General Questions

 

How would you describe your style and the feel I will receive during my session? 

My goal is to capture the real you, just as you are, because no one else can claim that awesomeness! 

 

Because nearly everyone gets nervous in front of a camera, I will give some direction (where to go, how to stand, what to do with your hand), but my preference, especially if we are out in nature, is to see where the session takes us. If I see a spot that would make a great photo opportunity, we will stop and take some shots. When working with small kids in a studio, we may try to start with a few “poses,” but generally I like to just see what gets their attention and focus on that. Having kids of my own, I do tend to be interactive, but it will be your job as the parent to be the primary one getting them to smile!

 

Do you work with a shot list? How do you approach family sessions?

Based on the information you have given me and the type of session, I usually have a few different poses planned and then I just see what happens. If you have a specific picture/pose you found on Pinterest, I am happy to do that for you, but please remember that it will turn out differently because the background, the subject, and the photographer are all different from the picture you found.

 

For example, in a family session, I always include at least one whole family pose, one pose of the parents, and one pose of the child(ren) together, if there is more than one. There are many other combinations that can be done as time permits. Mostly, I just let the session flow naturally, aiming to do most of the kid-focused shots early in the session when the kids are most happy. After all, I have kids of my own, and know that at least for them, they only last so long before needing a break, a snack, a drink, etc. 🙂

 

What if there is bad weather? 

Unless it is storming with lightning and thunder or a blizzard, I am fully equipped to give you a beautiful session regardless of rain or snow. In fact, some of the most memorable sessions can be in those odd weather situations.

 

Do you travel? What are your travel fees?

Yes, I would be willing to travel. If the location is within driving distance, I charge the typical mileage rate of 0.67 per mile beyond 15 miles. If the location would require flying and/or lodging, those costs would need to be covered by the client. I would take care of any food expenses, if staying somewhere was necessary.

 

Do you do payment plans? 

At this time, I only do payment plans for weddings.

 

How can we book? 

All you have to do is fill out the Contact Me form and I will get your session booked for a day and time that is convenient for you.

 

What are your rates? 

Every client deserves to enjoy beautiful images! With technology becoming what it is, anyone can take nice pictures from their devices. You are hiring me because you want more. I would love to do all of my sessions for rock-bottom pricing, but I believe that the time I am sacrificing away from my family is worth something. That being said, I do my best to provide quality images while balancing affordability for you and respect for my time and knowledge. Please fill out the Contact Me form to find out my rates.

 

Do you have a studio?

I do have a small studio set-up in my home.  I have also done in-home sessions which allow clients to be more comfortable being in their own environment.

 

What if you or I get sick?

Illness (like pink eye, COVID, the flu, fevers, etc.) happens and, in my experience having kids of my own, it is generally uncontrollable. If I feel unwell enough that I am unable to take the photos for your session, I will reschedule with you for a new date at no extra cost to you. The same goes for you. If an illness happens to you or someone in your family, the reality is that person will not be as happy, smiley, and/or at their best. In that situation, I would rather reschedule (again, at no extra cost to you) for another time when everyone is feeling better. If you are ever unsure, please contact me and we can talk about your concerns.

 

What services do you offer?

What if I need something you don’t show? As a small town photographer, I do my best to meet the needs of my clients as they change throughout life. Some of the things I have grown to love, like cake smashes, are things my clients have asked for. If you don’t see what you are looking for on this list of services, all you have to do is ask.

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• Heirloom Photography (baby/girl in mom’s/grandma’s wedding dress, boy with dad’s/grandpa’s trumpet/boat,etc.)

• Maternity

• Newborn

• Baby and Child

• Birthday/Cake Smash Sessions

• Family

• High School Seniors

• Engagement and Wedding

• Professional Portraits (Studio or in the Workplace)

• Family Reunions

• Product/Art Photography

 

Are you on social media?

Yes, I am on Facebook and Instagram.  

 

What is the model release you mention?

A model release is a protection for me as the photographer that states you have agreed to me posting images from your session on my website portfolio or social media for advertising purposes. If you would prefer to not have images from your session put online, I completely respect that wish and so the model release portion of the contract is optional.

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I have another question. How can I ask?

All questions are welcome. You can’t get what you don’t ask for. Please fill out my contact form or send me an email at todayforeverphotography@outlook.com. 

 

Preparing for the Session Questions

Can we bring pets to our photo shoot?

If I am meeting you on location, you are absolutely welcome to bring your pets. 

 

What do I wear?  

Always consider what the temperatures will be if you plan on doing an outside photoshoot and, if possible, dress in layers. This will naturally give you a few different looks without a lot of effort. 

Otherwise, you want the focus to be on you so lean more towards clothes that will accentuate the best parts of you without being distracting. For example, solid colors or small prints will make it easier for the viewer to focus on your face rather than what you are wearing.  

 

For studio sessions, especially birthday or cake smash sessions, it would actually be helpful if you could send the outfit(s) your child will be wearing ahead of time so I can add a little something extra that matches to personalize the backdrop for you.

 

Can I bring props?

Yes, absolutely! Whether we are on location or in my studio, bringing props of your own helps to make your session unique to you.

 

I have wraps and other props for newborn/child sessions, but if there are specific props you would like included (like a chair that you have used for all of your kids when they turned 1), please bring it. 

 

High school seniors, this goes for you too. Bring that instrument you play. Think about your hobbies.

 

Post Session Questions

Do you edit the images after they are taken? How much editing/photoshopping do you do?

I believe you were created beautifully so I will keep any editing of what you look like to minor alterations like removing skin blemishes and brightening teeth, as asked. Otherwise, any editing I do is generally focused on the image as a whole to enhance whatever is necessary through cropping and lighting.

 

Do I have the rights to my images?

You will receive a release to print your images as you would like, but as the photographer, I retain the copyright to all the images themselves and the ability to edit them.

 

Do you keep our images available after we receive our final prints?

Due to space constraints, I will keep photos for one year after the session. That being said, your beautiful faces will live on through my website and/or social media. If you need your photos within that year due to a technology crash or something similar, I will do what I can to help you.

 

Is it okay for me to refer or review Today Forever Photography?

You betcha! There is no greater compliment than kind words and referrals. I am incredibly grateful for both. If you have time, you can write a review on Google, Facebook, or you can send one through the review page on my website. Thank you so much!!

 

What if I want to post images you took on social media? You are more than welcome to, but please give Today Forever Photography credit as I do retain the rights to the images themselves. 

 

Wedding Questions

Can we see a full gallery from a past shoot or wedding? 

Absolutely. Just complete the Contact Me form letting me know you would like to see one and I will send it your way.

 

Do you recommend an engagement session? 

Yes!! I always include that as part of my wedding packages. It is a great way for me to get to know you, as the couple, ahead of time and to give you a chance to get comfortable in front of a camera. After all, you have a lot more photos ahead of you!

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Do you have a second photographer? At this point, I typically shoot weddings on my own, but if a second photographer is desired, I do have a few people who can do the job. Having a second photographer will naturally be at an additional cost to you, but it would allow you to get some amazing shots and perspectives that a single photographer would be unable to get.