Photography FAQ

Where do we take pictures at?

I’m what you would call an “on-location” photographer. That means that we will either shoot outside in an urban or nature setting, or in the comfort of your own home. Newborn shoots will always be held at your home. While I’m definitely up for location suggestions, please give your ideas before our scheduled shoot because the lighting might not be the best at the time of our photo shoot. Depending on what “feel” you have for your pictures, I have several location ideas up my sleeve!

How long will a session last?

You can at least rely on a photo shoot to last up to 1 hour and 2 hours at the most. For newborn shoots, there requires a lot of patience between feedings and diaper changes, etc., so newborns make take up to 3 hours.

What type of photography do you do?

I love to have fun and laugh until I cry during my photo shoots and I always strive for the same for my clients! My photography consists of color and true emotion using the world around us as a backdrop. I try to find geometrical beauty in urban settings or the colorful array of nature's goodness. Rather than investing in props and studio backdrops, I use what there is in our environment and invest instead into being a 100% eco-friendly business using recylced and biodegradable products to provide for my clients as well as promoting my business.

What should we wear?

I will send you an information packet that will explain proper clothing choices, what to expect during our shoot, and various information/instructions.

How long before we get to view our photos?

I know how excited everyone is to see their photos! I will do my best to put up some sneak peeks sometime during that week on Facebook. However, I put a ton of effort into making sure each individual image is beautifully processed and processing takes time. I always edit photos in order of which they were shot, and depending on my workload, you will see your images 2-4 weeks from our session. For weddings, you can expect to see images 6-8 weeks from the wedding date.

How will I be able to view my images?

As soon as post processing is done, I will set up a blog post for you, your family and friends to see some highlights from our session. A couple of days after the blog post, if you are ready to order prints, you will have a password protected online gallery of 25-40 images to view. From there you can use your $200 print credit. Any additional orders made can be paid via most major credit cards from your online gallery. Once your gallery is up for viewing, you have up to 7 days to order your prints. Any additional 7 days added is a $25 fee.

Wedding images:

From your online gallery, you will choose (depending on your package choice) which photos will be released on DVD…as well as what images you would like to put in your album.

Do you process black and whites?

Yes! Each image will be processed in both color and black and white for you to see. However, a black and white image is considered an individual photo and is sold separately from the color image.

You can just photoshop it out, right?

Please keep in mind that to post process an image takes time. Whereas I can do some CRAZY, insane things in photoshop, I limit my time to only enhancing your photos and taking out blemishes that let’s say won’t be there in a couple of weeks! If you are subconscious about any scarring, moles, etc., please let me know and I will be happy to remove them! Yet, things such as stains on a shirt, a runny nose or food on the face, messy hair, etc. takes a lot of time to edit/fix. If your child or you happen to get a stain, we can either just go with it, or you can change into another outfit. It’s important to have back-up wardrobe for our shoot. Don’t forget I always have wipees and more than likely a pen stain remover on hand! Ooh, and don’t forget your hairbrush.

Do you sell the rights to your images?

I do! In fact, you can use your $200 print credit toward your high resolution files on DVD. The cost of a DVD with all of the images from your gallery is $650…so if you decide after our shoot that you want to buy all of the photos on DVD, then your remaining balance will just be $450. This only gives you the rights to the photos, not to crop, edit, or modify in any way. Your DVD will come in a fancy case and box that will define it as YOURS photos to use over and over again for years to come! I will also include a nifty pamphlet explaining the best way to print your photos.

What form of payment do you take and when is payment due?

I accept most credit cards via online, check or cash. Because I have a minimum number of sessions a month and I’m booked in advance, full payments of $350 is due at booking to ensure your spot on my schedule. Due to the nature of this product, all sales are final and non-refundable. They are transferrable, though (ex: if you need to cancel your session, you can gift your session to another, use it for a later date, or put it toward a wedding deposit). If you order additional prints during your 7-day gallery viewing, the same form of payment applies. Prints will not be ordered until payment is received in full.

Wedding Payment:

As far as weddings go, my wedding packages start at $1750 and a 25% retainer fee is due at booking. You do have the ability to upgrade your package at a later date, but your remaining balance is due 2 weeks before your wedding date. The retainer fee is non-refundable and is also transferrable (ex: you can gift is or use it toward a photo session)

Why are pictures so expensive?

This is probably the biggest question amongst consumers looking to hire a professional photographer. The term “expensive” can be subjective. For example, if you decide to invest into a comfortable mattress that will last you 20 years, $350 might not seem that costly if not fairly inexpensive. But for pictures, you may not view it from the same perspective.

So let’s break it down a little bit. The cost and maintenance of photography Natalie Mitchell
Portrait & Wedding Photography
4921 17th St
Lubbock, TX 79416
Ph. (806) 559-8287 equipment, computers and software in itself runs in the 1,000s of dollars, if not 10s of 1000s of dollars. I only invest in the best of equipment to ensure high-end quality. I own Canon & Apple products and it’s important to keep up with repairs, replacements and upgrades. There are also marketing expenses, VAT/taxes, insurance, business development costs, and anything you can think of when it comes to owning a business that is legit and legal. And of course the TIME of hours upon hours and the thousands of dollars I’ve spent investing into learning to my best ability how to provide ROCKING photos that you will love and cherish, and when taken care of correctly, for 100s of years to come.

I go beyond just clicking a button…I really feel confident in knowing what I’m doing…and continue to do so by taking time and investment away from my family to learn these things. I devote a lot of time and expense into my clients’ satisfaction with their portraits. When all is said and done and the expenses I invest out of my own pocket, I still have to be able to help provide for my family and put food on the table. They are, after all, my life and my priority; therefore, my knowledge and ability and my time away from them is valuable.