Below is a list of frequently asked questions to help you prepare for your photo session. If you have any other ones that are not addressed below, please do not hesitate to call me at (404) 861-1449.
Ah, the most commonly asked question. For this, my answer is... SIMPLE is key. White or dark tops are great and works best to set off your facial features. Wear outfits that are fun and comfortable.
For family shoots, coordinate your colors... Think no more than 3 colors. A suggestion would be... white top, khakis + one accent color. Another suggestion would be black or dark top with jeans + one accent color. If your heart is set on patterns, stay away from loud and busy patterns. I’m not saying that patterns are not allowed... however I don’t recommend it. This shoot is about you.. who you are and what you are all about. The focus should not be so much on how pretty or cool a shirt, dress or pants look.
Is there anything else we need to bring?
Other than a change in outfits, feel free to bring props such as your child’s favorite toy, blankets, flowers, purses, hats and anything else that you think could help with your photo session to get your child engaged. Lip balm is also useful as lips tend to dry out during photo sessions.
What is your shooting style?
My style is casual and relaxed, not formal at all. I try to capture the essence of my subjects, who they are and what they are all about. I tend to stay away from traditional stuff and go for a more contemporary feel. I love images that show the interaction and loving bond within the family... laughing moments, silly moments, tantrums, a Mom or Dad telling a child to behave... all those things tell a story about you.
Do you pose your subjects?
I pose families casually. I observe each family member’s personality and go along with what works. Each family is different. What works for one family may not work for another. But we will try different things that all family members feel comfortable in. I go for the casual and relaxed style.
I have some guidelines and suggestions for older children and teens. For babies and toddlers, they’re the boss! :)
Are you willing to take suggestions from me/us when it comes to posing?
Absolutely! The more ideas you have, the better. This is your photo session and the goal is to capture the essence of you.
My studio is wherever you want me to be. The choice is yours... indoors or outdoors. I have a studio set up at my house with a 9-foot wide backdrop in gray, white or black and multiple strobe lighting equipment. I always bring one strobe for any outdoor shooting, which I use as needed (not always). If you prefer to shoot outdoors, I recommend making the appointment early morning or at the beginning of dusk. If the shoot will be in the afternoon, I recommend a nice shady spot to avoid harsh shadows.
Do you do any other types of portrait sessions?
Yes, I do all different types of photo sessions, including maternity, newborns, babies, toddlers, older children, teens, seniors, couples (engagements and anniversaries). Please send me an email at angela@adonovanphoto.com for more information.
I’m about to have a baby and I want to his/her first photos to be special. Can you do a newborn shoot for him/her. When should I have this done?
Within the first week of baby’s life outside of Mommy’s tummy is advisable. Baby sleeps a lot in this first week and this is the best time to capture those precious moments... baby curled up snuggly while sleeping, baby looking so small and fragile in Mommy’s or Daddy’s arms, those perfect tiny hands and feet. :)
What is the best time for my baby to be photographed?
Your little one will change faster than you can imagine. I don’t necessarily recommend the 3-6-9-12 month timing. You would know when the important milestones happen... when baby starts to interact with family members, when baby can lay on his/her tummy and hold his/her head up, when baby can sit up, when baby can stand or start walking.
What is the best time of day to have a photo session?
Photo sessions for babies and toddlers are generally recommended for mid- to late morning (after the child is fed) or late afternoon (after an afternoon nap). These seem to be times when baby is in the best of moods.
How long does a shoot typically last?
It could take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. I say 1 to 2 because a lot of it depends on a child's or children's willingness to cooperate. :) It also depends on how many outfit changes you would like to do. So I always block 1-2 hours for the session for each client. In general, a child is most engaged in the first hour, then will start to lose attention and will want to do something else.
When do we get to see our proofs?
An online password-protected gallery will be available to you within 3-4 weeks (sometimes sooner) and will remain active for 30 days. 20 online processed proofs will be shown in color and black and white. Sepia tone may be requested in lieu of black and white. Feel free to share the gallery with your friends and family. There will be a $25 fee if you wish to have the online gallery extended another 30 days.
How are the 20 proofs selected?
You will find that I take a LOT of pictures during the shoot. For family shoots, the more family members there are, the likelihood of having one or two family members not in sync with the others is higher than having only one person in the shoot. One person may have blinked, or a baby stuck his/her tongue out... while everyone else look great in the picture. These images will not make it in to the set of 20 proofs. I select only the ones that are technically and artistically sound. Then comes post production.
I edit each of the 20 proofs to make the colors more vibrant, and yet natural. I edit blemishes, nicks and scratches from anyone who has them. I always try to bring out the beauty and personality of each family member.
Are we going to be on your website?
My website was created primarily for the purpose of letting my clients be able to view work I did for them through Client Access and to enable them to purchase prints in various sizes. This is also meant for prospective clients to have the ability to preview a summary of my previous commercial work (for companies and restaurants) as well as my fine art pieces (for art galleries and the general public).
However, I post sneak peeks here on my blog.
How do I book a session with you?
Do you require a deposit prior to a shoot?
No, I don’t require a deposit prior to a shoot.
What if i have to cancel or reschedule our appointment?
The sooner you can let me know, the better...as another client may want to take your spot.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Payments will be accepted in the form of cash, personal checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express. Please note that payment for the photo session is due at the end of the shoot. Prints may be purchased online when the proofs are available to you.
Full payment of photo session and an executed Model Release Form (signed by parent or legal guardian at least 18 years of age) is required at the beginning of the session. The photo session fee covers my shooting time with you and post-production work. Prints are not included.
What is the Model Release Form for?
Each family member is required to sign a Model Release Form PRIOR to a photo session. A parent or guardian is required to sign on behalf of their child(ren) up to 18 years of age. This executed form basically grants me permission to use the images for advertising or marketing purposes to promote Angela Donovan Photography.
If you want me to do your shoot, you must execute the Model Release Form. No private or personal information about you will be published in any way. This executed form also translates to you waiving any right to inspect or approve the finished images. I may alter some of the images as needed for promoting Angela Donovan Photography. You also waive any right to royalties or any other compensation arising from the use of the images.
Prints in packages or a la carte must be purchased through the online gallery once it is available to you. You have the option to pay via PayPal or you can call me at (404) 861-1449 with your credit card information. Please note that you must still place the order online regardless of the payment option you choose.
Ordering the prints online is its own process and not necessarily tied to PayPal. So when you order prints online, I will be notified immediately via email. If your payment does not post to my PayPal account, then I will expect a call from you with directions regarding payment, either by check, cash, or credit card. Prints will not be processed until payment is received in full.
When will I receive my prints?
Prints should arrive within 3 weeks from receipt of payment and may vary for other products - gallery wraps, framing, holiday cards, birth announcements, engagement announcements, party invitations, etc.
What is your refund/return policy?
Session fees, prints and other services are non-refundable and cannot be returned.
