I have included some information to help answer many common questions about your Children and Family Portrait session. Please feel free to give me a call at +49 (0)176 – 2317 8683 or send me an email to petsy (at) petsy-fink.com if your question is not answered below and I will be more than happy to help you. Make sure you also read about the unique experience of children and family photography under “About You & Me”.
When to book
Your best bet it to call as early in advance as possible. For most ages, there isn’t a specific ‘date’ and it just depends on your goals and schedule. Children and family portrait sessions can be scheduled Monday – Thursday all year round; few dates are available at weekends.
What ages should we get professional photos done?
I advise to focus on the stages rather than the actual ages. 5-10 days for a newborn as this is when they are the sleepiest and we are able mold and fold them into all those adorable positions. 7 months for the sitting up stage where they can sit solidly on their own and they are all about personality and expression. For the walking stage and for the 1 year portrait, I recommend around 14 months. After they turn one, you will find the rate at which they look different (a good indicator of when it is time to come in) slows down significantly. After their 1st birthday, many of my clients come once to twice a year and time it around the spring, birthdays and/or the holiday season. These are all just suggestions and I happily work with all ages and stages. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask me and I will help you come up with a perfect plan for your family.
Where do you shoot?
Children and family portraits are done outdoors at a location that is important to you. I am happy to travel to any location and destination you will choose.
What if it rains on the day of my session?
I do not cancel a session unless it is actually raining during your session time. Actually, an overcast day is great for portrait photography. So unless it is really bad, plan on still having your session. However, Mother Nature sometimes has a mind of her own! I will take care of you and find a new session time for you if this happens.
What if I need to re-schedule my session?
I understand that unexpected items come up especially with children. If you need to re-schedule, please call me at least 48 hours in advance. If your child is unusually cranky or sick, it is better to go ahead and re-schedule your session. Also, if your child has a black eye or anything else that changes their actual appearance, it is best to re-schedule until after they have healed. The session fee is good as long as you re-book within 6 months from your original appointment time. Afterwards it forfeits.
How long will my session take?
Regular Children and Family Portrait sessions last up to 1.5 hours. Additional time can be booked, I am happy to make you a customized offer.
What should I bring?
Anything that is specific or significant to you. A favorite toy for a toddler, hats, scarves and accessories for any age. I love to shoot stories (e.g. treasure hunts, picking fruit, etc) so anything that supports the story would be great. Paper airplanes, soap bubbles and the like never fail to produce fun and laughter. I do not provide props because whatever is in the picture should be part of your life and meaningful to you. The majority of your session will focus on capturing the personality of your child and family. Do not forget food, drink and the ultimate comforter for your child in case s/he gets a little irritated.
What should we wear?
Please see FAQ Clothing.
Do we receive the digital files?
My fee includes time and talent as well as the digital files in high and low resolution. I am happy to consult you what to do with them.
How and when can I see my images?
I guarantee that you will be able to enjoy your images within 30 days after the session date. Should I not be able to hold the date, I will inform you before the session. A posting on my blog is followed by sending the images by mail to you.
How long will you keep my files?
Non-ordered images will be held for 30 days after your session date. After 30 days, non-ordered images will be discarded and all ordered images will be archived in multiple locations for the duration of 1 year at no additional fee.
What is the best way to keep in touch?
Blogging is my favorite way to share with you. I will be constantly updating with new images, as well as promotions every now and then. Like my Facebook page and follow me on Twitter. Feel free to also tag yourself in any of your pictures and to share and brag away to all your friends. Please also make sure that I have your current home address and email address, so I can keep you up-to-date. Or simply give me a call. I would love to hear from you.