Question 1

How soon should I book?

Accepted Answer

Once you know that you want to book your session, the sooner the better to ensure availability and time to plan and prepare for your session. I have few dates per month available for sessions and I take a limited number of bookings each week.
For newborn sessions, this is especially important as I currently only offer one newborn session in a day and I often need to order items for a session. 
Once I receive your completed questionnaire with your requests/preferences, and depending on what and where items are coming from, it can take time to be processed, shipped and then arrive. Short notice bookings are still possible, however they will be set up with what I have on hand in my studio at the time.
For full customization and to ensure I can bring your full vision to life, please book as soon as possible at least 2-3 months prior to your due date.

Question 2

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Booking is simple and takes just minutes!
Just head on over to my contact page (https://www.littleandsweetphotography.ca/contact-melony)and send me a message there or if you are a DIY'er, I offer an online booking form which you can find here (https://www.littleandsweetphotography.ca/booking)and it will take you through selecting your session type/package, date, pay the session retainer, fill in the contract and complete a brief questionnaire to help me get an idea of what you are looking for in your session.

Question 3

What if I need to re-schedule?

Accepted Answer

I understand that things come up and/or can prevent your session from happening on the scheduled day so I do allow re-scheduling if there is an emergency situation, due to health or poor weather.
This applies to both of us and while I have not had to re-schedule a session for any reason besides weather, I am human as well and understanding must be equal for emergencies or poor health.
With regards to weather, I do wait until the day of to make the call as our forecasts can change almost hourly and we may get lucky and beat whatever poor weather is on the way so I generally do not re-schedule for this reason until I have confirmation that we cannot proceed.

Question 4

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

While I have not had any cancellations, it is something to be prepared for as unfortunately they can happen.
When you book your session, a 50% session retainer fee is due and this fee holds your date and time and covers my time and financial investment up until your session takes place.
Due to the nature of custom photography and that the majority of my sessions take place on weekends and those dates are valuable and limited especially for newborns, I turn away all other inquiries for your date and as such I need to be protected in the event of a cancellation.
To be fair to all of my clients and myself, this 50% session retainer fee is non-refundable but can be transferred to another date.

Question 5

Do you charge GST?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I do. I am a registered business with Canada Revenue and must charge GST to all clients, for all services and products.

I am a legally operating business which means I am licensed, charge and pay taxes on my income as required by law.

Question 6

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

I currently accept e-transfer, cash and visa or mastercard. I also offer payment plans so you are able to get everything you are wanting out of your session.

Question 7

What if my child is uncooperative during my session?

Accepted Answer

This can be a tough one because no one knows your children better than you however I have worked with many families over the years with all different types of children and I have yet to come across a child I cannot photograph.
It comes down to an understanding of children, the different ages and stages and how to best gain their trust if only for a few minutes to capture some great images. I get down on their level, I lay on the ground so they can sit beside me and look at my camera. I show them what's on it and they love seeing themselves on the screen. I let them show me things and I get excited about the things they're excited about. I don't tell them to sit or stand and smile at me, I follow them and play peek a boo around things and I keep my camera up at all times. 
The images I capture of young children aren't always posey but my client's favorite images are the candids, the ones of their children just being themselves because that's where I capture who they are at that stage in their life and those are the most genuine smiles.
My early childhood education and experience running a dayhome and working with children of all ages and abilities gives me a great head start in being able to work with your children and that combined with your open and honest communication about your child, their personality, their likes/dislikes etc, I am positive we will be successful!
The most important piece of advice I can give parents is not to go into this with the expectation that your child will not cooperate, even if you're basing that opinion off of past experiences. The best thing we can all do is be patient and calm and allow your child to be free to run and explore and give them time to warm up to this strange person following them with a camera.
I need you to trust that I know what I am doing and I have the knowledge and experience to help your child be a part of your portrait session, however they are able to do so.

Question 8

Who owns the copyright of my images?

Accepted Answer

As the creator and artist of the images, under Canadian copyright law I am the copyright owner of the images however you do have the freedom to share and use your images for personal use only and they must remain unaltered. This means no editing or filters can be added.
I offer full printing services however my clients are able to take their purchased digital files anywhere they like for printing with the understanding that I cannot control or guarantee color or quality if you choose not to print through myself or at a professional print lab.
What you cannot do is provide them to any sort of commercial entity for commercial use or sale, so if an organization or company contacts you about using my artwork to promote their business, just send them my way and I would be happy to discuss a usage agreement. This includes any business you may operate.

Question 9

Do you deliver the RAW files?

Accepted Answer

I do not offer RAW files as these are created by myself to ensure the maximum amount of information received as possible to work with, and the final images representative of my work are what you as the client receive.

Like a meal at a restaurant or a cake from the bakery, I provide a finished product rather than the ingredients to make it.

RAW files are not representative of my work, these are the original files of the created images that are then hand edited by myself to create the final artwork for delivery and use.

Question 10

How long does it take to receive my photos?

Accepted Answer

Every session is different and this depends on how many sessions I have on the go at one time as well as how many images I am working with from your session. 
I edit and deliver galleries in the order that sessions are done so I do not believe in bumping up one over another, each client deserves the same amount of effort, time and priority from me. If you have an event for which you need your images for, you need to plan accordingly and ensure the time between your session and the event are not too close together.
General turnaround time on portrait sessions is 2 weeks but some circumstances may require additional time.

Question 11

How many photos do I receive?

Accepted Answer

Every gallery is different and there is no set number of images taken or delivered in your proofing gallery. Generally, most full session galleries have at least 30 images in them, some a lot more. Your package will include a specified number of digitals but you do have the option to purchase as many additional images available in your gallery as you like if they're available. Mini sessions will have a specific number of images included.

Question 12

Do you offer sessions outside of Lethbridge?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! I'm born and raised in Lethbridge so I've pretty much used all the areas around here and I love venturing out of the city for some new scenery for some amazing photography! If you have a great location in mind for your next session, I am totally up for some travel, subject to a travel fee depending on how far out we go!

Question 13

Am I allowed to share my images online?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! You are free to share and print your images as you wish, for personal use only and so long as they remain unaltered and without filers of any kind.

It is not required but very much appreciated if you tag my business page or name. Word of mouth is my main source of business so if you love your images, please let others know where you had them done!

Have questions? If your question is not answered here, please reach out and I will be happy to assist!

Lethbridge and area Newborn, Child and Family Photographer