Where will the session be located? All children’s portrait sessions take place outdoors in Brooklyn Heights, Dumbo or Cobble Hill. You may choose either of the three neighborhoods, or I can decide if you prefer. I will scout the neighborhood in advance of the session for the best backdrops given the lighting at your session time, foliage, scaffolding and more. If there is a specific backdrop in the neighborhood where you would like to shoot, please note this in the questionnaire.
When are children’s portrait sessions offered? Children’s portrait sessions are offered continuously throughout the year.
What time will the session take place? We will decide together the best time for your shoot. Generally, it is best to photograph during the several hours just after sunrise or just before sunset.
Are children’s portrait sessions limited to children of a certain age? Yes, these sessions are only open to children ages 2 to 17.
What if I want portraits of two (or more) children? Please note that these sessions are for one child only. If you would like to do portrait sessions with two or more children, please book two or more separate children’s portrait sessions, or please book a family session. Family sessions include individual photos of each child, in addition to photos of the children together.
How do I prepare my child for the session? Depending on your child’s age, it can be helpful to tell them about the session in advance, and to show them photos that you have taken from past photo sessions or photos on this website. This way, they understand the concept of the session and can be excited when the session day arrives. Please also:
Make sure that your child is not hungry when they arrive for the session.
Bring snacks with you in case your child needs a snack break during the session. Please be sure to bring snacks that do not smear or stain.
Bring a second outfit in case your child stains their clothes during the session.
If you feel that your child may need an incentive to cooperate during the session and they respond well to bribery (ex. the promise of ice-cream or a new toy after the session), please be prepared to present these options to your child - there is no judgment, bribery is encouraged if it works!
For younger kids, please bring a toy or two they like (ex. a rattle) that can be used to direct their gaze towards the camera.
What if my child doesn’t smile? During every session, I take a mix of smiling and non-smiling photographs. While I do all I can to make your child smile (including wearing head boppers, making funny voices, or anything else that is age-appropriate!), your child might just prefer to be more serious during our session. Rest assured, this can lead to deep, introspective expressions that are beautiful too.
How do I pay for my Children’s Portrait Session? When we have set a date for your shoot, I will send you a link requesting that you pay the $495 session fee required to secure your session date and time. You can pay for the session fee with a credit card or Venmo. At the same time, I will send you a link to sign my standard client agreement. Both the session fee and signed agreement are required to book. There is a $200 rebooking fee for sessions that are rescheduled within less than 24 hours notice. For sessions cancelled within 24 hours, the session fee is nonrefundable.
Will my session be cancelled for bad weather? In the event of inclement weather, the session may need to be postponed. When this happens, you and I will work together to determine a new date for the shoot.
What if I need to cancel my shoot? You may reschedule a session once without charge as long as it is no less than seven days before the shoot. In this case, your session fee will be transferred towards the new session date. If you reschedule a second time, your session fee will not be refunded, and you will need to pay a new session fee if you would still like to shoot.
When will I receive my images? Retouched digital images in JPEG format will be available within 2-4 weeks of your session. You can access them via a Shootproof.com link that I will send to you. Once you download your images, please make sure to save and back up your images. I clean out my client files every few months and cannot guarantee that I will have images saved after three months.
Do you recommend that I print my photos? Yes! Digital files are useful for sharing images online, but they are not permanent. The quality of digital files changes over time, and they may get corrupted or hard to access (remember when digital files were on floppy disks!?). Printing images not only ensures that your legacy will be preserved for generations to come, but it allows you to enjoy the photos every day as you see them on your wall or framed on your nightstand. Even if you decide to print images and only enjoy them for a few years before replacing them with new images, the few years that you enjoyed them will be well worth it.
What is the process if I order prints through Whitney Welshimer Photography? I have partnered with one of the most well-respected printers in the country that works with professional photographers only to bring you the highest quality prints, featuring rich color tones and luxe archival paper. When I deliver to you your gallery of digital image files 2-4 weeks after our session, I will also send to you my Print Guide with mock-ups to help you visualize the photos from our session in your home.
How long will it take for my items to ship? Free, standard shipping (5-10 days) is included with your purchase of fine art prints. I also offer expedited (1 business day) shipping for $26.95. Please allow at least one week for the lab to print your items before shipping.
Do you offer Gift Certificates? Yes, I offer gift certificates in the amounts of $500 and $1,000. I am also happy to create a gift certificate for a custom amount of your choice.
Do you have a referral program? Yes, I have a $50/$50 referral program! When an existing client refers a new client to me who books a session, I will send you an email to let you know that you have received a $50 credit to use towards your next session, and the client will also receive $50 off of their first session. The client just needs to mention your name in the "Message" box on the Booking Inquiry Form. I am always delighted when new clients tell me that a friend referred them to my studio.
