Portrait FAQ
What should I know before my session?
What should I expect in a studio newborn session?
What should I expect in a studio toddler session?
What should I wear to my group/family session?
What should I expect in a high school senior session?
What is your turn-around time on orders?
What is included in an Organics session?
What are the Organics locations?
What is your philosophy on in-studio portraits vs. photojournalism?
What is there to know about copyrights on photographs?
What should I know before my session?
All package/session fees are due at the time of your session. Shortly after scheduling your appointment, you will receive a confirmation e-mail from us. This e-mail will also include an attached Pre-Session Style and Planning Guide. This guide will review what to expect during and after your session and answer common session prep questions, like what to wear and how to choose a color scheme.
When you schedule your session, you will also be scheduled for a View & Order appointment about 2-3 weeks after your session. At your View & Order appointment, you will be able to view your proofs and finalize your portrait order, including your print credit and any additional items (see below). You’ll also be able to view grouping samples and suggestions, sample specialty products and review your “photographer’s picks” – Autumn’s favorite images from your session!
Each of our session packages includes a $200 print credit, which you use toward your purchase of gift prints, portrait prints, framed prints and select Fine Art Collections. Once your print credit is used, you are also available to purchase additional Fine Art Collections, specialty items and any other A La Carte Items. Print credit can be used towards gift prints, portraits, framed prints of any size, and Fine Art Collections 5-8, but cannot be applied to any a la carte items or Fine Art Collections 1-4. Once your print credit has been used, you have the option of taking advantage of these additional items.
When you schedule with SkySight you are scheduling with a professional photographer, not a portrait studio with an inexperienced camera operator. The artwork you see on our website are photos taken by the photographer that will shoot your session (me!). We are different than a chain studio, which advertises professional photos but most often gives you an employee who only has a few hours of camera training. Every session is customized to fit you. I never do the same exact shoot twice. Even though I may use a lot of my props multiple times, I am always trying to use them in new ways. I use many different types of light sources, including natural window light in studio, studio lighting (both strobe and constant). I have worked with over a thousand babies and kids, and have gotten the posing, smiling tricks, and baby portraiture down to a science. All you need to do is schedule your session and let me do the rest. We are a boutique studio, providing quality wall art, and do not over-book our studio sessions with high volume. We concentrate on every client to the fullest degree so you can expect the best from us every time you schedule.
To further familiarize yourself with our studio and photographer, please watch our brief introductory video in the About section.
What should I expect in a studio newborn session?
I do not rush newborn sessions. This is a very special photo shoot for you and your child that will only happen once! I usually plan on you being at my studio for at least an hour. I am very patient and children are definitely my specialty. The age you bring them in is definitely an important factor. Every day your baby gets older, the more aware they become. This means they are less able to be posed in the fun “sleepy” poses we love to do. I would ideally like for you to schedule within the first few days of coming home from the hospital, however within the first 7-10 days is still perfect.
I have a few special tricks that I use, including a baby heater, so I guarantee if you follow these instructions, we’ll get amazing photos. If you’re afraid because your baby hates to be naked, you need not worry, the baby heater keeps them in deep sleep and cuddly warm.
After 14-21 days old I do not consider it a newborn shoot, therefore you should be aware that you can’t expect to be able to get the same “sleepy” shots you might see in our galleries. If you live within 20 minutes of my studio, plan to feed your baby at home right before leaving. Getting their belly nice and full, followed by a car ride to seal the deal on the heavy nap time will definitely help us out. If you live an hour or so away, you may want to plan on arriving early for your shoot and feeding the baby in our studio before the appointment (we will do our best to give you a private and comfortable area). Just let us know if you plan to do this so we can make proper arrangements for you.
We suggest doing baby photos naked or just in a diaper. So if you have a plain diaper without cartoons on it, that would be best, but not necessary. Newborns tend to drown in clothing so we suggest waiting for their next session when they are chubby to do fun outfits. My philosophy on this is that they have their entire lives to wear clothes and be awake for photos! Although we like mostly naked, we definitely suggest hats, booties, special blankets, name-sake items, or handmade items you’ve received to use as props for the newborn session. I also suggest you wear something nice (avoid your sweats that day!) because we like to put mom and dad into a few photos if time allows. Black shirts work great so the focus stays on baby, but are really not necessary, as we’ve seen many different outfit schemes work really well.
