photography session frequently asked questions
The Photography Studio | Syracuse Utah
full-service photography studio
I have a full-service photography studio in my home in Syracuse. The address will be disclosed upon booking. My photography studio has a separate entrance and is a professional but cozy space for your photo shoot. The space is perfect for newborn photography and small family photography sessions. We have everything you need for your photo shoot. All you need to bring is that sweet baby!
When should I book my photography session?
Newborn Photos
You can book your photoshoot as soon as you’d like…. when that pregnancy test shows positive or when your new baby is here (if we have room in our studio schedule). I give a 10% discount off the session fee to those who book a newborn photography session in the first trimester. However ideal timing would be around 20 weeks. Most parents know the sex of the baby by this time, and that allows us to plan out more of the details when designing your session. If you want to guarantee your spot on the studio calendar, scheduling your newborn photo shoot by at least the early 3rd trimester would be best. That said, if we have room in the schedule we won’t turn you away. When you book ahead of time your due date will be put on our calendar. We ask that you contact us when your new baby arrives so that we can get your photoshoot scheduled. The ideal timing for a newborn photo session is within the first two weeks.
Maternity Photos
We like to shoot Maternity ideally between 32 and 36 weeks. Late enough that your baby bump is popping, but not so late that you have cankles and can’t move, or have the chance of going into labor at your session!
Cake Smash Photos
If you want to display printed products at your child’s birthday party you’ll want to schedule at least 4 weeks before the party date. You will receive digital images included in your purchased package within two weeks of your session date, and printed products within 4 weeks.
Family
Pick your favorite photo season and contact us the season before it! We fill up quickly for family sessions especially during spring blossom and fall leaf seasons! So make sure to plan ahead! We do have 3-4 seasonal events per year that allow for shorter sessions and special locations. Check those out in our promotions section.
High School Seniors
Again pick your season! (we also do a 4 seasons package) and plan to book the season before so you can assure a spot on our calendar!
***There are discounts and bonuses when you book multiple sessions together***
Where do my photography sessions take place?
My photo studio space is ideal for newborn and children’s photo shoots. I am able to get in a few family photos during those sessions usually, but full family photo shoots are held outdoors. I can help you find the perfect location for your outdoor family or senior photography session.
Do you provide props and accessories for my photography session?
Yes! I have a bit of a photography prop addiction and provide ample options. That being said, if you have something important you’d like to bring from home to incorporate into your photo shoot, I am open to that as well. Some things that parents have brought in the past for their newborn photography session include items from a nursery, family heirlooms, musical instruments, sports /team gear and even pets! All details will be planned out in your consultation before your session.
How long do photography sessions last?
Newborn photography sessions can last usually 2-3 hours. Regular baby milestone photo shoots are around 45 min, with limited edition sessions and event sessions being 10-20 minutes. Full Family and Senior Portrait Sessions sessions are 1-1.5 hours.
What should I wear for my photography session?
I am always happy to help you go over outfit choices for your family photography sessions. I like colors that go with the seasons: bright cheerful colors for Spring and Summer, neutrals and jewel tones for Fall or Winter. Mixing small patterns and subtle prints can add a fun element to your photo shoots as well. Adding layers and accessories is preferred over too many bold patterns.
For maternity, sitter & cake smash photography sessions we have so many options in our client closet. Let us know if you’d like a little peek! You can find our maternity gowns for photography sessions here.
For newborn photography sessions if you are having family photos done I recommend solid neutral outfits for everyone. Try to stay away from anything with logos. I adore families in all-white or all-black. As for baby, please don’t bring outfits for baby, we provide all outfits and wraps necessary for your newborn photoshoot.
***You can find more on preparing for your family photography session here***
How do I see my photographs? Do you include the printing rights?
Within two weeks of your session, we will have a viewing and ordering appointment where you will see your images for the first time and decide on art pieces for your home.
At Em J Photography our goal is to help you get the perfect display of your images for your home. We have a good variety of high-quality archival printed products that you will treasure for years. We believe when you invest in a session with us you should walk away with more than just corruptible files. You should have heirlooms that can be enjoyed daily in your home. We spend so much time perfecting these images that we would hate for them to be printed with the wrong color profile or poor quality. We have taken care of the research on our end on finding the best quality products. If there is something that you love that we don’t offer upfront we will help you find the perfect fit and top quality. We have a good relationship with many professional printing labs and can find just about any product you can dream up!
All of that said, we understand that you still may want that backup file for small prints and projects as well as social sharing, so we include a digital copy with every purchased print. This way you can gift prints to grandparents and friends, share on social media and create small projects all on your own with a print release for up to 10” sizes.