For Children & Families:

How long will my session take?  Sessions are allotted one and a half hours.  Most sessions will take between 45 minutes and an hour, but occasionally they will go the full hour and a half.  Family sessions (particularly when we are shooting the whole family and then the children individually as well) will take longer.  Baby sessions are often shorter.  For small children (& grown-ups!) breaks are allowed and very much encouraged!  Feeding your newborn is ok, offering the kids a snack or treat is great too.  Shannon is very patient and is happy to wait to get that one (or many dozen) great shot(s)!

What should we expect during the session?  The session should be fun and relaxed, not forced.  The time will be a mix of smiling at the camera, playing with siblings or family members, and being relaxed and cuddly.  While we often try to capture a child in their own beautiful simplicity, minimal props may  be used (especially for kids who need the extra distraction).  We have some “natural” looking toys at the studio; parents may also want to bring a special toy or blanket or two that may calm a child or make them especially happy or silly.  Parents are welcome to sing or play with their children during the session to evoke that “joyful reaction” (as will Shannon), but need not order their children to “smile” or “sit still.”  Capturing your child’s natural personality involves giving them the freedom to have a good time.

When is payment expected?  Payment for your session is expected at the time of the shoot.  In some cases (during busy seasons or for weekends), a deposit may be required, in which case you will be notified ahead of time.  Payment can be made by check, cash, or any major credit card.

What happens after our shoot?  At the end or your session, we will schedule an image viewing appointment.  This will take place approximately two weeks after your session.  About two days before your viewing appointment, you will receive a link for an online gallery of your images to look over (& email on to friends and family if you like!).  Take the time to go through it and put favorites into your gallery “favorites folder” or write down the image numbers to bring along.  You will want to begin thinking about what you want to order, but don’t worry about making final decisions yet. 

What will happen at our viewing appointment?  At this appointment you will have the chance to see your images larger and clearer on a calibrated computer screen.  You can compare and contrast images that are similar while you narrow it down to your final favorites to order from.  Ordering at the viewing appointment is not required, but is a convenient option for most people, and ensures you will get your order in a timely manner.  There are also ordering incentives and other products offered at this time that are not available through the online gallery.

When will we get our pictures?  Print orders are generally ready within 3 weeks.  All final images are of the highest professional, archival quality and are artistically color-corrected/enhanced as well as lightly touched-up so that every print is flattering.  Payment for your prints is expected when you place the order, by any of the same methods are your session payment.  Certain specialty products may take longer and information on this is detailed at your viewing appointment.

Do you offer digital images or proofs?  In order to preserve the highest quality product and service, CDs of digital images and "Favorite's Collections" (proofs) are only offered on a limited basis, with certain minimum order requirements.  It is our desire to enhance your life and home with professional, artistic “portrait art” (rather than a CD that will sit on your counter or result in low-quality 4x6s from a trip to Walmart).  High quality professional images are modern art as well as family heirlooms with great significance and aesthetic value, well worth investing in for a lifetime of joy and family preservation.  If you need a digital image for a specific reason, please let us know and we'll happily be flexible and negotiate a fair rate for this image.