So you’ve booked a session, and now the countdown begins! But what to expect? What will happen at the actual shoot? Let’s take a look at what to expect before and after your Lucy L Photo Session.
Inquiring and Retaining Your Date and Services
Feel free to ask any questions you may have before reserving your date! I’m a pretty open book. Do be aware that a non-refundable fee is required to retain my services for that date. Once received, I not only mark you for that time but also for the few hours surrounding that time. I never book full sessions back-to-back (with the exceptions of mini sessions) because mentally I want to prepare your session for exactly what you need–I never want to have another session on my mind during yours!
Before Your Photo Session
Reviewing and Signing Contract
To initiate the retainer, I’ll provide a contract for you to review. It will outline the cost for the non-refundable retainer, cost for the session as discussed, and time frames for both costs (among other things).
I keep a contract in place to align with professional business practices, clearly outline expectations, and to protect our agreements in writing so that you get the services and images as promised.
Clothing and Location Consultation
As I’ve worked with families, couples, and individuals, I’ve learned that one of the hardest parts can be choosing what to wear and where to take pictures. As part of my services, I offer free consultation on clothing choice SPECIFICALLY for your needs and location suggestions.
All consultation services are centered around what is recommended to match your personality and get the most out of your pictures! Before becoming a photographer, I never realized that plaid shirts were a NO-NO and that bright colors could create funky lighting on your face and body. So I share examples of best practices and then discuss what works with what you have and what you want!
At Your Photo Session
Meet and Prep
The day of your photo session, we’ll meet at the location at the decided upon time. I always like to provide a quick run down of what to expect at the session, how we want to proceed timeline wise, and check with you on anything specific we may not have discussed already.
As part of the preparation, we’ll go over how I achieve both posed and lifestyle images for your session.
Taking Photos and Capturing Moments
Since my style is a combination of both, I like to start with some initial posing to arrange everyone in the photo.
From there, I move into prompts, activities, and other directions to help you move naturally and create real moments. This is a great time to loosen up, do silly family themes or traditions, and to help the little ones relax and not feel quite as posed so they can get use to the camera.
In between these prompts, I’ll stop and provide little tweaks on posing or suggestions for movement to create some of the posed looks.
Final Check-In
At the end of your session, I’ll do a final check-in. What this means is I will check with you on any other specific shots you wanted, and ensure we covered everything discussed at the beginning of the session.
As well, I’ll take this time to explain what will happen after the session in regards to editing of your images and delivery.
After Your Photo Session
Editing and Delivery of Images
After your session, I’ll be working through the editing process of your images. This will include straightening images, color corrections, and preparing them for printing quality.
Because editing requires looking at minute details, it does take time. Don’t worry–even with all the details and editing, you won’t need to wait months for the final images. I always complete and deliver your images within 2 weeks from the date of the session*.
If there are any circumstances where you do need your images quicker, please let me know at the time of the booking or session.
Images are delivered via an online gallery platform called PASS. The link will be e-mailed to you at the e-mail provided in the contract, and will be available for the time frame discussed in your contract. You’ll be able to download your images via the same link, and if there are any limitations on the number of images you will be provided instructions on how to select those images.
*Time frames may vary for larger sessions, high end retouching (such as for magazine shoots), complex editing requests, or for weddings and elopements.
Choosing Images for Album/Purchase
If you are purchasing prints, additional images, albums, or have any of these included in your package, you’ll receive instructions via e-mail on how to select and purchase these products.
All images come with a limited copyright release for personal printing and use, so you are welcome to print through my professional printer or on your own!
I’m happy to help out as much as possible if you choose to print on your own, but ultimately do not hold any responsibility for any errors or the quality from other printing services.
Arrival of Prints
Any prints or products will be packaged and delivered to your specified address. If any concerns arise, please let me know and i happy to discuss them with you.