A baby that is 1-5 months is considered a baby session, not newborn session. There are a few things to keep in mind for this age group: The age of 1-4 months can be difficult because they are not sleeping newborns, but are not able to sit up, however we still love these shoots because this is a great time to catch their naked belly pose with a cute baby bum showing! But you should expect that you will not be able to do as many poses at 3 months as when your child crests the 6 month mark. They also tend to be the most fussy between 1-5 months.
If you plan to do only 2-3 shoots between newborn and 12 months, my suggestions are: newborn (1 week old), around 6 months (or as soon as they are sitting up), and 12 months.
What should I expect in a studio toddler session?
You can bring up to 3 outfit changes. I do have lots of fun skirts, hats, props, etc. and I really encourage you to bring all of your child’s fun dress-up items so we can mix and match. We suggest bright, multi-colored, and non-matched outfits. Vintage-infused style works great with a lot of our props, such as our 20′s style couch/furniture.
For baby/toddler photos, the session lasts as long as your child does. Usually this is anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours. I quit shooting once I’ve reached their breaking point, or have enough photos to fulfill at least 30 proofs for you. Because of this, I can not give you an exact time limit of the shoot.
If your child is sitting up, but not walking (about 6 to 11 months), plan to schedule their shoot just after nap and meal time so they are rested and well fed. If your child is a young toddler (about 1-2 years), also make sure they are well rested and plan to bring snacks and juice. At 2-3 years, we give the same suggestions, however we may suggest less outfit changes because of how busy this age is. Typically it is best to work quickly with them, because these sessions may only last 30 minutes before they give up. After age 4 they seem to really love being photographed and it is quite an easy shoot. These are typically quick sessions, lasting 30 minutes to 1 hour and yielding lots of great proofs. For newborns, see the section below.
We will take sibling group shots, as well as individuals of all your children. There is no extra fee, unless there is more than one family of children or more than 4 children.
What should I wear to my group/family session?
I definitely suggest that you color coordinate your group/family. However, matching exactly is not necessary; we actually suggest that you mix-and-match. For example, if you pick a color scheme of brown/tan/white, each person can wear anything they have that fits that scheme. Such as: Dad in khaki’s and a brown polo, mom in a white skirt and a khaki colored tank top, daughter in white pants and a brown top, and son in brown corduroy pants and a white button down shirt. As you can see, each person is dressed to their own natural style and each is different, but they will match very well in a photograph together.
Other color schemes I like are: black/white, different shades of blue (navy, baby blue, denim) and white, different shades of off-white/champagne but in different textures (ie: one in cream sweater, one in white oxford style shirt, one in cream cotton v-neck, etc). In the fall foliage I like bold colors such as maroon, gold, red, orange, and green. There are many colors that work, these are just a few suggestions, so if you want further advice, please do not hesitate to ask.
What should I expect in a high school senior session?
There are so many suggestions to give you for a senior shoot because the goal of this session is to capture your personality, hobbies, interests, etc. at this time of your life, as you approach adulthood. Because each person’s unique talents and interests play a huge role in this process, our sessions differ quite a lot.
Our locations are limited to a few places. First, we have our indoor sessions, which are done with studio backgrounds, props, and furniture. Second, we have our few outdoor locations which are categorized into style: The traditional outdoor senior shoot is simply themed, natural photography, with trees and basic grass landscape. These shots are taken in St. Clair park, located behind our building. The urban architecture shoot is designed with a modern or city theme in mind and consists of photos by murals, brick walls, columns, ivy walls and old doorways. It’s very colorful. This shoot also consists of some natural city streetscape views, such as storefronts and coffee shop bistro tables. If you wish to take photos with your car, we have a few outdoor locations that can accommodate this, which you will need to inquire about/schedule when you call.
Our newest style is vintage, which can take place in-studio or outdoors. The outdoor session is typically shot in a field with Victorian furniture. Although this session takes more time and is priced higher, its an unbelievably beautiful shoot, perfect for a drama queen or stylish teen. Upon special request we have done shoots in theaters (ie: The Palace Theater), personal backyards, and even farms/barns with horses.
Personal props are also welcome in your shoot. I have seen people bring a variety of items, like guitars, musical t-shirts, sports items, jerseys, instruments, even shopping bags to their favorite stores. So be creative… be you!
What is your turn-around time on orders?
Average turn-around time for a print order is one week. However, order turn-around time is subject to increase during the studio’s peak months, September – December. Orders including framed prints, specialty items and designed items will also have an increased turn-around time.
