Memories: a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. In choosing Photography by Monroe you will receive photographic memories to last a lifetime. I believe everyone’s story is important and needs to be shared. I specialize in family, children, engagement, wedding & senior portraits.
When is my session fee due? Your session fee is due within 5 days of confirming your date and time slot. When I book sessions, I require the full session fee up front. I do this because I set aside your date and time just for you. I don't plan anything on my personal calendar during that time, I don't take on other sessions during that time and I plan my work and personal life around what is on my photography calendar. Because of this your session fee is non-refundable.
What is covered with my session fee? Your session includes the allotted time frame, all edited digital images in an online gallery and a full copyright release to reprint the images at the lab of your choice. Your images are stored on my secure website for as long as I am in business.
How can I pay for my session? Your session fee can be paid via cash (in person), check payable to Leah Monroe (sent to E10816 Illusion Dr, Viola, WI 54664) or by PayPal (friends and family option only please) to [email protected]. There is a $50 fee for funds returned by the bank for any reason.
What if the weather isn't nice or someone is ill the day of our session? I keep days open on my calendar for any rescheduling needs. I understand that life happens and sometimes illness, emergencies or work situations arise that require a change to the booked session date and time. I do allow someone to request a schedule change due to non-weather situations up to two times without loss of deposit. Please understand that rescheduling may result in changes to the original location and time slot to fit you into my calendar. Also I will not do a session in the rain, as my equipment is very expensive and I need to keep it in working order. Since family sessions are outdoors it is up to me if we need to reschedule due to inclement weather, I do not have indoor options available for full family sessions. Please note that I take pride in the fact that I am extremely flexible with rescheduling and finding something that works for all parties involved.
What if I am late to my session, don’t show up or change my mind after I pay my deposit? I know that sometimes it is hard to get the family organized and out the front door. I 100% get it, as I have my own family, who often is less than cooperative with being somewhere on time. I accommodate late arrivals as much as possible, especially if you shoot me a message or a text letting me know the circumstances. If I have no one scheduled immediately after your session I will work with you on arriving late for your session, however I do often book back to back sessions on my calendar so it may not always be feasible to do your full session if you are more than 15 minutes late. Also due to me setting aside your date and timeslot on my calendar and turning away other business during your time slot, if you are more than 30 minutes late for your standard session or if you do not show up at all, your session will be cancelled and your deposit will be forfeited. I will not offer rescheduling for no shows or extremely late arrivals. If you change your mind and no longer want to do your session, your session fee will not be refunded. I will do my best to be creative in how to utilize your session fee for a different type of session for you, but understand that I take these deposits in order to set aside your specific time slot for you and I do not book any other sessions or schedule any personal appointments during the time slot booked.
Can I give you my Pinterest board with all my ideas? I love Pinterest. No seriously. It is one of my favorite ways to pass the time. I do not mind looking over your Pinterest board to get an idea of what you like for pictures, but please understand that you booked with me most likely because of the work you have seen on my page, or maybe because you saw a friends session. If there are 1 or 2 Pinterest pictures you just have to have, I'll be happy to replicate them for you, but please do not expect me to copy your entire Pinterest board. You will be much happier with a session that reflects you and your family as individuals versus being a clone of someone else's work that has been copied several times over due to Pinterest.
What colors should my family wear for a session? Your session is all about your individual sense of style, with that being said try to stick to a base of family colors. (Earth tones, Greys, etc.) Different shades of blues always look good together. Reds and greens are a little trickier to match up. You can mix and match patterns, but keep it to a minimum. For my own family sessions I like to go with the 2/3 to 1 ratio. 2 or 3 main colors (Blue/Grey/White) and 1 pop of color (coral). I'm happy to look over your outfits via messenger if you feel insecure and want some opinions! Plus getting a sneak peek on what you are wearing helps me organize props and gives me some ideas ahead of time for your own personalized session.
Where do I see my pictures? Once edited, all sessions are loaded into a private gallery just for you. I will message you with the link, a password to access the gallery and to download the digital images. Images do not expire and are accessible 24/7/365 once editing is completed. Your session will be available on my website for as long as I am in business. I do highly suggest that you download your full session to back up on your computer, cloud storage or google drive account. If you need help with backing up your images just let me know and I’ll walk you through the process.
Where do I print my pictures? You are free to print images at the lab of your choice, however I highly suggest www.mpix.com or www.nationsphotolab.comfor reprinting. Please note that if you go to Walmart, Walgreens, Shutterfly, etc that the images produced are not a true indication of the digital file. Colors, contrast, exposure, etc are very different at each of the box store labs. Trust me. Go with the suggestions I have given. You won't be disappointed! Also with the websites I mentioned always look for their amazing coupons! You can save a ton on prints by signing up with their email list and utilizing their weekly coupon emails. You can also choose to print images directly from your gallery on my website. Please note the prices are a tad higher than the web-links provided above, but are set to cover the fees I am charged for you ordering through your gallery directly versus downloading and ordering elsewhere.
How soon can I see my images? Editing can take up to two weeks. I try my hardest to get sneak peeks up on my page within a day or so of your session, but please understand life circumstances may delay editing or uploading sneak peeks.
Do I get physical copies of my print with my session fee? Your session fee covers digital images only, along with a full copyright release to print physical copies of your images at your own pace.
Questions that aren’t covered here? Just shoot me a message and I’m happy to help. These are the most frequently asked questions that I have had over the years. I enjoy working with my clients and promise to keep your session fun so we can obtain some great photographic memories for you and your family.
