F.A.Q.’s
How long does the photo session last?
Most sessions last one hour, newborn, engagement and senior sessions can go for two to three hours depending on which session was purchased. Mini sessions are normally scheduled every thirty mins, sometimes we finish earlier than the planned time, and sometimes we go over the planned time. But we will work as long as we have to if it means catching the perfect shot.
Is there anything we should do to prepare for or bring to the shoot?
Definitely, sit down talk to your family and come up with a plan for your session. If there is a certain team your family roots for or a really fun activity that you enjoy doing together. Any favorite toys, stuffed animals or family heirlooms that would add to your images. Incorporating these things into your session makes your pictures that much more special.
Create a wardrobe attack plan make sure all the outfits work to your aesthetic, maybe even section off a spot in your closet that is off limits until the day of the session. This prevents any wardrobe mistakes the day of the session. You do not want everyone in black except dad’s dark navy blue shirt. Trust me it happens…
Have a look on our website and let us know if anything jumps out at you, any location, or pose that you can see your family doing and wanting.
Oh and don’t forget to prepare your fur baby for the session, after all they are a part of your family too.
How many are allowed in the session?
Having a large family is a blessing, so you shouldn’t be charged more just for being awesome. Just let us know if its going to be a larger group so we can accommodate you.
Can we bring extra family members or friends to the studio?
Of course we are not going to say no to this, and our studio is plenty big enough to accommodate a family of 20-25. With that said, if the session is for a small child or baby, its completely vital that the studio only have 2 adults in during photographing. The rest can wait in the lobby and you can rotate in an out, but too many adults can make your little one flustered and upset. Also its extremely hard to get their attention over grandma and grandpa….They are WAY COOLER!!!!
What if my little one is “spirited” during their session?
There is zero shame when it comes to making your kids laugh. Matt and Shea throw all self respect to the wind and transform into your little ones favorite day time PBS show. Toddlers that might not cooperate for pictures, will be giggling and having the time of their lives. Matt has raised 6 children, two of which, TWINS!!! So he has experience in all ages, from newborn to teenager, and knows just how to get that perfect expression to capture your ideal portrait. So you might have to sit through “Matts greatest toddler Hits” Volume 85… The “CoCo Melon” Edition… but as long as it gets you an amazing shot, he doesn’t care one bit.
What is your studio like?
Our studio is fully stocked with all the clothing, headbands, hats, vintage quilts, textures and props you’ll need. We have a ton fantastic furniture that will be available for your session as well. We also strive to provide a fun in-studio atmosphere, with a comfortable lobby equip with a snack and beverage bar that is completely complimentary to you and your family. Fully and elegantly stocked with the finest gold fish crackers and gummies you can find on the east coast. Each studio room, from our newborn studio to our bigger child and family studio, is handcrafted and designed by Matt and Shea.
I have never had a professional Portrait done, can you help me?
Don’t worry about a thing. All of our photo sessions are directed and engaging. You don’t have to know what you’re doing, because we do. Pre Session consultations give us a good idea of your style so we can personalize your final images. Afterward, you get to enjoy a reveal session where you watch your beautiful images in a slideshow projected onto an 8 foot screen.
How do I book a photo session?
We’ve made it as simple as possible to book your session. Go to the section that represents the session you are wanting to book. In that section you will find a book now button at the bottom of the Information, follow the steps to book your session online. As your check out and complete your online booking there will be a space in our information form that allows you to fill in your top three choices for dates. If we can not accommodate any of those, you will receive a call from our assistant to work a day out that best fits your schedule. Once you pay your session fee, your are officially booked and within 48 hours, you will receive a confirmation email that contains a session confirmation, your date and time for your session. In regard to newborn sessoins, we know they operate on their own timeline so due dates are just a guideline. When you have reserve your session ahead of time you are guaranteed to be worked in within 7-14 days of birth no matter how busy we may be! Once you’ve paid your session fee, your are locked in! We do tend to book in advance, especially in peak seasons, so the earlier you book, the better chance you have at getting your desired time. You can also book your session over the phone at 423-521-7427. Either way you book, be ready to pay your session fee as it is taken at the time of booking to hold your spot.
I have a toddler, ummm???
Enough said. If you’re coming in with a toddler, there are few things you need to know…
It’s their show, they aren’t going to do anything unless THEY CHOOSE TO DO IT!!!
Be ready to be involved, it’s important to make them feel comfortable and safe and for that reason, we want our toddler parents to be involved in the session.
