FAQs

Q.  Your website says you are an “on-location natural light photographer.”  What does that mean?

“On-location” means that I come to you or we meet at a location of your choice.  I do not use a studio.  Sessions can be held in your home (all newborn sessions are held in the client’s home) or your favorite park, downtown, at a farm, by the river, etc.  If you can’t think of anywhere, I have a ton of favorite spots I can suggest.  I have learned that children are most relaxed and open in an environment with which they are familiar.  Therefore, the best location is the one where you and your family feel most comfortable.  That said, we can shoot almost anywhere your heart desires (and believe me, if you can think of it, I’ve probably taken a photograph there).  I recommend choosing a location where your children can easily and freely express themselves.

“Natural light” means that I do not use any artificial lighting (flashes) to light my images.  Simply put, I use the sun.  It’s just a personal, artistic preference.  I just love the warm, natural glow sunlight gives a photograph.  Because we are usually shooting outside, the morning and late afternoon/early evening hours are the best times to schedule your session.  As a general rule, bright mid-day sun is not optimal, and we try to avoid conducting sessions in the middle of the day as much as possible.

Q.  What happens during a session?  What do I wear?

My goal is to capture you just how you are.  My personal style is to create a fun, casual, pressure-free environment for you and your family.  You’ll probably find me kicking off my shoes and getting down on the ground with you to capure images when you are least aware.  Parents should be open to spontaneity and silliness.  I believe the best photographs occur when you forget that I’m even there.  I take my time with each session, snapping away freely, taking breaks for snacks when we need to, in order to keep everyone happy.  You should expect your session to last 1-2 hours (or longer for a newborn).  I’m the mother of 2 young daughters, and I understand the stresses you feel during a photo session.  Rest assured that it is totally fine, no matter what happens!  Bring toys, books, stuffed animals, blankies, or anything else that will make you and your little one more relaxed and comfortable.

Clothing is a very important part of creating a magical portrait.  My style lends itself to not-so-traditional clothing.  I prefer when children are not in fancy, puffy dresses or stiff-looking suits.  Simple is better!  Children look great in bold colors, textures, and patterns (think Gap, Mini Boden, Matilda Jane).  Consider jeans and sweaters, hats, boots, and layers for fall or winter portraits.  Sundresses, shorts, and bare feet look great in the summer heat.  Bring 2 or 3 outfit changes to ensure a great variety of images to choose from.  Families need not match, but look wonderful in outfits that all coordinate.  A monochrome color scheme or the same shirt on everyone makes for a boring image.  Babies and newborns usually look best in a plain onesie, a diaper cover, or in nothing at all.  We are always available to help with clothing selection for your session, so if you have any questions, just ask!

For more information on how sessions proceed, please check out the “session details” link on my website:  www.heatherowensphotography.com.

Q.  I’m pregnant.  When should I schedule my maternity session?

The best time to shoot maternity photos is between 28 and 34 weeks.  At this stage, your belly is big enough to get great shots, but not so big that you will be uncomfortable.

Q.  How do I book a newborn session when I don’t know exactly when my baby will be born?

I recommend booking your newborn session as early as possible.  I hold a limited number of sessions open each week for newborns.  When I book a newborn session, I pencil in the due date of my client, and, once baby arrives, we finalize our plans and set a date and time for the session.  I prefer to take newborn portraits within the first 10 days of life, and the earlier the better.

Q.  Do you sell the digital negatives of the photos from our session?

Yes!  I offer 4 digital collections that range from a few negatives to the negatives of every image in you proof gallery.  The majority of my clients now purchase the digital negatives from their session in lieu of or in addition to purchasing prints.  There are many benefits and advantages to purchasing your digital negatives:

• Do-It-Yourself Printing:  Print unlimited copies of your images for yourself and your family whenever you wish.
• Scrapbooking and Card-Maing:  Print your own holiday cards and birth announcements.
• Peace of Mind:  Copies of your images can be digitally archived and/or kept in a safety deposit box.
• Online Sharing:  Images can be shared on the internet via websites or blogs or emailed to family and friends.

Q.  What about cost?

My standard session fee is $150 and includes travel to and from most session locations.  I also offer several combination session fees in which the individual session fees are reduced.  To see all of my fees, please check out the “investment” link on my website:  www.heatherowensphotography.com.

A la carte print prices start at $35.  In addition, I also offer collections to my clients (both print and digital), and those provide a considerable savings over a la carte rates.  Once you book your session, you will receive a complete portrait and pricing guide.  While I do not require a minimum purchase (I want you to love every image you buy!), my clients typically invest from $1000 to $3000 and find that this allows them to own all of the images from their session in an heirloom album or session box, as well as wall portraits of their very favorite images.

Q.  I’ve decided I want to book a session.  What now?

Yay!  Click on the “contact” link above and let me know what date you would like and any ideas you have regarding location.  You can check my availability by clicking on the “calendar” link on my website.  I normally shoot 3 sessions per week.  If you are booking a newborn session, please let me know when your baby is due.

Once we settle on the date, I will get a booking proposal out to you, which will start the booking process and get you on my calendar.   To hold a session, you must pay the fee for the session(s) you choose (payment for prints and products is due when your order is placed).  Then, you will fill out my client questionnaire and portrait agreement, which will be sent to you once your session is booked, and we’ll start playing!  We will talk more about the session, wardrobe, etc., as your session date nears.

Q.  What happens after the session?  How do I proof my images?

About 2-3 days after your session, as “sneak peek” of your images will be posted on my blog.  I will email you when your sneak peek is ready.  Your full proof gallery will be ready approximately 2 weeks after your session.  You will view your images via a password-protected online gallery from the comfort of your own home.  When your gallery is ready, I will email a link to you so that you will be able to access it.  You can forward the link and the password on to family and friends.  When you are ready to order, you email your order to me, and I send you an invoice.  Prints are delivered about 2 weeks after payment is received (albums and session boxes take 4-6 weeks).

Q.  Do you sell gift certificates?

Yes!  Giving the gift of memories is the perfect gift for anyone and any occasion!  If you are interested in purchasing a gift certificate, please contact me.

Q.  What is your cancellation policy?

Fortunately, I have never had to cancel a session . . . if someone gets sick or if the weather does not cooperate, we simply reschedule.  I am super flexible.  However, just in case, here is my cancellation policy:

Due to high demand, advanced booking, and the limited number of available sessions, your session fee is due at the time you book your session.  You cannot be placed on our calendar until your session fee is paid.  Cancellations must be made 10 days BEFORE your session.  If cancellation is necessary, your session fee may be transferred to a rescheduled session.  A refund of your session fee is available if cancellation notice is received at least 10 days before your session and if rescheduling is not feasible.  However, no refund of your session fee is available if cancellation occurs within 10 days of your session.

Q.  Do you shoot weddings?

No.  My passion is shooting babies, kids, and families, so that is what I concentrate on.  If you’re looking for  a wedding photographer, I’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.

Still have a question?  Please email me!