Here are answers to most of the 'What', 'Where', 'How', and 'When' questions that are popping into your brain:

Where is your studio?

Everywhere! I think the best lighting and backdrops are outdoors. Since I'm based in New London County, everything from rustic farms to rocky coastlines to nautical landmarks make for creative and inspiring options. The choices for your perfect setting are nearly endless.

What should I/we wear?

That depends on the look you are going for, but here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

Be sure your clothing isn't wrinkled
Stay away from loud or busy prints
If there will be more than one person in the shot, try to color-coordinate your outfits. They don't have to match. To get some great ideas, go to Pinterest and search for "Color Coordinated Family Pictures"
When in doubt, bring an extra piece or two. Together, we'll figure out the best look.

Can we have pets in our portrait?

I LOVE animals, so I'm up for it as long as you and your pet(s) are. Just be aware that pets may not be feeling cooperative at the time of the shoot. New location, new people (me), and non-stop commands (you) can be distracting, if not downright scary. Not to mention that the humans in the session may be focusing on getting Fido or Boots to look a certain way, and forget to do so themselves. Think of your pet as a human toddler....sometimes those not-so-perfect moments often lead to the most endearing memories.

What if the weather forecast is bad for our scheduled session?

Living in New England, that's always a concern. I will watch the forecast carefully and communicate with you. Often there are hair/make-up appointments to factor into the decision, so I also take that into consideration as well. I don't like to say "always" or "never", but a good rule of thumb is that if there is more than a 50% chance of precipitation, we'll have a conversation about "Plan B".

And what if my child is "bad" for our scheduled session?

Yep, it happens. Tears and tantrums are part of life. Before the situation reaches "Red Alert Melt-down", I'll do my best to help bring back smiles and giggles. And, full disclaimer, it might mean you'll see me doing some pretty ridiculous things. But, my antics aren't always successful. That's when I let the parents step in and take over while I unobtrusively take some candids. Here are a couple of suggestions to keep things happy:

Give yourself PLENTY of time to get ready and travel to our session. Nothing creates more stress than running late.
Consider having a 'practice' session at home a day or two before our shoot. Role-playing makes it relatable and fun.
Bring your child's favorite go-to 'comfort' item....it might be that raggedy ol' blanket that gets dragged around, or a teddy bear with missing parts. Even if he/she insists of holding onto it in the photo.
Bring 1 or 2 favorite story books. We can have some great shots of your child 'reading' to you.
Snacks!
"If you don't behave, ___________________ (fill in the blank) will happen when we get home!". I know...it can be a parental reflex reaction when things aren't going as smoothly as you would like, but It is completely counter-productive to getting your child back to their happy place. Instead, I have found that unabashed bribery works wonders.

Can I bring props?

Absolutely! Sports equipment, musical instruments, flowers, balloons, artwork, crayons, books, toys, bubbles, wine/wine glasses, and the list goes on and on.... Pinterest has a gazillion ideas. Just remember that the photos should emphasize YOU, and the props just help tell your story.

What else should I bring?

Bottled water
Tissues for blotting sweat, make-up, or runny noses
Comb/brush and make-up for quick touch-ups
Smiles, laughter, and a sense of humor!

When is final payment due?

The Initial Payment (approximately 20% of your selected package) is required when you book your session, and the balance of your session fee is due seven (7) days prior to your scheduled session.

How long before I see proofs?

While certain times of the year are busier than others, I usually get post-production proofs to you 1-2 weeks after our session.

Will I get to see every photo that was taken?

My work is my reputation so I'm only going to show you my best work. You'll have plenty to choose from in your gallery to make your final selections for post production.

Do I get the digital files?

Digital files are available for a nominal fee. These files will showcase your session beautifully on all the major social media platforms. They are not suitable for prints due to their low resolution, however, you are able to order high-quality prints in a large variety of sizes, as well as cards and gifts, directly through your 5 Scoop Photography Personal Gallery.

Is there a minimum to buy?

Nope. Order as many, or as few, as you like. I hope you'll order many!

Do you shoot weddings?

While I work with engaged couples, wedding photography is a completely different animal. I'd rather GO to a wedding than shoot one!

Who owns the photos from my session?

5 Scoop Photography, LLC owns all rights and copyrights to all photos. You will need to sign and return your Contract and Model Release prior to our session. It's nothing scary, and it's standard for the photography industry.

What happens to my personal data?

OK, here's the official Privacy Policy information:

Privacy Notice

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If you feel that we are not abiding by this privacy policy, you should contact us immediately via email.