It’s important to ask as many questions as possible when you’re looking for a photographer. This is why I’ve decided to share my frequently asked questions or FAQs. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for here, please feel free to send me an email!
Before Your Photo Shoot:
Question: Where are you located?
Answer: I’m located in Lakeville, Minnesota, but I serve the entire Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs.
Question: What are your hours?
Answer: I’m available on weeknights after 5:30 pm (in the late spring, summer, and early fall) or on weekends by appointment only.
Question: What type of sessions do you offer?
- Family Photos
- Senior Photos
- Maternity Photos
- Newborn Photos
- Headshot & Branding Photos
- Couples & Engagement Photos
Question: How do I book a photo shoot?
Answer: If you’re interested in booking a photo shoot with me, there are a few different ways to do so. You can head on over to my contact page, click here to send me an email, or go to my direct booking site!
Question: How soon should I book my photo shoot with you?
Answer: It all depends on the type of photo shoot you’re wanting to book:
- Family Photos: 1 month before your desired date.
- Maternity Photos: The best time for a maternity session is when you’re 28 to 36 weeks (7-8 months) pregnant.
- Newborn Photos: Contact me before or right after you have your baby! The ideal time for newborn photos is 2-4 weeks after they’ve made their grand arrival.
- Senior Photos: If you’re a junior in high school, now is the time to reach out to me! My senior session dates fill up fast, so DO NOT wait until the last minute to send me a message. Most yearbooks need senior photos submitted to them by November or December. My books open on March 25th for senior sessions. I have a waitlist for the class of 2024, so if you’re anxiously waiting for me to announce the available dates, go ahead and join the waitlist!
- Couples & Engagement Photos: 3-6 weeks before your desired date.
- Headshot & Branding Photos: 2-4 weeks before your desired date.
Question: How do I pay for my photo shoot?
Answer: I’ll email you a contract and invoice through HoneyBook. To reserve your photo shoot date, the contract must be signed, and the $150 non-refundable retainer is due upon booking. The remaining balance is due one week before your photo shoot. You can use your credit/debit card to pay the invoice online. I do not accept checks or cash payments.
Question: Do you have a studio?
Answer: I don’t have a studio of my own, but there are plenty of studios around the Minneapolis area we can rent. Keep in mind the studio rental fee will be added to your session fee. If you choose to have your session in a studio, I’ll send you a PDF with photos of each studio and the prices.
About Your Photo Shoot:
Question: I booked my photo shoot; now what?
Answer: I’ll send you a reminder email 3 days prior to your photoshoot date. This email will include the address to the location of your photo shoot, suggestions of what to bring with you, and what to expect. If you’d like to discuss photo shoot ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Please notify me of any special requests at least one week prior to your photo shoot date.
Question: What do we wear?
Answer: After booking with me, I’ll send you an outfit guide that’s full of excellent tips and ideas on what to wear to your photo shoot!
Question: Do you have any location suggestions?
Answer: Boy, do I ever! I’ll send you a location guide to help simplify your choices. If you have a specific look you’re going for, let me know, and I’ll send you a list of locations that will fit your needs.
Question: Can I bring my pet to my session?
Answer: ABSOLUTELY! I love all kinds of animals (except for tarantulas – please leave those at home)!
Rescheduling: I totally understand how life can happen. Please do your best to let me know within 48 hours of your photo shoot. If you or someone in your family happens to get sick a few days before or on the day of your photo shoot, be sure to contact me ASAP to reschedule.
I have clients of all ages that I work with, and I cannot risk passing on anything to my other clients or my own family members. Your photos will look better if you and your family are feeling great and at your best! If the weather isn’t cooperating (e.g., it’s really freezing cold, raining cats and dogs, or blizzarding), we will reschedule your photo shoot. Rescheduling is free of charge!
Tardiness: Again, life happens. If you know you’re going to be late, give me a call or send me a text! However, your photo shoot time will not be extended. For example, if you have a 45-minute photo shoot and you’re 15 minutes late, then you’ll have a 30-minute photo shoot.
Cancellations: Please notify me 72 hours in advance of any cancellation for the credit of the deposit to go towards a future photo shoot. If we have a studio reserved for your photo shoot, please notify me a week before your photo shoot date so I can give the studio owner enough notice. As the photographer, I reserve the right to deny service to any client(s) who have a repeated history of cancellations.
After Your Photo Shoot:
Question: How do I view my photos?
Answer: 2 weeks after your photo shoot date, I’ll upload your photos to a private online gallery. Once the images are done uploading, I’ll email you a gallery link! From there, you can download, share, and print your photos however you wish!
Question: How many photos do I get to pick from, and how many edited images will I receive?
Answer: For family, maternity, newborn, and couples sessions, you’ll get the entire hand-edited gallery (usually 50 to 75 images). For senior photo shoots, the image amount depends on which package you choose. You can check out the senior photography page if you’d like to learn more about what each senior package has to offer!
Question: Where can I print my photos?
Answer: There is a print store conveniently attached to your online gallery, which is where I highly suggest ordering your prints from. Pic-Time works directly with high-quality printing companies, and the print products are shipped directly to your home! If you decide to print your images elsewhere, please keep in mind that I’m not responsible for the print quality of the printing lab you choose.
If you have any questions that weren’t covered, please don’t hesitate to reach out! You can send me an email at hello@kristenelizabethphotography.org
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