August 4, 2024
Step by Step: A What to Expect
Booking a photography session is an exciting opportunity to capture moments that you’ll cherish for years to come. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect when you choose me as your photographer:
Inquiry and Booking
Initially, I try to respond to inquiries within 48 hours of receiving them. In your inquiry I will want to know the type of session you want, the dates you’re seeking and any big vision you have for your photos. From there we can start to get you booked in by agreeing on a date that works for the both of us. I require a signed contract and a retainer fee of $50+GST to reserve your date exclusively. This ensures that your session is booked and confirmed on my calendar.
For newborn sessions, I book you in based on your due date and we get your session done within the first ten days postpartum.
Planning Starts with a Detailed Questionnaire
To personalize your session and understand your expectations better, I’ll send you a detailed questionnaire. This helps me get to know you, your family dynamics, and what you envision for your session. Your responses will guide the planning process and ensure that we capture the essence of who you are.
Outfit Planning Guidance
Choosing the right outfits can greatly enhance the overall look and feel of your photos. I provide extensive guidance through blog posts and direct communication. We’ll discuss wardrobe options, colors, and styles that complement your chosen location and the overall mood of the session. Feel free to send me photos of your outfit choices for feedback, and if needed, you can explore options from my client closet.
Location Planning
Based on your preferences from the questionnaire, we’ll discuss and finalize the perfect location for your session. Whether you prefer a natural outdoor setting, the coziness of your home, or a specific backdrop like tall grass or a lake view, I’ll provide examples and help you visualize different settings. Outdoor locations are chosen with careful consideration of lighting and ambiance, and sometimes the final decision is made close to the session date, especially if weather conditions play a role.
Timing of Your Session
For outdoor sessions, I schedule our shoot close to sunset to take advantage of the soft, golden hour light (I’ll be writing a blog post soon on why I only want to shoot at sunset!). This natural lighting enhances colors and creates a flattering atmosphere. To ensure we capture the best light, I use professional tools to track the sun’s position and plan our timing accordingly. Indoor sessions are scheduled during times when your home receives the most natural light, ensuring optimal conditions for beautiful photographs.
Planning for Day-of
As the session day approaches, I’ll provide tips and suggestions to help you prepare. Whether it’s bringing snacks for toddlers, ensuring your home is comfortable for newborns, or any other considerations, these preparations will help the session run smoothly. I’m here to make sure you feel relaxed and ready to enjoy our time together.
The Day of Your Session
On the day of our session, it’s all about having fun and capturing genuine moments. I’ll guide and direct you as needed, but I also encourage natural interactions to capture authentic emotions. We’ll take plenty of photos, ensuring we capture a variety of poses and expressions. And don’t feel stressed if you think you’ll be awkward in front of the camera – it’s my job to guide you as we go and I promise to bring out the best in you.
Remaining Payment
After the session, the remaining balance is due. The retainer fee you paid initially is deducted from the total amount, as outlined in our contract.
Sneak Peeks and Proofing Gallery
Within a week of your session, I’ll send you a couple fully edited sneak peeks from your session. This gives you a preview of the magic and allows you to share your excitement with friends and family. Alongside the sneak peeks, you’ll receive access to a proofing gallery where you will select your favourite images for me to edit and deliver in your final gallery. Your sneak peeks are not included in your final amount, those are a little extra gift 🙂
The amount of images that comes with your gallery all depend on the type of session you booked! To find out what each session includes you can look at my packages here.
If you want more images than are included in your package, you can purchase them for $10/image!
Final Gallery Delivery
Once you’ve made your selections, your chosen images will be edited to perfection and delivered via an online personalized gallery within the agreed timeline stated in your contract. This ensures you receive high-quality images that capture the essence of your session beautifully.
All images are given to you in a colour AND a black & white version. You will also be able to download all your images in both “web” sized and “high resolution”, making sure you have the right quality for how you may want to use your photos.
Booking a photography session with me means embarking on a journey to capture cherished moments with professionalism and creativity. From initial booking to final delivery, I strive to exceed your expectations and provide a seamless experience that results in stunning photographs you’ll treasure forever.
Ready to capture your story? Contact me today to schedule your session and let’s create memories together that will last a lifetime.
xx Haley
About
I’m Haley Olsthoorn, a photographer based in the Okanagan. I capture honest, heartfelt stories for families, couples, and anyone who wants to remember the real moments
