2015 EDITION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
AnneJames lifestyle photography
Thank you for choosing me as your photographer. I feel honoured to capture love between two people, family memories, baby smiles and wonderful events. I’m looking forward to bring you photos you can cherish for now and through many generations. Please read this Frequently Asked Question Guide to make the most out of your photo shoot.
General Questions When will we see our photos? Post Production for sessions are completed within 2 weeks after the date of the shoot. If you require the images to be completed prior to 2 weeks after the date of the shoot, a rush process fee of $50 will be charged.
Can we bring our own props? Absolutely! While I have a few props I use for the newborn sessions, sometimes taking baby photos with minimal props is the best.. We can also make use of whatever props / furniture / chair is available in your home.
What are the payment terms? 50% down payment upon booking and 50% remaining paid at the shoot date. What time will you arrive and how long will you stay in the venue?
What should we wear? How many sets of clothes do we need to bring? Wear what is comfortable. There are ideas on Pinterest on what to wear to a photo shoot. https://www.pinterest.com/jilliantree/what-to-wear-to-aphotoshoot/
I normally arrive an hour before the shoot to give me ample time to look for lighting and prepare my equipment. Also, I take time to answer any questions you might have before the shoot.
Do you shoot outside Mint Hill, North Carolina? Absolutely! It’s always a pleasure to travel to new places to shoot my clients. Feel free to ask me about destination shoots for special travel fee rates.
Newborn | Baby | Kids | Family Sessions When can we book & schedule the shoot? If you are pregnant and would like to consider a newborn session with me, please contact me at least 2 months before your due date so we can discuss details and put tentative date on the calendar. Newborn photo sessions are best scheduled within the first 2 weeks of birth. During this time, your newborn will likely sleep most during the day, which will allow us to move her around without waking easily. The next good time for baby photos is around 3-4 months when babies have good head control – babies get giggly at this age which is great for photos – and who can resist tummy time shots?! When my son was 4 months old my camera was literally strapped to my body! Then again when babies are between 6-8 months – there’s a window of opportunity at this age that is ideal for photos – right when baby is able to sit-up unassisted (it’s ok to be a little wobbly) but not yet crawling. Oh we get adorable shots at this age! Then of course, around 12 months when babies are on their feet! Additional milestones are at 18 months, 2 years old, and then yearly around the holidays for some awesome family photos.
What time of the day do you prefer to schedule the shoot? It is best to schedule the shoot outdoors at 1.5 hrs before sundown. This is when the most beautiful lighting comes out. If it is indoors, anytime can work as long as there is enough natural light coming inside the windows and doors. What locations do you suggest? Anywhere that has lots of nature, flowers or scenic backgrounds. You can choose your backyard or house or any place you can be comfortable with. What happens when my baby / kids gets fussy during the shoot? Make sure the babies and kids are well fed and in condition for the shoot. If they get fussy during the shoot, giving them some time to play and run can get the nice laughter and smiles going.
What should we expect? My approach is to capture the interaction between parents and their brand new bundle of joy. I love images that are full of raw, genuine emotion. These are the portraits that have the most meaning to the parents.
Teen Sessions
What locations do you suggest? I always say that nature is my best background. Try to find a place that has special meaning to you growing up. It can be a school or back of the church or an old barn. Some place rustic is ideal or not so busy. If you prefer a city type setting, downtown would be a nice spot too. What should we wear? How many sets of clothes do we need to bring? You can wear dresses, or jeans and nice tops / blouse. Layered outfits would work best. Find ideas for senior portrait outfits on Pinterest too. Bring accessories / fashion jewellery for props and an extra outfit and shoes just in case we have extra time to change. How many friends can we include during the session? Minimum of 4 people. Additional person is available for a fee. What should we expect? Teen sessions are for best friends, senior portraits, sweet 16’s and special teenage life moments. Spring and Fall are perfect weather to schedule this.
Belly Sessions When can we schedule the belly shoot? The best time for pregnancy photos really depends on how soon your belly starts showing. Some mommies “pop” as early as 5 months (especially if they’re having baby #2, #3, etc.). For most first time mommies, though, that beautiful belly is most fabulous at about 7 months. It’s a great time because you’re not too tired yet but your belly is still big enough to be the center of attraction for photos! What locations do you suggest? Your home, outdoors near a park, some place with nature or your baby’s nursery.
Can I include my husband during the shoot? Most definitely! If he is up for it. If you have other kids who want to be in the shoot, it will make for nice sweet moments with the pregnant mom. What if I don’t feel well before or during the shoot? Rescheduling to a different date is an option. We can also take breaks if you need to rest. Do you offer holiday cards or birth announcements? Yes! I do create cards and announcements for session clients. These are custom designs and almost always, I create them from scratch so that they are unique to you and your images. But of course, since you are also purchasing images on CD, you can certainly create your own cards and announcements as well.
Engagement Sessions When can we schedule the pre-nup shoot? Schedule a photoshoot early in your engagement. Have a photo taken for your wedding website or save-the-date –- many couples incorporate photos of themselves into the design. If this trend appeals to you and you’re planning to send guests an early heads-up, have photos taken 8 to 10 months before the wedding, in time to print and send save-the-dates no later than 6 months before the wedding. Trying out wedding day looks? Schedule hair and makeup trial appointments the same day as your engagement photo session to capture a preview of your wedding day fabulousness on film (you could do the salon in the morning and the photoshoot in the afternoon).
What locations do you suggest? Lets bring it outside. There’s no need to spend a day cooped up in a studio if you don’t want to. We can visit a nearby botanical garden, or hit your favorite downtown landmark. There are local sites that make great backdrops for pictures too. Or you can make yourself at home. Your home is your comfort zone and when you’re comfortable, you look better on camera. Choose a more scenic area like your living room, backyard or front stoop – the bedroom may be a little creepy (lol). You can also go around your world in a day. Create a meaningful backdrop for your prenuptial photos by revisiting nearby sites that are significant to the two of you. The restaurant where you had your first date, the ice cream shop you go to on Sundays or the bus stop where you shared an umbrella. You get the idea.
What should we wear? How many sets of clothes do we need to bring? I won’t require you to shop for matching outfits. You’re getting married, not becoming twins. But clashing plaids and flashing bling do not make a pretty picture. Whether you’re going formal or casual, solid colours are a must. Try to avoid plaids, floral patterns, and head-to-toe black or white clothing – and keep the silhouettes streamlined. Some couples coordinate their clothing palettes to the point of looking a bit matchy, but there’s no need to go overboard. If you’re worried about colour, pick a neutral and a few coordinating colour tones you both like (gray with blue and violet for instance, or brown with pink and blue), and stick to those hues. The details: Keep your jewellery simple to avoid distractions in your photos. For men, that means leave your watch and your pinky ring on the dresser. Women should stick to unfussy earrings with a simple necklace or bracelet and your engagement ring. What should we expect? You probably don’t need to be persuaded to get close to your fiancé but do plan to get a few affectionate close up pictures: hug, hold hands, sling your arm around his shoulders. Show off the love!
Mini Parties & Events What type of events do you cover? Birthday Parties, Baby Showers, Wedding Showers, Baptism, Graduation, First Communion, Small Family Reunions, and Mini Parties How big is the number of guests do you accept? Maximum of 30 people Do you travel to events outside Minthill, NC? I service within 25 miles of this zip code 28227. Anything beyond would be extra charge
AnneJames
lifestyle photography
www.annejameslifestylephotography.com