So you are ready for a portrait session and you are wondering what to expect. We will walk you though every step of the process from ideas for locations, wardrobe suggestions to getting everything you want at your ordering session.

I hope this section will answer most of your questions but you are always welcome to call or email us for more details. We are dedicated to exceptional customer service and the highest quality photography and products. Your family is important to us and creating great photographic art is a collaboration between the client and the photographer. Communication is key! We will dedicate time to creating a unique photographic experience that is fun and stress free. We work with you every step of the way with helpful hints and creative ideas.

All portrait sessions include the following appointments. We have found this is the best way to serve you! Event photography, commercial photography and headshot sessions do not have an ordering sessions as digital images are included in the price. Returning clients for portrait sessions can do a phone consultation, new clients need to have an in person consultation appointment which can be in studio or on location. 

CONSULTATION APPOINTMENT

This is a crucial appointment for a successful portrait session. During this appointment I get to know more about you, your style and vision for your portraits and you will get to know me and the products that I offer. We will collaborate on ideas, talk about clothing, locations, props, days and times. We do both in studio and on location sessions. You will be given a product price list. We believe no two people or families are the same which is why we put time and effort in to creating a session specifically for you. The consultation generally takes about an hour. At that time if you are ready to book your custom portrait session your creative fee will be required to reserve your day and time.

SESSION APPOINTMENT

You have had your consultation appointment and we have probably talked several times and everything is in place and its time to have fun! Planning and preparation make for a stress free photo session. Enjoy it! Whether your session is in studio or on location plan to arrive on time. If someone gets sick please contact us prior to the session to reschedule...we understand and no one looks their best if they are not feeling well. We will not charge you extra for the first reschedule. A typical family session is one hour but you will have the option to extend the session for an additional fee (senior sessions have their own time frames as stated on the senior pricing guide). No photography other than that taken by Lifesong Photography is allowed during the session or any time in studio without permission. If you would like to take a "behind the scenes selfie" just ask. Honestly we are pretty easy to work with!

ORDERING SESSION

Your images will be ready for viewing between one and two weeks after your portrait session. It is extremely important that everyone who is involved in the decision making/purchacing of images attends the ordering session. If your session includes multiple families we can do more than one ordering session for separate orders. We will help you pick out products that will fit in your home and in your budget. We offer payment plans if needed. Depending on your order expect delivery within 3-6 weeks. Custom books and image boxes take a little longer than prints.

OTHER APPOINTMENTS

If you order a custom book, you may be required to come in for a book approval appointment. If you order custom matted and framed artwork we have some frame samples in studio but we can also bring custom mattes and frame samples to your home once your print comes in to see exactly what it will look like in your home. We want you to love everything you receive from us. 

The first question that I usually get is, How much is a session?  Below is a link to session pricing. Session pricing is based not on the amount of time of the session but rather the amount of work to create your special portraits from start to finish.  Some sessions require more planning, more set up and more editing, some include professional makeup, so they are different prices.

The second question is, What does that included? For the most part you are paying for a seasoned professional photographer who knows what they are doing with both the camera and editing, who is a creative and one who really cares that you get images that you will love.... so that would be me. You also get use of any of my backdrops, props, clothing (I have over 50 handmade maternity gowns and many newborn and children's outfits). If sessions include special items or professional makeup that will be stated in the session description. 

The third question is how much are prints and products? And do you have packages? I do have packages! And I am continually reworking my packages to update them with the most popular products. I am also always on the look out for the highest quality products at the best prices. When you come in for your consultation appointment you will have the opportunity to see and feel the quality difference and go over all the prices. 

Travel fees only apply to travel over an hour from the studio and will be discussed at the time of your booking.

Have a specific budget? We will work hard to get you what you want within your budget.

NO CELL PHONE PHOTOGRAPHY

No cell phone photography is allowed in the studio. I realize I have lots of cute props and it is very tempting to want to photograph your child but you are paying me for my expertise. I love behind the scenes photos to post on social media so if you want to take a selfie just ask!

CAN I GET THE RAW FILES?

No. Absolutely not. You wouldn't go in a restaurant and ask for the ingredients or worse yet half the ingredients that go into the dish they are cooking for you, it's kind of the same thing here. Part of the reason you are hiring me is that you like my work, like my style which means I do the editing. 

CAN I PURCHASE ONLY DIGITAL FILES?

Yes! Absolutely you can. Please keep in mind that as the artist I own the copyright to those images. When I sell you the digital that give you the right to print these images and you can re crop it, but you cannot edit it in any other way (you wouldn't draw a mustache on the Mona Lisa would you?)  

100% SATISFACTION GUARENTEED

If you are not happy with any of the products you purchase we will make it right! We work hard to have the best customer service and best products. Your happiness is our number one goal.