FAQ - Portrait Sessions
Common questions that we receive on portrait sessions.
- How far in advance should I book my session?
- I usually recommend 1-2 months . I usually like to have a backup plan as well, since the portraits will be outdoors - so it would be good to have two dates in mind when you contact me.
- How long will my session last?
- Depending on the session. The Senior session usually lasts about 2-2.5 hours. Family/Portrait Sessions last about an 1-1.5 hours, depending on the number of people in the photos.
- Where will it be?
- I do not have a studio, so our session will be at an outdoor location. Usually the sessions take place at parks, schools etc. If you don’t have preferences, I have a few recommendations that I can give you once I understand the look you’re wanting for your photos.
- Can other people be included in my photos?
- Absolutely! This is your photo session! If you could just let me know beforehand so I'm prepared, that would be helpful.
- For family sessions, there is an additional charge for more than 5 family members - due to the additional time it takes.
- What do I need to bring?
- Whatever you want in the picture. For seniors, it's always good to think about what extra curricular activities you've been involved with. Band instruments, football, basketball, soccerball, baseball bat/glove, cheerleading outfit/poms etc. Your vehicle is also a good prop - so if you want to use that as well, make sure it's squeaky clean inside and out.
- I don’t want the same photos as everyone else. Can you make mine original?
- My goal is to capture your memories - and you! You make the picture unique, just by being yourself. I will try my best to make your picture unique.
- Can I incorporate my car into the photos?
- Absolutely! If you do, make sure it's clean inside and out.
- What should I do to prepare for the session?
- Plan your wardrobe. Coordinate family clothes, but don't try to completely match them unless you want to go with all black tops/jeans or all white tops/jeans. Other colors have too much variation in them to completely match. It's much better to coordinate colors.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Think ahead of any specific poses you've seen that you like - and let me know.
- If you have specific item you're wanting for a location in your house - let me know that too. For example - if you're wanting a family canvas that's 20x30 over the fireplace in the living room.
- Get ready to smile, because this session will be fun!!
- If I want to shoot on the school property, how do we obtain permission to do so?
- You will need to contact the school and find out their specific requirements ahead of time.
- This is my first time having professional photos taken. What should I expect?
- You will probably be either apprehensive or excited for the fIrish few pictures. Then you will settle in and we will start getting pictures where you are more comfortable and more YOU!
- Do you have the option of taking my yearbook headshot?
- I can take it, however depending on the school they may not allow it in the yearbook. You should check with the yearbook staff at the school ahead of time.
- If it rains, do you have a studio to shoot at?
- I do not. If it rains, we will need to reschedule. It’s always good to have backup days and times worked out with me - because in Arkansas…. Weather happens!
- I’m shy. Won’t it be awkward having my family stare at me while the shoot is going on?
- Usually by the time we get going and taking pictures you forget about them. And if not … we may give them an errand to run! :)
- Who all should come to the shoot?
- That’s completely up to you. I do find that the fewer “extra” people, the faster the session goes and the more comfortable you are and not looking to others for their thoughts.
- I want my photos taken in different weather season or school season (e.g. homecoming). Is that an option?
- I can do specific sessions - just let me know what you’re thinking and we can look at options.
- Will these images be posted online or any social networks?
- They will be posted to a private gallery for you to download. I sometimes do posts online and by allowing me to take your pictures, you agree to that.
- Will I have the option to use props?
- Absolutely - the goal is to capture YOU, your moments and experiences.
- How do I go about securing my session?
- Please reach out to me at lisa@lisablountphotography.com
- The products listed on your site are different from others I’ve seen. Is there any way to get different products?
- Yes. My focus is fine art photography - so I have the full options behind that as well as just photos. Let me know what you’re wanting and I can give you a quote.
- When is the best time of year to schedule my session?
- Usually August thru October
- What happens if you’re sick or are unable to shoot the session on the scheduled day?
- We will reschedule to a different time. Life’s too busy to share sickness around!!
- How will I know how to pose?
- I will help you with this. The goal is to be NATURAL.
- How many outfit changes can I have?
- Outfit changes just cut into your time. I usually recommend no more than 2-3 outfit changes.
- I really don’t like “X” about me. Can we shoot around it?
- How long have you been shooting seniors?
- I have been shooting senior sessions since 2014. I have been doing portraits since 2006.
- Can this session be done at multiple locations?
- Absolutely! In fact for senior sessions, I recommend that.
- What other locations options do you suggest?
- I usually try for common areas - waterfalls, lakes, parks, building, school exterior etc.
- In your professional opinion, how much time do you think is needed for the session?
- Depending on. Your selected session, how many pictures you want and locations - I have given my best estimate in the descriptions.
- I prefer black and white images. Will you edit them in color and black and white?
- I definitely do color and can do black/white upon request.
- Is there an extra fee for creative edits?
- It depends what the “creative edit” is. If it’s simply adding a year, name etc. there will not be an additional charge for Packages A & B.
- How many photos do you typically take during the session?
- It all depends on the session. I have a tendency to take a lot of pictures.
- How many photos will I receive?
- That depends on which package you purchase. You can always purchase additional photos if needed.
- Do you offer professional retouching (e.g. zit removal)?
- Yes, I can do that. I still try to make it look natural though.
- How long does it take to get the photos back?
- It depends on my schedule but is usually within 2 weeks. I’m usually just as anxious as you are to see the final product.
- What should I wear?
- Wear comfortable clothes. I don’t recommend a lot of patterns - try to stick with solids.
- What if I wear glasses?
- We can do pictures with or without glasses. Due to the many options of glasses (shading, blue-light etc.), I prefer without, however that is up to you. We just may have to pose you differently to handle it.
- What if my braces are still on at the time of the shoot?
- I can work around some small braces, however if you have fluorescent orange rubber bands zig-zagging thru your mouth - that’s a completely other challenge.
- What time of day would be best for the session?
- I prefer a time when the sun isn’t directly overhead. I usually say late afternoon or late morning.
- Is there any extra cost to include my pet?
- No - just make sure you have someone else there to handle your pet for pictures that do not include him/her.
- If we end up needing more time on the day of the session, can it be added on then?
- What days are you available to shoot senior sessions?
- I’m pretty flexible on days - as long as my schedule is clear.
- Can I order more prints/products later?
- Why is your logo on all the photos? Will the logo be on the prints?
- My goal is to discourage the sharing of proofs that aren’t the final product. There will not be a watermark on the final product.
- What other session fees or taxes are charged?
- Taxes are charged on the session - to comply with state laws. No other “surprise” fees are charged.
- Can I request specific photos to be taken (e.g. grandchildren/grandparents, solo of kids.)
This photo session is all about YOU! I will try my best to accommodate what photos you are wanting and make sure you are happy with the final product!