What is an Organics session?
An Organics session is different than a normal “outdoor” studio session. For an outdoor shoot, we go to a simple, standard outdoor location – like an near-by park, alleyway or city building – and typically do not incorporate props, accessories or specialized outfits. Also, the atmosphere of an outdoor shoot is generally the same as an indoor shoot. Subjects are still posed by the photographer, but the backdrop has just changed to outdoor scenery.
Organics sessions are a set of specialty sessions for kids ages 2-17 that combine a dramatic, unique outdoor location with a selection of themed props and outfits. And poses are left at the studio doors! At an Organics shoot, kids (or toddlers, or teens) are captured in their natural state. At the sessions, kids are set free to simply play in the world of costumes, props and accessories around them. (And all of these details are discussed at length at your pre-consult – see more about this below). So Organics breaks down the boundaries or limitations of a studio shoot, naturally capturing childhood in all its fun, whimsy and carefree essence.
And the results are different, too. Rather than standard portraits, an Organics session yields a stunning collection of images that flow together within a common theme. They aren’t just portraits, they’re true artwork!
What is included in an Organics session?
As detailed above, Organics sessions involve much more than a studio shoot – they include an on-location site of your choice (within 15 miles of the studio), 3 outfit changes, photography services and editing, a view and order appointment (to review your photos and finalize your order) and digital slideshow of your best proofs.
In addition, some clothing and all accessories and props for your shoot are included. At your pre-session consultation, you will discuss with Autumn and decide on the setting, theme and style of your session. Then, you will choose clothing, props and accessories that will coordinate. At this time, you’ll also be free to browse our selection of clothing & accessories!
For an additional cost, an on-site make-up artist and stylist are also available.
What are the Organics locations?
You’re free to choose your session location. You can choose your location based on the theme you want to create for your session. Possible locations could include a field or forest, a city carnival, festival or fair, or an urban setting (Downtown Greensburg, for example). These different locations, in combination with the outfits and props, create the themes for the sessions (See examples listed blow). Most themes and locations are open to interpretation and are flexible in terms of date and time* – you can mix-and-match the location you’d like, with the style, clothing and props you want.
*Exception: The “Vintage Carnival” shoot. These are the dates of Greensburg Community Days, so we can ONLY do those shoots those days!
A tot or tween shoot is along the same lines as a high school senior shoot. I often have families schedule photos for children from newborn to 1 year old and then at 17 years old (graduating seniors), but they often neglect professional portraiture for the age group(s) in between.
This time of childhood is magical, when moving up in the world to a new school is scary and immensely exciting. These moments really stand out in my memory of being young. The first year of middle school when I was no longer a child, but a pre-teen, felt so free! I was finally given the independence to roam between classes all day long!
I feel these age groups are the perfect times to capture personality. It can be a great self-esteem boost for those 10-12 year olds which find that transition in life to be confusing and somewhat strange. And if you know a 4 or 10 year old, you also know how big their personalities can be! My ideas for this type of shoot are to go big, bold, and colorful.
What is your philosophy on in-studio portraits vs. photojournalism?
I have personal family photos that are out of focus, too dark, and not taken in a studio. But they are so special and meaningful to me! Then, I have this family portrait taken of my siblings and myself in a portrait studio when we were teenagers. We had gone to a studio for a surprise to my mom. This photo is beautiful and we are perfectly lit, however, this photo is not very meaningful for me; in fact, I do not think it even exists in a frame anymore.
What I like to do with my photography in the studio is combine these two elements to create special photos that the family will love and cherish. My studio photos strive to show personality while still maintain the aspects of beautiful lighting and composition. So sometimes our sessions in the studio consist of just playing with the children to get them to act natural, laugh, be goofy, or even make funny faces. So even when a family portrait of mom, dad, and three young children goes wild due to lack of attention spans, we encourage the parents to go with it, to play and laugh, and I shoot it. Sometimes these are the best shots.
What is there to know about copyrights on photographs?
We require that all our clients respect U.S. copyright laws and do not scan prints purchased from us to use on Facebook or to reprint. These actions are a violation of copyright law and if we discover that any client has taken such action we will ask you to not return to our studio.
SkySight Photography is a boutique portrait studio. Our product focus is on fine art prints and specialty photo items, however we do offer full sessions on CD (beginning at $800). We also include some low-resolution, watermarked images for posting on Facebook in each of our session packages.
