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Let’s create something amazing together!
Below, you'll find links to important information on what happens next, what to wear, posing tips, session workflow, add-ons, and much more!
FIRST
- Once we have received your contract, deposit and questionnaire you will be officially booked with us. You can find these forms at any time through your Client Portal.
- Your photographer, either Caitie or Amy, will review the questionnaire and be in touch to pin down a time and location. Our contact information can be found at the bottom of this page.
- Wondering what happens during a session? You can read more about what to expect here: GROUP, CLASSIC and MINI
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Where will the session take place?
- We are located along Florida's Gulf Coast and travel to the following areas: Navarre, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach (including the 30A communities of Grayton Beach, WaterColor, Seaside, Seagrove, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, and Inlet Beach), and Panama City Beach.
- There are a number of places we can go for your portrait session within the Florida panhandle counties of Bay, South Walton and Okaloosa. We have our favorites where we love to go or we can come to your location if there is parking available. While our beaches are usually the number one choice, we do also have beautiful parks and cities. We will discuss your goals for the session and choose on that reflects your personality and style.
- Locations Alys, Seaside, Watercolor, Rosemary and Watersound require you must be a homeowner or a guest staying on their property at the time. Alys Beach and Rosemary also require a day permit that must be applied for in advance.
- You can get an idea of the local areas in our Location Gallery.
Can we shoot at multiple locations?
We can, however it will depend on a few factors. It is best to talk it over with your photographer.
Is there anything we need to bring?
There is nothing specific but there are a few things that can help you feel more comfortable and confident. You can read more about it in this article about Session Preparing.
You can find helpful beach information on this post, including where to find local water conditions and current flag in our blog Prepping for the Beach.
You can find helpful beach information on this post, including where to find local water conditions and current flag in our blog Prepping for the Beach.
How many photos do you usually take at the session?
A whole lot. I'm snapping almost the whole time to ensure we get everything in focus and at least one of each individual happy and looking great. Many times I have to use several different photographs to create one great shot. I try for one of each pose then add in any additional shots that I find speak to me.
Can I request specific photos to be taken?
Of course, that's why we're here! We want to hear all about what brought you to hire a professional photographer. Please let us know of any specific shots you would like ahead of time so we can better plan and be prepared for it.
Do you take payment plans?
Yes, we do, for the session and orders.
Will these images be posted on social media or the internet?
While the law actually states the images belong to the photographer to do with as they please, we do respect our clients privacy. We include in the questionnaire a question asking if you are ok with us sharing the images.
Can I share the images on my social media? On my website? On my publication?
We would love for you to share on social media! Word of mouth is the best advertising, we would LOVE for you to tag us in the caption! To use for advertising purposes, website, publication, or contest will require permission. Editors know this and will email me asking for permission. Of course I would be delighted to do so!
Can I print the digital downloads from the session? Will it have a logo on it?
We include Print Release to clients that will allow you to print the images from your session. You will see a logo on the image in the viewing gallery but there will not be a logo on the downloaded image. This is to prevent right click printing from the gallery. We have had clients do this and it comes out horribly, the image is not the correct size for printing and will appear unfocused and pixelated.
We have an extra girlfriend/ boyfriend attending. Any tips on getting family pictures with and without them?
I am easily able to say it without hurting feelings, no one expects me to know the family dynamics. I will say "Ok, everyone in for the group shot" then "Ok, now let's just narrow it down, maybe the girlfriend/boyfriends come out, y'all can come behind me and help make everyone smile" then continue the narrowing like it was no big deal.
What should I wear? Is there anything you recommend not wearing?
We do, there are many different directions to take. The most important things to remember are no words on shirts, we really don't recommend dark clothing as it appears faded in the sun and stands out among the muted colors of the beach. Three quarter length sleeves are most flattering, sleeveless is not really recommended and finally, don't worry about matching shoes because everyone takes their shoes off in beach pictures! You can check out our Pinterest Board for more tips and ideas as well as this page with outfit ideas.
