FAQ
Your Portrait Experience
I get it, hiring a photographer and investing in custom artwork of your family is a big decision! Here's some of my most frequently asked questions to help; and please let me know what additional questions you have either via email, or by scheduling a complimentary personal phone consultation here.
How long will my session take?
Clients should expect 60-90 minutes for a newborn session and 45-60 minutes for a family session. We will play games with toddlers, offer feeding time to newborns, and generally follow the children's needs; so not all of this time is necessarily spent taking photos. Don't worry, it flies by & we have lots of fun together!
Why do I purchase my images after my session?
We've created a streamlined 3 step process for parents to be able to choose and purchase only what they love after their session, and get prints in their hands right from their gallery. Choosing and purchasing images after your final gallery has been edited takes the stress out of worrying if you'll like your images, if baby will cooperate, etc. Also, rather than requiring all families purchase our largest collection for every session, I let each family make their own purchasing decisions after each session with me. Collection I is most popular for newborn and yearly family sessions. Collection II is most popular for milestone and biannual family sessions.
What time will my session be?
Outdoor sessions take place either at sunrise, or one hour prior to sunset. Indoor sessions at your home or the hospital take place at approximately 10:00 a.m. An exact time will be sent once you choose your date, as it is dependent on the time of year and location.
When will I get to see my photos?
Your proofing gallery will land in your inbox 2-3 weeks after your session date. Any fine art products you order, including albums, are all made to order and will be shipped to you 6-8 weeks after you place your order. Lustre prints ordered from your gallery generally ship within 5-7 days.
Do you travel?
Yes, there is a travel fee of $100/hour for sessions over 60 miles from Melbourne. This covers my drive time and mileage to and from your home or Central Florida hospital.
What should we wear?
Wardrobe, like location, has a huge impact on the final aesthetic of your portraits. I offer personal wardrobe consultations to all booked clients, and I have a Pinterest board as well as a style guide for general inspiration. Light, neutral colors like creams, grey, and muted tones will always be timeless in your family portraits. I recommend choosing at least one pattern like an understated floral or gingham, and then completing the rest of your items with textured solids. Texture from natural fibers like cotton muslin, linen, or lace can add so much dimension to your images. Wardrobe is one of my favorite topics so always feel free to send any questions my way!
Where will my session take place?
All Keepsake sessions are personalized to your family. I have a location guide that I send to all booked clients with specific options for outdoor locations at local beaches and parks that take into consideration safety for active children, lighting, and background aesthetic. Indoor sessions can take place in your home, or for Fresh 48 sessions, at the hospital.
How many photos will I get?
We will create at least 30 portraits during our time together. You will then purchase the collection of images that best suits your needs after viewing your final images.
Do you take extended family sessions?
Yes, upon request. I understand just how pivotal grandparents are in the life of a child and absolutely love including them in your family portrait session. Extended family sessions, even with just an extra set of grandparents, take additional time to create the portraits with different combinations of family members. Therefore, we generally schedule these sessions further out (a minimum of one month in advance), and there is an additional creative fee of $50/person.
Can I share my photos on social media?
Any images you have purchased and downloaded; yes! I also truly appreciate when clients tag me so that other families can discover my work - my business lives and breathes on referrals! @carlymatthewsphotoandfilm