Details and general information regarding your photo session with Sharon Ward Photography

Appointments

 When scheduling an appointment, I will be asking you some questions about the type of photo session you would like, including which family members you would like to have individual poses of and if you would prefer a traditional vs. a more candid photo session.  I would be happy to sit down with you ahead of time and go over the types of poses and backgrounds you prefer.  It's important to me to try and capture the individual's personality during the photo shoot and not just the individual's image.  It would be helpful if you could please refrain from telling your children to say "cheese" during the photo session as I will be working hard to get a more natural smile from your child/children.

It is important to arrive on time to your designated appointment as it is my first priority to spend at least one hour with you or your family members during the photo session.  If you have children, I will be spending some time in the beginning helping them to feel comfortable in the setting before I begin photographing them. Showing up late for your photo session may jeopardize the amount of time I will be able to spend with you as there are times when another photo session is scheduled immediately following yours. 

Payment Schedule

The sitting fee is due at the time of your photo shoot.  The remaining balance is due upon receipt of your order.  I accept cash or checks only.  Checks should be made payable to Sharon Ward Photography.

An appointment can be set up to view your photographs.  I will contact you once the photos have been reviewed and edited to either set up an appointment or you may use the on-line viewing at www.sharonwardphotography.com.  Please let me know at the photo session which way you would prefer to view your photographs.  They will be ready for viewing within two weeks after your photo session.  I will contact you by email when they are ready.   Remember:  All photographs in the on-line gallery are reduced resolution images suitable for viewing on the internet.  Please contact Sharon Ward for ordering information.  All images are copyrighted by Sharon Ward Photography.

What should my children or my family wear?

Keep it simple.  You want the viewer to focus on your faces and not on the outfits. Stay with solid colors.  If you have more than one child in the portrait keep the bottoms the same and add color to the tops.  However, keep the color in the same “color family” (ie pastels, neutrals, jewel tones etc).  Denim works well for the bottoms, as do khakis.  Avoid busy eye distracting prints (ie stripes, checks and plaids etc)  Avoid extremely bright colors and clothing with logos.  Avoid old sneakers or shoes that you may not want in the photo.

With a family of 4 or 5, staying with one or two colors works best.  Classic denim bottoms with white or black tops works well.  Larger groups would do best not to mix more than 3 colors, keeping the bottoms the same.

What if it is raining and I have an outdoor photo shoot scheduled?

Your appointment can be scheduled at the next best time for you and your family.  Remember that overcast skies make nice photos, so unless it is truly raining, there will be no need to reschedule the appointment.

Can I have individual portraits taken of the children during a family portrait session?

Yes, individual portraits can be taken in addition to the whole group. There is no additional fee for these portraits to be taken.  There is also no obligation to purchase them.  The same policy applies for families and groups.

Can my pet be included in the portrait?

Yes, pets may be included in the portrait.  There is no additional fee to include your pet.

How long does it take to receive my photographs after the order is placed?

I will submit your order with the lab as quickly as possible after I receive it.  You should receive your prints within 1 to 2 weeks after the order is placed with the lab.  Special retouching or finishing may take longer.  The prints will be delivered to Sharon Ward and arrangements will be made for delivery or pick-up.

© Sharon Ward Photography 2008