Payment and
Pricing
I know how important professional photographs are so you can cherish those wonderful memories for years to come. I also know that like most things, the biggest hurdle is the price. That is why some people opt for mall studios over small businesses. I promise we photographers are not price gouging. You see us for maybe 30 minutes, or a few hours for newborn photos - but unseen is the hours spent editing, training courses, cleaning studio and props, setting up, tearing down, maintaining equipment, buying the latest editing software and relevant props, and the hours spent answering emails to people who may or may not be booking with you. This is all to say that while the costs are necessary, I very much understand the financial hurdle, and before moving on, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting small businesses like mine.
When is payment due? - For all sessions, a $50 deposit is required to hold your spot, and the remaining balance is due the day of the session.
What forms of payment are accepted? - I accept cash, email transfer, and debit/credit payments made through paypal invoicing. Please note there are no fees to you for using paypal.
Are taxes included in the price? - Yes, all prices on the website include the tax.
Are there any other fees? - There are no other fees for your session, however please be advised there are late fees. If you are 15 minutes there is a $25 late fee added to your bill. If you are 30 minutes late, your session will need to be rescheduled for another date.
Is there a payment plan available? - Yes, I have a payment plane available for sessions over $200. You can pay in monthly installments through my invoicing system. There is no interest, but there are late fees. Any sessions including physical products, half will need to be paid upfront. Please send me an email for further information regarding your options.
Newborn Sessions
How does scheduling work for newborns? - To be very transparent, I only take 8 newborn sessions per month. This ensures I can be flexible as some babies arrive early and some babies arrive late. Once your little one is here, email me asap so I can give you options for your session.
When is the best time to do newborn photos? - The best time to do newborn photos is between 5 - 14 days old. Babies are less sensitive to touch, and are more flexible. Newborn photos can be done up to about 6 weeks - but they are more likely to be awake, and are less flexible for certain poses.
Do I get to pick out props or colors for my session? - Yes! Once you have booked your session, I will send you both a prep guide and a styling guide. You will get to choose what colors and props you like best.
Are family photos included in the package? - Yes, even in the mini session, there will be a family photo. I do ask that if you would like extended family (outside parents and siblings) that you please schedule another session - it can be a mini for $100.
Are props provided? - Everything needed for a newborn session is provided. You will also have the option to bring something for your session if you wish - veil, special outfit, etc.
How can I prepare for my session? - Once you have booked, I will send you a preparation guide with some specific instructions. The most important one being please bring a pacifier. Even if you do not wish to use one, a few hours will not make baby dependent on one. It has the ability to take a few hours off of your sessions, and will make sure little stays stress free.
Do you have any photography training or safety training? - Yes. Apart from being continuously enrolled in the ANP (Academy of Newborn Photography) which covers the newest techniques in newborn safety, posing, lighting and composition; I am also CPR and first-aid certified. And if it helps - I have gone through the newborn stage with my own four children. :)
Cakesmash Sessions
Other
What is included in the cake smash price? - Everything you need for the session - decor, props, some outfits, and the cake.
What themes are available? - I am open to pretty much anything. You can look in my portfolio for some ideas, or I suggest Pinterest. Sometimes the cakesmash theme is the same as your party theme, sometimes it is minimal with a balloon arch, and sometimes it is your child’s favorite character. The possibilities are endless.
Where are the cakes from and can I decide what it looks like? - The cakes are from a local baker (July&Co), and you can definitely have a say in what it looks like. The styles cannot be too complicated, or it may be subject to an increase in price. If you want to know if your choice of cake will be covered you can always send a picture to check. Cake toppers are provided. Please advise of any allergies.
Is a bubble bath an extra fee? - No, is it an optional add on. It can make for some extra images for you to choose from while also helping clean up a bit.
Can we have a family photo? - Yes. The flow of a cakesmash is usually family photos (if you like), some portraits, and then cake/bathtime. You can choose to have one outfit for portraits and change for the smash portion. Family photos use either the smash set, or a white backdrop.
When should I schedule the session? - It depends on if you have a specific time you would like them. If you are looking to display photos for their first birthday party or to have some for social media, I recommend booking something for around 11 months. I currently have about a 2 week turnaround time, and that will also give you some time to have them printed.
Any other tips? - I always advise to have your little one try a cupcake at home first. Even if they love food, the texture of the icing sometimes throws them off and they become upset. Bring extra clothes for yourself and little one. You will probably get messy if they try to scurry off set, or when you comfort them. I provide bags for you take take home dirty items, and towels if you have added a bubble bath. IF you bring your own outfit, and also pick a cake that has colorful icing - please know that it can become stained.
What should I wear for my family session? - If you have an outdoor session, I would say it depends on the season. Families should coordinate colors but not match too much. My advice is to pick one main color, and have one or two accent colors. Avoid small busy print and logos.
Why are outdoor sessions so late? - This is due to lighting. The best light for outdoor photos is early morning and about an hour before sunset (which changes throughout the year). This means beautiful color and lighting, no harsh shadows, and no squinting. That said, I know that depending on a child’s age sometimes working around their schedule is required. We can always discuss the best times for your family that will get us the best results.
Where are outdoor locations held? - If you are in Brampton, I have several options. My favorite is to use the trails as there are less people around - you are more comfortable, and no one is in the background. If you are outside of Brampton, I can always recommend a place closer to you or you can recommend a spot as well. *Please know some places may require a permit and that is not reflected in the session cost.
Is there a cancellation or rescheduling fee? - No. Your $50 deposit is non-refundable but may be transferred to another session if you like. I am fairly flexible and there are no rescheduling fees, but some months are more busy than others and you may not get your first choice of a backup. For outdoor sessions, I always have two dates set for a session - just in case of inclement weather.
I want photos, but I don’t want them shared. - All clients are required to sign a contract. Within the contract there is a portion about the photographer using the images for portfolios and marketing. If you wish to have your photos kept private, it is important you let me know upfront so we can reword the contract. That said, I’m not a monster. Just ask and I won’t use your photos for those purposes. The contract is there to protect you the client as well as me.
Can I have the unedited photos? Or buyout the entire gallery? - Unedited photos can be purchased for an extra $50. The will be in raw format (not able to share online as they are too big or unaccepted). If you would like to buy out your edited gallery it is an additional $75.
Late fees - If you are more than 15 minutes late to your session, there will be an additional $25 added to your bill. If you are 30 minutes late, you will need to reschedule your session. I have to be fair to clients booked either before or after you, as well as my family who needs time from me as well. I suggest trying to arrive at least 10 minutes early.