Family Sessions
~ Frequently Asked Questions~
Before Booking Your Family Photo Shoot
How much are your sessions?
My family sessions are $325 for one location and one outfit. This generally lasts about 30-45 minutes. For multiple locations and outfits that lasts more like an hour/1.5 hours depending on the length of the time it takes to travel, are $525.
What does your sessions include?
The session price includes:
Unlimited pre-shoot consultation (over phone, email, social media or in-person)
Session at location(s) of your choice
All edited, high quality, JPEG images. (Typically 40-60 or more photos.)
Downloading, printing, and sharing right from your personal online gallery.
(Optional) Fun Props and Portable Studio, including use of dresses from my maternity closet.
Do you offer discounts?
I always offer weekday discounts of 10% and for special group discounts like Golden Gate Mother’s Group. I also offer discounts at certain times of the year, like fall mini sessions and Cyber Monday. Keep updated to discounts like this by subscribing to my emails (I only basically email you when there are special events, discounts and deals) follow me on Instagram, or like my page on Facebook!
What if we don’t want our pictures shared?
I totally respect that, and I will not share! The contract is defaulted to be able to share, but I will amend that before we sign.
What methods of payment do you accept?
I take all major credit cards, PayPal, Venmo, and cash. Sorry, no checks please.
Do you offer payment plans?
I do! Generally, I take a $100 at the time of booking, and the other rest the day of the shoot. I also have an option for you to pay in any increments - as long as it’s paid before receiving your gallery.
All payment plans are interest free.
I am ready to book a shoot! What’s next?
Yay! It is going to be so much fun!
You can use my booking page to start the conversation about what you are looking for and when, or you can contact me via email at hello@emilyjenksphotography.com or my contact form! I can’t wait to work with you and amazing images that you can look back on forever!
Before Your Family Photo Shoot
What should we wear?
Be YOU and your family! But, if you are really stuck, I can share my favorites for a particular session/location. Feel free to also text me photos/send me inspiration through Pinterest and we can brainstorm.
What should I bring?
You will receive a more detailed preparation tips before tailored to your session, but generally, bring an extra outfit for everyone just in case, and a towel, especially if it’s an outdoor session. Make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear for your location also! Snacks for kids are always an amazing idea! Just avoid anything that will color their lips/mouths/hands.
How do I prepare for my shoot?
I will send you all the details after the booking is complete! Everything including where to meet, what to bring, and all the pump-you-up details that you need!
Once you book me, I will also send you a questionnaire to get to know about you and what kind of a shoot you are looking for. It’s a fun brainstorming activity to get your visions clearer!
During Your Family Photo Shoot
Where would the shoot take place?
What I want to offer to my clients, that’s different than many other photographers is that I want YOU to choose the location that is special to you and your family. Even a local playground would be amazing, if that’s where your family loves to spend time. If you are stuck on locations, I have plenty to offer up as a suggestion! Did you know I write a family travel blog based in San Francisco? Check out all of our favorite spots if you want to brainstorm, at Henry and Andrew’s Guide.
I am going to be so awkward - what do I do? How do I pose?
Don’t worry about it! I am first and foremost a lifestyle photographer - meaning I shoot like I’m a fly on a wall (or a seagull at the beach in most cases). Just be you and your family and let me do all the shooting! I of course do the traditional “everyone look at the camera!” shoots too, but I do not do much posing besides saying things like “hold your daughter by your face”, “can you give him some tickles?” or something like that. I also do try to crack some jokes if your kids are older, but those are a hit or a miss. :)
How long will the session take?
They will take basically exactly 30 min or 60 minutes, respectively. I start shooting/taking test shots right away.
What happens if my kid(s) are not being cooperative/crying/miserable?
This usually happens at one point or another, specially with smaller kids, toddlers, and babies. I usually bring my fair share of entertainment - stickers, a stuffed animal that goes around my lens to get attention, all the kids songs downloaded on my phone (baby shark? Elmo? Let it go? I have it all), and with your permission, I have snacks too. I also bring small toys they can choose at the end for being amazing models. I ask for your permission in my questionnaire to make sure you are ok with any/all of this!
