So you’re interested in a photo session, but unsure of what the process will look like. If you’ve never had your photo professionally taken before, the process can seem a bit elusive and daunting!
Today, I’m excited to make things a little less mysterious by sharing a timeline of what to expect when you book a portrait (senior, family, maternity, or engagement) session with JHP from beginning to end!
I’ve broken the process down in two different ways: first, a short “at a glance” version, and after, a more detailed breakdown! Happy reading, and if you have any specific questions, please feel free to reach out to me directly at jhidingerphotography@gmail.com !
The Portrait Experience at a Glance
1. Book your session and sign your contract online via a private booking link.
2. Get access to your client portal and answer your online questionnaire.
3. I’ll reach out a week or two before your session to confirm your location and our meeting spot for the day of your session!
4. We’ll meet 15 minutes before your schedule session time to chat and check out any props/outfits you might’ve brought with you.
5. I’ll collect payment via check or cash at the time of the session (before we begin, or after we finish). If you would rather pay via bank transfer, just let me know in advance!
6. We’ll have a relaxed, low-stress session. No need to come prepared with any poses, I’ll direct and guide you! J
7. You’ll get a few sneak peeks about a week after your session.
8. You’ll receive your full gallery and featured blog post about six weeks after your session.
A Detailed Breakdown of the Portrait Experience
1. First, you’ll reach out about your interest in a particular type of session (yay!), and I’ll respond with some information about whichever type of session you’re interested in, along with a booking link, where you can view my schedule, choose your session date, and virtually sign your contract!
2. Now that you’re officially booked, you’ll receive an email that will grant you access to your personal client portal, housing everything relating to your session – the time of your session, your invoice, your contract, and your questionnaire! You’ll also receive a Senior/Family/Couple experience and styling guide via email, which will walk you through everything pertaining to your session – including how to prepare, what to expect at the session itself, a timeframe of what to expect after your session, and what to (and not to!) wear!
3. You’ll fill out your questionnaire (also sent in a link via email), which will give me information about the style of your session, locations you might be interested in, and a little more information about who I’ll be photographing and what is important to you when it comes to your photos!
4. I’ll reach out a week or two before your session to finalize the time, location, and where we’ll be meeting to begin.
5. The week of your session, I’ll be watching the weather to make sure it won’t interfere with your chosen timeslot! If it does look like there could be any inclement weather, I’ll reach out to discuss a game plan. I typically try to not reschedule until the day of the session, if at all possible, just to see if the weather changes (if you live in Pittsburgh, you know how fast it can change!). However, if you have hair or makeup appointments that would need to be rescheduled sooner than the day of, we can make the call the day before (or earlier in the week!).
6. The day of your session, we’ll plan to meet 15 minutes before your scheduled start time. This will give us a few minutes to chat, check out any props or outfits you might’ve brought, and walk to our first spot! Because my sessions are scheduled so close to sunset, it’s important for us to begin right on time, so we don’t lose any precious daylight!
7. I love taking a relaxed approach to sessions. I love for sessions to be low-key and fun! Whoever is having their photo taken can come without having any idea of how to pose. I’ll guide you through every pose and movement with direction – and don’t worry, we’ll keep it fun!!
8. Payment is due by cash or check at the time of your session (either before we begin or after we are finished!). You are also welcome to pay via bank transfer (just let me know if this is something you would prefer!)
9. Within a week after your session, you’ll receive a few “sneak peeks” from our time together via email!
10. About six weeks after your session, you’ll receive your full, online gallery (and featured blog post) via email! You’ll be able to download your photos straight to your computer, and print them wherever you’d like. Or, you’ll be able to order print products straight from your gallery!
Now that you’re a JHP experience pro, if you’re interested in booking a senior, family, maternity, or engagement session, click here! I hope to hear from you soon!
