I am so thrilled that you’re considering a custom photography session with me! My two primary goals for our session are to make it as fun as can be, and to capture beautiful memories of your family’s current moment in time. Here is what you can expect from the beginning of our relationship onwards…
After making sure that I am your family’s chosen photographer by reading a little about me, you’ll want to hop over to review Jessica Leigh Photography’s policies and investment details. We will review these again in your pre-session consultation, but there is nothing better than a well-informed client! I’d rather talk about styling our session and picking a location than any of my policies! However, if you have any questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to contact me before moving on to the next step.
When you’re ready to schedule your session, simply complete your session agreement and submit your $300 retainer via Paypal. You will be automatically redirected upon completing your agreement. Remember, this $300 goes directly to the Collection you choose at our viewing session. I have chosen not to charge a session fee because having your images gracing your wall or proudly displayed in albums is more important to me than anything!
As soon as your agreement and retainer are received, I will reach out to schedule a pre-session consultation and send you a link to a short questionnaire. If you’re booking a newborn session, I will also send you a newborn preparation checklist and expectations guide for review, as well as details for your complimentary mini maternity session. The pre-session consultation will last about 30 minutes and if you’d prefer, we can meet at my local Starbucks for some coffee too – my treat!
During our pre-session consultation, we will discuss location options, what to wear questions, and any last minute details. I will also review the Collections with you in detail to get a feel for what you’re looking for out of your session. As I am a natural light photographer, my sessions occur approximately 1 hour after sunrise or 2 hours prior to sunset. This fluctuates every day of the year, so we will determine the best time based on the sunset schedule. Newborn sessions are lifestyle based and will occur in your home. As a result, we can shoot at the best time of day for your home’s natural light and I will fill in as required.
Timing of maternity sessions should be between 32-36 weeks. Newborn sessions will be scheduled between 3-10 days of birth. Children are perfect to photograph at any age, but I love the first couple months of walking as well as a few years later around age 3-4. An annual family session is perfect for a growing family and every month of the year has wonderful benefits. As I take a limited number of each session type per month, it’s important to schedule your session early to get your preferred date. I always hold a few spots per month for newborns, since their arrival in many instances is unpredictable.
Our portrait session will last approximately 1 hour. Newborn sessions typically last between 2 and 3 hours. Mini maternity sessions coupled with the newborn session last 30 minutes. Standalone maternity sessions last 1 hour.
To make the most out of your session, make sure everyone is well rested, fed and hydrated, including the adults! It is so important that the stress levels are low or non-existent, because I strive to capture very natural emotions and activities. For children, let them run around! I capture some amazing images by getting that 0.5 second moment that they stand still. When it’s time for the family images, I’ll pose the kids and wait to capture the moment for their attention. It’s important for my adults to keep an eye on me, so that I can capture that moment that the kid(s) actually look up my way. Bring bubbles, favorite candies for bribery (but not ones that cause drool!), or special toys. Bring lots of wipes and an extra set of clothes just in case. Most importantly, bring your fun, love, and patience!
Newborn sessions take place in a lifestyle/home setting, so please clear your master bedroom and the nursery of clutter as much as possible. I will take a walk around your home to capture the best areas for natural light, but the master bedroom and nursery are my most often used rooms in the home. I have been known to shoot in a bathroom though, so don’t be surprised if I choose an improbable location – it’s all about the light! It is also very important that your newborn bundle of love is well-fed, changed and warm. Keep the heat high in your home starting a few hours before our session, or I’ll use my space heater.
Your gallery will be presented with 25-35 custom edited images approximately 1-2 weeks following your session. I prefer to conduct in-person viewing sessions in order to simplify the process of selecting your images (i.e. to walk you through the process and do all ordering for you), but if your schedule does not permit, you will have 3 days to review your online gallery and select your images once it’s active.
If we’re designing an album and you let me know prior to our session, I will provide an album proof for review at the time of your entire gallery. If you decide after our session that you’re interested in an album, you will receive a proof within 2 weeks.
50% of the total remaining balance, after the $300 retainer, is due upon ordering at your proof review. The remaining 50% plus tax and S&H is due upon order pickup/delivery. If ordering online instead of the proof review, 100% of the total balance less the $300 retainer is due upon order placement.
All image product orders will be delivered within 2-3 weeks of final order, with the exception of custom framing.
I strive to continue a relationship with all of my clients, so “after the session” doesn’t end when your order is delivered! I have an awesome referral program as well as a great returning client program. Combined together can mean some really amazing future savings and fun photo sessions. As soon as you become a client, you’ll be “in” on the details!
If you’re ready to schedule your session, please head over to my schedule your session page. I am so thrilled to capture your family’s memories and welcome you to my JLP family!
