Here's the deets, y'all!
My goal is to create a photographic experience that leaves you feeling incredible not only about your portraits, but I want you to have all of the good feels on the inside after your session too!
The best way for me to do that is to be transparent about what you can expect from your session, and review my policies and the questions that I answer most frequently before you book your session and join our MMQ Photography family. This ensures you know exactly what you can expect from me, as well as what I expect from you, my client.
Below, you will find the answers to many questions you may have, however, feel free to e-mail me any other questions you may have to: mandymcqueenphotography@gmail.com.
WHAT TO EXPECT
BEFORE BOOKING YOUR SESSION:
Not every photographer is meant to work with every client, and I'm passionate about our photography family! To be sure that we are a match (or to discover that you may be a match with another photographer) do your research before you book. First, take a look at not only my portfolio, but also my social media accounts.
Do you like the images you see? Do you like the styling, mood, lighting, choice of props (or no props), etc.? Do the images make you feel something? Can you visualize yourself (or your family member) in those images?
If so, AWESOME! We are probably photographic soulmates!
BOOKING YOUR SESSION:
If you caught all the feels in your research, and you are ready to book your session, the next step is to fill out our
CONTACT FORM. Once I receive it, I will e-mail you to confirm the details of your session including style, location, price and date. When the specifics are hammered out, you will get your invoice to pay your required $100 deposit to secure your date and your booking agreement form to sign. This outlines the agreement we have made together for your session, and should eliminate any questions about expectations. This agreement also includes a print release for your finished images, as well as a model release form that allows me to use your images for advertising and on my website or social media. When your deposit and agreement have been received, you will get a confirmation e-mail with your scheduled date and time.
BEFORE YOUR SESSION:
Whew! Now that we have all the boring stuff out of the way, let's get ready to celebrate YOU! Before your session, we will spend time discussing styling your session based on location and your clothing ideas in order to get the very best results for you! I may ask you to snap a quick photo of your outfit ideas and send them to me to help me plan, or I may suggest ideas that from experience may work better with your location, body type or with the goal of your session. Be sure to pack at least 1-2 extra options for us to look at as well, just in case. We all know "things happen" so, we want to be prepared. Feel free to set up a PINTEREST board of ideas and send it to me too!
DURING YOUR SESSION:
It's finally time! We will meet at the location at the designated time to begin your session. Portrait sessions are up to two hours of shooting time, however, it's best to save a three hour block of time so that you do not feel rushed with outfit changes and hair and/or makeup touch ups! Don't be surprised though, if we wrap up a little early as I try to make the process as stress-free and quick for you as possible while still getting the quality experience we aim for.
AFTER YOUR SESSION:
After your session is over, my work really begins! I will transfer your images to my computer, and then perform a double-back up on them to be sure nothing happens to them. I then will go through your session choosing the best-of-the-best to highlight all the amazing-ness of you! I'll then edit each of the proof images, performing a light-retouching on them. My next step is uploading the proofs into your password-protected album, which will be ready within 10 days. From this album you can choose your final images for retouching. When the final images are ready, you can use your album to view your session, create a list of your favorites, share on social media. e-mail to family members and friends, or order prints! Your session will be available via this album for 3 months.
WHAT MORE TO EXPECT (faq's)
Q: How far in advance are you booking?
A: In most cases, I am booking at least two month in advance. Be sure to get your session request in as soon as possible to ensure we are able to secure the session you would like, with the time and location you would like!
Q: Why do I have to pay a deposit?
A: We require a $100 advanced deposit for all portrait sessions. Deposits are required to secure your date and time. If a client cancels at the last minute, we have lost the opportunity to use that time for another client who may have wanted it. It is to provide the best possible service to all of our clients that we require deposits prior to booking.
Q: When do I have to pay the remainder? Can I pay in full?
A: Complete payment is required 5 days before your portrait session. If your payment is not complete by this time, we will reschedule, and your deposit will not be refunded. If you would like to set up a payment arrangement, we can absolutely do that too - just ask! You absolutely can pay in full at any time!
Q: What if I need to cancel or don't show up?
A: We always encourage reaching out to reschedule your session if something comes up, but cancellations are sometimes necessary. We understand that. Cancellations that occur 30 days prior to your session will be eligible for a full refund of all fees paid, including deposit. Cancellations occurring 5-29 days prior to session date are eligible for refund of all fees paid, except deposit. Cancellations occurring less than 5 days prior to session date are not eligible for refund. If you do not arrive for your session within 30 minutes of our scheduled time, and you do not contact me, you will forfeit all fees you have paid for your session. If for any reason I initiate cancellation of your session, a full refund of all fees paid will be given.
Q: What if I need to reschedule?
A: Things happen! We lead busy lives too, and understand that sometimes you just may not be able to make an appointment work. We also understand that time is valuable. In the event that you need to reschedule your session for any reason, please reach out as soon as possible. Our policy on rescheduling at client request is that we accommodate one reschedule in our busy books. We will reschedule your appointment no later than 4 weeks from your original date at no additional charge. If you do not make it to your rescheduled appointment, or need to reschedule more than once, there is a $50 rescheduling fee for each following request. If I initiate a reschedule due to weather, sickness or any other reason, we will reschedule the appointment within the following 4 weeks and it will not affect fees.
Q: Can I bring a hype-man (or woman)?
A: Heck yes!!!!! If you have a family member, friend or significant other who you are completely comfortable around, and can help us bring out your shining self....bring them!! If we sense that you might be holding back, we may ask your hype person to step away for a few moments, but don't be shocked when we ask them to jump in and be silly with you for a minute!
Q: How and when will i get my files?
A: Your album will be e-mailed to you within 10 days of your session and you can choose your final images for editing. You will receive the final edits within 72 hours of us receiving your final choices.
Q: How long do you keep my images?
A: Your final session will be available for 3 months from your session date. Be sure to back up your files once you've downloaded them! (I use Dropbox to back up all of my sessions and family photos)
Q: Do I get to select the images you edit?
A: Yes. Part of my job is to know my client well enough to be able to sort through all of the images we've taken (sometimes up to 500), and choose the best-of-the-best for you. I only show you those images that celebrate the absolute best of you and you will choose your favorites from there!
Q: Can I have the unedited or RAW files?
A: No.
Q: Will you retouch how I look?
A: No. You are beautiful!! We only do light retouching on our images. Yes, we will correct spot acne, bruises, and dark under-eye circles and some skin imperfections.
Q: What if I am not happy with my portraits?
A: This is why we try to set clear expectations and communication with clients. I want my clients to be fully prepared for their session and beyond. If we have all the details right prior to your session, from your research of my portfolio, to an outfit that makes you feel great to a great location, then we have prepared to ensure your experience exceeds your expectations. If you do not feel I have delivered what I promised you, my policy is to scrap the session and schedule a re-shoot. In the event we do schedule a time to re-shoot your portraits, you will not receive the images from the previous session. We do not refund a session once it is complete.
Q: What if I do not want my images used?
A: Every client signs a model release as a part of their portrait session agreement. We use our client images in both print and digital marketing. If for some reason, you do not want your images used in print marketing, on our website, or on our social media platforms, please make that clear before signing your agreement. If we have not made an adjustment to the agreement to remove the model release from your agreement prior to you signing it, your images may be used at any time for marketing purposes.
If you have any questions or concerns about our policies or process, I am happy to answer them by e-mail us at: mandymcqueenphotography@gmail.com.