Don’t lose your temper, and keep calm, if they see that you are frustrated, or if they feel that you are upset, it will reflect in their attitude.
Please, only two adults in the studio at a time. As much as we love hearing grandparents live reactions, it would absolutely be impossible to compete with them for your baby’s attention. If you think that they will smile for the grandparents more, the Mom and Dad can rotate in an out of the studio, and take turns helping us out.
This next one is a hard one, especially for us parents, but let Matt and Shea work. They might ask you to play peek-a-boo behind them, or they might even ask you to step too the side out of sight. Either way, follow their lead and the session will go just right and your photos will be shockingly awesome!!!
What happens after our session?
After your session, we will schedule a collection creation session. This appointment takes place a week or so after your session. Purchases will be made at this session, but we take an hour or two to sit down with you and go through all your images, picking out your favorites. You will come in, get comfy and watch your slideshow in the comfy viewing room on our 8 foot screen. Mini sessions typically result in 15-20 proofs and full sessions are typically 35-40 proofs. At that time, you will choose your prints, wall art pieces, albums or digital collections. It is NOT a high pressure sales session, just a speedy and efficient way to review photos and make sure you get exactly what you want as Matt guides you through your options with his experience, making the complete process less stressful.
How should we expect to Receive our pictures?
Purchased digital galleries are delivered via email through an online gallery called your “Infinity Gallery”. You will be able to download directly to your mobile device and or computer and order addition professional, awesomely priced prints as well. You have the option of having your printed products shipped directly to you or you can pick them up here at the studio. Depending on your products, prints, wall art and albums may arrive in separate shipments. We are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm but pick ups must be scheduled since we are in and out of the office all week
Whats the Turnaround time on orders?
The day you come in to view your images, they are edited and ready to go. If you order digitals, they are typically delivered the same day. Wall art is 3-4 weeks, books and albums are 4-5 weeks and announcements, invitations and flat prints are 1-2 weeks turn around time. Holidays also may affect these deadlines- more so with product delivery.
Can I skip the ordering session and just have an online gallery?
Online galleries from Matt and Shea Photography are for add on and digital delivery only. Our online galleries are called Infinity Galleries, so they stay up as long as we are in business. We do not release an online gallery until after the initial order is made at the viewing/ordering session.
Do you travel for shoots?
We do on location and studio photos, with some favorite secret locations in mind. We typically travel within a 15-mile radius of our studio for full sessions or 5 miles for mini session, but we are always open to traveling new places, especially to the beach or anywhere tropical. Travel is normally on a case by case basis, so feel free to contact the studio to get a quote.
Do you work with special needs children?
We work with all kids: newborns, babies, toddlers, and special needs. We love them all, and will take the extra effort needed to accommodate children with special needs.
Do you offer digital files?
Yes! Digital files are available for purchase, we know you want to share those images on social media and with family. Our Digital files are delivered via our Infinity gallery, this gallery allows you to download at your pace because it says up as long as we are in business. Share your download code with friends and family and enjoy unlimited downloads of your amazing images. We also give you a free Social Media samples from your session on both Instagram and Facebook, so make sure that you follow us on both.
Do you ever offer special offers or discounts?
Throughout the year we offer specials that are often themed! Be the first to find out about our specials by subscribing to our emails here. We also offer a 10% discount on all prints and wall art for our armed service members, first responders and teachers.
How is Matt and Shea photography different from other photographers?
Several reasons, with Matt and Shea Photography you aren’t meeting at a strangers house, or some random coffee shop. The whole experience starts with our full service studio with separate newborn and general studio, an awesome client closet filled with options like outfits for your baby, headbands, wraps or even maternity gowns, and ends in our comfy viewing room where you can see a wide array of products and view your images on our 8 ft projection screen.
Matt’s technical knowledge and lighting expertise and extensive knowledge of posing and direction, you are guaranteed to look your best. You can rest assured that your images are going to be unique and reflect creativeness, all while being captured in high resolution, perfect color.
Safety will always be our number once concern when it comes to your child, baby or family. We take every precaution, from having professionals come to the studio to sanitize it from COVID-19 weekly and before newborn sessions, too making sure each and every pose is age and ability acceptable.
Matt and Shea Photography is also a licensed and insured company allowing our Moms and Dads to rest easy and know that their little one is in capable and careful hands. You can also take comfort in the fact that we are a legal and licensed company, so when you make an investment with us, you can guarantee that you will not only receive what you ordered, but receive it in a timely and professional manner.
What is the best way to contact you?
Through our Contact Us page or our studio phone 423-521-7427 or send an email by using the form below.