Frequently Asked Questions
General Portrait Services Information
Studio & Style
Do you have a studio?
My "studio" is the great outdoors! As an avid nature photographer, I love to join the two photographic fields of portrait and nature photography in beautiful outdoor settings. Nowhere can you get such a wide spectrum of colors and such interesting and varied backdrops. That being said, I am happy to take portraits indoors where there is sufficient natural window light (and this is where I conduct most of my newborn sessions). In the case of inclement weather, indoor photos can be considered, but a rescheduling of the photo session is usually preferred if possible.
How would you describe your style?
First of all, let me start by saying that I love portrait photography and what I love about it is its ability to capture a precious moment in time. But photography isn't just about snapshots—it's an art form and that's how I treat it. My portrait style can best be described as 'portrait journalism'. In general this means that I shoot a combination of traditional (posed) portraits and contemporary lifestyle portraits. My goal is to capture a true sense of the moment—true emotion, true expression, true art.
Service Area
Which communities do you serve?
I serve the Rhinelander, Wisconsin community primarily, as well as other surrounding communities such as Eagle River, Minocqua, St. Germain, Boulder Junction, Tomahawk, Crandon, etc.
Do you charge extra for extended travel?
To supplement the extra time and gas, there is a $25 service charge for session locations that fall outside of a 20-mile radius of the city of Rhinelander.
Payment
What methods of payment do you accept?
I accept checks or cash, but also have a PayPal option if it is necessary for you to pay via credit card. Wisconsin State Tax applies to all session/package fees.
When is payment due?
Payment is due in full at the time of the session.
Sessions
When is the best time of year to have portraits taken?
Summer and autumn are the two best seasons for outdoor portraits due to fairly predictable weather and beautiful settings. Spring can also be a nice time, but keep in mind that it takes a few weeks for leaves to come out in full on the trees. Winter in the Northwoods can be quite beautiful and a very unique time to take portraits. Although note that it can be slightly more complicated to arrange an outdoor photo session due to cold temperatures and less predictable weather.
When is the best time of day to have portraits taken?
I prefer to take portraits during the first 2-3 hours after sunrise and the last 2-3 hours before sunset. These times are ideal because the sun is not directly overhead causing unflattering shadows. However, the middle of the day can still work as long as there is sufficient shade or cloudy skies to help prevent harsh shadows. Don't be dismayed by clouds—they actually create a nice even lighting and are ideal for group photos. Finally, for a more romantic feel, consider sunrise or sunset for beautiful warm tones, long shadows, and silhouette opportunities.
Do you charge a fee for rescheduling a session?
No. The two most common reasons for rescheduling a session are illness and weather. You will not be charged any additional fees should one or both of these unfortunate circumstances arise. My first priority is that everyone is healthy and that we have an ideal setting for photos. During the week before your scheduled session, I closely watch the forecast and contact you if there is enough chance for bad weather to warrant rescheduling.
What are the various options for session locations?
The photo session can occur anywhere from your backyard to a local forest, trail, lake, field, or urban setting. I have favorite locations around the area that I've had success with, but I'm always excited to entertain any new location ideas you have too. I love being creative and thinking outside the box.
Products
How many digital files will I get?
You can expect about 30-50 final shots in JPEG format that are full resolution, touched-up, and stylized (color, black and white, sepia, texture, etc.).
How much time do you spend editing the pictures from each session?
Depending on the type of session and the number of people involved, I might take upwards of several hundred pictures in one session. I then carefully pick out the best of the bunch and spend several hours in the "digital darkroom" editing these specially chosen shots.
How do you deliver the digital files to me?
I simply upload your set of digital files onto a private gallery web page and provide you with a unique password to enter your gallery. Once inside, you can view the photos, watch a slide show, download individual files, or download the entire set as a zip file. Your photos will remain in the online gallery for a period of about 6 months. After this point they will be removed. If you would prefer to have your files delivered to you on a CD/DVD instead, please let me know.
When you give me the digital files, what am I allowed to do with them?
Once I pass the digital files onto you, they are yours to keep and do with what you want as long as the use is personal and non-commercial in nature. Examples of acceptable personal use include sharing with family & friends and printing. Keep in mind that I retain all the copyrights and original images in my portfolio for use in advertising on my website and printed materials.
What is the turn-around time between the session and getting the digital files?
You can expect to receive your digital files within two weeks after the session.
What is the turn-around time between the session and getting printed products?
You can expect to receive your printed products (i.e. photobooks, prints, etc.) between 2-4 weeks after the session.
How do you deliver printed products to me?
We can arrange a pick-up or I can drop off the printed materials at your home. If printed materials need to be shipped to you, then shipping charges will apply.
Can you describe the 10X10 20-page custom-designed photobook?
The photobook itself is hard-cover bound in a black suede material. All 20 pages of your custom designed book will include the best photos from your session creatively arranged in a story-board fashion and complemented by beautiful nature images or custom designs serving as backgrounds. The finished product is an elegant and professional quality coffee-table style book that you can enjoy for years to come.
Can I choose which photos to put in the photobook?
