GENERAL FAQ ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS

+ How would you describe your photography style?

I call my photography style “a story-driven mix of lifestyle and documentary photography”. It’s a mixture of two genres of photography that allows me to capture real moments while having artistic creativity. You can read more about my style here.

+ What area of Houston do you serve? Do you travel?

Two things to know about me - I love road trips and exploring. I do photography sessions all over the greater Houston area - Sugar Land, Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Stafford, Texas City, Clear Lake, Galveston, League City, Pasadena, Pearland, Friendswood, Missouri City, Bellaire, Galveston, and more. If I haven’t done a location in your area yet, I’ll hit the road to explore the area and most likely find a local coffee shop I’ll fall in love with while I’m there. I do travel outside of Houston for sessions and am often in the Waco or College Station areas on weekends. Sessions I need to travel to may incur a small travel fee.

+ What kinds of sessions do you offer?

Families, Couples, Engagements, Seniors, Portraits, Branding, Lifestyle, Events, Intimate Weddings. I love being behind the camera. That being said, if there’s a session that’s not listed here that you’re interested in, let me know.

The recommend sceduling your sesssion between the 30-37 week mark, making week 34 that perfect sweet spot. This allows for easier movement and no worries about going into labor during your session.

+ I am interested in newborn photos. Do you offer a session for those?

I do offer newborn sessions if you are looking for a documentary and lifestyle type of session instead of the traditional newborn portrait. These sessions typically center around your home taking a peek inside what it looks to be a new mama and dad to your bundle of joy with plenty of close up details. Aren’t baby hands and feet super little and cute?

+ How much is a session?

This totally depends on what you’re looking for! Please check out my pricing page for more information. If you’ve got any additional questions about pricing and packages, let’s chat.

+ Do you offer custom packages?

Yes! I offer the Skeleton package for those who are looking for a completely customizable session, these are typically used for branding needs such as website and social media. The Meteorite package that I offer is for weddings and events which start at a standard rate with additional add-ons.

+ Do you offer mini sessions?

Yes! The timing for when I offer mini sessions varies. The best way to find out when they’re coming up is through my monthly email blasts or by following me on any social channel.

+ Are there discounts for booking multiple sessions?

I do not offer discounts for multiple sessions, however, I would highly encourage you to check out The Eras package which allows you to have 4 sessions (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) throughout one year.

+ How many images are included?

I don’t have a minimum or maximum amount of images I provide. Simply put, if they are great, I deliver them. On average, an hour of coverage yields roughly 75-85 edited images. For mini sessions, you can expect fewer images.

+ Are you available for an in person consultation?

A virtual complimentary consultation is part of the booking process. I do not do in person consultations unless we have officially become story-telling partners or if we have worked together in the past.

+ How does payment work?

Payments can be made with cash, check, or venmo. I do not accept credit cards.

+ What time of day do you book sessions?

I typically book during golden hour - within 2 hours of the sunrise or sunset. If you want a true sunset in your photographs, it will be closer to the 30-45 minutes before the sun goes down when that magic will happen. If this time doesn’t fit your schedule, we can easily schedule at a different time.

+ Where will my session take place?

This totally depends on what you want to do and what you’d like to see in your photographs. Together we will come up with a session that fits how you want to be documented - in nature, in your home, the beach, exploring the metroplex, etc.

+ I don’t have a vision or location in mind. Can you help me find one?

Totally. During the booking process, I’ll be able to get to know you, your desires and photography needs and can help create or refine your vision to ensure you have an incredible location to experience with your people during your session.

+ I/my partner/my kid feel(s) super uncomfortable and awkward in front of the camera. You’re going to help us out, right?

Totally! I am not about to leave you stranded on this. The more comfortable you are with me, the more comfortable you’ll be during your session. Never fear though! I will ease you into your session with games, prompts, stories, some TV talk, and possibly some really lame jokes. I’ve also got a few tricks up my sleeve to loosen you up like us dancing and shaking off those nerves to some Taylor Swift together.

+ We’re not “photogenic”. Can you still get good photos of us?

YESSSS! Hands down, this is a complete yes. I understand being a little wary in front of the camera. I’ve had a few “but” this isn’t going to look good moments myself. It is my job to help you every step of the way from making sure your wardrobe game is solid and making sure that phones are out of pockets and stray hairs are in place. I’ll help bolster your confidence throughout your session. That confidence you’ll be exuding will come through the camera and make YOU look amazing.

+ Can you hold a date for us?

In short, no. I will pencil in your date, but until we officially become story-telling partners with a signed contract in hand, your dream date is up for grabs.

+ I’m saying yes! Now how do I book my session?

YAY! I’m so excited to work with you. Now, let’s get chatting!

FAQ ABOUT YOUR SESSION DAY

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+ What can I expect during my session?

You can expect me to be fully focused on you and our time together. You can expect me to be checking for stray hairs, carrying your stuff, directing you in your experience, and laughing along with you. We’ll play games, tell stories, have tickle fights, get a case of the giggles (or two!), and so much more. I truly believe your session is more than just being in front of my camera, it’s an experience that you and your family can share together.

+ How can I best prepare for my session?

