Families + Freshies

♥FAMILIES-

Family Portraits usually have at least one family member saying the F-word…..This time, I want you all to say the right F-word….FUN! The approach to make this a reality is, keep um’ on the move, be quick, and encourage lots of fun!!!!!

FUN =

In husband world, “that didn’t take very long”….

Tween/teen world … “That wasn’t so bad”

Toddler/kid world “That was fun”….

Mom world…” We all look like we don’t always argue, I’m actually finally in a photo, 

I actually like what I look like, and I can’t wait to put some on the walls.”

Family Portraits-

Single family session- $300 creative fee

Extended family session- $375 creative fee

SINGLE FAMILY SESSION

“HOW DOES IT WORK?”

A family session includes professional styling by photographer, outfit suggestions and guidance prior to shoot, location scouting, drive time and shoot time. This is so I don’t show up in a “beautiful backyard” and think oh snap…..there’s nothing that looks like Darby here. This is also so your family doesn’t show up with mom having 4 outfit changes while dad only is wearing the same old t-shirt in all!!!! LOL, Don’t get me wrong, I love me an ol’ t-shirt but lets just chat before hand. I do not shoot the typical green grass, matching clothes, family frolicking at sunset in the Sonoma Mountains. I shoot straight forward, timeless, rustic family pics.

Session fee is $300 for single family.

That means children alone, or with one or both parents. It includes 1-2 hours of shooting, up to 3 outfits, with location changes. It includes a few favorite images aka sneak peek on your face book wall within days of your shoot.

Single family session- $300 creative fee

“What is an online gallery and how does it work?”

An online gallery is a way to see all your images from your home computer or directly from your phone.  After our session, an email is sent to you with a link and passcode. This link, when clicked on takes you to the website that contains your photos.

I use a package 1 “Keepin’ it simple”, or packge 2 “Keepin’ it real” approach.

PACKAGE 1= 10-25 best preselected images of which you select your favorite few pics…perfect for the client who literally wants one family photo, or maybe a family photo and a few kid pics. This is great for the easily overwhelmed, just need a current pic, or Christmas card kinda group!Individual digital images can be purchased for $20, and prints of images can be purchased and sent directly and quickly to your home! So easy!

PACKAGE 2 = The entire session edited and available for viewing, downloading, printing. This is for the client that want all of it…to see and own every image, the posed, the candid, the fun!

Once you have told me how to proceed (package 1 or 2) images will be edited within about 2 weeks. I will send an email letting you know your gallery is ready.

Prints are ordered straight from gallery and sent to your home. Anything from small wallets can be made, up to large canvases and metal prints. Large prints can only be purchased from the gallery. I profit very little from the prints, but the price is competitive, fair, ensures quality prints that reflect my business, and provides a full service experience. A full digital set can also be purchased and downloaded to your computer so you and your family to archive and always have access to.

Please note, images are for purchase, the cost is separate from session fee and are copyrighted and not authorized for posting or printing until after purchase. They retain their copyrights. Individually, Prices vary for different print size, or they are $20 pr digital image. A full digital set of all images taken is $200. All purchases of prints, digital copies, etc, are done straight thru gallery store via credit card, money order, etc.

– Full Photoshop editing to eliminate blemishes are an additional $25 per image from me, or available for less money through the photo gallery.

Payment of session fee is due day of shoot, payment of prints is due via paypal or store once editing is complete. Note: if you wait and lose code, a $25 fee is required to track down and resend code. If gallery has since gone down, and photos can be located, wedding copies are $200, family photo copies are $100 to reupload and resend.

 

EXTENDED FAMILY SESSION

“HOW DOES IT WORK?”

 

An extended family session is what its called when a big group of “family” gets together for family pictures! Usually on a weekend, an extended family session includes outfit suggestions and guidance prior to shoot, location scouting if need be, drive time and shoot time.

Session fee is $375 session fee for a large group.

It includes 1-2 hours of shooting, up to 2 outfits, in 1 location.

Again, I’d love to chat before because locations and outfits are like people….sometimes the most gorgeous gal can look so so in photos, and other times a plain gal can look like who framed Roger Rabbit behind the camera. Often families ask to use someone’s backyard. This is one of those pretty girls who looks average and ewww in a photo. So a chat before your session is a must!!!!! With a large group, it is important for the family to secure a great location, as photographer is unaware of people who have specific criteria, i.e. walkers, wheel chairs, etc. Fortunately most of us know someone with a great ranch like setting. This is a time to call in your favors, or ask me if you have no connections, I know of a great ranch we can use for a small fee.

Session includes a few favorite images aka sneak peek on your face book wall within days of your shoot, and access to a gallery with images taken during your session.

“What is an online gallery for an extended family session and how does it work?”

