FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
HOW LONG DO FAMILY SESSIONS TAKE, AND HOW MANY LOCATIONS?
On average one session may last about 1 to 1.5 hours at one location. Please be mindful that timing of daylight is essential in terms of best outcome of looks so you have to be very wary of possible traffic.
CAN WE HAVE A FEW OUTFIT CHANGES?
In studio it is very possible to have 2-3 outfit changes, on location we allow 1 outfit change but keep it mind it may be a bit challenging in finding places to change.
WHEN IS IT THE BEST TIME OF DAY FOR FAMILY PHOTOS?
Most beautiful times to have a session is during the golden hour. The golden hour is a period shortly after sunrise or before sunset during which daylight is redder and softer than when the sun is higher in the sky. This allows for some magical lighting, compared to high noon time which causes harsh shadows and makes you squint! No one wants a squinty face in their photos. So either within 2 hours from sunrise or 2 hours before sunset. Most clients choose 2 hours before sunset to work into the golden light hour for the finale. If clients are too busy and can't make it either timeframe, don't worry, we can make photos at any hour of the day! Weekdays are the best time of the week for more privacy and less foot traffic of the public as well.
WHAT IF DAY OF THE WEATHER IS BAD?
Weather can be unpredictable on any day leading to scolding hot, blistering cold, or even...rain. Depending on the tensity of rain, we can always reschedule at another date without a problem. It's not always bad if there's rain added into the session because it also brings out the best of story telling moods with props such as umbrellas, raincoats, and the rain itself.
WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?
Believe it or not, outfits are the key elements of a session as to the locations as well. Remember...SIMPLICITY IS KEY! Clothing should be fitted and sized proportionately to the body, especially for men.
Tips:
Try to wear solid colors, it's even easier to pick colors according to the seasons trend
Try to stay away from solid black or white, it'll look mundane at times
Do not clash patterns such as a flannel shirt with polka-dot dress, it'll look too busy! If one is wearing pattern, the other should be wearing solid apparel.
DO YOU HAVE SPECIFIC LOCATIONS IN MIND OR DO YOU ALLOW US TO CHOOSE THE LOCATION?
Yes, either we can provide locations or willing to have the session at a location of your choice. Here are some suggestions within about 25 miles of our studio:
Redondo Beach in Des Moines (A good landmark for the area is Salty's Restaurant: 28201 Redondo Beach Dr S, Des Moines, WA 98198)
Point Defiance Rose Garden (5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407) Tons of areas we could walk through including...
Owen Beach in Tacoma (5605 Owen Beach Rd, Tacoma, WA 98407)
Lake Fenwick Park (25828 Lake Fenwick Rd, Kent, WA 98032)
Clark Lake Park (12520 SE 240th St, Kent, WA 98031)
Any location more than 25 miles from our studio location will require additional travel fee. Please also be mindful that permit fees may be required depending on the location's rules & regulations!
DO YOU DO STYLIZED, THEMED, OR CONCEPTUAL FAMLIY SESSIONS THAN STANDARD THEMES?
Yes we do! We would love to do something out of the ordinary if you have any ideas for your session such as a picnics, camping, breakfast in bed, or in home living lifestyle sessions of gaming, cooking, or board games.
ARE ALBUMS, CANVASES, AND PRINTS NECESSARY?
No, it's not necessary although it'll be a great investment in having tangible items to solidify and showcase certain photos to be appreciated personally throughout your homes as heirloom decorative furnitures instead of just seeing them on small digital devices or on social media for a few 'likes'. Albums are a great conversation starters in your living space to showcase on a daily basis or personally.
WHAT ABOUT SAFETY CONCERNS OF CERTAIN IDEAS PROVIDED BY YOU OR THE CLIENT, WILL YOU PUT ANYONE IN HARMS WAY JUST FOR A PHOTO OR CREATIVITY?
Absolutely not! Safety is number one priority for our clients and ourselves! This rule applies to weddings and family sessions as well...no photo is worth risking injury, accidents, or death. If the client suggests an idea and we feel it is unnecessary or possibly dangerous, we will respectfully decline the idea. If the client persists against my best judgement, the session will be terminated and no refunds will be given.