A. My photographic art is organic. It is fundamental, simple and natural. At the end of your session, we will have a mix of heartfelt smiles and candid images to capture your family or child's true personality. I try and stay away from trends in photography that will age your art (i.e. horrid selective color, large logos and words on clothing, or props that take the focus away from the subject {Unless, of course, we're trying to sell clothing and hair bows!}) and instead incorporate simple and beautiful props that give a timeless quality to my art.
Q. What makes your photography experience better than ______'s?
A. When you download your welcome packet, you'll begin to see that my custom photographic art is ultimately about you. It’s about the images you desire to display proudly on your walls for family and friends to enjoy. It’s about walking by your art each day and having it bring a smile to your face, remembering just how life was at this time: how your fresh newborn baby fit just perfectly in his daddy’s hands (click here for the Newborn Specifics), the way your daughter’s laugh filled a room, the way your son hadn’t quite grown in to his adult teeth yet, how your baby girl looked so grown-up right before she left for college (click here for Senior Style info, Outfit Inspiration, and the Senior Survey), the way your spouse smelled or how your heart seemed to skip a beat when you looked at each other. You’ll get all of this, along with my full, undivided attention, personal customer service, and you won’t have to stand in line at the department store.
Q. What if I don't know what I want exactly?
A. Don't worry! Together, we will figure out what sort of art you would like to display, work together to get our ideas “on film,” and then carefully select your images to be printed and hung in your home, just as you’d imagined.
Q. What should we wear!?!
A. Clothing is key. Families should not all match, but rather coordinate in a way that expresses each individual's style. Plan your outfits in layers for more dramatic looks and easier wardrobe changes. Don't forget accessories like jewelry, scarves, belts, hats, and shoes (for goodness sake!). If you don't know what to wear, please take a look at Pinterest. You can also click the links on the sidebar of the website for ideas. For newborn sessions, babies are best photographed in their birthday suits, but please bring along any favorite blankets, large baskets from baby's nursery, handmade heirlooms, or tasteful hats and headbands that you would like to incorporate. Be sure to read the Newborn Session Specifics before booking.
Q. Where will the session take place?
A. Currently, only newborn sessions are done in my home studio (click here for Newborn Session specifics). This includes a few shots of parents with baby, but mainly just baby. Other sessions occur on location with natural light. We can go to a location you suggest if the lighting is right, or one of my favorite locations (country, open fields, grass, little town). Locations will be discussed in detail during your email consultation to make sure it matches the look and feel you'd like for your portraits.
Q. What is the best time for our session?
A. Well, it all depends on the type of session you're looking for! Some styles are better in the day light for greater contrast and back lighting, while others are best shot with the warmer tones of the rising or setting sun. Typical outdoor family sessions, for example should be within the first or last 2 hours of daylight. However, I understand that life doesn't always fit into a two-hour time slot (did I mention I have four kids?), so sessions scheduled during the mid day hours can be worked out at the right locations that have ample shade. Newborn sessions are scheduled during the bright light of the day, and sometimes your new bundle may make us wait a few hours for some sleepy baby shots.
Q. How long do sessions last?
A. Most sessions last about 90 minutes, but can exceed 2 hours when needed. I understand that kids need potty and snack breaks (and sometimes adults do, too!). Occasionally I offer special mini sessions that will run between 20-30 minutes. Newborn sessions can be anywhere from one hour to four hours depending on the temperament of the baby (sometimes it takes several hours for baby to fall back asleep. Hours.). Accidents happen. Babies eat. A lot. I get it. I'm patient. We make time. (Click here for Newborn Session specifics.)
Q. What happens after the session?
A. Well, you get to go home and relax (at least for a few days)! I will review your images and choose the best ones from your session. Then I turn your images into masterpieces in the digital dark room. About three weeks after your photo session, we'll schedule an appointment to meet at a local coffee house where you'll get to see all of your images in a slide show and I will work with you to select which portrait package best suits your family's needs and budget and get your order placed!
Q. What if my child is shy?
A. When photographing children, I take the time before the camera comes out to make sure that they are comfortable. It's not every day kids have a big black thing in their faces, and it can be a little bit like going to the dentist! But trust me, I know how to warm up kids (and I have been known to show up to a shoot with lollies and marshmallows!). I know lots of songs and little games that will open your child right up and have them smiling in no time.
Q. My mom is in town. Can she come along?
A. Sorry, but not unless she's actually included in the session. Grandmas have a wonderful place in this world, but it's not standing around at your session saying "look at me" "over here" "*clap clap clap!*". Bringing along "extras" on the set is really just too distracting for everyone. Newborn studio sessions may include Mom and Dad. One parent, sibling, or friend may attend a Senior Grad's session (but not recommended to lessen stress).
Q. I love photography, may I bring my camera along?
A. I'm so glad that you love photography! I get super excited when clients have a vision for their portraits and we can collaborate ideas! However, I really appreciate when clients respect my set-ups and photographic ideas by not shooting from the sidelines. Cameras are welcome at sessions, but only as props. Feel free to try something that tickles your fancy later on at home (being cautious, of course!)! I'd love to see what you get!
Q. Are digital files available for purchase?
A. Yes! Digital image files are available in high-resolution with print release as well as low-resolution with watermark for social media. These two options are available in print packages. Although I usually keep high resolution images for 6 months, there is no guarantee after your first order is placed that I will have your images on file.
Q. May I copy or scan my prints after I purchase them?
A. No. It's against the law. And I will find you. Photographs from images remain copyrighted by Mariann at Organique Photo, LLC. If you think you will need to print the images again in the future, please ask about purchasing a high resolution disk. I am not responsible for keeping your images past your viewing session and completion of your first order, although I usually file them for up to 6 months.
Q. Do my final images come in color, black & white, and sepia tones?
A. The final images that you'll get to see in your viewing session are ART. They will be a mix of color, black and white, and rarely sepia. I do, however, love pastels, warm and light tones, deep and dark tones, high contrasts and textures. Colors in post processing are altered based on what best suits a particular image. You'll never have all images in both color and black and white just to make it look like you're getting more bang for your buck. But if there is an image that you'd like to see edited differently, I'd be more than happy to color it to your liking.
Q. How much should I plan to invest?
A. First, let me say this... if you are purchasing a piece of art to hang in your entry way, are you going to go to the dollar store and buy a tiny little print in a cheap little frame; or are you going to purchase a large, beautiful, bold, piece of art that makes you smile, makes your heart swell, and makes you overflow with emotion? A photography experience with Organique Photo does not produce dollar store pictures. Together, we create custom art that you will never want to take down.
The average client spends about $650 in prints. Packages are available in a wide range of prices. At your viewing session, I will sit down with you to view your images and help you decide which package is right for your family's needs and budget.
Q. Do you shoot weddings or other types of photography?
A. Organique Photo is a boutique portraiture business, focusing on newborns, maternity, children, and couples. I have a narrow client base so that I can invest the time and dedication necessary to produce high quality and excellent customer service. I believe that a wedding should be photographed in a special way by a wedding photographer who knows all of the ins and outs of that genre. My photography is focused on children and families, and I believe that having a boutique style allows me to narrow in on my own specialties.
Portrait Photographers, Fayetteville, NC