I create the photobook from start to finish and pay special attention to design, style, and overall aesthetics when choosing and arranging photos. For the most part, a vast majority of your photos (i.e. the set of digital files you receive) will make it into the book. If you have a particular shot that you absolutely want to make sure I don't miss, just let me know.
Can I buy extra photobooks a la carte?
Absolutely! Each additional 10X10 20-page photobook is $125. Each additional 40-page maternity/newborn combo photobook is $175.
My session package doesn't come with a photobook, but I would like one. Is this possible?
Most session packages do come with a photobook, but a few do not. If you know you would like a photobook, please put in a request ahead of time. A la carte pricing will apply (see above).
Can I buy prints a la carte?
I provide digital files FIRST because they are the most flexible option in today's modern 'digital' world. However, I am happy to offer prints as well and they can be conveniently purchased from your private online gallery. Prices are as follows: Set of 4 Wallets $8, 4X6 $5, 5X7 $10, 8X10 $20, 11X14 $35, 16X20 $45, 16X24 $50, 20X30 $75 (+ tax). Photos are printed on high-quality Kodak Professional Supra Endura VC Digital Paper (Matte Finish) and carry an archival value of 100-200 years. Shipping charges may apply.
Preparing For Your Portrait Session
Families and Children Session
Can we have both family pictures and individual child pictures taken in the same session?
Yes! You can request any and all sorts of family/child combinations of pictures for your one hour session. My most typical combination session involves family group pictures followed by an assortment of individual child pictures, but what we do is entirely up to you. The one hour session easily accommodates average family sizes but if you have a very large family or desire immediate and extended family pictures, then you might want to consider booking more than one session.
What should we wear?
With respect to clothing, I first and foremost recommend being yourself. That being said, there are a few tips I can pass along regarding what to wear during your session. Consider coordinating your outfits—there are a number of ways to accomplish this and what you ultimately choose depends on your style. For example, one common coordinated style for family portraits that always has great results is to have everyone wear khaki pants with white tops. Another similar option is to have everyone wear blue jeans with black tops. Other families who don't prefer to look quite so 'coordinated' might choose to wear an assortment of colors that complement one another. Be sure to avoid clothing with busy patterns or colors that might clash.
Can we bring our pet(s)?
As a pet owner myself, I appreciate the fact that these fun-loving animals are really part of the family. Feel free to invite them along to be in your family photo sessions as long as they will behave reasonably well.
Should we bring toys?
Toys can be an excellent way to gain the attention of a child or help your little ones overcome any feelings of camera-shyness or grumpiness. Favorite toys also serve to paint a fuller picture of this particular phase of your child's life. Therefore, I definitely recommend bringing a couple of your child's favorite toys along with you to your session. However, keep in mind that these toys might end up in your family shots too—in order to avoid this, I usually try to take the family pictures first, and then get out the toys for the individual shots if necessary or desired.
Do you provide props?
Yes I do on occasion. I have a collection of props I use for my newborn sessions, as well as for children of various ages (these include hats, tutus, wings, etc.). More often I tend to consider using props when the children are particularly young (i.e. pre-walking) and we need a little more variety for pictures, but certain props are great for kids of any age. Feel free to bring along props you might have as well!
Senior Session
What are the various location options?
Each senior session lasts for about 1-2 hours and we can shoot photos at 2 different locations. The locations can be natural or urban settings. I have favorite locations, but you are welcome to suggest your own ideas as well.
What should I wear and can I change my clothes during the session?
Be yourself. Be comfortable. Think outside the box. I highly recommend bringing along at least one change of clothes but you are welcome to bring along as many as you'd like.
Can I bring props?
Yes! I encourage you to bring along anything that defines you, for example a musical instrument, a sports uniform or piece of equipment, or a special personal memento. Pets are also welcome.
How do I choose my prints?
After I deliver the digital files to you, you will need to pick out which pictures you would like for your prints (1 16X20, 2 8X10, and 100 Wallets). You may pick any pictures you'd like, just keep in mind that with wallets, they must be in sets of 4. After you make your choices and let me know, you will have your prints within 2-4 weeks.
Can I order additional prints?
Absolutely! See above for prices in the question, Can I buy prints a la carte?
Engagement Session
What should we wear?
Some couples choose to just be comfortable and wear clothes they normally wear on a day-to-day basis. Others like dressing up a little. Keep in mind what you plan to do with these pictures (i.e. save-the-date cards, invitations, display, etc.) and then dress accordingly. Definitely coordinate colors with each other before the session!
Do you also shoot weddings?
I do photograph occasional weddings. Contact me for more detailed information, including rates, products, and services.
Newlywed Session
What is a newlywed session?
A newlywed session is a chance for a newly married couple to have an intimate and creative portrait session apart from the chaos, unpredictable weather, and scheduling conflicts of the actual wedding day. These sessions typically occur a few weeks after the wedding and the bride and groom wear their wedding day apparel (or something similar).
Is this the same as a "Trash the Dress" session?
There are similarities in theory, but in practice I do not advocate "trashing" your wedding dress unless you really want to. Since we will be outside, there is a chance that your dress could get a little dirty. The bottom line is, this session is an opportunity for you to get creative and memorable portraits taken in unique and more controlled settings than you might have had on your wedding day.
