Frequently Asked Questions

Q&A

Q: What is the Design Appointment?

A: This is where the excitement starts!  We get to sit back, relax and talk about what we can do to create the ideal session for you.  We want to know everything about you, your kids, your family, your house, your style – everything!  We will talk about clothes, and we would love to see images of your home so we can talk about certain wall spaces and plan for something that fits you.  When you session day arrives, we’ll have a plan so everything goes smoothly – which means LESS stress for you.

Q: What should we wear?

A: It is hard to tell a client what to wear.  I am definitely a casual photographer.  My style of photography is not what I would describe as being “traditional” therefore traditional “Sunday Best” type of clothing is not recommended.  If you are looking for a more traditional photo session with suits and ties and fancy dresses, I am probably not the photographer for you. For more detailed suggestions on what to wear, click the “clothing” link.  We will also discuss this at your Design appointment.

Q: What should we bring along?

A: For children, some suggestions of what to bring could include a favorite hat, jacket, sunglasses, lollipop, boots, blanket, stuffed animal, super hero cape, tutu, etc. or anything else that shows your child’s personality and helps to tell a story about who they are.  Not only do these props give your child something to interact with during the session, they can also help to keep them occupied and content.  Who knows, these fun shots might just be your favorites.  I also have countless items for props as well as children’s clothing.  Again, this is something that will be discussed at the Design appointment.

For seniors, you CAN NOT bring too much stuff.  Bring anything and everything that tells a story about who you are.  Favorite outfits of course, but also sports uniforms and props if you’re an athlete, books and magazines that you like to read, musical instruments you play, your cell phone if you’re a texting junkie, and on and on.  Seriously, bring everything that tells a story about YOU.  I’d rather you have too much than not enough.

Q: How long will the session last?

A: Newborn photo sessions can last from one to three hours, this allows for time for feedings and soothing, etc.  Children usually take 30-60 minutes but we never want to rush you.  We’ll take all the time necessary to get comfortable, try different poses, and capture each moment with excellence. You will not be rushed because we know the best shots take place when everyone feels comfortable and relaxed.  Senior sessions vary depending on which session you book.

Q: What can I expect at a photo session?

A: Expect to have fun!  For little ones, please do not encourage your children to “sit still” or smile on command.  I want to capture your children for who they are naturally so just let them be, help them to feel comfortable, let them have fun and encourage them to just be themselves.  Leave the rest to me.

For seniors, expect unique images unlike anything your friends will have.  We tailor each senior session to the person we are capturing.  Unlike some of the large studios that crank seniors through like an assembly line, we get to know who you are; your likes and dislikes, your personality and hobbies and we help you choose outfits and props and locations that suit you and tell a story about WHO YOU ARE!

Q: What if there is a forecast for bad weather?

A: I am constantly watching the weather for my outdoor sessions.  If it appears that the weather is not going to cooperate, I will contact you by e-mail or phone to work out a plan for rescheduling or adjusting our time/place.  However, with senior sessions, some of the most unique shots I’ve ever captured have been right before (or after) a big storm.  If it’s not raining at the start of your session, plan on going forward with the session and bring an umbrella.  We may shoot in covered areas outside or perhaps even incorporate the umbrella.  If the weather takes a turn for the worse or you are unhappy with the portraits for some reason, we will gladly schedule a re-shoot.  We absolutely guarantee your satisfaction or your session fee will be returned.

Q: When do I get to see my images?

A: You will get to see your images projected larger than life in a slideshow set to music during your Ordering Appointment 1-2 weeks after your session.  We will help you with all of your final decisions on images and products that we have customer designed just for you.  And remember those snapshots of your home you sent us?  We can show you what your images will look like right YOUR wall!  This is one of the best parts – so please feel free to bring as many people as you would like.  Keep in mind, you will place your order and pay 50% during this viewing session so be sure that all decision makers are present.  The other 50% is due at pick up.  We offer only one viewing/ordering appointment per session, but don’t worry!  If family lives out of  town, a gallery of your purchased images can be posed online for them to view following the ordering appointment.

Q: Can I bring my kids to the ordering Appointment?

A: Of course you can!  Children are welcome, BUT if you would like a chance to relax and concentrate on the beautiful images and products that we will be creating for you, then you might want to arrange childcare.  Or we can schedule your appointment when you children are in school.

Q: What if I only want a few small prints?

A: What we are is a full service, high quality studio.  Janné spends an unlimited amount of– time on your session from photography to post processing, and then provides you with the highest quality images to choose from.  If you want gift prints only, we recommend you book our “Jems by Janné” line which offers limited time sessions at a more affordable price.  This is a new line under development at this time.

Q: What kind of investment do most families make?

A: Most of our clients invest anywhere from $250 to $2000.  Remember:  everyone’s needs are different – some spend a little more and some spend a little less.

Q: Why is it so expensive?

A: Quality, custom photography by a specially-trained portrait artist is not for everyone.  We are priced in order to continue the premier service we provide to our clients.  For example, there are discount stores, department stores and boutiques.  We are the “boutique” of photography studios with the product and service that comes with business the model.

Q: When do I get to take everything home?

A: Quality takes time, so please allow 4-8 weeks from your order date for completion of your order.  I inspect every single image to make sure that it is perfect.  If it isn’t, I will re-process it and have it re-printed.  Rushing prints similar to a one-hour photo lab is not the way to ensure that you receive top quality portraits.

Q: How can I book you?

A: We are an appointment only studio.  Please send me an email with your requested date/time.  I will do my best to accommodate your schedule with mine.  To ensure the utmost quality, I shoot every session personally, and I don’t have associate or assistant photographers that work for me, so when you book a session, you’ll be working directly with me.  I am pretty flexible.  However we reserve Sundays as our day off for family time. Since I teach art during the school year use this as a base to find a time that will fit both of our schedules.  For regular portrait sessions during the school year try to find a weekday time between 4pm and 7pm or Saturday between 10am and 5pm.  Summers are much more flexible.

Q: Do you shoot weddings?

A: I will shoot weddings on occasion if both of our visions are the same as to what your expecting for your wedding.  Please call and we will chat.