Photo Session Information and FAQ
Hopefully, the information below will help you get the best out of your Wildflower experience. If you have any other questions, feel free to email me or call any time. There are some changes that have taken place at Wildflower Photography in 2016. I am trying to increase my customer service by offering three main photo packages. Each includes a disc with the digital images and print release. Prints will still be available to order if that is what you prefer.
Where will my pictures be taken?
Most of my photo sessions are taken outside. I prefer natural light and natural settings. If you have a suggestion on a location, let me know and I will try to work with you, if you don't have a suggestion I will come up with a place to do the photo session.
How long will the session take?
I have three main sessions that I offer. There is a 45 min. session, a 1 hour 15 min. session and a 1 hour 45 min session. (The last session is usually used for newborn photos, senior portraits, or multiple families taking a group pic.)
How do I plan what to wear?
Tips and pointers on planning your outfits for a photo session:
1. If you are scheduling a family portrait session it is always a good idea to find at least one outfit/or accessory and then work from that one piece. For example, a scarf on mom, or a little girl's dress or maybe dad's shirt that is plaid or a has a print. This way you can fit pieces together but not have everything match perfectly. You want the photo to look natural and if you use clothing and accessories that compliment each other you will be happier with the outcome. Colors that I feel usually compliment people the most are any earthy tones and blues and blacks and grays. Black is always a good color to create a slimming look also. This does not mean that other combinations don't work for different people, it just means that these colors tend to work with everyone, while some colors look better on some and not others.
2. If you are planning a newborn photo session usually less is better. If there is a special outfit grandma got the little one, by all means- bring it and we will make it work! However, simple, soft nightgowns, onesies, and accessories are usually the way to go. It is more comfortable for the baby and you usually want the baby to be the main attraction and sometimes clothing can distract from a newborn. I have props and blankets and things I use to wrap babies with, but if you have special ones you would like to bring, let me know and I would love to use them.
3. Three month to nine month photos can be a little tricky because it depends on what your baby is doing at that particular milestone. Sometimes three month photos are the most difficult because usually the baby has just found his arms and legs and really likes to show them off!! At three months babies might be holding their head up, but they don't usually have much of a neck; so button up shirts can often cover up the bottom of the face. Usually shirts without a collar will work best. As far as 6 and 9 months...totally up to you!! Babies are so much fun to get dressed up so have fun with it!
4. One year photos are a big deal!! Lots of parents want to do a cake smash and normally that it is nothing but a diaper/diaper cover. As far as other outfits go, you will have two additional outfit choices, so you can choose something dressier and then something fun or whatever you think suits your little one!
5. Senior photo sessions... this is one that I could go on forever about. Seniors need to show off their personality!! The most popular senior session has 4 outfit choices. I suggest having at least one of the outfits be something that is a little more dressy and classy. Some mom's want their boys in ties, some girls will wear dresses...it is totally up to you, but it is always nice to have one outfit that makes graduating look like a big deal. :) Then if there are any activities the senior is involved in, I encourage them to dress appropriately to show off their interests. For example, I have had seniors wear camo and take pics with their hunting dog, or a girl wear her business suit that she wore for speech team and she had her clip board or a sports uniform and whatever goes along with it, or an outfit to go with skateboarding or playing guitar. Photos like this are often my favorite because the senior is comfortable with what they are wearing and representing. It makes them feel special and gives them an opportunity to showcase their interests. Last, but not least, I encourage seniors to pick out a couple of things that lets them show off their individual style! If anyone needs help getting outfits together...I love doing that, so let me know and I will help out!
How long before I can see my pictures?
After a photo session, I usually go through and narrow down which photos I will actually focus on. I choose the best photos out of the photo shoot. The amount of photos I focus on depends on the session you choose. As far as time goes, I wish I had enough time and had a turn around time of a couple of days....but I work two jobs. This means that although I am totally dedicated to my photography, I also have to work all day long and take care of my family. Due to the fact that there are only so many hours in a day, sometimes it will take me three to four weeks to finish a gallery. Not ever because it takes that particular gallery that long, but mainly because I always have about ten galleries ahead of each customer. Hopefully, if you have chosen me to be your photographer, you understand that I get things finished as fast as possible and I want you to be happy with your images. I will send you an email invitation to view your gallery as soon it is ready. If you would like to give me additional email addresses of friends/family that you would like to see the photos, I can email them also. Your disc will be ready soon after and we can discuss the best way to get that to you.
What packages do your offer? How does your pricing work?
Some people still prefer to buy prints, and I offer prints from a professional printing company. The print prices are listed under the general price list. Most people prefer to purchase the digital images along with a print release. The print release will allow you to print the images wherever you choose. (If you choose one of the disc packages below, I strongly suggest you using a professional printer instead of using a local photo printing machine. A printer that offers excellent prices and quality is MPIX.) The package price is due the day of the photo session.
1. regular session Package: This is a 45 min. package, one location, 1-2 outfits. The package comes with 20 images on a disc with the print release. Package price: $125
2. Regular Session: This is a 1 hour 15 min. package, two locations, 3 outfits. The package comes with 25 images on a disc with the print release. Package price: $175
3. Wildflower Package: This package is usually for newborn sessions, seniors or large family sessions. For seniors, this package includes 3 locations, 4 outfits and 30 images with the print release. For newborns, this package includes 3 "outfit" changes; 30-35 images will be in the gallery with the print release. Package Price: $225