Frequently Asked Questions
General Session Questions
How do I book a session?
We have several options available! We prefer booking via FB messenger (Doodlebug Captures). This allows both parties to reference sessions details, but we can book session by phone or email as well.
What places or settings do you use for sessions?
Based on where you live, we have a variety of recommended locations. We are also willing to utilize a themed setting you might have. Before your scheduled session, we will contact you and discuss the details of your session including the location or setting. In general, we prefer outdoors about 1.5 hours or so before sunset. This timing allows for some beautiful lighting options, but we are flexible and have several indoor backdrops as well.
How far in advance should I book a session?
We generally recommend booking one or two months in advance. This allows the most flexibility with our schedule. We will, however, accommodate whatever dates our schedule and resources allow – it never hurts to ask! As a note, as much as you might try, you cannot exactly plan your newborn’s arrival date. Therefore, booking in advance means we leave a cushion in the schedule for your Newborn Session.
What should I bring to my session?
We recommend snacks and changes of clothes for any little ones. If there are any props discussed in the the pre-session planning, please bring them along with a way to transport them (wagons are amazing). Don’t forget to bring the session payment.
What should I NOT bring to my session?
Because of the nature of the business we cannot allow cameras to our sessions. However, it is the 21st century and we all have cell phones. We request that you please refrain from using the camera functions.
What type of payment do you accept and when is the session payment due?
Cash payment is our preferred form of payment, but we also accept checks. Please review the session contract for payment details. We require a deposit in advance to book the session. The rest of the session payment is due at the start of the session. We do not currently offer payment plans except on our package plans. Package plans require the first session paid in advance, and this serves as the deposit. After this, a payment is due at each session in the package except the last. The last session is paid for by the deposit.
What if I am late for my session?
In our session contract we outline our policy on this. The policy includes a fee for being over 15 minutes late. Additional session time is granted at the photographer’s discretion. This policy is in effect to protect both party’s time and schedules. In addition, we often have multiple sessions scheduled on the same day. We definitely understand that things happen, and pledge to do everything we can to make your session with us a wonderful experience. For instance, we have often scheduled make up time on a different date because of an unforeseen circumstance leading to lateness.
What clothing selection do you recommend, and do you provide wardrobe selections?
We recommend limited patterns and avoiding neon colors. Contrasting colors are welcomed. For the best possible results, we suggest special focus on clothing choice for family sessions to avoid clashing. Please reach out to us for assistance with clothing selection - we are glad to help! At this time, we only provide limited wardrobe options for Maternity and Newborn sessions.
How many pictures will I receive from a session? Do I have to choose which ones I receive?
The number of images you will receive varies with the length of the session, the number of family members present, as well as several other factors. Generally, for a 60 minutes session, there will be at least 30 different images not counting black and white versions. Our DELUXE option DOES NOT MAKE YOU CHOOSE! At the end of the editing process, you will receive all images that meet our standards. We have the CHOICE plan that is priced lower than the DELUXE. This plan allows you to choose 20 digital downloads from your session, BUT you have access to all the images from your session. You can choose purchase prints or more digital downloads. At any time you could also upgrade to the DELUXE plan and receive ALL digitals.
When will my images be ready, and how do I receive them?
The length of time to complete the editing process varies by season, but we generally deliver images within 4 weeks of the session date. We do not release unedited, raw images – only the “finished product.” We have several options for receiving your images. The two choices that do not incur any additional fee are delivery by cd or direct download via ShootProof. Other options for delivery include a jump drive or an external drive. These are usually reserved for very large sessions or projects and incur an additional fee. Extended family and friends are able to purchase digital images or prints via ShootProof. Once we receive your permission, we will deliver a passcode to them.
Do you offer prints to purchase or what printing company do you recommend?
The print release is included in your session contract and extends to your immediate household. We offer excellent quality prints to purchase from Miller’s Professional Imaging. This is available directly from your gallery on ShootProof. You have the option to place any size order with delivery directly to your home. After we upload your images to ShootProof, we send you a unique web link and password. You can browse your images and choose sizes and number of prints for your order. We would advise you to be cautious utilizing local printing services and avoid drug stores or box stores. These establishments often auto crop and “color correct” which distorts the images.
How long do you keep my session images?
We will keep your images for at least 3 months on ShootProof and at least a year on our personal hard drive. However, technology does fail and we recommend downloading your images as soon as possible. We recommend copying the images to an additional hard drive or other memory device for backup. There is a modest Archive Retrieval Fee to reload images to ShootProof after the 3 month download period.
What if I lose my delivered images?
We recommend having a backup copy for yourself, but things still happen. We will keep your images for at least one year. Up to this one year mark, or later if we still have them, we will re-deliver your images via ShootProof or a cd for a modest Archive Retrieval Fee.
Do you provide gift certificates?
Yes, we do. Many clients choose to gift a session to a loved one for many different occasions. The certificates are dated for one year from issue, but special requests for a later expiration date can be processed. This is an excellent way to lock in a sale price. The certificate itself is a classical designed with our DbC emblem.
Do you offer any package deals for sessions?
We currently offer several packages with huge savings. Our “Grow with me” package for the first year of life is our biggest package with the biggest savings! We have packages for School Pictures, Children’s Birthdays, and even a Holidays package. See our Packages page for details. We will call to remind you and schedule each session in a package.
Are there any themes or sessions you do not do?
In a word, yes. We seek to maintain our family friendly values in all aspects of our business. We will answer questions on this subject directly and honestly. Feel free to contact us.
Newborn Session Questions
What if my newborn will not sleep?
We plan newborn sessions to last 3 to 5 hours for this purpose. We will make every effort to plan your newborn session for your baby’s individual needs. We can try wrapped poses, white noise, and several other techniques to encourage them to sleep. A large amount of flexibility is planned into a newborn session including which images we capture during which portion of the session. Sara has worked with infants for years and has incredible success with even the most fidgety little ones.
Can I choose a special theme?
Absolutely! We want to be creative with you and make your session unique. If you have trouble selecting a theme, DON’T WORRY, we have plenty of options from which to choose. We will contact you to discuss details in the weeks before your session.
Can I request certain poses and set-ups that I want?
Yes, this is YOUR session. We recommend viewing our FB page or the Newborn section of our portfolio for ideas. We will discuss your favorite and desired poses in the weeks before your session. These desired poses and set-ups will be our focus at the beginning of the session.
Can I include other family members in my Newborn Session?
Family and sibling portraits are included in most of our Newborn Session options. The inclusion of extended family members can be approved in the session planning. Typical poses include Mom with baby, Dad with baby, sibling(s) with baby, and the whole family. Please see our FB page or the Newborn section of our portfolio for examples.
What props and supplies do you provide?
We have a variety of props for various themes. We usually collect rustic, classic, and some antique style props. We recommend that you go through our FB page or the Newborn section of our portfolio for prop ideas. If you are interested in a particular prop from one of our images, please contact us to verify that we own it.