Frequently asked questions
Where is your studio located?
I have an in home studio located near downtown Clermont that i use primarily for newborn and milestone sessions. Otherwise, there are many beautiful areas located nearby for Family/Portrait sessions.
You can reach me at 352-302-9230 during the hours of M-F (9am-5pm) No calls after hours please. Studio is open by appointment only.
When should i book my session?
Portraits: I typically book 3-5 months in advance. However, contact me to see if I have your needed date available.
Maternity: Since I tend to book portrait sessions several months in advance, this goes for maternity sessions as well. I like to photograph moms-to-be between 30-35 weeks to get that nice beautiful bump, but before you are too uncomfortable. Please contact me well in advance so we can schedule your maternity session within that window.
Newborns: Please book your newborn session before your baby is born. Newborn sessions are usually booked in the 2nd trimester. If your baby is already born, please contact me because I may have an opening available. Newborns are best photographed between 6-12 days old to give us the best sleepy/curly poses.
Are you Licensed and insured?
Yes!
How does scheduling a newborn session work?
When you book your newborn session, select a date that is closest to your approximate due date. This will not be your actual session date, you are just reserving your space around that time. Once your baby is born, I ask that you email/text/call me as soon as possible to let me know your baby is here. Then we will book your exact session date that usually falls between 6-12 days after birth if possible, or based on your personal needs.
What is the best way to contact you?
Email is definitely the best way to get in touch with me. Just click on the “contact” tab, or email me at Dmwshot@gmail.com. I will respond as quick as possible. Evenings and weekends are typically reserved for my family, so i appreciate you not calling. Email is always the quickest and easiest way to contact me with questions.
Please avoid using Facebook or Instagram messenger as I do not always receive these messages.
Why do outdoor family portrait sessions take place in the evening?
The golden warm look you see in family photos comes from the ideal lighting conditions that take place about hour or two before sunset. If the sun sets at 8:00pm, your session will generally take place at 6:30 to give you that beautiful glow that takes place during the “golden hour.” Some families ask if they can schedule a session at an earlier time, however, I do not recommend it. Harsh shadows tend to be present, and you will not get the beautiful golden look if you choose a different time of day. There is also the option of sunrise sessions for those "early risers"! I do have 10am spots available, however I reserve this time for newborns and baby sessions. All family sessions are scheduled during evening hours to ensure you get the most beautiful family portraits possible. I promise it will be worth it to shift around your schedule for a day to get those gorgeous photos!
How do I prepare for my session?
Both newborn and family portrait session clients will receive a detailed prep guide to help you plan and prepare before your session. It includes details on what to wear and what to bring!
Do you travel for sessions?
If you give me enough lead time, I am happy to travel for a family portrait session. However, there is a travel fee of .75 per mile for distances over 30 miles from 34711. Please inquire for travel pricing if needed. Family portrait sessions take place at an outdoor location. I have a few favorite location for sessions, but I also love letting the family decide on the location to create a unique portrait backdrop. If you do not know of a location, I would be happy to give you directions to a few of my favorite spots!
Do you have all the props for my newborn session?
I do! I have tons of hats, hair accessories, little pants, wraps, baskets, and other props for your session. All that i require you bring is baby and milk. I have all you will need for your session, unless you would like to bring in something special. I ask that you give me a heads up on any items you do plan to bring or want incorporated into our session, so i can plan accordingly.
What types of payment methods do you accept?
I accept check, cash, money orders, and credit card payments securely through Paypal.
(There will be a small processing fee with credit card)
Can we bring grandparents, aunts/uncles /cousins to the session?
For Newborn Sessions: My studio is very small, and due to the limited space and warmth in the studio (80 degrees for baby’s comfort) I ask that you limit additional guests at the session. Any photographs outside of immediate family are as time allows, and there is an additional fee of $50 per person.
For Family Sessions: For larger groups with extended family members (such as grandparents) please ask for a quote. There is a fee per person beyond immediate family.
May we take pictures at our session?
Absolutely no videos or professional DSLR’s are permitted during any session. However, I do not mind phone snapshots during your newborn session to document this special time!
How do I book?
A $100 retainer fee is required to book your date along with filling out an online contract. Your date is not booked until the retainer is paid. You will have 7 days to pay the retainer, and after 7 days your date will be released to the next client in line.
The $100 retainer is put toward your total session price, and the remaining balance is due at the time of your session. Your retainer is non-refundable; however if you need to cancel, you may use that retainer towards another session at a later time.
Contact me to schedule your session. Or, if you are ready to go, Click Here!
When and how will I get my photos?
After your session has been paid in full, your photos will be hand edited and retouched. I take time to make sure each photo in your gallery is perfect! They will be ready for you to view in your private online gallery within 3 weeks. You will receive a notification email, and a link + password when they are ready to view.
From your gallery you will be able to download your high resolution files and print them with a print release at your convenience. Your photos are presented in a special online gallery where you can download them instantly with one click. No more waiting for a CD to be mailed to you! Clients love the simplicity of being able to download them easily from their gallery!
Your notification email will contain instructions on how to download your files, (it is quick and easy!) and it will have a suggestion as to where you can have them printed on your own. If you prefer to purchase prints from me, a variety of sizes of fine art prints and canvases are available for purchase in your gallery.
Do you give out CD’s?
No- Since a lot of newer computers are now getting rid of CD drives all together, I do not offer CDs. Your online gallery is designed so you can download your images instantly to your computer. However, if you wish to purchase a USB drive from me, I can supply a USB at an additional cost.
Can I order prints or canvases through you?
Absolutely! In your gallery you will be able to purchase high end gallery wrap canvases, and archival quality prints in a variety of sizes for your home! These are through professional labs that i use and you will be able to interact with them directly. I do not recommend any other labs, nor do i give any guarantee for their quality of print.
How much does a session cost?
I offer a variety of sessions including Baby’s First Year Packages, Full Newborn & Newborn Mini sessions, Maternity & Newborn Combinations, Toddler Sessions, Cake Smash sessions, as well as Child & Family portrait sessions.
I have multiple packages, and prices ranging from $250 – $1650 to fit all of your portrait needs.
Please contact me with any questions, or to put together a customized package.