FAQ
If you don't find an answer to your question below, please contact me:
By Phone: 417-793-5777 or By Email: lifecaptured@suddenlink.net
When do I pay my Creation Fee?
Creation Fee's are due at time of booking either by credit card over the phone or you can mail a check.
When do I get to see my proofs?
I now have in-studio consultations. This is typically scheduled 2-3 weeks after your session. Weddings take 8-12 weeks. In-studio viewing allows you to see your beautiful images on an 80" screen with a projector that is calibrated to my specifications. I can also answer any questions you may have.
When should I order?
With the in-studio consultation. Plan on placing your order at that time.
How long does it take to get my portraits?
Typically it takes two weeks. During the holidays, it may require more time.
Do you sell images on a CD?
No. There are exceptions when it comes to commercial work and/or business head shots.
How long do you keep images if I want to order more later?
I keep the images stored on an external hard drive indefinitely. $100 minimum order applies.
What should I wear?
Clothing is important! Anything that competes with your face will make a difference on the portraits. The following are tips to get the most from your portrait experience.
Flattering portraits are better created with:
- Solid color clothing.
- Wear the same color, or colors that coordinate.
- Long sleeves.
Slimming tips:
- Short sleeves will add weight.
- Low necks on shirts will add weight.
- Light colors will add weight.
- Dark clothing is slimming.
- Couple, group, or family portraits look much better when you coordinate your clothing. Dark earth tones work best. You don't have to wear the same color shirts, but wearing similar clothing will draw attention to your faces and not your clothing.
What to avoid:
- Shirts with logos.
- Plaid shirts.
- Striped shirts.
- Wrist watches.
- Be conservative with your jewelry.
- Glasses will cause glare, they reflect. You can see if your optometrist will remove the lenses or let you borrow a pair of the frames without lenses for the day. Glare can be digitally removed, but it's time consuming and may incur extra charges.
High School Seniors
With all that said above, I'm more lenient when it comes to seniors! You may have a favorite band t-shirt, or shirts with logo's that you love...bring them!! You may have a letterman's jacket this is multi-colored, that's OK! Ladies, I know you love your jewelry, and have certain ones that match your outfits. Bring those! Just be mindful that certain poses will cause the jewelry to lay funny on a shoulder, or hang differently. Please help to check your jewelry during the session and with all of us watching, we should be just fine!
When should I get my Senior Portraits taken?
- Once your Senior school year starts, you will be busy with school activities and work.
- Senior Yearbook deadlines are at the beginning of February.
- Summer and Fall are the best seasons for outdoor portraits. If you wait until late Winter or Spring, the grass is brown, there are no leaves on the tree's, and possible snow on the ground. Springtime is also unpredictable in regards to the weather. I'm booked out several weeks in advance, and if it rains when you have your appointment, it may be several weeks before I can reschedule.
- If you wait until the last minute and are rushed to get your portraits, that means I'm rushed too and the overall experience may suffer.
- Book early!!
How much should I plan on spending?
My minimum order is $100. The Creation Fee is due at time of booking to hold your appointment. $100 of that is a credit to be used towards your prints and/or package.
How long will my senior session take?
Please plan on spending at least three hours. It's easier on everyone if you don't make plans for that day. This is a once in a lifetime event! I take my senior sessions very seriously! Hopefully my work shows this! Come refreshed and please arrive on time!
Should I bring a parent?
Yes! Bring an adult and advise them that it might take a while. I do ask that parents please allow me to stay in control of the session. You or your senior child has chosen me for the work I produce. So, just sit back, relax, and enjoy the experience and trust my judgement. That is what you are paying me for!
What should I bring?
Ever heard the expression "Everything but the kitchen sink!"? Go ahead and bring that too! Seriously though...bring it all! Extra clothes, coat or jacket, letterman's jacket, sportsgear, rings, favorite hat, sunglasses, any prop that you have the defines who you are! Bring your car, truck, motorcycle, pets...the sky is the limit! Girls, bring your make-up and lip gloss for touch ups. Take the time to think about the things you want to have with you. I do not put a limit on clothing changes. Bring at least one long sleeved solid colored shirt. Bring nice shoes and heels!! If you are wearing a $50 shirt, $90 jeans, you'd be better off slipping on some nice heels then putting on some old flats. I know I know...I have some comfy shoes too, and that's OK if you love them, but think about how you want to look in your portraits.
I broke out in Zits right before my session...now what?
Isn't that part of being a senior? Don't worry, I retouch every image I proof, which includes zit removal at no extra charge. The only time there may be an additional fee is if you want work beyond basic retouching (erasing braces, etc.).
Do you do Senior Announcements?
Yes! Allow me to custom design your invitation with your name and images!
OTHER IMPORTANT TIPS:
Girls: Make sure your fingernails have a fresh coat on or remove leftover polish. Several of the images will have your hands or feet showing.
Do NOT dye or cut your hair less then a week before your senior appointment. You need some time to get used to it.
Do NOT decide a week before your appointment that you want a tan. Burned skin looks bad under studio lights, and tan lines (or burned lines!) are nearly impossible to remove.
Avoid spray-on tans for your session. Most have an orange look to them and look bad under studio lights.
Lastly, come prepared. Sit down and think about what you want to bring and wear. Please feel free to call me with any questions you may have regarding your session. I'm here to help you prepare for a great time and a fantastic senior session! When you look good...I look good!!
I want some images for Facebook and/or Myspace. What can I do?
The senior packages include websized images for you to put on your Facebook or Myspace page or can be purchased. Add me to your friends and I'll get you set-up with a sharp, clean version of my images you've chosen with my logo. Scanned copies look bad and makes my hard work look really bad. Thank you for your understanding!
Do you offer Donations?
Yes I do! I believe that local support is imperative and I'm happy to help where I can. Please ask for details.
More questions? Please feel free to call me 417-793-5777 or email me at: lifecaptured@suddenlink.net
Thank you!