I use a package 1 “Keepin’ it simple”, or packge 2 “Keepin’ it real” approach.

PACKAGE 1= 10-25 best preselected images of which you select your favorite few family pics…perfect for the client who literally wants just one family photo, or maybe a family photo and a few others. This is great for the easily overwhelmed, just need a current pic, or Christmas card kinda group! Individual digital images can be purchased for $20, and prints of images can be purchased and sent directly and quickly to your home! So easy!$375 session fee plus cost of individual favorites

PACKAGE 2 = As long as one family in the session is ordering a package 2, the gallery included the entire session edited and available for viewing, downloading, printing. This is for the client that wants all of it…to see and own every image, the posed, the candid, the fun!$375 session fee, +$200 from atleast one family for the editing and access to all images. If you lose gallery code or it expires, $25 to resend. $100 minimum to reupload and send if need be, and if able to be found.

An online gallery is a way for all those included to see the images from their home computer or phone. After discussing what our plan is with your session, aka we are editing all of them or just a few favorites package 1 or package 2… an email is sent to you (the main client) with a link and passcode to divvy out.

This link, when clicked on takes you to the website that contains all your photos. It is here, that EACH FAMILY logs on, creates a favorites list to be purchased, and decide what prints they want for their home, gifts etc. Prints are ordered straight from gallery and sent to their home. Anything from small wallets can be made, up to large canvases and metal prints. Large prints (anything over 8 x 10) only be made directly from the gallery. I profit very little from the prints, but the price is competitive, fair, ensures quality prints that reflect my business, and provides a full service experience.  A full digital set can also be purchased by individual families for archiving. Note, a normal family session is $300, so to take individuals of each family, plus just kids, plus just parents x2 – x4 families, the session would be upwards of $1200. Therefore to stay affordable on the session fee, I ask that each individual family purchase their own set and own prints.

They are still saving loads of money, since you paid for the session fee!

– Full Photoshop editing to eliminate blemishes are an additional $25 per image from me, or available for less money through the photo gallery.

Payment of session fee is due day of shoot.

AS ALWAYS, I AM HONORED TO GIVE A MILITARY DISCOUNT!

R and R FAMILY PORTRAITS

TIPS/TRICKS, POLICIES,

BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT,

HOW TO PREPARE,

AND WHAT TO BRING FOR YOUR UPCOMING SHOOT

SCHEDULING YOUR DATE– YAY!!!!! Moms your deserve this!Good for you! I’m sure in the case of family pics, this is long overdue!

Once you contact me, I will shoot you some available dates, depending on what you want the photos for….i.e. Christmas photos, family reunion, etc. Currently, I set aside 2 weekends per month for family photos, so I have scheduled time for my family. Its on a first come first serve basis and take 1.5-2 hours and goes by super quick! If you have family in town and need a certain date, I’ll do my best to get you on schedule!

NOTE! Cancellations are not recommended. In truth, I have secured your spot over a weekend, which time is always limited for photographers. When you cancel 3 things happen. One, now I have your date secured and another job was given up to give it to your family, 2. Now to secure another spot, that leaves one less space for another family, 3. 90% of the time, another session does not happen. I DO NOT ALLOW CANCELLATIONS IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER.

CONFIRMING YOUR DATE- So……..if you confirm your photo shoot date and time, it becomes yours. Please make sure all the members of your family/extended family are available on that date. Check sports schedules, rodeo schedules, work schedules, etc. That means, payment is due on that date. Once you confirm, you are also confirming that you are purchasing that time from Rustically Romantic. Therefore, if you cancel, or never show up, payment is still due.

TIME Shoots take 1.5-2 hrs.

LOCATIONS– Ideally you know of a family place that reflects your style. Ask to use a friend’s ranch! If you have no good ideas or leads, we will come up with a place….aka fields, barn possibly, etc. We will go to 1-3 locations. If we are doing large extended family, it is largely up to client to secure good location. It needs shade, and rather not use a park lol.

If you are not local to Sonoma and Marin county you have options.1. come toward this direction and I’ll help you pick a location, or 2. I come to you with an additional travel fee if more than one hour from Novato Ca.

If you have your heart set on specific locations, that require extra drive time, i.e. the beach, far outside of town, etc…you need to let me know when booking your appointment so I can schedule accordingly. Locations that are far from meeting point may require an additional charge.

WHAT TO WEAR- HOW TO DRESS THE CREW- Scroll down!

WHO SHOULD BE IN THE PICS– Single family= parents and kids, extended family= means one single family plus other family members.

LARGE EXTENDED FAMILY If scheduling a family session, Simply put, If you ask if grandparents can come, aunts, uncle, etc. more people = more $ simply because it is a far larger job – Large families start at $375

ADDITIONAL REQUESTS- If I have quoted you for a specific shoot, do not try to squeeze in an additional looks, people, concepts without an increase in price. Darby Johnson Photography maintains the right to increase price on the spot (day of) if additional requests are made.

