Family Portraits

My Family Portrait Photography Package is a $375 shooting fee and is required in advance to book the session. (Please don’t think that just because we’ve corresponded that you’ve booked a portrait session with me, if you haven’t paid the shooting fee deposit in advance.) Prints and digital downloads are not included are purchased by you once a proof book is published.  There is no print minimum whatsoever.  Chris@CapeCodPhoto.net

The process includes the following:

•One hour of setup and photography at the location of your choice (home or favorite beach location).  I shoot as many groups and individual portraits as you like in both formal setups and photojournalist style, utilizing as much natural light as possible. 

•Any photography or preparation time required in excess of the first hour will be billed additionally at the rate of $300 per hour as part of the bundle, pro-rated to the half hour.

•Your flat shooting fee also includes post production processing.  Typically I shoot 500 to 1,000 raw images for each session that are edited down to 100 to 200 selects.  I do a complete Photoshop mastering (adjusting levels, sharpness, contrast, color saturation).  From this your proof book is created. (Note: I do not ever just "hand over" a card of raw images for many reasons, creative, professional and other-wise.)  Touch up is available upon request for a fee of $30 per image for basic smoothing and refining.  

•An online proof book is supplied to the client at the online proof book generally within 5 weeks of the shoot. From there you can order physical prints or digital downloads of your selections (at additional cost).  All purchased prints and downloads include reprint rights. 

•A digital ‘negatives’ option is available as an add-on to the basic package at $29 per image or $795 whichever is less.

FAQ (Please read these carefully when booking, as I have a very tight family portrait schedule and re-scheduling is not always possible.)

-What to Wear?  Your best bet is to stay away from complicated patterns.  White or black are fine, though not at the same time, as the contrast is too extreme.  The most common choices are khaki, white, and blue, with either the whole family matching or men and women coordinated (such as women in light blue and men in dark blue). The most important point is to hold a color theme, pattern, sport theme, formal theme, casual theme, holiday theme. Whatever you chose, make sure that all participants are part of the theme or color scheme. Not everyone’s blue is the same for example so make sure you define the shade as well. As for children, one tip is to dress them before you get to the event; but don’t get there too early, as they'll want to go play and that usually means dirty clothes.

-Time of Day: Typically I like to schedule the appointment as close to sunset as we can.  Generally 5:30pm or 6:30pm are the best choices.  I can also do an early morning session at about 7AM, but if those aren’t options I’ll shoot at any time of day or night.  Just realize that light at other times can be quite squinty and harsh and make for substandard photos..

Family Portrait Policies: Please read these carefully, as I have a very tight schedule when it comes to family portraits and cannot easily flex for missed sessions.

Deposit: Since I do not charge a minimum print order I require the sitting fee as the deposit for booking family portrait sessions.  No sessions are scheduled until this deposit is received via Paypal or physical check.  This deposit must be in advance and not brought to the session.  I have had problems with people not showing up while they’re here on vacation and having a good time.

Weather Rescheduling: I shoot under all weather conditions except stormy wind or rain.  Overcast days provide a beautiful diffused light so I only re-schedule for actual rain.  Given the fickleness of New England weather rain dates are declared by the photographer between one and two hours before your shoot day/time and not before.  Because I often have two shoots a night your makeup time cannot be guaranteed for the the following day.  The same location cannot also not be guaranteed when re-scheduling.  (If I’m scheduled to shoot at another beach the following day I may need you to meet me there.)  So rain dates do require a spirit of flexibility.

Refunds: Full refunds of the deposit are available if the client cancels earlier than two weeks before the session.  No refunds are available within two weeks of the portrait session, but I will allow you to apply the credit to a future session.  Re-scheduling is allowed but requires a $150 re-scheduling fee.  

If I cannot make the scheduled session or re-schedule with you due to personal injury or family emergency I’ll refund your entire deposit.  Short of that it’s my pledge to you that I’ll walk through fire to make your session.