FAQs

Basically, try to be prepared for every contingency. I won’t laugh if you bring a suitcase with you. At minimum though, bring makeup and hair accessories for quick touch-ups. If your session is for child photography, it can’t hurt to bring an extra outfit or two in addition to the planned outfits. Favorite toys and snacks from home are encouraged. Check everyone before the session (e.g., temporary tattoos or other “marker artwork,” etc.). Make sure your outfits are clean and ironed. Check all accessories, such as socks, shoes, belts, ties, and jewelry, making sure that everything coordinates appropriately.

We’ll talk about clothing in your phone consultation before the session. Items to avoid are bold prints and patterns (which can distract the eye when viewing photography).

I’ll work with you and your family so you’ll be comfortable in front of the camera. With adults a relaxed, natural pose is crucial to getting the best expressions. In child photography, creating an environment that gives children the freedom to be spontaneous makes for the best child portrait and is one of the most important goals of the child photographer. Capturing a child’s unique expressions while they are caught up in the moment with themselves or with a parent or sibling makes for the most expressive child portrait. In a family portrait, closeness expressed among family members is the key – having fun playing, hugging, and holding hands are all things I will encourage during your session.

Outdoor sessions are usually scheduled late afternoon/evening or early morning in order take advantage of the best natural light. We’ll need to pick a time when your children are at their best. Having already napped and eaten beforehand makes babies especially agreeable during photo sessions.

We’ll confirm your location during our phone consultation. Choice of location for an outdoor session is crucial for a successful family portrait. The best outdoor environments offer ample shade from direct sunlight with no “man-made” objects in the background (unless we specifically design them in, e.g. a playground or the family home).

The session lasts one hour and averages 50-100 images. During your session I will ensure that your family, children or pet is given the time they need to get acquainted with me and become relaxed. I guarantee that your family and children will get the attention that they deserve. Since every family is different additional time may be required if you have more than one child, a large group, or if we will be doing backdrop or clothing changes.

Payment is due at the time of the portrait session. Payment can be made by cash, check or credit card.

Your portraits will be ready in approximately 1 week from the date of your photo session. You will be sent a link to a private online photo gallery for your shoot. If you want, you can share this photo gallery with friends and family. From there you can download the image files, printable up to 16"x 24". If you desire a larger print, please contact me to coordinate. For your convenience, you can order prints directly from the online gallery. These orders are fulfilled by my professional photo lab and then shipped directly to you. 

Life happens, which is why if something comes up (sick baby, bad hair day) and you need to cancel the shoot, don’t worry as there is no cancellation fee. Also, sometimes the weather just doesn't cooperate and it may be too windy, cold, or hot for a successful outdoor photo shoot. In both cases, I will work with you to reschedule for no fee. 

Hensel Photography remains the owner, but you are given unlimited rights to print and duplicate your images. Digital negatives remain the exclusive property of Hensel Photography. The portrait studio reserves the right to use images and/or reproductions for the purpose of display, publication and advertising. To protect your rights it is the studio’s policy that all clients complete the studio’s model release form prior to their session.