Session Info

what to expect


Well don't expect a Wal-Mart or Sears type photography session! I won't be putting you in front of a fake fireplace or forest...hehe. I think the best photographs happen when you forget about me, so I will be asking you to have fun and be yourself!

My goal is to photograph you just the way you are, not in some stuffy old poses, in some stuffy old clothes. I want to capture all the silliness of childhood. The playing, jumping, bouncing, dancing, laughing, and yes, even crying! I want to make the session casual with no pressure or stress about "how the kids will behave". You'll probably think I'm some crazy lady when I'm on the ground, trying to get that unexpected photograph. The same goes for the family sessions, well all sessions. I might direct you to a certain spot or ask you to try to do this or that, (like lay on the ground...hehe) but I want you to act naturally and be spontaneous. I want to capture the unexpected, the sweet kiss, the silly faces, the serious thoughts or the look of love.

Although I state that sessions last 1-2 hours (longer for newborns and seniors), they really last as long as they need to, or until I wear you out! No really, I take my time and go with the flow, taking breaks when we need to for snacks or whatever. I want to keep everyone happy, but I know how kids can be, so Mom don't stress, we'll be fine and we'll make some magic happen! It never hurts to bring along whatever toy their "into" at the moment, to help keep them happy and make for some cute photos. Bribery can be a good thing too! I enourage giant colored lollipops, solid-colored balloons, and colorful cupcakes as a reward at the end of your child's session. It makes a great reward for being a good sport during the session, and it can make for some fun photos!

For all types of sessions, I will consult with you before your session, either by email, facebook or phone, to go over the details of your upcoming session, such as location, clothing, etc.

booking your session
I shoot only a limited number of sessions during a week. It is advisable to book early, at least a couple of weeks ahead of time, to insure the date you want is open. Also, if you are having photos taken for a specific purpose, and you have a certain date you need the photos, then please book your session enough in advance to allow several weeks for editing and ordering.

The session fee is due by the date of your session. I understand that sometimes things happen, so I allow one reschedule. After that there will be a $50 fee to reschedule. Before the session begins, I ask all my clients to sign a model release, so that I can post some "sneak peek" images on facebook and my blog. Payment for prints needs to be received prior to my placing your order.

Mommies-to-be!! If you are pregnant and plan to have maternity portraits taken, then please schedule your session between your 28th and 34th weeks.

Newbies!! If you wish to have newborn portraits taken, please book the session as far in advance as possible. We will set a tentative date and then you can let me know when the baby arrives and we can finalize the date. Newborns are best photographed during the first two weeks of their life, because their sleepy little bodies can be more easily positioned...so the earlier the better! Let me know when you are coming home from the hospital and we can do it then!

Seniors!! Your senior year is so exciting for you! Your senior portraits are usually taken the summer before your senior year. I will be shooting senior sessions now and continuing through the fall. So be sure to book your Senior session very soon!

Families!! The holidays make a fantastic time for family portraits, but these sessions will probably book up quickly. I'll probably begin shooting holiday portraits in August and continue into November.

Brides!! Are you getting married? Or are you the maid of honor and planning the brides bachelorette party? Then do something she'll love and never forget! Have a Brides Boudoir Bachelorette Party!! How much fun is that!! The bride and her closest friends, getting all "done up", putting on some sexy or fun lingerie or sleepwear and having a photo shoot! Just like a celebrity! It will make an unforgetable gift for the bride, a keepsake that she will cherish for a life-time. Plus, that special someone that she will be sharing her life with, will certainly enjoy the resulting photos!

what time?

I try my best to have your session fit your personal needs. I'll do early morning sessions, to try and beat the heat, to have a fresh, happy toddler or baby, or I can plan a later evening session to make sure all the family can be there or just to get that last beautiful light of the day. I try to give enough time to each session and we can work around naps, feedings or your work schedule. Please try to keep at least 2 hours available for your session (more for newborn, senior or boudoir). Because I normally shoot outside, the morning and late afternoon/early evening hours are the best times for your session. The light an hour or two before sunset is the prettiest and generally, bright mid-day sun is not optimal. I try to avoid the middle of the day for sessions, as much as possible.

location

Kids are more relaxed if they are some place that is familiar. So, the best location is somewhere you and your family feels comfortable. We can shoot almost anywhere you want you can think of, be it a neighborhood park, your favorite outdoor area, or around your home. I have some locations that I enjoy photographing at, where the kids can be free and have fun. Also, some urban or desert locations would be great too! I am willing to go anywhere, even if I get lost, but if the location has an entrance fee, it must be covered by the client.

what to wear?

Very important question, because it will help create the mood or style of the photograph. I'm not one for traditional clothing, no stiff suits or fancy easter dresses for the kids. Instead, I prefer clothing with lots of different textures and patterns and bright bold colors. Think places like gap, mini boden, matilda jane, my vintage baby. Think about wearing jeans or sweaters, hats, boots and layers during the winter months. In the spring and summer, sundresses, shorts and especially bare feet helps to beat the heat! I have some favorites for the little ones, like petticoats and tutus, superhero capes, knit hats, scarves, sunglasses and baby hairband/w flowers, these all make adorable props in photos. Please feel free to bring 2 or 3 different outfits, or even a different shirt for more variety in the images. It is sometimes best to stay away from clothing with big logos or characters because they can be too distracting. I personally prefer to not have too much white in the clothing, because in this Phoenix sun it can become too bright in the photos. For families, you don't need to match each other, but try to pick two or three colors that compliment each other. That way you can all coordinate, but not appear boring. If you need more advice be sure to ask, and I will give you any help I can.

Newborns are best photographed in their birthday suits or with just a diaper, or blanket wrapped around them.

after the session

Generally, I try to offer "sneak peaks" on Facebook or my blog within the first 48 hours. It will take two to three weeks to prepare your images for your in person proofing session, where you can order your prints. I spend a lot of time on each image in Photoshop to make sure that each is processed as perfectly as possible, and your patience during this time is very much appreciated. Please keep this in mind when booking your session and creating your order, so that there will be plenty of time before you need your prints.

proofing & ordering

After we have met to view your proofs, and you have placed your order, I will open up an online gallery. You'll find your proofing gallery on this website, with a pass code that you can share with your friends and family, for their ordering convenience. Your gallery will be active for about two weeks. All online orders are due on or before the expiration of your gallery. Should you need additional time to view your gallery, a $25 fee will be charged and it will be extended another week. Payment for your order is due at the time it is placed, and prints will not be ordered until payment is recieved. Print orders are delivered approximately 2 weeks after payment is received, longer for products like albums. Digital negatives for the images you order are kept on file for one year should you need additional prints or enlargements at a later time, as long as data storage space is available. But if it becomes necessary, any unordered images may be removed in 30 days after expiration of your gallery and will not be available for ordering.

cancellation policy

Because a limited number of sessions are available, and your session fee is due at the time you book, non-refundable. I understand that things happen, so your session fee may be transferred to a rescheduled session date. The session must be rescheduled at the time of cancellation and no later than 10 days from the time of cancellation. Any additional postponements will incur a $25 charge, which must be paid before the date of your session.

copyright

All images from your session are copyrighted by Donna Lou Photography. It is illegal and unlawful to save, send, copy, download, print, publish online, or reproduce my work in any way, manner, or form without my written permission. However, if you purchase digital negatives, you will be given a written and signed print release form, so that you can do the above stated actions. Violators of the copyright laws will be prosecuted. Donna Lou Photography reserves the right to reproduce any images for advertising, marketing promotions, or photo competitions. All digital negatives remain the sole property of Donna Lou Photography.