{Frequently Asked Questions}
Documenting Everyday Photography
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED AND WHAT AREAS DO YOU COVER?
I'm located in Augusta, Georgia and my session range is 30 miles from 30809. If you are outside this area, I'd still love to come to you with an additional travel fee. One or two times a year I will have sessions in different cities and travel fees are waived during those days. Let me know if you are interested in having me come to your city.
WHAT IS "DOCUMENTARY" PHOTOGRAPHY?
Documentary photography is not pretty posed photos in a flowery field. On the contrary, documentary photography is candid, unscripted, unplanned, storytelling of real life. It's the funny, hectic, messy, sweet kisses, laughing, skinned knees photos that show all the personality of your family members. I don't stop taking photos for a kid melt down or tears - that is part of life! Though I try to stay true to taking purely documentary style images, I may veer slightly and turn on lights or open the blinds but I do not use flash. I only use as much natural and ambient light as is available.
WHAT DO WE DO DURING OUR SESSION?
At our first meeting, we'll plan your session and talk about activities your family does. At the beginning of shorter sessions, I may guide you a little to help you get comfortable but by the end of the session, everything is happening naturally. I usually suggest you choose a shorter activity that your family typically enjoys together (ice cream party, playing in the park, baking cookies or breakfast, game night, etc). Day in the Life sessions usually start off unscripted because parents are usually in full gear getting breakfast started and getting the kids ready for the day when I arrive in the morning. Longer sessions let everyone relax more as the session progresses and might even forget I'm there. Those longer sessions can include a few every day activities as well (preparing meals, grocery shopping, bed time, and everything in between). The most important thing in any session is I want you to relax and be yourself.
WHAT TYPE OF SESSIONS DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH?
I started as a birth photographer in 2011 and I will continue to document those but I am now also documenting life outside the delivery room -- families... but a family doesn't have to be one with children in the photos. Young couples and newlyweds early in their relationship, or empty nesters on a new adventure in life after the kids have gone, these times of your life all have special places too. Even grandparents spending time with the grandkids, document each stage of life to leave behind your legacy for the next generation.
I also document businesses! Want to show your clients what you are all about? How your business works? How products are made? Let them connect with you by seeing the behind the scenes of your business. Make yourself more personable to them in your publications and on your website.
I JUST NEED TO LOSE A FEW MORE POUNDS BEFORE I SCHEDULE...
From one mom to another, the people in your life love you for who you are. Right now. Even with every extra pound you'd like to get rid of. We moms add so much guilt on our shoulders trying to meet some unrealistic expectation of pretty and it keeps us from living life to the fullest, and being in the photos for our kids to remember us. Your family needs to see the woman and mom they love in photos. They won't look at them in 10 years and see 30 extra pounds, they see the one who loved them, fed them, dressed them, carpooled them, hugged them, and advised them. Your family does not love you differently based on your clothing size. I understand your desire to look and feel your best, I'm right there with you, but please don't wait! Don't wait to be lighter or to have a neater home. Document your life today with all the faults you *think* you have because I promise that you are the only one who thinks they are faults.
WHAT DOES THE SESSION FEE INCLUDE?
The session fee is required hold your session date on my calendar. Since sessions are limited each month, it is non-refundable and ensures the time is reserved for you. The fee covers the time for the consult, the session, editing and preparing your images, and the proofing and purchasing session. All prints, products, and digital files are purchased separately.
ARE DIGITAL FILES AND PRINTS INCLUDED WITH MY SESSION?
Professionally finished prints, digital negatives, and custom products are NOT included in the session fee. Clients typically invest $500 - $2500+ on their purchase. A full price list is available at our first meeting. Gift prints start at $45. Wall art starts at $395. Albums start at $795.
CAN I GET DIGITAL FILES/NEGATIVES?
Completed, high resolution digital jpegs are available for purchase. The digital file of the photos you have printed as wall art (16x20 and larger) will have that digital image included with that purchase.
WHY DO WE NEED TO HAVE A CONSULTATION?
Documentary photography is very personal. I will be spending 2 to 8 hours with your family and I want us to get to know each other in advance. I want to get all of the cordial "nice to meet you" out of the way so we are not strangers on session day. If you and I know each other more in advance, you will be more relaxed during your session. Also, we'll talk about what you want to accomplish during the session and complete a questionnaire so I can get to know your family members better. These sessions are not "one size fits all". We'll go over the contract, the price list, and product samples so you are prepared to purchase during the proofing session.
WHEN AND WHERE WILL MY SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?
I try and book sessions on weekdays, but can accommodate a weekend if planned in advance. Weekend sessions are limited so you might have to wait a month or two before a weekend time becomes available. Sessions can take place at your home (my personal favorite) or somewhere that your family frequents. As long as the location means something to you and your family, we can photograph your session there.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK?
The earlier the better! I only book a few sessions every month, including birth sessions, to allow me to give the best customer service and get your images back to you quickly. I suggest you book at least 4 weeks in advance.
HOW LONG ARE THE SESSIONS?
Storytelling sessions are 2, 4, and 8 hours. Soon to come are full Day in the Life sessions which will be approx. 12 hours.
WHEN WILL WE SEE OUR PHOTOS?
Approximately 3 weeks after your session, I'll come to your home to reveal your images. This is fun evening with smiles, laughs, and some happy tears. This proofing and purchasing session lasts about 90 minutes depending on the length of your original session. You will order and pay for your prints and products at this session. I do not offer online galleries for viewing images.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
I accept cash, check, and the major credit cards
WHAT IF I NEED TO RESCHEDULE DUE TO A FAMILY ILLNESS/EMERGENCY?
I understand with families, anything can happen. I ask that you let me know at least 48 hours before your scheduled session so that we can reschedule without losing your session fee. Sessions can be rescheduled once due to an illness/emergency. After a 2nd cancellation/reschedule, the session fee will be forfeited and a new session fee is required to book a new date.
HOW MANY IMAGES WILL I SEE?
I will take LOT of photos during your session. You will not see all of those images at your proofing and purchasing session. I only choose the best images from the session that ensure there is variety. Many images have closed eyes, might not be in focus, not flattering, or might be duplicates and these images are deleted. You will be presented with a gallery of a minimum of 25 images *for every hour* of your session.
Still have questions?
Please call or email me, and we'll schedule a time to chat on the phone. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have. 706-394-3731 or info@AugustaBirthPhotography.com (this email is for both Augusta Birth and Documenting Everyday photography)