Dear Parent,
Here are a few suggestions to help make your experience at Ivy’s Garden a fabulous one!
Do’s:
- Plan ahead and have everything put together that you may need well in advance so you do not switch into “panic mode” the day of your sitting!
- Pack an “emergency” kit: hairbrush, hairspray, makeup, (cover stick, powder, and blush) bobby pins, pacifier, bottle, candy for bribery purposes…
- Put a bib on your baby so he/she will not spit up on that heirloom Christening gown before we’ve had a chance to make the portrait!
- Arrive on time for your appointment to insure that your session will not have to be cut short or rescheduled! Your appointment time is critical if we are doing outdoor/natural light photography, as little as 15 minutes can negatively impact the product.
- Make sure your child is well rested before his/her session; a rested child is a happy child!
- Plan plenty of time for your session; I don’t rush nor do I put any pressure on my young subjects, so expect to spend an entire hour with me during the creation of your child’s portraits!
- Have an open mind about your portraits… a child’s innocent gaze at a vintage toy can be just as wonderful as a big cheesy grin aimed directly at the camera!
- Encourage your child about the session; let them know it will be a happy experience, and how proud you are of him/her.
- Allow your child to be his/her age; a 12 year old can pose like a movie star for me every time, but a 2 year old might have to be “shot in action”!!!!
- Refrain from giving your child instructions during your session! Leave that to the photographer, she will let you know if you can be of assistance.
- Make sure your child doesn’t have hair in his/her eyes. Tussy mussy hair is great with me, and in portraits, just not in the eyes. Have a way to pin, curl, spray, or slick it away from those baby blues!
- Call and reschedule if your child is ill! Even if it’s the day of the session, I want the opportunity to make AWESOME portraits for you and will be happy to find another time!
- Save your child’s “reward” until the session is over. If you believe in bribery (and I’m a big fan myself) don’t hand out the candy, gum, rice krispy treat, or new corvette until we’re all finished. Otherwise Jr. will let us both know it’s over when he is happily grinding up gummy bears!
- Finally, and most important, plan to have a great time! Mine is an interactive experience (I will put you to work) come relaxed and with a positive attitude! Expect great things and leave worry and pressure out on the freeway where it belongs!
Don’ts:
- Don’t bring in the cavalry to “help with the pictures” Usually just mom is plenty, but if you feel you need some more support, let me know ahead of time and we can discuss what will benefit you the most.
- Don’t ask/beg your child to do something the photographer has already instructed! They will embarrass you every time! Instead let them know ahead of time your expectations and let the photographer use a little “reverse psychology” to achieve the desired action/expression.
- Don’t have your heart completely set on a certain pose; some settings make little ones unhappy while something completely unexpected can be absolutely magical!
FAQ’s
1. How far in advance do I need to schedule a sitting?
I can usually schedule a session with 2 weeks notice, however during the fall season you will want to schedule around 4 weeks in advance.
2. Are Saturday appointments available?
Many times I do not have Saturday appointments as these are “wedding”days. However I will book a “last minute” Saturday the week of…call for availability.
3. How much can I expect to invest in my portraits?
This will certainly depend on your individual needs and the type of finishes and sizes desired. Please keep in mind that I do have a $150.00 minimum order requirement and this does not include the sitting fee. Price schedules may be viewed by clicking “prices”.
4. Are after hour’s appointments available?
Absolutely! I have late afternoon/early evening appointments available Tuesday thru Thursday.
5. When will I be able to view my images?
1-3 business days from your session date.
6. May I take my proofs home to make my selections?
No, we schedule an appointment for you to come in and view your images electronically and make your selections at that time.
7. May I bring my mother-in-law to help me make my selections?
Certainly! Bring everyone who is going to be involved in the decision making process. However, leave your children with a sitter as we cannot accommodate them during the ordering process and they will keep you from being able to concentrate or your selections.
8. Can I order more portraits later?
You certainly can! We will keep your images on file for approximately one year. Our minimum re-order requirement is $35.00.
9. When do I pay for my sitting and portrait order?
Your sitting fee is due at the time of the appointment. The balance of your portrait order is due at the time the order is placed. We gladly accept Master Card, Visa, cash, checks, or any combination of these.