Booking & Scheduling
Questions
How far in advance should I book my session?
I recommend booking at least two weeks in advance whenever possible. I can sometimes accommodate last-minute bookings within 48 hours for things like headshots or lifestyle sessions, depending on availability.
For weddings and elopements, many clients book a year or more in advance.
Fall sessions for seniors and lifestyle are especially popular and typically fill by August, so I strongly recommend booking those in the spring or early summer.
What is required to officially book?
A signed contract and paid retainer are required to secure your date. No session or event date is held without both.
Retainers are:
• $100 for regular portrait sessions
• 25% of total coverage for weddings and elopements
Are retainers refundable?
Retainers are non-refundable, as they secure your date and time on my calendar.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Payment plans are available for all sessions through Afterpay via Square. A 6% fee will apply for any Afterpay transactions.
Locations & Travel
Questions
Do you help choose locations?
Absolutely. I’m happy to suggest locations based on your vision. I also maintain blog posts featuring many beautiful spots around the Mahoning Valley.
Is travel included?
Travel within the Akron, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Youngstown areas is included in my standard pricing. Locations more than two hours away may require a travel fee.
Who handles location permits or venue fees?
Clients are responsible for securing any permits, reserving locations, and paying any associated fees required by parks or venues.
Are October sessions available for all locations?
October is reserved exclusively for outdoor fall portrait sessions to take advantage of peak Ohio foliage and seasonal demand.
Urban locations, downtown sessions, and studio sessions can be scheduled in September or November.
Session Experience
Questions
How long are sessions?
Session length varies depending on the type of session. These are recommendations:
• Seniors: 30 minutes, 1 hour, or 2 hours (most choose 1 hour)
• Families: 30 minutes for older children, 1 hour recommended for children under five
• Engagements: 30 minutes or 1 hour
• Newborn sessions: 1 or 2 hours due to the time needed for baby care and flexibility
How many images will I receive?
Portrait sessions typically include between 15 and 60 images depending on session type that is booked.
Weddings generally deliver 50 to 100 images per hour of coverage, often more.
Do you help with outfit planning?
Yes. I provide a style guide and am always happy to review outfit options and offer guidance before your session.
Can I bring props or pets?
Props are welcome. Pets may be included depending on the location’s policies, so please check with me beforehand.
Newborn Sessions
Questions
When should newborn sessions be scheduled?
Newborn sessions are typically scheduled between 5–8 days old or 10–14 days old. I recommend contacting me as soon as you return home so we can adjust my schedule to accommodate your baby’s timing.
Do you offer posed newborn photography?
I specialize in lifestyle newborn photography with minimal posing. Sessions focus on natural interaction and connection rather than fully styled or wrapped setups.
Can parents and siblings participate?
Yes. Parents are always included, and siblings are welcome to participate based on their comfort and mood.
Senior Sessions
Questions
How many outfit changes are allowed?
Outfit changes depend on the session booked. Additional outfit changes can be added for a small fee.
Do you offer cap and gown sessions?
Yes. I offer cap and gown mini sessions on select dates, and they can also be booked as a 30-minute session.
Weddings & Elopements
Questions
Do you offer packages?
Wedding coverage is hourly only. This allows you to customize your coverage based on your specific needs.
What is your wedding turnaround time?
Wedding galleries are typically delivered within 4–8 weeks. During peak season, turnaround may extend up to 12 weeks.
Do you provide sneak peeks?
If timing allows, I love sending sneak peeks shortly after your wedding, though this may not always be possible during busy seasons.
Do you work with second shooters?
Yes. Second shooters can be added to any wedding coverage at $65 per hour, with consecutive hours required.
Galleries & Delivery
Questions
How will I receive my images?
All galleries are delivered digitally through Pixieset.
How long will my gallery be available?
• Portrait sessions: 90 days
• Weddings: 6 months
I strongly recommend downloading and backing up your images before the gallery expires. After expiration, galleries are archived on hard drives, and retrieval fees may apply.
Do you offer prints or albums?
I do not offer printing or album services. Clients receive full digital files and are welcome to print through the lab of their choice.
Policies
Questions
What happens if it rains?
Outdoor sessions are rescheduled in the event of rain.
What is your rescheduling policy?
Clients may reschedule once due to illness or scheduling conflicts. A new retainer is required for a second reschedule.
Do you offer heavy Photoshop or body editing?
I do not provide extensive Photoshop. Basic retouching includes blemishes such as acne, redness, scabs, and temporary skin imperfections.
What Makes Your Experience Different?
I strive to create a safe, relaxed environment where clients can express themselves naturally while we create meaningful images together.
I take a hands-on approach to help with outfit selection, location planning, and timelines so everything runs smoothly. I also believe in over-delivering and often provide more images than promised in your gallery.
