I receive loads of emails that ask me a lot of the same questions. I sure don’t mind!… but I think you may find it useful to be able to browse my most frequently asked questions from clients.
How much do you charge?
I am proud to be a legitimate small business owner and I price my services and products accordingly. 6.75% NC State Tax is in addition to any pricing I provide. Please see my pricing page located at: http://www.melissabergphotography.com/pricing/ and the promotions page located at: http://www.melissabergphotography.com/promotions/. For my 2012 Pricing Guide, which lists all of the products I offer my clients, please use the contact form in the main menu.
How do I book?
Contact me at info@melissabergphotography.com or use the contact form in the main menu. I will respond within 48 hours (usually much faster!) and answer any questions you have and provide you with the link to the online session agreement for your type of session. After you fill out and electronically sign the online session agreement, you are automatically re-directed to my booking site where you book the date and time of your session and pay your non-refundable retainer which is equal to your session fee. Your non-refundable retainer is paid securely through Paypal, but you do not have to have a Paypal account to pay the invoice and may use your credit or debit card. Payment is required to confirm and complete your appointment. Keep in mind that for each session booked, a separate online session agreement is required.
Do you require a retainer fee?
Yes. Your non-refundable retainer is equal to your session fee amount. Or in the case of a special or promotion, the entire amount is due up front in order to take advantage of the special rate.
Where are you located?
I am located in Raleigh, North Carolina. My in-home studio is very close to the RDU airport and Brier Creek. Since it is my personal home address, clients are given specific information after they book and pay for their session.
Do you conduct on-location sessions?
Absolutely! My clients love on location sessions because it makes their images unique and refreshing as compared to any portraits they’ve had in the past. As long as the weather cooperates, there are tons of places to have your images taken in the Raleigh-Durham area. If you let me know the look and feel you are going for, I’d be happy to recommend some of my favorite places for your session. A travel fee may apply to locations >20 miles from 27613.
Do you do mini-sessions?
I love mini-sessions! Periodically throughout the year, I set aside a Saturday afternoon at a pre-determined location. Mini sessions are usually 20-30 minutes in length and may include digital files or products at a discounted rate. Mini Sessions will be announced on my blogsite and on my Facebook Page located at: www.facebook.com/melissabergphotography. Mini Sessions are also available as add-ons to the Baby’s First Year Plan to include a mini maternity, mini 3-month and/or a mini-9 month session if you prefer more frequent sessions during your baby’s first year. Due to their delicate nature, newborn sessions are never offered as a mini-session.
When should I book my maternity session?
I generally recommend that you book your maternity session between weeks 28-36. I believe that bellies are beautiful at any size but I leave that up to my clients and how they are feeling. I do not recommend maternity sessions after 36 weeks since many clients can become uncomfortable posing, standing or sitting for a long period of time. Plus, you never know when baby will decide to make their appearance! Please keep in mind that maternity sessions are only available when booked with the Maternity/Newborn Combo or as an add on as a mini-session to the Baby’s First Year Plan.
When should I book my newborn session?
It is never too early to book your newborn session! I generally recommend booking your newborn session at least 1 month in advance of your due date. I am currently only accepting a maximum of 6 newborns per month. Normally, newborn sessions are conducted within the first 5-14 days of life. If your newborn is already here, I have had success in posing babies up to 4 weeks old. At any age, sleeping curled up shots can not be guaranteed but are more likely to happen within the 5-14 day time frame.
How do newborn sessions work?
Once baby arrives, I ask that someone contact me within 48 hours so that we can schedule the newborn session. Newborn sessions are conducted Tuesday-Thursday from 9a-noon, depending on my availability, at my in-home studio. If you would like your newborn session conducted in your home, $100 travel fee will apply. I will also need to confirm that there is enough space for my portable studio setup.
Do you use natural or studio lighting?
Both! Newborn session timing is crucial and I can’t depend on the weather. Not enough light that day? Not a problem with my studio lighting. Studio lighting is more consistent and can almost mimic natural light when used properly.
Do you photograph anything else besides maternity and newborn?
Of course! I photograph babies, toddlers, children, couples and families. I have also been known to photograph the occasional pet! The only thing I do not photograph is seniors or weddings. I’d be happy to give recommendations for local photographers if that is the kind of photography you are looking for. I know some amazing photographers that specialize in those specific areas of photography.
What is included in your session fee?
If you click on the booking link in the main menu, you will be taken to my booking site where each session is described in detail. You can also find this information in my 2012 Pricing Guide which is available upon request via the contact form. One thing of importance is that my session fees do not include digital files, prints or products unless stated. These items must be purchased separately after the session.
How do I order my images?
Each session includes a complimentary in-person ordering appointment. Need help designing a wall gallery? No problem. I can come to your home, tape measurer in hand, and personally help you pick out images and design a wall space that suits your needs. I have computer programs that enable me to let you visualize just what your images will look like when displayed together in varying layouts and combinations. If an in-person ordering session is not your style, or you are just too busy, I have online ordering forms I’ve developed in excel to help make ordering a breeze.
When can I expect my products to arrive?
Once you place and sign off on your order, they take approximately 1-2 weeks for production and shipping time. I notify you by email when your order is ready for pick up.
Is shipping included in my order?
Shipping to my home studio is included in all orders and are ready for pick up after you receive your email notification of delivery. Drop shipping to your home is available upon request at the time the order is placed for an additional fee.
by Melissa Berg
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