Preparing for Your Session with Barbara. . .

Preparing for your Photography Session with me as actually pretty simple, and is a breeze -- as long as you know what to expect.

So to prepare you, and your family, here are some things you should do before your session:

BEFORE THE SESSION

• If you haven't booked your session online, contact me now to book your session to ensure that the date you want to shoot on is secured.

• Have your Session Agreement and Billing Authorization forms filled out ahead of time (if you're doing a "Watch Me Grow" Session, then you should have that form filled out as well), so that I can get you in and start taking shots of you and your family right away. If you download both forms, fill them out and print them out at home to bring with you, it'll save us both some time.

• If you live more than 50 miles outside of Charlotte, or are booking for a wedding please make sure that you contact me to discuss travel expenses and so forth, as I can usually provide you with a bundle discount depending on the print package you decide on at the beginning of our session.

DURING THE SESSION

• Try to wear clothing (and dress your children in clothing) that isn't "busy" or has printed decals (or characters), since it detracts from your child(ren). Typically Jeans or khakis with solid colored shirts are good options. Clothing that fits well or a bit large looks great. You can expect you family session to look best when your clothing is similar in tones. Bare feet are welcome...and always preferred. For maternity sessions, a solid tank-top will show off your belly the best. A large button down shirt and some button jeans are good choices too. These sessions are best done around 36-38 weeks. For newborn sessions, bare skin is preferred. However, just a diaper or a simple "onesie" are great alternatives! Newborns change almost daily, so please try to schedule your session when your baby is within two weeks old. With a newborn, the earlier the better. Call soon or book your session online after the baby is born and I will fit you in as soon as possible! For babies and children, try to schedule your session around naptime so he or she is well rested. Also, children are in better spirits if they are well fed, so please take that into consideration when scheduling your session. I provide plenty of time for breaks if you or the kids need them...so bring something for your kiddos to snack on and to drink, and you should be good to go!

• The length of your session depends on you and your child(ren). Sessions can last anywhere from 30 minutes up to 2 hours or longer. Some children take a while to warm up and get to know me and others are total hams. Sometimes babies need to take a feeding break. Newborn sessions can last as long as needed. I will make sure you have the opportunity to change clothes, take a break, and snack during the session, so that everything flows smoothly. We will conclude our session by scheduling a time to see your proofs, either in person or online.

AFTER THE SESSION (Purchasing Proofs or Packages)

• Proofing your session will take me around 1-2 weeks, depending on volume. I will make 30-40 proofs available to you and will edit each image as well as enhance it before presenting them to you either in person or in my online client area. You get to decide which portraits and what size you would like. Payment is due immediately for your prints if your ordering session takes place in person. If you purchase your prints online, you will have up to 30 days to purchase in order to qualify for discounted pricing (also referred to as our "Early Bird Special"). I will also post your proofs in an online gallery for you to share with friends and family. It will be 3 to 4 business days for your prints to arrive at my studio. At this time, I will contact you for you to come pick them up, or I will ship them to you if you order your prints online.