KRISTEN POLICY

Question 1

What can I expect during Mini Session?

Answer

You can expect a patient, playful, lighthearted approach to your shoot where my goal is to provide the most relaxed, comfortable fun experience possible. Even though our time will be short, my goal is still to capture your family in your natural state interacting with each other and grab those tiny and big moments of connection. Lifestyle photography aims at capturing the real, less staged type photos. My strength is in the candid and capturing real moments and connections with your family. When we meet at Lake Temescal in Oakland we'll have 25 minutes to capture the love in your family. I will guide you on how to stand or sit, who should sit where and what to do with your hands (always a hard thing to figure out) and quickly make sure nobody has crumbs on their faces, hair stuck to their lipstick, or crooked collars and then we get started. During your session, depending on what you want, I'll photograph everyone together, individually, in groups (such as mom with daughter, daddy and his girls, etc), any silly moments that happen during our time together, and any extra shots you particularly want.

Question 2

We only want portraits of our kids - is that okay?

Answer

Definitely okay! I love photographing the entire family but I’m more than okay just focusing on your kiddos.

Question 3

How many people can be photographed during a Mini Session?

Answer

This session is for 6 beings - be they human or furry/feathered.

Question 4

What should we wear?

Answer

A few weeks before your session, I'll be sending you my "client preparation guide" which will give you examples of family outfits, talk about haircuts, and make suggestions for how to make the most out of your session.

Question 5

Can I bring my dog/cat/peacock/koala?

Answer

I love photographing pets so long as they love being around people. Be sure to bring some treats, poop bags, and a leash you won't mind being photographed and I'll do my best for you!

Question 6

Should we bring outfit changes, accessories or props?

Answer

While there won't be time for outfit changes, accessories are great to incorporate! Here are some ideas for great ad-ons: knit hats, favorite blankets, mittens, capes, beaded necklaces, tiaras, or anything else your child has that would enhance an image. As for props, if there's something you really want to have as part of your portraits, bring it along. I can't guarantee we'll be able to use it, but I'll always do my best. Some things people have brought in the past: photos of loved ones, meaningful blankets, favorite toys, flowers, balloons, and even a favorite chair!

Question 7

Where do the sessions take place?

Answer

On the north side of Lake Temescal (the side closer to Broadway/highway 24)! The park offers many bright, naturally lit spaces and backgrounds. I work in various parts of the park depending on how the leaves are looking and where the light is best. I'll email you the night before your session to let you know exactly where to find me and what I'll be wearing so you can find me easily.

Question 8

What if the weather is bad?

Answer

Luckily the weather in the fall here in the Bay Area tends to be pretty reliable, but if it's looking like the weather will be no good for photos (in cases of extreme wind, rain or smoke for example), I'll be in contact with you the night before to find a time to reschedule at no cost to you.

Question 9

Can I cancel or reschedule my session?

Answer

Stuff happens. I get it. I will always try to accommodate changing schedules and will be happy to refund or reschedule any sessions with the following understanding: If you wish to cancel fewer than 5 days prior to your session, you will forfeit $50 out of the original session payment as a cancellation fee. If you wish to reschedule fewer than 5 calendar days prior to appointment, I will be happy to move your session if I still have openings during my mini sessions. If the mini sessions are sold out, however, or we cannot find an alternate time/day that will work for us collectively, your session will be cancelled and you will forfeit $50 out of the original session payment as a cancellation fee. Appointments cancelled/rescheduled within 24 hours of the time for which they are scheduled (or if you miss your scheduled appointment) will not be refunded. Appointments that are cancelled due to a real emergency may be rescheduled.

Question 10

Can you really get enough good photos of my family/kiddos in just 30 minutes?

Answer

You betcha! I honed my speed photo skills to perfection when I owned a school photography company. We did natural light portraiture for 40+ schools (over 20,000 kids!) all over the Bay Area. I'd have approximately 60 seconds with each kiddo in order to produce a lovely portrait. So, the fact that we have 30 minutes is WAY more than enough time for me. ;) I work FAST!

Question 11

What if I'm running late?

Answer

I know life happens, so I have a 5 minute grace period for Not So Mini Sessions. An time after 5 minutes will be deducted from your session's 25 minutes. I suggest all my clients arrive 10 minutes early which has the added benefit of giving you time if you get a little lost, can't find me, need a potty break before your session, or your kiddos might need a little time to warm up to a new person (me!).