Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers!)
So you’re thinking about booking a Family Session, I am so excited for you! Here are the most asked questions from Clients who have never had a Family session or just are new to working with me. Who am I? Stephanie with Tiny House Photo. I’ve been a Lifestyle (and Documentary) Family Photographer since 2008 in California, New York, Florida and now back in Upstate New York! I’ve worked with hundreds of Families over the years so I know a thing or two about Family Photography.
Here are your Questions and Answers!
How Long are Lifestyle Family Sessions?
Lifestyle sessions are available in Mini (20 Minutes – Albany Washington Park only) or Standard which is 60-90 minutes. I go with the flow. If everyone is cooperative and we think we’ve got it after an hour, we can end it there. If the kiddos needed some time to warm up and we don’t feel finished, there is no stress, we can keep shooting. I am super flexible about time. I want to make sure each Family feels they got all of the shots they wanted.
How much do Lifestyle Family Sessions cost?
Mini Sessions are available in Washington Park in Albany, NY year round any day of the week (when available) for $200. They are 20 minutes and you receive 10 fully edited images with the option to buy the entire album of images. I deliver the gallery within 24 hours of your session.
Standard Family Sessions are 60-90 Minutes and are $550. You get a full gallery of edited images within 4 weeks of your session and same day sneak peeks.
If you want a longer session with multiple locations, I am open to creating a custom collection just for you. If you are in NYC or New England I do charge a travel fee.
How many images will be in our Gallery?
For Mini Sessions, I deliver ten edited images with option to purchase all of the photos.
For Standard Family Sessions I typically deliver anywhere from 100 to 150 fully edited images.
What other types of Family Sessions do you offer?
At this time I am focused on Lifestyle Family Photography and Documentary Day in the Life Experiences. They are very different experiences but I love them both.
Do you work with LGBTQ+ Families?
I’m a Queer Lesbian and my Wedding Photography is very LGBTQ+ forward. I love working with LGBTQ+ Families. YES YES and MORE YES!
What if my kids don’t behave?
Lifestyle sessions are really laid back with no rules really. I don’t use forceful tactics to get kids to cooperate. If it a complete and total meltdown we can take a breather and see if that helps the mood. I think in my 18 years of photographing families I’ve only had maybe two complete meltdowns we could not recover. I have seen it all. I am fairly confident in my abilities to befriend your littles.
If we need to let some wound up energy out I suggest swinging (see photo below) and playing ring around the rosie, playing some Miss Rachel on my phone, or having some playground time (if available).
I don’t think bribing or promises are great for my family sessions and rarely seem to work. You can bring snacks to elevate their mood. Incorporating their favorite treats is actually a fun part of the session!
What if the weather is bad?
After working in South Florida for 13 years I am confident in my abilities to work in snow or shine. The rain in the Northeast is typically pretty light so if you’re up for a session with sprinkles, I’m totally down. Put on your favorite rainboots and I’ll bring some colorful umbrellas! Honestly, the weather in the Capital Region is glorious, I love it.
If the weather is truly diabolical with wind, frigid temperatures or storms, I’m happy to offer a reschedule. If you are coming from out of town, I always book you with a backup date just in case.
Can we include our pets?
If you book a family session with me, I insist we include your pet in the photos if possible. Pets don’t get enough photos in my opinion. I am animal obsessed and every dog and cat is my personal best friend. If you want to include your pets we can either start at home for pet portraits with the family and then go to a nearby location for human only photos or if you choose a pet friendly location they can join in for the entire session. I’ve held plenty of leashes throughout the years. Have not met a dog that didn’t like me.
What if we need help posing?
I will try my best to keep your session flowing with ideas and suggestions on how to interact. Lifestyle Family sessions are pretty “loose” but if you want super structured and posed portraits I am happy to offer guidance. I find the less posing I ask for, the happier the kiddos will be. Let them be little, you know? I think movement in my sessions creates more connection and joy.
Can We Keep Our Photos Private?
Absolutely, just ask during the onboarding process so I can add it into your Proposal and Contract. I understand and respect every Client’s privacy and I have dozens of sessions that I never publicly shared. I have a love / hate relationship with Social Media, but I have to market so I’m active because I have to be. If it is okay to share I want to assure you that I never use names or personal information about my families.
What should we wear?
I have an entire blog post about this: CLICK HERE
Where should we have our Family Session?
I have an entire blog post with suggestions: CLICK HERE
How do we book our Session?
If you’d feel more comfortable meeting me over zoom, I’m happy to schedule a quick call to go over any questions you have or discuss the details in what kind of Family photos you’re hoping for.
Once I’ve sent over the Proposal, simply click on the collection you wish to book, sign the digital contract and the invoice is due at time of signing. Once your session is paid, we will schedule your date. Super easy.
Tiny House Photo is a Lifestyle Family Photographer located in Albany, New York and serving all of the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls, Guilderland, Troy, Schenectady, Lake George and down into the Hudson Valley and NYC.
© Tiny House Photo
Capital Region Family Photographer
