Frequently Asked Questions - OlderBaby/Sitter Session
Hopefully this FAQ section will answer many , if not all, of your questions about a baby session. Should you have anything else that you would like answered or if you would like to receive a full information pack, please get in touch with me via the contact page or send me an e-mail at rachel@rachelwildigphotography.com and I will respond promptly.
When do I need to book?
I only accept as many bookings as I can shoot, edit and turn around within my goal of two weeks so the further in advance you are able to schedule a session, the better.
How long will the session last?
Usually between 1.5 - 2 hours depending on the age of the baby and how settled they are on the day. This length of time is allowed to ensure that you have ample time to feed, change and comfort your child without feeling rushed. I only ever book one baby session a day to ensure that we have as much time as necessary.
For most babies, mid-mornings seem to be the period when they are most settled and the majority of my baby sessions are held between about 9.30am-2.30pm. You will need to consider your own baby's feeding and sleeping pattern when booking.
Who may attend the session?
Family members will happily be included in the photography session at no additional cost although the primary focus of a baby session will be the baby. If you are after a wider range of family photographs, you may wish to consider a Family Session. If there older siblings who may become bored and disruptive during the session, we may opt to schedule the sibling/family shots either at the beginning or end of the session so that they don't need to be present for the entire duration.
Where may the session be held?
Most baby sessions are conducted at my studio located in Freshwater on Sydney's Northern Beaches. The studio has plenty of space for multiple set-ups, a comfortable parents lounge and access to a wide selection of textiles, backdrops and wraps available for you to select from.
How should I prepare for the session?
Your input to the planning of the session is invaluable in making it run effectively. Have a think about what you would like to get out of the session and whether there are any particular poses or props that you would like to include. Have a look at my website or perhaps a parenting magazine for inspiration!
Consider any items that you would like included in the images such as a favourite blanket or toy and have these close to hand during the shoot.
Ensure that your baby is comfortable and content, well fed and has a clean, dry nappy.
Please feel free to bring along a selection of clothing and have them close to hand for a smooth transition between outfits.
What if the baby just won't settle?
With all the will in the world, I appreciate that you just cannot predict the mood of babies and you certainly cannot cajole them into performing for the camera!
In the case that baby is unsettled for an extended amount of time, it should still be possible to capture a number of lovely images with baby resting in parent’s arms, swaddled. There is plenty of time allocated to these sessions to allow for whatever measures are required to settle the baby and no-one need feel rushed or anxious.
For older babies, the studio is well equiped with bubbles, toys and distractions that should produce some smiles.
What happens if I need to cancel or postpone?
People get sick and circumstances change meaning that occasionally cancellations or postponements are unavoidable. Wherever possible, I require 24 hours notice of any changes to our booking and I will show you the same courtesy.
I require payment of the session fee upon booking to hold your appointment and this will be forfeited in the case of an outright cancellation without mitigating circumstances. Subject to availability, I am happy to reschedule to accommodate changes due to illness.
What is included in the session fee?
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A pre-shoot planning session to discuss your requirements (usually by e-mail or telephone);
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The photographic session which will last for an estimated 1.5-2 hours;
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Use of all textiles and hard props;
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A minimum of 40 images hosted in an online gallery at low-resolution and watermarked from which you may make decisions on further print and digital file purchases.
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Two 5x7" and one 8x12" pro lab prints;
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A review session is optional and may be held to review images and to place print orders and any frame requirements. I have samples of many sizes and finishes of print and frame available for inspection.
What does "low-resolution" mean?
Low-resolution files (72 dpi) are digitally compressed files that have been purposely reduced in quality for screen display only. They will appear pixelated when printed. Low-resolution files are provided by the Photographer solely for the purposes of reviewing the session images for image purchase. They may not be downloaded or printed as no print-release is provided with these files. The files will also all feature a light watermark.
High-resolution digital files are available for purchase as singles or as collections and do not feature the Photographer's watermark.
Professional lab prints are available for purchase at very reasonable prices starting from $40 for a 5x7" print.
Why do you recommend using a professional print lab?
I have discovered the real value of printing with a professional lab through personal experience.Commercial outlets often produce prints with a strong colour cast that does not match the original colour file. This colour cast can be particularly apparent in skin tones, completely ruining a beautiful shot.
Pro lab prints are made using Kodak Supra Endura paper which is guaranteed to stand the test of time, lasting up to 200 years with minimal fading.
With professional print labs you are guaranteed a better quality and more colour accurate image. After all of the effort that went into planning, preparing for and taking part in a professional photography shoot, please do not underestimate the importance of subsequently purchasing a high-quality printed image.
What is a model release and do I have to sign it?
When you book a photographic session with me, I will ask whether you are prepared to sign a model release. This is a requirement to enable me to utilise your session images for commercial purposes such as offering you a sneak peak on Facebook and/or Instagram, producing a session blog with some of my favourite images or adding images to my website.
You are under no obligation to sign this release if you would prefer your images to remain private.
If you have signed a model release, I will provide a sneek peak to Facebook and/or Instagam within 24-48 hours of the session.
Can I purchase a session as a gift?
Absolutely! Gift vouchers are available for all of my sessions including maternity, newborn, babies, family and mini-sessions.
How long after the session can I expect to see my images?
I endeavour to provide you will your session proofs within two weeks of the session. If you have signed a model release I will happily release a "sneak peak" to Facebook as quickly as a day or two after the session.
Once prints have been ordered, you can expect to receive these within 10 days. Print and product orders are placed with my print lab every week or 10 days.
How do I book?
Send me a personal message via my contact page:
Tel: 0400 872791
E-mail: rachel@rachelwildigphotography.com
I require payment of the session fee to secure your session. This ensures that no other bookings will be taken for this time and date. Deposits may be made by Australian bank transfer, cheque, cash or Paypal.
All print costs must be paid in advance of the order being submitted to the printer.