FAQ
This fully illustrated Frequently Asked Questions page is your one-stop-shop for getting all your questions answered. Photos provide helpful examples when appropriate. Use the navigation below to jump directly to a specific topic.
Studio & Style
Service Area
Payment
Portrait Sessions
Products
Preparing For Your Portrait Session
Families & Children
Newborns
Seniors
Engaged Couples
Newlywed Couples
Expecting Couples
General Information
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. I am excited to take pictures in urban or rustic outdoor settings as well since these environments can often add a little extra character to photos. I prefer to take indoor portraits only for newborns and infants provided there is sufficient natural window light. If there is inclement weather on the day of your outdoor session, it is best to reschedule.
How would you describe your style?
What I love about portrait photography 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. The creative process doesn’t end there, however. After taking the pictures, I spend a great deal of time editing in the “digital darkroom” using special software to bring each image up to the next level, adding style & an artistic edge. The end result is personal art that you can cherish forever!
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 cover 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. For 60+ miles, request a custom travel surcharge quote.
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 fees and products.
When is payment due?
Session fees are due at the time of the session. You will be sent an invoice for product orders.
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.
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 rustic/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.
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.
How much time do you spend editing the pictures from each session?
After the session I carefully pick out the very best images and spend several hours in the “digital darkroom” editing these specially chosen shots. You can expect about 30-50 final proofs in JPEG format that are touched-up and stylized (color, black and white, sepia, texture, etc.).
How do you deliver the proofs to me?
I simply upload your set of digital proofs 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, and order prints a la carte. Your photos will remain in the online gallery for a period of 6 months.
What is the turn-around time between the session and viewing the proofs online?
You can expect to view your proofs online within two weeks after the session.
What products do you offer?
The following products are currently available for purchase after your session: gift prints (wallets, 4X6, 5X7, & 8X10), wall prints (11X14 through 24X36), gallery-wrap canvas prints (11X14 through 24X36), photobook albums, accordion books, children’s books, rep cards, panel prints and full resolution digital files. For a full price list of all a la carte products and bundled portrait collections, please contact Sarah Hall Photography.
If I purchase any or all full-resolution digital files, what am I allowed to do with them?
If you purchase the full-resolution digital files, you will be given permission to share and print them as long as the use is personal and non-commercial in nature. 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.
If I receive web-sized digital files, what am I allowed to do with them?
Web-sized digital files are included with any print or book purchase and are designed to give you an opportunity to share the photos from your session online immediately. You are allowed to keep them on your personal computer and upload them onto personal websites (like facebook or a blog). You are not allowed to make prints with them and they are in fact not suitable for printing due to small size and compression.
What is the turn-around time between the session and getting printed products?
You can expect to receive your printed products between 1-4 weeks after you place your order (depends on product type and order volume).
How do you deliver printed products to me?
In most cases I have the products conveniently shipped directly to you.
How do I carefully enjoy the My Name, God’s Creation, & Alphabet children’s books with my child?
These books are designed and meant for very young children perhaps not yet able to understand how to take care of a book. To prevent your young child from ripping the pages, read the book with them to supervise how the book is handled. It is best to keep the book stored in a safe place out of reach of your child. In all reality, these practices will actually enhance the value of the book in your child’s eyes and will make the times you read the book together even more special.
Preparing For Your Portrait 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 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. A 1-hour session easily accommodates average family sizes but if you have a very large family (9+) or desire immediate and extended family pictures, it will likely take the full 2 hours.
What about an infant session?
Often conducted indoors and outdoors (weather permitting), we have to work around the infant’s schedule, feedings, mood, and lack of mobility. The full 2 hour session length is usually required in this case. See below for information on newborn sessions.
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.
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.
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?
I simply 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.
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.
What are the various location options?
Each senior session lasts for about 2 hours and we can shoot photos at 1-2 different locations. The locations can be natural, urban, or rustic 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. Keep in mind that not all locations have access to bathrooms for changing.
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. Furthermore, if there is a location that holds special significance to you, I would LOVE to hold part or all of your session there.
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. I encourage bringing several outfits and coordinating colors with each other before the 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 up to 2 outdoor locations for your 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.
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.