Frequently Asked Questions

  • The first step is scheduling a quick discovery call. This gives us a chance to connect, talk through what you’re envisioning, and make sure the session you choose is the right fit. After the call, I’ll send you a proposal with your package options, contract, and invoice. Once your contract is signed and your retainer is paid, your date is officially reserved.

  • Once your session is confirmed, you’ll receive a short questionnaire so I can get to know you (and your family, partner, or pet(s)!) better. If you’d like, we can also schedule a planning call to go over outfits, locations, or any special details. You’ll also receive a prep guide with helpful tips so you feel ready and relaxed on session day. Everything is organized in your client portal, so you’ll always know where to find your materials. Final edited images are delivered within 2 to 3 weeks from the time you select your favorites from your proofing gallery.

  • Here’s what you can expect:

    • Sneak Peek → within 72 hours of your session.

    • Proofing Gallery (lightly edited, watermarked) → within 7 days.

    • Client Selection → you’ll have 5 days to make your choices directly in the gallery.

    • Final Gallery (fully edited, high-resolution) → within 2–3 weeks of your selection date.

Booking & Process

  • Of course! Most people start out feeling a little unsure. My job is to help you feel at ease so we capture natural, authentic moments. I’ll guide you through posing and prompts, but often the best images come in the candid in-betweens — laughter, connection, and those little moments that feel like you.

  • Yes. Your final images are fully edited for color, exposure, and overall polish. I also include subtle retouching to ensure you look your best, while keeping the images authentic and true-to-life.

  • Only your proofing gallery is watermarked to protect your images during the selection process. Your final, high-resolution images will never include watermarks.

Client Experience

  • Sessions can happen outdoors in the Rochester & Finger Lakes area, at your home, or in my home studio. We’ll talk through options during planning to make sure the location feels true to your story.

    Looking for location inspiration? These are some of my favorite local spots for photos.

  • Yes! Travel within 25 miles of downtown Rochester (ZIP 14604) is included. For sessions beyond that, a tiered mileage fee applies. Any additional costs like parking, tolls, or permits are billed at cost. Just let me know your location, and I’ll confirm all details before you book.

  • Absolutely! Pets are always welcome.

    • If your animals are the main focus, please book a Pet Session so we can dedicate the full time to them.

    • If your session is people-focused (portraits, couples, family), one pet may join for a few photos at no extra cost.

    • Additional pets can be included for a small fee, since they require extra time and planning.

    For everyone’s safety, please note that owners are responsible for pets’ behavior and well-being during the session.

  • The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident. Neutral or coordinating tones tend to photograph beautifully, and I recommend avoiding overly busy patterns. After booking, you’ll receive a prep guide with outfit tips and inspiration to help you feel camera-ready.

Session Prep & Logistics

  • Weather in upstate New York can be unpredictable, but don’t worry — we’ll keep an eye on the forecast and make a decision together. If conditions aren’t suitable for your session, we’ll reschedule to the soonest available date that works for both of us. My priority is making sure you have the best experience and images, and sometimes that means waiting for better light or weather.

  • Life happens, and I try to be as flexible as possible while keeping things fair for all clients. Retainers are non-refundable, but one reschedule is allowed with at least 48 hours’ notice, and the new date must be within 12 months of your original session. Additional reschedules will require a new retainer. If a session is canceled within 7 days of the scheduled date, all payments are forfeited.

    On the day of your session, if you arrive late, we’ll still need to finish at the originally scheduled end time so we stay on track and make the most of the available light. I recommend planning to arrive a little early so you can settle in and start relaxed.

  • Yes! Your session fee includes a personal-use license, which means you’re welcome to download, print, and share your images with family, friends, and on social media. The only restriction is that images cannot be altered, sold, or used for commercial purposes without permission. Please also refrain from applying filters or heavy edits to preserve the professional quality of your images. If you’d like to use your photos for something beyond personal use, just let me know — I’m happy to guide you.

  • I love celebrating the stories I capture and may share select images on my website, social media, or in marketing materials. If you’d prefer to keep your images private, you can opt out — simply let me know in writing before your final gallery is delivered.

Policies & Usage

  • Your online PicTime gallery will remain active for 90 days from the delivery date. During that time, you can download your images, use your print credit, and order products directly from the store.

    Please download and safely back up your images before the gallery closes. After 90 days, re-hosting may be available for a 75 dollar archival fee, but availability is not guaranteed.

  • Once your final gallery is delivered, you’ll receive simple instructions for downloading your high-resolution images straight to your computer or device. I always recommend backing them up in at least two places (such as your computer and an external hard drive or cloud storage) to keep them safe long-term.

  • Your PicTime gallery includes a built-in store with professional prints, wall art, albums, and more. You can browse products, preview sizes, and place orders directly through your gallery at any time while it remains active.

    Print credit included with your package can be applied toward anything in the store. If your package does not include print credit, you are always welcome to order prints or products through your gallery or by contacting me.

  • Your gallery includes several helpful features to make the experience simple and enjoyable.

    • High-resolution and web-size downloads with a secure PIN

    • Mobile-friendly viewing on any device

    • A Favorites list to help you select images during proofing

    • Built-in store previews to visualize print and wall art sizes

    • Easy sharing with friends and family

    • Store access for anyone you share the link with

    • Optional hide/show features for sensitive images (if needed)

    These tools make selecting, downloading, and ordering prints effortless.

Galleries & Prints

  • Each package includes a set number of fully edited images depending on the option you choose. After your session, you’ll receive a proofing gallery with a larger selection to choose from.

  • Yes! If you fall in love with more than what’s included in your package, you can add extra images for $25 each. You’ll note your choices in the Image Selection Form, and once your invoice for add-ons is paid, I’ll edit and deliver them with your final gallery.

  • Every session includes:

    • Planning support and a prep guide to help you feel ready, confident, and relaxed on session day.

    • A private proofing gallery of lightly edited, watermarked images. This is where you’ll review your photos and select the number of images included in your package (with the option to purchase extras if you’d like).

    • A private final gallery of fully edited, high-resolution images — your chosen favorites, polished and ready to download, print, and share.

    • A client portal where everything lives in one place: your contracts, invoices, questionnaires, prep guide, and galleries.

    Some packages also include print credits, which can be applied toward professional-quality products from my partnered print lab.

Packages & Deliverables