How can I best prepare for the sitting?
Where will the sitting take place?
What should I wear?
What time of day is best?
How many people can be in the sitting?
How long will the sitting take?
How much does the sitting cost?
How do I order prints?
What if I’m not happy with my proofs?
How long will it take to receive the final prints?
How do I schedule an appointment?
Q: How can I best prepare for the sitting?
This depends on who is being photographed!
Infants
If they're well rested, fed, and in a new diaper, chances are you'll have a successful sitting!
Toddlers
If you're the parent of a toddler, you know that the answer to this varies by the minute! Our experience is that mid-morning or just after a nap generally works well. Make sure to bring plenty of snacks (the type that don't soil an outfit) and a sense of humor. If you're relaxed about the experience, chances are you're toddler will respond.
Our photographers are specially trained to work with small children. Allow the photographers to work their magic. For parents that stay in the background, beautiful pictures are generally the reward!
Pre-school to School-age
If you've survived photographing you're toddler, this age group will be a breeze. Explain in simple terms what will happen during the sitting and from there, just make sure they're well-groomed.
General Information
Once you've prepared the subjects, it's important that you're prepared as well. Think about the end result first. Would you like formal pictures or informal? This will help you to decide on an indoor or outdoor photograph and what your family will be wearing.
For most families, gathering the whole family together can be something of a Herculean task. Make it count by thinking through what combination of subjects are most important. Perhaps a picture of dad with all the kids to be given as a future Father's Day gift. Maybe the women in your family would like a photograph of three generations of mothers and daughters. Once the sitting gets underway, time moves quickly. We encourage parents to plan ahead of time for those combinations they'll want and to share this information with the photographer prior to the sitting.
Finally, remember to prioritize your ideas. Keep a list of the most important shots so you'll have them completed first. This ensures everyone is fresh for the most important pictures and that nothing is left to chance.
Q: Where will the sitting take place?
Coffee Pond Productions is dedicated to making your professional sitting as easy and hassle-free as possible. To that end, our photographers are happy to conduct your sitting at your home, at a park, indoors or outdoors.
Coffee Pond Productions is known for its natural photographs that take advantage of the great outdoors. Ask our office for suggestions on a park or field located near your home. These surroundings provide beautiful backdrops to your family or individual sitting.
Q: What should I wear?
The basic rule of thumb is comfort. If your clothes is comfortable, you'll be comfortable. While there is no such thing as "good" or "bad" colors, there are some general guidelines:
- Choose colors and styles that you like. If you're not sure what looks good on you, ask an honest friend.
- Avoid busy fabrics or wild patterns.
- Try to avoid choosing one-color outfits. For example, no red shirt-red pants combinations.
- For group photos, select at least one color in each outfit that is the same. Remember that you'll all appear in the same finished portrait so avoid polka dots and stripes standing next to each other.
Q: What time of day is best?
This depends on the subjects. Pick a time what works for your family's schedule. Try to find time when neither you or your kids will be rushed.
If you've got small children, try to choose a time when they'll be their best. For toddlers, that often means mid-morning or just after their afternoon nap.
Q: How many people can be in the sitting?
As many as you'd like! For that matter, it doesn't have to just be people. Bring the family pet! We do ask, however, that you let us know ahead of time how many people, what type of pet, and whether or not there will be any unusual subjects. This will help our photographer be fully prepared for the session.
Q: How long will the sitting take?
A typical sitting lasts one hour, although many sittings can be completed in 45 minutes. Our photographers are specially trained to work with children and rarely keep little ones sitting for long.
Q: How much does the sitting cost?
Prices range from $75 to $495.Please contact us for a price quote.
Q: How do I order prints?
After the sitting is completed, your 'proofs' will be uploaded to our password protected website and you will recieve an email with a link to view them. Should you desire, we would be delighted to have you meet with a service representative who will assist you in determining what prints you would like to order and discuss customized options such as cropping, digital retouching, etc.
Once you have determined what photographs you like, you will order them online. From there, our lab will print your order and your final prints will be mailed to your home.
Q: What if I’m not happy with my proofs?
Coffee Pond Productions is dedicated to providing unsurpassed customer care. To that end, we offer a three-step guarantee.
Step 1: In the unlikely event that you're not happy with your pictures, our service representatives will meet with you to develop a customized solution to meet your needs.
Step 2: If we are unable to provide a customized solution, one of our photographers will retake the portrait at no charge.
Step 3: In the unlikely event we are not able to provide a customized solution and you do not wish to have us retake the portrait, we will refund your entire sitting fee, 100% guaranteed.
Q: How long will it take to receive the final prints?
A typical order takes two to three weeks to process. Special requests such as airbrushing, digital retouching, cropping, etc. will take longer.
Should you need your prints rushed, we're happy to accommodate your request, but remind you that rush charges will be incurred.
Q: How do I schedule an appointment?
Call 800-632-2323 ext 0.