Do you have any hair or makeup tips? Any referrals?
Our Pinterest Board has a lot of tutorials, tips and ideas for make up. We wrote an article about what to do with hair if it is windy that you can find here.
Our referrals have moved out of town so we do not have any one we specifically recommend at this time.
Our referrals have moved out of town so we do not have any one we specifically recommend at this time.
I want to plan a surprise for someone at the session. Is this ok with you?
Oh what fun! Of course! However please let me know beforehand so we can discuss how to best plan it out and ensure we make time for it.
My in-laws just showed up asking to be in the session! Is it ok if they come along?
Sure, bring them along! Your session time is your time. You can have as many or as little as you'd like in your session.
We do have session choices that we feel we can comfortable get the images you would like within the time frame. For instance if you wanted 50 people in a mini session we could accommodate the request as long as we all have realistic expectations on the results. We would probably only get one shot and would not have time to pose everyone in a meaningful manner.
We do have session choices that we feel we can comfortable get the images you would like within the time frame. For instance if you wanted 50 people in a mini session we could accommodate the request as long as we all have realistic expectations on the results. We would probably only get one shot and would not have time to pose everyone in a meaningful manner.
If we end up needing more time on the day of the session, can it be added on?
Yes and no. Our sessions are held at sunset so when the sun is gone we are unable to shoot anymore. If you are unsure and feel you may need more time we can plan to meet a little earlier and at the end of the chosen session time we can see if you feel we need the extended session.
Do you do whimsical or fantasy portraits? For instance, my son loves the idea of a shark coming out of the water, my daughter wants to be a mermaid. Can you do anything like this?
Yes please! You can contact Amy and together we will come up with a plan. I don't get many requests so I usually bring my family along with my ideas. You can see a few examples of creative edits on this blog post.
If I need to cancel, can I transfer my retainer fee to a friend?
Yes, as long as it is clearly agreed with all involved and I am made aware.
What if my child isn't in the mood on the day?
Oh yes, there is always that one child that smiles all day until the actual day. It's ok, rest assured, we get it mama. Not only do we have children of our own (and you know what they say about photographers trying to photograph their own children...), we are also trained to work with children and have been doing this many years. You can read more about it in this article about helping prepare your child for the session.
My family member is on the spectrum, are you familiar with autism?
Caitie and Amy each have a son on the spectrum and Amy has taught self contained special education, is trained in ABA, and has been trained as a registered behavior technician. Give us a call, we will chat about how to make your child feel as comfortable as possible.
I hate getting my picture taken! I especially don't like 'X' about me, can we shoot around it?
Knowing what you don't like about yourself we can do our best to help make you feel more comfortable and pose in a way that will lessen the issue. I do not like getting my picture taken either, as a matter of fact Caitie is the only one I trust to take my picture. I know I am not photogenic and I have come to terms with it. I still allow, even force myself at times, to get my picture taken. I know my friends and family know what I look like already, when they look at a picture of me they are not thinking 'oh, look at that chin! Look at her hair!". They're just thinking 'oh there's Amy, she looks so happy!". My best advice is to feel confident, even if you fake it. I have seen so many beautiful women look 'blah' in pictures because they were not confident and it shows. A true portrait should reflect your personality. When you think too hard about it you will be stiff and uncomfortable and it will show.
*TIP
Bookmark this page, text or email it to yourself, add it to your 'Notes'—whatever you need to do to keep track of it.
You’ll want to refer back to it often.
This page is packed with valuable information and tips to help you prepare for your session!
You’ll want to refer back to it often.
This page is packed with valuable information and tips to help you prepare for your session!
QUICKLINKS
QUESTIONS?
Contact us below or give us a call!
Amy Susi - 850.461.1972 Caitie Beth Nelson- 850-217-5500
Contact us below or give us a call!
Amy Susi - 850.461.1972 Caitie Beth Nelson- 850-217-5500