Curious about how to prepare for your session or what to expect? Whether you're celebrating love, the joy of parenthood, or capturing a portrait that reflects your unique story, I've gathered answers to the most frequently asked questions. Browse through to feel fully prepared and excited for your session!
Cheers,
Gabby O.
You are more than welcome to include your extended family and friends in the mini session! Just note that with a 20-minute time frame, larger groups may limit the variety of poses and activities, as well as impact the style and focus of traditional portrait photography.
Upon booking, I will provide you with the scheduled rain check dates in case of inclement weather. Additionally, I will send updates via email one week before and three days before your session to keep you informed and prepared.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, you may do so once without additional fees with at least 24 hours' written notice. Your retainer will be applied to the next available mini session. Please be aware that cancellations are non-refundable and also require 24 hours' notice.
It's best to book as early as possible, especially if you have a specific date or season in mind. This allows time to plan and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Yes, timing is crucial for lighting and atmosphere. Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) provides the best lighting, but I’ll work with your plans to make sure everything feels natural.
Engagement sessions are typically scheduled during golden hour for the best light.
It's recommended to send out your save-the-dates 6 months in advance for local weddings and 8-12 months for destination weddings. Keep in mind that my turnaround time for photos is 2 weeks, delivered via an online gallery.
The standard engagement session is one hour at one location with up to one outfit change. This means you can change into a different outfit once during the session to add variety to your photos. If you'd like to wear more than one outfit or visit multiple locations, additional time will be required, which will incur extra charges.
Definitely! Feel free to bring meaningful items like signs, champagne, or anything that reflects your relationship. It adds a personal touch to your photos.
Both parents, siblings, pets, extended family, and friends are all welcome to join the session. Some families prefer a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere, while others love to include the whole gang.
Just a note: there is an additional charge for any extra people beyond the parents, kid(s), and pet(s).
I recommend scheduling your maternity session between 28-36 weeks into your pregnancy.
For newborn sessions, these can take place anytime from the hospital to 1-2 months after birth, though I find that 2-3 weeks after the baby arrives is ideal. I like to schedule these sessions between 8 and 12 PM, as this is when your baby is typically awake and more alert. I also received the Tdap vaccine in May 2024 to ensure a safe environment for your little one.
Lifestyle newborn sessions are heartwarming and candid photography experiences that take place in the comfort of your home. Rather than traditional posed setups, these sessions focus on capturing the genuine moments and tender interactions that reflect your family’s unique bond. My aim is to document those precious early days with authenticity and warmth, creating lasting memories of this special time in your lives.
I recommend reaching out to schedule your newborn session at least two weeks in advance. This allows us to ensure we have availability to create those cherished memories together when your little one is ready to shine.
I do not provide props for newborn sessions, but I encourage parents to gather any personal items they’d like to include, such as soft blankets, favorite toys, or special outfits. Items like a cherished family heirloom or a custom-made swaddle can add even more meaning and personality to your photos!
To prepare, think about the message you want to convey through your photos. Consider outfits that reflect your personality or profession, and bring any props that may help showcase your brand or achievements.
Yes! You can include up to one outfit change within the standard one-hour session. This means that during your session, you have the option to change into a different outfit once.
If you’d like to change outfits more than once or require more time for additional looks, that can be arranged for an extra fee.
The best time for outdoor photos is during the "golden hour," which is typically the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset. During these times, the lighting is soft and warm, creating a beautiful glow that enhances your photos. Mid-morning or late afternoon can also work well, but avoiding harsh midday sunlight is recommended, as it can create unflattering shadows.
I have a white paper backdrop and very limited studio lights. However, I prefer to work with natural light as much as possible and use reflectors to enhance the lighting in your photos. This approach helps create a more organic and flattering look.