What to expect on picture day!
When looking for a photographer, I know it can all look a little intimidating. I want to reassure you that the process can move smoothly and I can lead you through the first email to final delivery of your gallery without too much stress or confusion. To help with that, I have put together a quick step by step guide on the process of booking a session with Alec. From choosing what type of photo shoot you want, reaching out to schedule and picking an outfit for your shoot.
The number one thing to remember through this entire process, is that I GOT YOU. I am here to support you through any stresses, help you with any color or outfit choices or questions along the way.
1. Your Session Style + Making a Connection
Engagements + Couples + Family + Maternity + Newborn
Really I just want to celebrate YOU, wherever your journey has taken you. I believe anytime is a good time to document your family's story. Everyone's family is different, and I want to make your session unique to you. Remember that a ‘family’ is whatever you choose it to be, and that includes adults without kids! Celebrate your life!
Here are a few ideas and ways to consider planning your session!
Newborns + Babies
Who says newborn pictures can only be done in the first 2 weeks?! I say document when you are ready. I work hard to provide a relaxing and enjoyable experience for my clients, and that starts with inviting me into your space when you think the time is right.... and whether that is 1 day after your baby is born... or 4 months... when the time is right.
Newborn sessions happen in the comfort of your birth space or home, generally in the early-ish hours of the day... when baby is usually happiest and calm.
Couples + Maternity + Families
In home sessions can be intimate, homey and are truly special for catching those silly day to day moments and fun traditions. I find that morning hours are generally the best for young families, and tend to give great natural light inside your home.
For an outdoor location, the best time is usually that 2 hour window right before the sunset or directly after sunrise, you know that GOLDEN hour light is really something special. I especially like to take advantage of sunrise as it allows us to avoid the crowds all year long.
We could go for a hike, or spend an afternoon having a picnic at the beach, plan an epic cookie making competition, or go get huge ice cream cones for everyone... Our choice are endless...but it is mostly about what clicks for you and how you want this moment remembered.
2. Booking Your Session with Alec
It is as simple as reaching out directly to me OR selecting from my available dates on my Online Booking.
** Note: if you do not see a date Online that works for you... please reach out and we can find something that fits!
Once we have confirmed what type of session package you would like, I will send you all of the important information, including your invoice, Contract, and Client Questionnaire. All of which allow me to better serve you during your session. A deposit of $300 is due at booking to reserve your session, with the balance due 1 week before your session date, with payment plans available with no added fees, just equally split payments (please do not hesitate to ask).
3. Picture Day
DON'T PANIC!
No really, don't panic! And if you get that reference... we are friends already.
I know it is hard to be in front of the camera, but don't worry, I have done this a couple of times... you almost don't even know the camera is there... almost. We will chat and get to know each other as we go. I will gently guide you, and sometimes pose you... but only to get the ball rolling. However, I will not be asking your kids to smile... I will make funny faces and strange noises to get their attention...maybe even some very bad jokes...;-) I want to see their true character shine through, and if your kids are anything like my kids... their faces are more expressive on their own.
If there will be kiddos, it helps to have them well fed before our session unless we have planned a meal or snack for our time together. Most of the time, it's the kids who have the run of our time, and things tend to unfold as they will. Calm and chaos and everything in between.
I am happy to brainstorm about ideas for our shoot, if you have questions about what you or your family should wear & prepare I would love to chat.
Regarding COVID: I am still rapid testing before seeing newborns, and on request. Mask wearing is still very much part of my day to day and I am happy to discuss your comfort levels at any time.
4. After your session
I am a big fan of sending sneaks from your session within a week, as I just get so excited about what we create. So you can expect to get a handful of images shortly after our time together to get a taste and hold you over until your full gallery is delivered.
10 days after your session I will send you an Album Ordering email and form to understand your preference for design and delivery.
You can expect about 2 weeks delivery for your final digital gallery images, more during the busiest parts of the year. Short and Mini sessions can expect a shorter turn around.
Delivery of your Full Session package can be expected on or around the same day your digital gallery is ready.
You album will be designed at the same time as your digital gallery.
I will always keep your digital files backed up. However, I strongly suggest downloading your digital files ASAP and backing those babies up yourself on your computer or cloud, or anywhere you keep your important files.
5. Your album
Included with every Full Session Package is a beautiful, artisan Story album.
Jammin with Alec sessions include a 9 x 6 inch album
Half + Full Day Sessions include a 10 x 10 inch album
Your album will be designed by Alec at the same time as your digital files are completed.
You then have 2 options;
Option 1: Ask Alec to design and print your album! I pick the very best of the bunch from your gallery...design, print and package up your album and deliver it along with your digital gallery. Making for a big and beautiful package on delivery day!
Option 2: Ask to see a draft of your album before printing. This means your album draft will be available digitally with your final gallery delivery. Once we have approved the design, your album will be ready for delivery within 2 weeks of that final approval date.
6. Prints + Metal Prints + Canvas +
You may order additional art and products any time after your gallery has been delivered. Your private online gallery also serves as a print shop. Select from a wide range of products and print sizes; large + small prints and canvas + metal. All orders from the online store are shipped directly to you. Share your link with family and friends and let them purchase their own prints.
