Frequently Asked Questions

 

What should we wear?

If you have no idea where to begin in picking out clothing for your photo shoot, don't worry!  I am happy to offer some suggestions!  
Typically when asked about clothing choices, I suggest to families to pick out one persons outfit and then branch off from there. 
For instance, when we took our family photographs I had found a sweater for my daughter that I absolutely loved!  It was cream colored with a large cozy hood and had accents of red, pink and brown.  From there I chose brown shirts for the boys and a cream colored shirt for me with a large cozy red scarf for an accent color.  In general, things that photograph well include layers, bright colors and accessories (scarves, boots, hats, chunky jewelry, etc).

Many families and/or large groups tend to lean towards the 'all in white' or 'all in black' look with jeans. 
I understand this is the easiest solution when you are dealing with a large group of people and coordinating outfits but unfortunately you end up looking like one large blob.  My suggestion to larger groups is to pick out two or three complimentary colors and/or an accent color for the group. 
For example, this large family that chose white, navy and gray with yellow as an accent color for their session.  Perfection!

 

 

We've never had family pictures taken.  What do we do?  What if my child is having a bad day?

Whether you've never had a family pictures taken or have had them taken every year, it can always be a little nerve wracking to have everyone dressed and ready to go with a smile the day of the session {especially for Mom}.  As a Mother of three, I understand this is no small task. 
When the session begins, relax!  My sessions are laid back and involve a lot of playing, joking and laughing.  If your child is having a rough day and not acting their normal happy-self - don't worry!  There will be plenty of time to take a breather, grab a snack or do whatever you need to do.  I too, have a lot of tricks in my bag to help the kiddos see that this time together is going to be fun and exciting!

During a typical family session I will get some posed group shots but I like to mix it up a bit.  To me, the best photos are the ones that capture real personalities, whether they be sweet, silly, goofy  or even a little bit grumpy!  

Most sessions last about an hour to an hour and a half with 'real life' shoots lasting up to three hours in length.

 

 

Where do we take our photos?

Location, location, location. 
I am an on-location, natural light photographer.  With the exception of cash smash and 'real life' sessions, my shoots almost always take place outdoors at the location
of your choice.  So if you were to ask me where?  I would first ask you what type of "look" you were going for? 
These are first and foremost, your photos, so I want you to love them and I want them to speak to you. 
Are you wanting a more urban look, like downtown Minneapolis?  Are you envisioning a more country look out in a field or in nature? 
Or do you simply want them at home in the yard?  Whatever speaks to you is where we should meet for your shoot.

Cake smash sessions take place in a studio and 'real life' sessions take place at your home, mostly inside and occasionally out.

 

 

When will I see my photos?

The second my camera is back in my bag the first question I always get is ... "When do I get to see them!?" 
My answer, typically 2 weeks. 
If you've signed my 'Model Release Form' prior to your shoot I will usually put up a "sneak peek" a few days after your shoot on Facebook or on my Blog. 
These image(s) are just a teaser to tide you over until you receive your gallery. 
Approximately one to two weeks following your shoot I will send you an email explaining that your images are done and will provide you with a password to view the gallery on my website.  As most of my sessions include some prints or wrapped canvas pieces, please let me know ASAP which image numbers you would like as part of your session fee.  I will place this order as soon as I receive this information from you.

I will keep your gallery up on my website for 3 weeks.  This should be ample time for you to view the images and share your password with your family and friends. 
Should you wish to order additional prints and/or a Flash Drive of your session, please place this order with me within the 3 week timeframe. 

*Please see the Pricing tab for further information on print/digital file pricing.  Image files are not included in the Session fee.

 

 

What is a Model Release Form?  What is a Copyright Release Form?

Once you have booked a session with me and paid your deposit, I will forward you a Model Release Form.  This form allows me to post images of you on my Jen Carlson Photography LLC Facebook Page and/or my Blog.  If you agree to it, this form will also let me utilize some of your images on future print and marketing materials. 

Should you purchase a Flash Drive of your session, I will include a Copyright Release Form.  This form allows you to print your images for your personal use.  However, this Copyright Release Form restricts you from using the images commercially.  This form also states that you are allowed to post pictures on your Facebook page and/or personal blog as long as you give credit for the images to Jen Carlson Photography LLC.

 

Why should I print through Jen Carlson Photography LLC?

So you've paid the Session fee and bought the Flash Drive with the Copyright Release ... So WHY would you print through me, when you could get your prints for cheaper somewhere else??   

Some photographers offer the images as part of their session fee.  I believe in giving you the option to purchase a Flash Drive for your archival purposes and keeping your session fee at an affordable rate. 
I want for you to be able to print your images years from now and as a Mother, I would want every picture of my child.  They grow so fast!

That being said, I tell my clients that if you paid to have a professional photographer take your photos WHY would you turn around and have them printed at Target, Costco or Walgreens??  If you are going to create something to display in your home I strongly recommend printing through Jen Carlson Photography LLC. 
While I offer my prints at a very reasonable price, the paper I use is professional quality and the colors will be vibrant and true to the original digital file.
There is an astonishing difference in color integrity between the professional printers I use, and the printers at discount stores. 
In addition, during the re-sizing process the quality of an image can be compromised if re-sized incorrectly.

 Should you choose to print through me, your images will be printed on a professional paper that will last for years to come. If you would like to upgrade to metallic paper, or to have your images printed on canvas or metal, please contact me for pricing details.

  *Other custom sizes or products are also available upon request.