professional print and product services
- Exclusive discounts are available through your gallery
Your online gallery makes it easy to view, download, share, and order prints in one place.
Knowing what to expect after your family session helps you feel confident and relaxed from start to finish.
Recommended Posts You’ll Fancy!
Still Have Questions?
I’ve created helpful resources for you, and I’m always happy to answer additional questions. Feel free to reach out anytime!
I look forward to working with you and creating something beautiful together.
“Debra is fun, sweet, and professional, and she takes pride in her work. She has done my headshots and many of our family portraits over the years, and the experience is always positive. She makes you feel comfortable and delivers quality results.”
“Debra has an amazing talent and such a creative eye. She is so easy to work with and is always thinking of something new and fun. She is also wonderful with children and extremely patient.”
“She is such an amazing photographer!! She got my miserable teenage boy to smile!! It was so laid back and relaxed!! She made us all feel so comfortable and the picture turned out amazing!! I would highly recommend!!!”
Teena S.
Ready to Book your Session?
I would love to discuss your upcoming session with you. Send me a message and let’s chat!
Pin for Later!
