Elayna and the ducks...

Happy Easter! Elayna loved playing with the baby ducks! They were very well behaved!

Making your session E.A.S.Y...

I'm going to 'try' to make your next photo session as simple as possible! It's a lot to read but I promise it's worth it...

I receive a lot of emails asking different questions, such as what should I wear? What should I expect? And so on. I decided I should blog and try to help some of you out. I'm hoping that at least a portion of this will give you some insight.

What should I expect during my session?
Each session is uniquely catered towards your style and your family. While I would prefer to talk to you on the phone or in person; I can send you a short survey so that I can get an idea of what you and your family like. During your session we'll have lots of fun, we'll so some posed shots and some candid shots. If you want your session themed we can do that.
How long will my session last?
Well that depends on what type of session you request. If you choose a Mini Session it will last about 20-25 minutes. If you choose a family session, it will last a minimum of one hour. I've had them last as long as three hours (we have a lot of fun during our sessions). If you are doing an Engagement or Bridal session plan on at least two hours. I know it seems like a lot of time, but I promise it goes by quickly. Newborn sessions last anywhere from two to three hours. This depends on baby.
Should we match our outfits or should they compliment one another?
My personal preference is that you compliment one another. However this is totally up to you. Just remember to follow the tips above.
Cost, should I expect to spend more money then my session fee?
AJHP charges a flat fee for your session; which is listed under investments, engagements & weddings, and in our portrait club sections. For example, say you've chosen a family session: Family Session $85: This package is for families up to 6 individuals ($10 each additional) Location of your choice a min of 1 hr shoot time 1-2 outfit changes   30 Images with Edits (proofing within 5-7 days of session) Disk w/CRR (limited time only) Secure Online Gallery to share with friends and family 2-4 image preview on Facebook.
As you can see this session does not include any prints. However we do offer many print options or you can print your images from your disk at home or at a local 1-hour photo.
Where do you recommend having my images printed?
If you aren't going to order prints from AJHP, I would recommend you having them printed at either Walgreens, Snapfish, or Shutterfly. Although I have tested prints from several locations, the three listed are the closet to my printers, however I do not guarantee their quality as I do with my printers.
What is a Copyright Release?
A copyright release is a legal document drafted and signed by the owner of a copyright (in this case a set of images). It gives the title of the protected work, the name of the author, and specifies who can do what with the work. Many photographers keep the copyrights to their pictures but provide clients with a copyright release giving them permission to make copies. Limits can be placed on the release, such as allowing a work to be published only in North America or allowing a performance of the work only during a certain time frame.
What does a Copyright Release allow me to do?
When you receive a Copyright Release from A Joyful Hand Photography by Bobbi Earp; you are receiving the right to make photo copies of the images, share them on your social media and through email. The copyright release does not allow, you to use the images for commercial purposes, to make a profit from them, nor does it allow you to crop or edit them in any way. By doing so you are breaking the law.
Can I purchase a Commercial Usage Copyright Release?
Yes! However there are stipulations.

1. Each Image that is going to be used for LIMITED Commercial use must be purchased from AJHP, (the only way around this is if we are doing a Commercial shoot, then you will need to get a quote for your session). The cost is $15 per digital file. Why is this so expensive? Well honestly its not, most photographer charge anywhere from $25 to $50 per image. Because I want to be fair to all of my clients; If you would like to purchase your entire session (which is typically 25 images=$375) for Commercial use; the cost would be $300.
2. Credit must be given to A Joyful Hand Photography by Bobbi Earp

Do I have to have a preview on Facebook?No. AJHP will never put your images on a public website or social media without your permission. We respect your privacy. Putting images on Facebook & other social outlets is a form of advertising for AJHP. If you do allow us to share your images, great! Be sure to tag your self!
Refer-a-Friend:
AJHP does offer a refer-a-friend program. For every friend who successfully books (& attends) a session with us, we will give you a $10 gift card to use towards your next session. You can earn up to $50 dollars off and can be use for any session we offer. Remember to have your friend tell us you sent us when they are filling out their registration and we'll mail you a gift card with-in 3-5 days of their session.
Here are some tips that many photographers share with their clients about clothing:

Shirts/Tops:

• Solid colors work best; avoid textures or fabrics that shine
• Sleeveless tops should be avoided if you are self-conscious about your upper arms or shoulders
• avoid bright(neon) or bold colors. It takes away from your face
• Please do not wear belly shirts; typically woman end up disappointed with their images

Bottoms:

• Jeans work well
• Dark pants with dark stitching works
• avoid deeply textured pants
• solid colors, but non-shimmery work best
• if you want to look slimmer wear dark, form fitting pants, but not skin tight
• short skirts and shorts aren't a good idea, it limits the poses you can do

Grooming:

• wear your hair however it feels natural to you; do not have it colored the day of or ever the day before your session.
• make sure your hair is neat
• make sure finger nails (toenails if your wearing open toe shoes) are well manicured.
• while it is important to have well groomed eyebrows, avoid having them waxed in the 48 hours before your session, redness will be obvious (even if you think its gone, the camera can pick it up)
• avoid glitter (more often then not it appears white or smudged instead of the effect you want)
• as a general rule, wear your make like you usually do

I hope that at least some of this was helpful!