Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Where is your studio?
A: I work mostly on-location, which would typically be in your own home. This is great news for you, because you don’t have to sit in traffic worrying about what you forgot at home. Instead, relax, let the kids play, and I will set up in your home. Depending on whether you choose a “Lifestyle” or a “Studio” session, the setup process will be a bit different, but being at your home will allow us to utilize items from your home that that are meaningful to your family. I do also do some studio work from my home studio.
A: I work mostly on-location, which would typically be in your own home. This is great news for you, because you don’t have to sit in traffic worrying about what you forgot at home. Instead, relax, let the kids play, and I will set up in your home. Depending on whether you choose a “Lifestyle” or a “Studio” session, the setup process will be a bit different, but being at your home will allow us to utilize items from your home that that are meaningful to your family. I do also do some studio work from my home studio.
Q: How long do sessions last?
A: It depends on the type of session, but I try to work fast, so your kids won’t have a meltdown, and your hubby’s too (wink wink ladies). Typically sessions last about an hour, but I assure you that you will have more than enough to choose from!
A: It depends on the type of session, but I try to work fast, so your kids won’t have a meltdown, and your hubby’s too (wink wink ladies). Typically sessions last about an hour, but I assure you that you will have more than enough to choose from!
Q: What happens when you arrive?
A: If you have scheduled a Lifestyle Session, I usually like to come in and check the light with my meter by all of your windows. Once I find a great spot, I may re-arrange some furniture, etc. Then, we’re all set to start the session. If you have scheduled a Studio Session in your home, I will usually come in and find the best spot to set up the studio. It will take me a few minutes to get the studio set up in your home. During that time, please feel free to do whatever you need to do to finish getting ready. If you need assistance picking out the right outfit, just let me know.
Q: Should I have someone there to help me?
A: Typically, I recommend against additional people in the room during the session, as it can be distracting (to me and to the person being photographed). However, if you feel you need help, by all means, please have someone there. If you have multiple children, sometimes it can help for someone to take one or more of the children to another room to play so we can concentrate on individual portraits.
A: Typically, I recommend against additional people in the room during the session, as it can be distracting (to me and to the person being photographed). However, if you feel you need help, by all means, please have someone there. If you have multiple children, sometimes it can help for someone to take one or more of the children to another room to play so we can concentrate on individual portraits.
Q: Can I order black and white as well as color?
A: Yes! In addition to black and white and color, you can also choose from sepia (an old-fashioned brown tone), colorwash (a soft “wash” of color), or selective color (when one part of the image is in color and the rest is in black and white.) There is no additional charge for any of these options, so choose the one that suits you and your home best. (You will be able to see an example before you order.)
Q: What should we wear?
A: Solid colored, simple clothing is the best for a classic portrait. Prints, plaids, stripes, and logos are too busy, and detract the viewer’s eye from the faces. I typically like to keep things casual and fun, so I tend to prefer casual clothing over formal attire. For families, consider coordinating, but not necessarily matching your clothing, although matching is fine too. What do I mean? Well, coordinate the season and the type of clothing. For instance, if you have the perfect bright blue cotton short-alls for your son don’t dress your daughter in a long-sleeve black velvet dress. Sounds basic enough, but believe me, I have seen it all! If you need help, just let me know!
A: Solid colored, simple clothing is the best for a classic portrait. Prints, plaids, stripes, and logos are too busy, and detract the viewer’s eye from the faces. I typically like to keep things casual and fun, so I tend to prefer casual clothing over formal attire. For families, consider coordinating, but not necessarily matching your clothing, although matching is fine too. What do I mean? Well, coordinate the season and the type of clothing. For instance, if you have the perfect bright blue cotton short-alls for your son don’t dress your daughter in a long-sleeve black velvet dress. Sounds basic enough, but believe me, I have seen it all! If you need help, just let me know!
If you think you will prefer black and white, keep colors in similar tones that will convert to similar grays. For instance, a light pink and a light blue will both become a light gray in black and white, so they would be perfectly fine together. I recommend against black bottoms and white blouses, or vice versa, as there is too much contrast between the two colors. I tend to prefer bare feet over shoes, so be prepared in case you need a pedicure! For babies, consider bare shots, or just a diaper and diaper cover since sometimes clothes seem to swallow them up. For maternity portraits, you can choose whether you prefer them clothed, with a fabric wrap, or nude. (View my gallery to see examples.) If you know you want the images in color, you might even consider coordinating the clothing to match a particular room in your home.
Q: How many clothing changes are included?
A: We can fit in as much as possible during the time frame of the session, so I don’t put a set number on the changes. However, most babies and children will not want to do this more than once, so keep that in mind. Remember, it is much easier to keep little ones happy than to try to make them happy after they have gotten mad.
A: We can fit in as much as possible during the time frame of the session, so I don’t put a set number on the changes. However, most babies and children will not want to do this more than once, so keep that in mind. Remember, it is much easier to keep little ones happy than to try to make them happy after they have gotten mad.
Q: When will I be able to view my proofs and place an order?
A: Approximately one to two weeks after your session, you will be able to come to my place to view your images in a personalized consultation. This will allow you to see samples, see the final cropped image, and ask any questions you may have. You will be able to use your print credit during the consulation.
Q: What if my prints need re-touching?
A: Standard re-touching (small blemishes, scars, runny noses, etc.) can be retouched complimentary for a la cart prints and most packages. If you need additional re-touching, we can discuss that at your consultation.
Q: What forms of payment are accepted?
A: Cash, check, Visa and Mastercard. Please make checks payable to Holly Anne Photography.
A: Cash, check, Visa and Mastercard. Please make checks payable to Holly Anne Photography.
Q: Do you have a payment plan?
A: Just let me know and we can split your order into 2 or 3 payments. However, the no part of the order will be placed or delivered until the order is paid in full.
Q: Is sales tax charged for my session and/or prints?
A: Yes. Sales tax will be charged. (8.25% in most cases)
A: Yes. Sales tax will be charged. (8.25% in most cases)
Q: How long does it take to receive my order?
A: Please allow approximately 6 weeks for your order to be completed. Some orders may be done sooner, and some may take longer. Your prints are an important investment for your family, and should not be rushed.
Q: I need my prints sooner since they are a gift. Can you rush them?
A: Yes, if you need your prints by a particular date, please let me know. Rush fees will apply.
A: Yes, if you need your prints by a particular date, please let me know. Rush fees will apply.
Q: Can I scan or copy my prints or print my proofs?
A: No. All images are protected by Federal Copyright Laws. Please review your contract for specific fines. Images (digital or printed) can not be reproduced in any way.
Q: How much is shipping?
A: A standard $15 shipping charge will be charged on all orders with prints smaller than 11″x14″. Larger prints may incur slightly larger shipping charges.
A: A standard $15 shipping charge will be charged on all orders with prints smaller than 11″x14″. Larger prints may incur slightly larger shipping charges.
Q: Can I have my camera and/or video camera out during the session to capture the event?
A: I understand your enthusiasm for capturing a special event, but is it distracting when there are multiple cameras, since the person being photographed doesn’t know where to look. Besides, you are paying me to capture the moment, so sit back and relax!
Q: How far in advance should I schedule?
A: Sessions are typically available within 3 weeks. If you are pregnant and need a maternity session, or if you recently had your baby and need a newborn session (3 weeks old or less) please let me know and I will try to fit you in sooner.
Q: This all sounds great! How do I proceed?
A: Just call or email me to set up your session! 281-645-6211, holly @ hollyanne.com (remove the spaces before and after the @ symbol. They are just there to try to limit the number of spam emails I receive.)