Chicago Blue Birds and Session Questions
I was surprised to find out from a recent poll I did online that not everyone that follows me knows my jam. Part of that is me believing that the only people that follow me on social media are my friends so OF COURSE they know my style and the ins and outs. But, considering I don’t have 2k near and dear friends, that is not near the truth. So here I am with some BBQs (Blue Bird Questions).
First off – what is a Blue Bird?
Did you know that Blue Birds are very particular with their homes where they can live and what direction it has to be facing down to the fact that there should be no perch to get inside their home. My clients are Blue Birds – in the very best way possible. They want something specific from their photo sessions and I have worked hard to build that perfect bird house to attract them.
How long is a session?
My sessions run 1-2 hours. I have a whole other blog on why my sessions are timed the way they are, but to get the most out of what my clients are REALLY looking for we spend at least an hour together and fill the time with activities broken down into 15-20 min intervals.
Do you do styling?
Short answer is no. Longer answer is, kinda. I will TOTALLY help you through your closet or welcome you to send me photos of your ideas. But, I am not going to tell you that your favorite dress needs a whole new outfit for your partner in order to look good and here is where you can find said outfit. I want my families to be comfy in the skin and clothes they are in. I find unless your kids are EXCITED by new clothes (which TBH my kids do get) it is best to go with clothes they love and feel confident in. This goes for you too!
Where should we do our photos?
Your house!
Your backyard!
Your local park!
Your favorite family donut shop!
I want these photos to be in a place that speaks to you as a family. I go into this more in detail on our call because it changes family to family. But, I have to say, if you have never done an in home session, that is the best place to start. Think of where you spend most of your time as a family and how you want to remember this time in your life.
We have pets…..
Ok, that is not a question, but I do want to put it out there. INCLUDE YOUR PETS! I love pets of all kinds and they are a part of your daily lives too.
What is the best time of year for photos?
I know, everyone wants fall photos, but unless your baby is under a year and bound to change drastically in 3 months, Spring photos are just as awesome for holiday cards as fall photos. I find late Spring and late Summer the best times of year for photos because of three things: Light, Weather, Availability (yours and mine!) Before school and fall sports start, get those photos in!
What is a session fee and what are your actual prices?
We talk about this on a phone call because I like to let you pick my brain, but my session fee guarantees your date and time slot and some pre-work on my part to make sure you are ready to go for your photo session. Package pricing starts at $500 for digitals and prints. That is the minimum amount you will spend for a photo session with me.
Do you do minis?
Mostly in the early fall/late summer. They are short sessions to the tune of 10 min long and in a location of my choosing. I also offer minis for my special imagination sessions. Those run $325. If you want to be in the know of those, make sure you are on my email list. They have sold out every year so far.
So, what questions did I miss? These are the most frequently asked, but just because your question isn’t frequent doesn’t mean it isn’t a good question. So, ask away!