A different photographer photographed our wedding—is that okay?
Of course!
Where does the newlywed session occur?
You can choose 2 outdoor locations for your 1-2 hour newlywed session. I encourage locations with beautiful scenery or perhaps an urban setting depending on your personalities. We can also conduct the session at the site of your wedding ceremony or reception (especially if bad weather was a factor on your actual wedding day). Consider scheduling the session near sunrise or sunset to add wonderful drama to the pictures.
What should the groom wear?
Most grooms rent tuxedos for the day of the wedding only, so don't worry that you can't wear it again for the newlywed session (but you'll be surprised to know that simple requests go a long way—try asking your tux rental company if you can 'borrow' a tux for a couple of hours for a minimal cost). Whatever you choose, note that you can always just wear dress pants, a nice shirt, and perhaps a jacket and tie if desired. Black pants and a white button-up shirt go a long way.
What if we want our wedding-day flowers in the pictures?
If you would like flowers to be a part of your newlywed session, then you have three clear options. If you used fake flowers for your ceremony, then simply bring those along. If you used real flowers, then you can either purchase additional similar real flowers from a florist, or buy some fake flowers that resemble your wedding day flowers. Flowers are not necessary however!
My husband doesn't really want to have more pictures taken—can we just do bridal portraits?
Absolutely! Just let me know ahead of time.
Maternity Session
How far along should I be when I have maternity portraits taken?
It's ideal to have a good clear pregnant shape when you get maternity portraits taken. So in general you should aim for scheduling your session to fall somewhere between 32 and 38 weeks.
What should I wear?
Definitely consider being comfortable first. Pregnancy involves being uncomfortable much of the time and you don't want those sentiments to come across in your pictures. Wear clothes that accentuate your shape—close fitting is best. Finally, have some black apparel on hand for certain creative lighting shots we do indoors.
Can the baby's father be a part of the maternity session too?
Absolutely! Some of the most memorable and meaningful maternity portraits are achieved when both parents are involved.
Where does the indoor portion of the maternity session take place?
I like to include an indoor portion of the maternity session to try some creative lighting shots. This can occur right in your home.
Newborn Session
When should I schedule the newborn session?
As soon as you know your due date you should let me know and I can pencil it in my calendar. Once the baby is born, we can then choose a specific date and time.
Who is all involved in the newborn session?
Besides the baby, we can also do pictures with mom, dad, and any siblings. Just let me know your preferences ahead of time.
Why do you prefer newborns to be 6-10 days old for the session?
After babies are born, they maintain the classic 'newborn curl' shape for only a short time—sometimes as few as 10 days. This curl makes it much easier to work the baby into adorable poses. Also, the younger the newborn, the sleepier they are. This makes the session go much more smoothly. Finally, while baby acne could be present at birth, it more commonly develops after the first 2 weeks. Given all of these factors, I only schedule true newborn sessions with babies under two months old. After this age, your option for portraits is to schedule a "Families and Children" session.
Does the newborn session really last up to 4 hours?
It can. The reason I allow up to 4 hours for the session is to make sure there is time for set-up, feedings, diaper changes, accidents, fussiness, or any other surprises the baby might throw our way!
Where does the newborn session take place?
While you have the option to come to my home with your newborn, I am also happy to bring my portable newborn "studio" right into your home. All I need is a window with ample natural light and a little space to set up my equipment.
Which times of year can there also be an outdoor session?
I only do outdoor newborn sessions during the warm months of the year to be sure your baby is comfortable and safe.
What sorts of props do you provide?
I have and continue to collect a wide assortment of fun baby photography props. I have baskets, blankets, fabrics, hats, ribbons, bows, silk flowers, and many more fun accessories. My props vary from being gender neutral to girl or boy specific. Feel free to bring out any accessories you might have as well!
What should the baby wear?
In general your baby should just wear his or her birthday suit for most, if not all, of the session. If you have a special outfit, then feel free to bring it out. Depending on the shot, a diaper may or may not be worn. If a diaper is worn, try using a cute cloth diaper or a diaper cover over the disposable diaper. In any case, I try to hide the diaper in most pictures if I can by simply using part of the blanket he or she is lying on.
What should mom and dad wear?
Mom and dad should wear whatever they feel comfortable with. It would be handy to have a black top available for certain shots. If 'before and after' photos are desired (with combo sessions), then bring along the outfit(s) you wore for the maternity session.
How can I prepare for the session?
When I first arrive, I will assess your home for a good spot for pictures and then begin setting up my equipment. During this time (and even shortly before I arrive), moms can feed their newborns a full meal, change their diaper, and try to help them fall fast asleep. Another handy thing that can be done is to make sure that any other children are occupied (or better yet have a baby-sitter) so that they do not become a distraction. We'll try to keep the atmosphere very calm, quiet, and peaceful for the newborn. Finally, temperature is an important consideration. You might think about turning up your thermostat a couple of degrees so that the baby does not get cold during the session. I also bring along a little portable space heater to have in the immediate area, in addition to a small heating pad to place underneath the blankets the baby is lying on.