Your goal is to not be stressed on the day of your session - or at least as unstressed as possible. Make sure your clothes are picked out ahead of time and so that you're not running around choosing out outfits and lookng for props the day of the session. Plan out the day by throwing the location we're meeting at into Google Maps to make sure you will have enough time to get ready day. Get plenty of rest and sleep beforehand. Make sure your hangry is under control even if it means eating a quick snack on the way so you're not starving. Make sure you've had some water during the day so your skin is well-hydrated and glowy. Relax and have fun!

+ What do I wear?

Be careful when choosing your clothing - you want something that you feel comfortable and confident in, but that also flatters you. I always suggest wearing coordinating colors (think of a color palette) instead of selecting a singluar color to focus on when choosing wardrobe items which can look too matchy-matchy and weird. Make sure to choose clothing ahead of time to ensure that you're not making a game time decision or are stressed out showing up to the session. I'm always willing to look a palette over, wardrobe pieces, or give you my thoughts on which top is more flattering.

+ What if my child is fussy?

Make sure you prepare for the session so that you are calm and relaxed during your session. It matters and helps the mood of kids so much. Make sure tummies are full (but not too full!) and that naps have been had. Throw water, a snack, and a favorite book into a bag, just in case a break is needed. Remember to make the session fun for them, and they'll react to the fun. I'll get the best photogrpahs I can, even with a fussy little one, but my hope is that coming well prepared and ready to have fun will make your session great for your little one.

+ What if I need to reschedule the session because someone is sick? Or there’s really bad weather?

Please contact me when you first realize you may need to reschedule (48 hours or before is preferred!). We will be in contact on the day of your session so if there's a weather safety problem or someone woke up sick, I do allow for one session reschedule without penalty. Please consult your contract for additional specifics of rescheduling, cancellations, any additional fees, or reach out to me directly.

+ Should I use a hair and makeup team for my session? Is it included?

This is entirely up to you. If you're not super confident in you

+ Should I bring someone for my session?

This totally depends on the session. I don't suggest this for most sessions, unless you're bringing a furry family member - that way they can wrangle if we're getting just humans in for a few photographs. For senior and portrait sessions, I do highly suggest having someone you know come with you as it will help put you at ease in front of the camera. Plus, friends always make things more fun!

+ Can I bring our furry family member?

YESSSSS! I am a dog lover and would love to meet your furry family member. Cats are cool too. Have a bearded dragon that's stolen your heart and you need in your photographs. Yes please! Bring a pal that they're comfortable sitting with for a few photographs so we can document some moments with just the humans.

+ For an in-home session, do I need to clean and have a cute home that looks straight off of Pinterest?

Not at all! It's your space and that's what matters. You don't need to go shoving everything you own into your garage to get that minimalistic, perfectly put-together Pinterest look, but I'd highly encourage getting it session ready like you were going to host a dinner party with friends sans the dinner part. Put things where they normally go, tackle that pile of mail, and give countertops and floors a quick once over. No need to deep clean, but the cleaner your place is, the more relaxed your session will be.

+ What props should I bring?

Some people love props and some could completely leave them. This totally depends on your session and we'll discuss it as we tackle all the details for your day and what you want to document. Announcement sessions do tend to props incorporated in the reveal of what you're announcing.

+ Do we have to feed you during the wedding/event?

Yes please! If I have a second shooter with me, they'll enjoy a plate too. We won't spend a ton of time chowing down on food, but it helps us to not get hangry.

FAQ ABOUT EDITING + SESSION DELIVERY

+ What can I expect after my session?

I try to post a teaser to social media of one of my favorite photographs from your session within the first couple of days, but sometimes life gets in the way and that doesn't happen. My guarantee is to get you your session within 3-4 weeks, but I tend to deliver sessions much quicker than that. If you need a session delivered ASAP, pleae let me know and we can work something out.

+ How will I receive my photos from my session?

You will recieve a beautiful online gallery that is password protected that you can share with loves ones. There is a download code that will allow you to download your session in two sizes - one perfect for printing and a smaller size perfect for use on social media.

+ Can you keep my photographs private from the internet?

I deliver digitally. In the contract, I do have an option for keeping your session private so that it won't appear on my website or on social media.

+ How do I order prints? Do you offer them?

I recommend downloading your gallery and making sure you are sending the images marked as "FOR PRINT" to a reputable printer. I recommend mpix. I currently do not offer prints, but would love to offer this one day in the future.

+ Can you photoshop us?

In general, I only make small adjustments that are tempoary - zits, bug bites, and things of that sort. If there's something you want photoshopped other than these things, I make NO promises, but I'd love to talk about it with you. That being said, my goal is to document the experience we have together, so I will not alter bodies in any way to make body parts

+ Can I crop or use a filter on my photographs?

Please don't! You hired me as your photographer because you trusted me to deliver you photographs that you love that will last as part of your legacy for years to come. I can ensure you that I spend hours poring over every detail of every single session to make sure that everything is perfect before it ever hits your gallery. Mistakes happen though, so if you believe there's a problem with an edit or I missed soemthing, please talk to me.

There's no pressure to tag me, but I'd love to be tagged. It's the main way of people seeing my work and me getting to document more lovely humans and their stories. Tag me by @ashleykarlenphotography, @ashleykarlen or #ashleykarlenphotography