FAQ

General Session Questions

Q.  What do I need to do to reserve my session?

A.  Please contact me here and we will find a date and time that works for everyone!  Once we select your session slot, a non-refundable deposit is due which will be credited toward your session total.

 

Q.  How much are photo sessions?

A.  Basic session prices are listed here.  Please contact us with further questions about additional pricing information.

 

Q.  Where do we go for our photo session?

A.  We can work together to determine a shooting venue that is meaningful to you, reflects your personality, and your family.  Many people opt for the woodsy feel of a park or trail, others prefer the rustic look of an old farm, still others choose the trendy backdrop of a classy downtown area.  We are always thrilled to try new locations, but are also happy to suggest some of our old favorites if you would like.

 

Q.  What should I wear for my photo session?

A.  It’s great to go with a splash of color here and there, but try to avoid being too “matchy matchy”.  You can choose a colorful outfit for a child, then pull colors from that for other family members. I recommend incorporating a variety of cuts, layers, and textures for visual appeal as long as the colors and patterns are complimentary and not clashing.  If one family member has a bold print, try for subtlety and possibly more solid colors for the other family members.  There are some wonderful examples of coordinating photo outfits here!

 

Q.  When can I expect my pictures?

A.  Processing and developing of photos generally takes 2-4 weeks.  You will receive a link to a password-protected online gallery where you will be able to view the photos from your session and order prints or digital images.

 

Q.  How many pictures will I get?

A.  In your online gallery you will be able to view approximately 40 custom edited photos from which to choose.

 

Q.  How do I order photos?

A.  You can purchase photos from your online gallery, or you can purchase a CD of your images directly from Rishty Photography.

 

Q.  I have little kids.  How do we get them to cooperate during the session?

A.  Schedule your session at a good time for your child–  generally mornings tend to be the best.  For very little ones, I recommend bringing “pretty” toys that you don’t mind having in your photographs.  Similarly, bringing anything special along that your child likes or will make him smile is helpful (a video on your iPhone, a favorite blanket, a musical instrument, snacks, etc.).  As photographers we also spend a lot of time jumping around, being silly, and singing!  Similarly, we encourage children to play in their natural environment in order to get natural, real-life smiles as opposed to posed, frozen smiles.  And, of course, it doesn’t hurt to have a special reward at the end of the session to look forward to.

 

Q.  Do you do weddings?

A.  We are happy to provide the portrait and formal shots of the bride & groom and their wedding party.  At this time, however, we are not booking sessions that cover the ceremony and reception.

 

Maternity Session Questions

Q.  When should I schedule my maternity session?

A.  Maternity sessions are best scheduled between 32-36 weeks when your belly is very prominent, but you are not in danger of going into labor during the shoot.

 

Q.  Can my partner and older child be in my maternity photos?

A.  Of course!  We welcome family members to join in this special time.

 

Q.  What should I wear for my maternity session?

A.  Wear something that makes you feel attractive and displays your belly in a flattering way.  Many pregnant women like to wear dresses for their maternity session.  If you are also interested in bare-belly shots, feel free to bring a change of clothes that includes a shirt that can be pulled up or open to display your belly.  If you would like style/color suggestions on how to coordinate your clothing with your partner and family, click here!

 

Newborn Session Questions

Q.  When should I contact you to schedule my newborn session?

A.  Newborn sessions book quickly and are very time consuming.  It is best to schedule your newborn session a few months prior to your due date to ensure availability.

 

Q.  When should my newborn session take place?

A.  Ideally, we would like to do your newborn session within the first 5-10 days of your baby’s life, and absolutely no later than 14 days of life.

 

Q.  Why can’t I do my newborn photos after day 14?

A.  After the first 2 weeks, your baby will become much more alert and awake.  They also become much less moldable, making it very difficult to get the sweet, sleepy poses people expect from newborn sessions.  Your baby’s features will also start to significantly change from that “squishy newborn” look as he or she starts to get more baby fat.  Many babies also start to get infant acne around week three, so there are many, many reasons to do your session as soon as possible.

 

Q.  How long do newborn sessions take?

A.  Newborn sessions last an average of about 3-4 hours.

 

Q.  Why do newborn sessions take so long?

A.  Much of the time we spend at your home includes setting up lighting equipment, feeding the baby, changing the baby, trying to get the baby to fall asleep, and then repeating the process.  We try to capture a variety of poses of the baby by him or herself, as well as photos of the baby with Mommy and Daddy.  The process is very time-consuming and will require a lot of patience, but is definitely worth it in the end!

 

Q.  Where will my newborn session take place?

A.  Your newborn session will take place in the comfort of your own home.  This way we can capture images of you and your family in your natural environment as your newborn settles into life at home.

 

Q.  What do I need to do to get ready for my newborn session?

A.  Below is a checklist of how to prepare for your newborn session:

*Please tidy the area where we will be shooting (often the living room, master bedroom, or nursery) so that you will not have excess clutter in the background of your photos.

*Please have diapers, wipes, and burp cloths on hand for us to quickly clean up any messes that will inevitably happen.

*Have outfits prepared for you to wear that make you feel attractive.  Coordinate your outfit with your partner.  For ideas, click here!

*Keep the house warmer than usual to help the baby relax and sleep.

*Feel free to feed or comfort your baby at any point during our time with you; a calm and sleepy baby is much easier to photograph than a grumpy, fussy one!

 

Q.  Do I need to provide props, or is everything provided?

A.  I have a variety of props including various blankets, hats, and headbands, but if there is anything specific you would like incorporated (a colored wrap; a blanket made by grandma; a hand-embroidered handkerchief with the baby’s name on it; bloomers; Daddy’s sports jersey; etc.), I am more than happy to oblige!

 

Q.  Can my older child(ren) be included in the newborn photos?

A.  For an additional fee, we are happy to incorporate older siblings into the newborn session photos.