Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Where is your studio?
A: I work almost exclusively on-location.  This is great news for you, because you don't have to sit in traffic worrying about what you forgot at home.  Instead, relax, let the kids play, and I will set up a studio in your home.  I bring lights, backdrops, and of course, my camera.  I also do natural light portraiture, inside and/or outside, which gives your little ones a nice break from staying in one spot on a backdrop.  Plus, we can use items from your home that that are meaningful to your family.

Q: How long do sessions last?
A: It depends on the type of session.  Lifestyle Sessions last approximately one hour, while Standard Studio Sessions last up to 2 hours.  Either option usually allows plenty of time for feeding your newborn, or taking a short break for playing with your toddler, etc., and it ensures you won't feel rushed.

Q: How far in advance should I schedule?
A: Sessions are typically available within 3 weeks.  If you are pregnant and need a maternity session, or if you recently had your baby and need a newborn session (3 weeks old or less) please let me know and I will try to fit you in sooner. 

Q: What happens when you arrive?
A: If you have scheduled a Lifestyle Session, I usually like to come in and check the light with my meter by all of your windows.  Once I find a great spot, I may re-arrange some furniture, etc.  Then, we're all set to start the session.  If you have scheduled a Standard Studio Session, I will usually come in and find the best spot to set up the studio.  It will take me a few minutes to get the studio set up in your home.  During that time, please feel free to do whatever you need to do to finish getting ready.  If you need assistance picking out the right outfit, just let me know. 

Q: Should I have someone there to help me?
A: Typically, I recommend against additional people in the room during the session, as it can be distracting (to me and to the person being photographed).  However, if you feel you need help, by all means, please have someone there.  If you have multiple children, sometimes it can help for someone to take one or more of the children to another room to play so we can concentrate on individual portraits. 

Q: Can I have my camera and/or video camera out during the session to capture the event?
A: I understand your enthusiasm for capturing a special event, and I don't mind a few short video clips, as long as it does not become distracting to me or the person being photographed.  However, I do not allow cameras, because not only is it distracting (the person being photographed doesn't know where to look), but also because my equipment is set up in "slave" mode which means that the lights will automatically go off when another flash goes off - whether it's the little flash on your camera, or my big flash behind the softbox.  Besides, you are paying me to capture the moment, so sit back and relax and let me do my job. 

Q: Can I order black and white as well as color?
A: Yes!  In addition to black and white and color, you can also choose from sepia (an old-fashioned brown tone), colorwash (a soft "wash" of color), or selective color (when one part of the image is in color and the rest is in black and white.)  There is no additional charge for any of these options, so choose the one that suits you and your home best.  Proofs are typically shown in both black and white and color, and after ordering, you do have the option to see one of your images in another option before printing.

Q: What should we wear?
A: Solid colored, simple clothing is the best for a classic portrait.  Prints, plaids, stripes, and logos are too busy, and detract the viewer's eye from the faces.  I typically like to keep things casual and fun, so I tend to prefer casual clothing over formal attire.  For families, consider coordinating the clothing.  Notice I said coordinating, not matching, although that is fine too.  What do I mean?  Well, coordinate the season and the type of clothing.   For instance, if you have the perfect bright blue cotton-linen short-alls for your son and then dress your daughter in a black velvet dress.  Sounds basic enough, but believe me, I have seen it all!

If you think you will prefer black and white, keep colors in similar tones that will convert to similar grays.  For instance, a light pink and a light blue will both become a light gray in black and white, so they would be perfectly fine together.  I recommend against black bottoms and white blouses, or vice versa, as there is too much contrast between the two colors.  I tend to prefer bare feet over shoes, so be prepared in case you need a pedicure!  For babies, consider bare shots, or just a diaper and diaper cover since sometimes clothes seem to swallow them up.  For maternity portraits, you can choose whether you prefer them clothed, with a fabric wrap, or nude.  (View my gallery to see examples!)  If you know you want the images in color, you might even consider coordinating the clothing to match a particular room in your home.

Q: How many clothing changes are included?
A: We can fit in as much as possible during the time frame of the session, so I don't put a set number on the changes.  However, most babies and children will not want to do this more than once, so keep that in mind.  Remember, it is much easier to keep little ones happy than to try to make them happy after they have gotten mad.

Q: When will I be able to view my proofs?
A: Approximately one to two weeks after your session, a link will be emailed to you.  This will allow you (and any friends or family you send it to) to view the proofs in the convenience of your own home or office, as many times as you like, day or night, for an entire week.  In order to receive your print credit, you should place your order on or before your gallery expires.

Q: How do I order?
A: Order forms will be provided in Excel format.  Please fill the form(s) out completely and email them to studio@hollyanne.com. 

Q: What if my prints need re-touching?
A: Standard re-touching (small blemishes, scars, runny noses, etc.) can be retouched complimentary for a la cart prints and most packages.  If you need additional re-touching, please contact me to discuss.  All retouching needs to be noted on the order form, no matter how small or large, or how obvious.  Some moms want to remember the flaky newborn skin on their baby, and others want to see perfectly smooth skin, etc., so I do not do anything unless specifically told to do so.

Q: How long will my images be archived?
A: All images are archived for 30 days after a session.  Unordered images are subject to purging.

Q: What forms of payment are accepted?
A: Cash, check, Visa and Mastercard. Please make checks payable to Holly Anne Photography.

Q: Do you have a payment plan?
A: Just let me know and we can split your order into 2 or 3 payments.  However, the no part of the order will be placed or delivered until the order is paid in full.  Any changes after the order has been placed will result in loss of the print credit.

Q: Is sales tax charged for my session and/or prints?
A: Yes. Sales tax will be charged.  (8.25% in most cases)

Q: How much is shipping?
A: A standard $15 shipping charge will be charged on all orders with prints smaller than 11"x14".  Larger prints may incur slightly larger shipping charges.

Q: How long does it take to receive my order?
A: Please allow approximately 6 weeks for your order to be completed.  Some orders may be done sooner, and some may take longer. Your prints are an important investment for your family, and should not be rushed.

Q: I need my prints sooner since they are a gift.  Can you rush them?
A: Yes, if you need your prints by a particular date, please let me know.  Rush fees will apply.

Q: Can I scan or copy my prints or print my proofs?
A: No.  All images are protected by Federal Copyright Laws.  Please review your contract for specific fines.  Images (digital or printed) can not be reproduced in any way.