What city are you based in?
I’m a San Antonio native, which is where I started my business back in 2008. However, I’m also a full-time student in Rochester, NY, so my photography availability in SA is unfortunately pretty limited. The next time I will be available for San Antonio sessions is December 2012.
This is my last year in Rochester before making the move to grad school, but I anticipate that I will be making a few photography-related trips back to the city next year. It’s always worth asking if your date is available!
Which session length is best for me?
I always recommend investing in a full session if your budget allows; not only do you get more pictures, but the quality of pictures will be better for a couple of reasons. First, the longer we spend together, the better I can get to know you and create images that are truly representative of your personality. Second, a longer session allows for multiple locations and clothing changes, ultimately resulting in a more fun and complete experience.
At this time, for newborns I only offer full sessions. 50% of newborn sessions consists of waiting for the baby to fall asleep, feeding him/her, and posing. As a result, the entire process usually takes about 1.5-2 hours.
What should I wear for my photos?
I’ve put together a complete guide to preparing for your session, including tips about clothes, makeup, and props. You can check it out here!
You might also find this link to be helpful– it’s a wonderful guide to pairing complementary colors without being too matchy-matchy.
What location(s) should we choose for our session?
I have a long list of varying locations where I’ve photographed before. Based on the answers that you provide in your client information form, we’ll choose a location together that’s suited to your tastes. Usually locations fall into three categories:
- Urban: incorporates lots of color, texture, and cool architecture. Often shot in or close to downtown. Takes more of a fashion photography approach.
- Natural: takes a more traditional approach to photos.. Parks, fields, etc. Natural lighting provides a great glow to photos.
-Home session: As long as you have plenty of windows in your home, we can photograph there. Home sessions result in very personal, meaningful images. An NO, your home doesn’t have to be perfectly clean! We will work with what you have. Home sessions are a great option for newborn, baby, and family sessions.
How long will it take me to receive my images after the session?
It generally takes about 7 days after the session for me to ship the finished image disc. However, special rush orders may be honored upon request, so it’s worth asking about!
Also, be sure to become a Facebook fan here– sometimes I post an early image from a session for fans only!
Can I bring my mom/boyfriend/other family member/dog along for a couple of pictures?
Sure, this is totally fine! I just ask that the number of people being photographed in one session doesn’t exceed five at a time. It’s often good to bring somebody close to you to have as a “laugh buddy.”
You’re also welcome to bring pets, as long as you have somewhere to keep them when they’re not being photographed. If it’s too hot to leave them in the car for awhile, then please bring someone else to hold their leash.
Where should I get my pictures printed?
I recommend mpix.com, which is an online-based lab. After you electronically submit your digital files, they mail the prints to your home. I include a PDF file with more detailed printing advice in your image disc.
Do you sell prints, albums, etc.?
At this time, I only offer digital files, which the client is free to reproduce as many times as they need for personal use. In the end, this is much more cost-effective for you, and allows me to provide extra “snapshot”-style images you might not necessarily print 20×30″, but which you’ll enjoy looking back at in the future.
I do offer custom-designed cards (graduation announcements, birth announcements, etc). at $50 per pack of 25.
What camera/lens/editing programs do you use?
I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark II and a 50mm f/1.4 lens, which I hardly ever take off. I also shoot with an additional 5D for weddings, along with a 24-70mm f/2.8.
I do most of my photo editing in Lightroom, and only bring images into Photoshop for minor color correction and skin/eye retouching.
To learn more about my work, please visit my Formspring profile. You can browse through questions that I’ve been previously asked, or ask a new one of your own!
Do you photograph weddings?
Due to my busy schedule as a full-time student, I’m unable to accept many wedding jobs because they’re booked so far in advance. However, I do accept 2-3 jobs every year, so if you’re interested, please e-mail me your wedding date and I’ll let you know if I’m available!
If my session includes 30 photos, do you take more than that?
I generally shoot at least five times the amount of photos guaranteed for your session in order to make sure that we end up with great photos! For example, if your session includes 30 photos, I’ll shoot *at least* 150 frames and then narrow them down later. This way, you can be sure you don’t end up with blurry shots, or photos in which everyone’s eyes are closed! :)
**If you have any other questions, please feel free to email me at kate@kateLphotography.com!**
