● WHAT IS IT LIKE PHOTOGRAPHING OUTSIDE?

ON LOCATION / ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAITS : I have extensive experience (and a LOT of genuine LOVE for) finding the great compositions and light to make the most of almost any location, so if you have a connection to a certain area or feel (urban, rural, mountain, your home, etc.) let’s discuss and make it happen! Some of my all time favorite shots have things like messy parking lots or busy streets in the background, but don’t worry, you won’t even notice them in the final photos. Weather can be an issue, so I’ll stay in touch with you prior to your session if conditions may not be ideal for your desired session look. In general I do recommend postponing sessions in high winds, temperatures above 85F and temperatures below 40F degrees. If it’s cold I recommend bringing a warm jacket to regain heat between looks. Turning blue doesn’t look great in portraits.

IN STUDIO : My specialty is truly in setting you in a vibrant natural or urban environment, but if you prefer a more controlled setting, there are limited studio opportunities in Denver. This requires advance booking and additional studio fees.

● WHAT SHOULD I WEAR / BRING TO MY PHOTO SESSION?

Wear clothes that compliment your skin tone. BRING OPTIONS! If you are an actor or model getting head shots, style your clothing, hair and makeup as you would for an audition. Think about fabric texture, complimenting your natural coloring and limit jewelry as it can be distracting. Think about style choices that support your look or brand. Generally, simple necklines are preferable, big prints tend to be distracting, and color photographs better in a headshot (tends to bring out your features such as eyes, hair, skin tone) than solid solid black or white... unless we have discussed a specific theme for your shoot. If you are an actor or model creating head shots for an agent, its a great idea to check with your agent to see if they have specific requests regarding styling.

● HOW SHOULD MY FAMILY DRESS FOR OUR SHOOT?

Families look best when you can all agree on a few tones (two primary and one accent, for example) and then everyone finds something they love to fit this theme. No need to be too matchy, but coordinating simply so everyone is happy and not clashing will make a HUGE difference in the cohesion of the final photographs. If you are planning photos for a space in your home, it is great to keep this in mind while making decisions regarding palette. If you need ideas, check out my Pinterest board for inspiration!

ALSO SEE THESE "PHOTO SESSION PREPARATION" POSTS FROM THE BLOG

● WHAT DOES MY PHOTO SESSION FEE COVER?

Your session fee covers time and talent of the photographer. Included in this is a pre-consultation (via email for headshots, in person if possible for seniors & personal branding sessions) to design your session, the photo session itself, several hours of digital artistic edit of your session photos, archiving of files. For all CREATIVE PORTRAIT sessions (seniors/women’s portrait), it also includes your viewing/ordering session (see below). For all HEADSHOT sessions, the fee includes on-line proofing gallery and retouching on your final finished file(s) per package details.

● WHAT IF I NEED TO RESCHEDULE?

Your session is booked with a non-refundable session retainer. I recognize that everyone's time is valuable, and life can be crazy! Please understand that scheduling a photo shoot often involves coordinating multiple people's calendars (hair & makeup artists, photo assistants, etc.), as well as scheduled photography permits or payments to book specific time in studios, etc. If we need to reschedule due to sickness or inclement weather, your booking retainer/deposit IS transferable. For all other rescheduling requests, please note that with 72 hours notice, your session retainer may be transferred once to a new session booking time/date. After the first rescheduling, or if you'd like to reschedule within 72 hours of your session, please note that there is a $150 REBOOKING FEE to schedule a new session date and time.

● WHAT IS AN "IN PERSON REVEAL / ORDERING SESSION?" { women's portrait, high school senior & family sessions }

I love to show your session photos to you in person for several reasons, including making sure the color is seen correctly (monitors are ALL different!) and this way I can help guide you with image selection and/or artwork placement in your home (clients are sometimes overwhelmed by this process without guidance). I am happy to come to your home so we can sit in your space with the images, or we can meet at my studio or a favorite coffee shop (not available for women's portrait sessions). I will also have samples to show you of some of our most popular items, so you can see and feel the quality for yourself before deciding on an investment.

● ARE YOUR PHOTO PRODUCTS ARCHIVAL / WILL THEY LAST AS HEIRLOOMS?

I have taken great care to select products based on their quality and acid-free, archival nature. It is of utmost importance to provide high integrity products based on their heirloom characteristics. As long as they are well cared for, they should last for generations. Please note that digital files are NOT archival and in fact, will likely become corrupt and/or unreadable over time (remember floppy drives? CDs are on that path!). This is the heartfelt soul behind my strong suggestion that photos should be printed to protect your investment.

● DO YOU SELL HIGH RESOLUTION DIGITAL FILES?

Your photos should be PRINTED if you want them to last for years (let alone generations -- keep in mind that digital files will get lost, corrupt and/or become unreadable over time — remember compact discs? The USB sticks that are already so last year?) I absolutely recognize that many clients do want digital files (for social media, etc.), and once you've ordered a print, that photograph should be yours... so every print or canvas you purchase INCLUDES the accompanying sized high resolution digital file and a print/digital release. If you invest in a finished photo... the print AND file are YOURS!

● HOW LONG BEFORE I CAN SEE MY PHOTOGRAPHS?

HEADSHOTS: on-line proofing galleries are typically posted within 2-3 days. Final, retouched photos are available within 1-2 days after you have made your final selections (if you have a quick turnaround deadline, please let me know ahead of time and I'll do my best to accommodate).

PERSONAL BRANDING sessions should expect a week's turnaround for proofs and another 3-5 days for receipt of final photographs. Again, if you have a deadline, please discuss with me prior to booking and I'll always do my best to accommodate!

SENIORS / WOMEN’S PORTRAITS: Creative editing takes time and I'm going to order you beautiful, retouched, fine art prints for your reveal! You should hear from me within 2 weeks after your photoshoot to schedule your viewing and ordering session.

● DO YOU HAVE A CLIENT REFERRAL PROGRAM?

YES!! There is no greater compliment than when a happy client sends a referral! And I love to thank my referrals! I offer a $25 studio credit for every paying referral client you send our way... please tell your friend to mention how they found me!

● HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION THAT ISN'T ANSWERED HERE?

I'd love to talk with you! Feel free to call me (970) 708-2065 or email jennifer@merrittdesignphoto.com