What happens if I am late?
As a mom of 2 kids and a wife, my time is as you know, super precious. (i.e. My anxious husband has to watch both crazy kids or I am paying for a sitter)
For full sessions, if you are less than 15 min late and all parties are available to stay later, we will continue with the entire session. Any later than that, we will end on the original end time and everything will be cut short. Anything beyond 30 minutes, we reserve the right to cancel the session without a refund. Rescheduling will be up to the discretion of the photographer.
For mini sessions, if you are less than 15 min late and all parties are available to stay later, we will continue with the entire session. Any later than that, we will end on the original end time and everything will be cut short. Rescheduling will be up to the discretion of the photographer.
Please do call or text me if you are running more than 5 minutes late.
What happens if it rains?
We will keep a close eye out on the weather until a day or so before, and reschedule or find an indoor spot. Rain can be a bummer but the skies are usually so gorgeous before and after the rain. Keep that in mind!
What happens if I have to cancel?
If you need to cancel with more than 7 days notice and can’t reschedule, I will refund any payments made. If it is within 7 days, any payments made to that point is non-refundable or transferable. By then, I would have already booked and paid for a babysitter, and blocked the time from any potential clients so unfortunately, I won’t be able to provide a refund. I do make exceptions from time to time, especially for unpredictable and unfortunately circumstances, or if I am able to book another person for that time, or if I won’t incur any fees I will be happy to arrange a refund.
Due to the custom nature of any products/prints already purchased, they are non-refundable.
What happens if my kids are NOT having it?
It will be totally up to you, but I say let’s not push it! I usually bring my bag of tricks like singing “baby shark” as loudly as possible or do goofy dances. I can also bring a bubble machine, balloons, small toys, stickers upon request. (I won’t bring it out until you give me the GO sign.)
If all else fails and your kids are just not have a good time, we can call it quits. Although I can’t offer a full refund, if the shoot for any reason is more than half the length of what you signed up for (hour session is less than 30 minutes or so, 20 minute session only goes for 10 minutes), I will happily issue a refund to match the smaller package!
After Your Family Photo Shoot
When would I receive my digital images?
You will receive your online viewing gallery within 2 weeks of your photo shoot where you can download, purchase prints, and share as you wish!
If you are in a rush and need your images sooner, please let me know at the time of booking to ensure I have the capability of doing so!
Will you Photoshop me? Are you able to get rid of my extra 5 pounds/any minor “imperfections”?
I can generally use Photoshop to take away any non-permanent features of your body, skin, as well as objects that ruin the picture. (Stains on shirts, something that got on you or your kids face, a pole, etc.) Any further edits will only be done at the request of the client - you! I can do easy edits like get rid of the extra 5lbs you happen to gain that week, wrinkles that seemed to have appeared overnight, and other small “imperfections” but on extreme cases (extensive edits that will take me over 30 minutes), will be additional charge, generally at about $50 per image. Please do let me know after you see your images that you want any of these changes. I will be happy to on some of your favorites (up to 4 or so images).
When would I receive my prints and products?
There is generally a turnaround time of 1 week after ordering for simple prints and 2-3 weeks for album creation. Rush delivery can be arranged!
I want to order prints, how should I do that?
You can do so via your online gallery directly through my print shop and will be sent to your home. I work with only the best of the best and prices start at $4! If you want to order a size that is not available through my print shop, please let me know. I can revise the shop for you so you can order it.
You can also download your photos and get them printed at a place of your choice. PLEASE just don’t take it to Walgreens, Costco, etc. It will change the coloring, sharpness, and overall will make the images awful. You made the time and financial investment already, please make the extra investment and go to a reputable company to get your photos printed!
I want to order an album, how should I do that?
Please let me know! I can go through all of the different options in the cover material, paper, number of images, size, and overall look and feel. Please allow 2-3 weeks turnaround time for albums!