SHOOTS FOR PUBLICATIONS/ADVERTISEMENT/MODEL SUBMISSION- If you are scheduling a photo shoot for an upcoming publication/advertisement/etc; that intention needs to be specified upon booking, and price will be reflective.

RUSH ORDERS- I work diligently to edit and return your photos within a short time frame. 2-3 weeks is expected, although I try to work even quicker! If you need your photos prior to 2 weeks, there is an up charge of $150. 

CRABBY KIDS, CRABBY HUSBANDS, CRABBY MENIf you are getting lip……simply shove the clothes in the car and come in whatever aka sweats lol! Husbands can stick a button up over their t-shirt when you get there. If kids are crabby about the clothes, I will ask them to go change and help them get dressed……they always cooperate, it always works and keeps mom stress free! Ps feel free to bring beer. LOL. Mom drives.

LET ME DO THE WORK- During the shoot, I love kids and will help deal with them…most of the time they will happily change into anything I ask, come where ever I ask, etc. If they get too much direction from me and parents, siblings, etc. all at the same time it backfires. Just smile, look happy and stress free, and if they are cranky, keep silent… and let me see if they will cooperate for me, so you actually have fun! You get to sit back and relax for once! If its an extended family session, let me direct kids…nothing is worse than kids being told what to do by their aunts, uncle, grandparents, etc, all at the same time.

WEATHER- Unless it it a full downpour within an hour of your session, it’s a go! Overcast is the absolute best….so unless full wet rain is comin’ down, we shoot!! Only photographer determines if weather postpones shoot, please.

SOCIAL MEDIA- I get most of my work from social media and word of mouth. I put up ALL JOBS, with exception of boudoir, on your social media page. If this is a conflict, it needs to be discussed prior. With an exception of safety or profession, I post a few favorites within a few days of our shoot. It always surprises me when people are upset about having their family portrait shown in public, so this needs discussing if this will be a problem.

**WHAT TO SHOP FOR AND BRING **

                  1. CASH…

                  2. SNACKS/H2O

                  3. Outfits with shoes.

     

OUTFITS

Wear/Bring 1-3 outfits-

If you want, send me a photo upon booking and based on “your look” I will help with outfit suggestions, theme, color scheme……if you decide to DYI, here’s some tips-

1. DO NOT BE TOO MATCHY MATCHY!!!! AKA no all khakis with jeans shirts, or jeans with white tops! Pick a 4 color color scheme……i.e. denim, yellow, royal blue, white and then dress family in variations of these colors without any two family members wearing identical outfits.

2. Let Husbands dress how they normally do. Do not make them your dolls and dress them all uptight!!! Jeans, boots, belt, whatever. T-shirts don’t photograph as well as a button up, but if your man is willing, pack the button ups and he can put it on once its go time!

3. Bribe kids to wear your chosen outfit, with the promise they can change to any outfit of their choice at the end for a few pics a.k.a. capes, tutus, anything goes! ( If they don’t want to be in the outfit you choose, just pack it or have it hanging there when I get there. I’ll negotiate on your behalf. LOL….and before you know it, Mom wins!)

4. Shop e-bay, thrift, borrow from friends, etc….It does not have to be expensive. Think outside the box too.

5.  MOM NOTES – Consider wearing layers, so that you aren’t too critical of weight concerns. A cardigan, jean jacket, even infinity scarf can be forgiving. Hair and makeup…….Take time for yourself before hand. Hair should be done. Makeup should be darker than usual, with a darker cheek & dark eye. Brows are important in pics, so groom them and fill them in a bit!!

∗My favorite outfit inspiration comes from… outfit ideas only, and then piece it together elsewhere if what you love is super expensive. Although, if the photo is going to be on the wall for the next 30 years, maybe buy the thing you love.

Boho-california style: Freepeople.com,

Western, Outdoorsy: Sundance catalog/Sundance.com, DoubleDranch.com, Boot Barn’s new ads

All American casual family: Americaneagle.com, Gap, google Tommy Hilfiger ads…. LOVE LOVE!

More formal classic: Ralphlauren.com, Brooksbrothers.com, Pinterest

To schedule a session, please contact me early :)….so we can best schedule timing

Facebook message @ Darby Johnson Photography

Instagram @darbyjohnsonphotography

Text:707.489.5750

♥BIG BELLIES AND FRESHIES-

Investment

Maternity Session-
Maternity sessions with 3 outfits , 3 locations- $300 creative fee.
PRICING- As of Fall 2016, pricing is now separated into two sections…the session fee, and the purchase of images (since it takes me roughly 4 additional hours to edit). A Maternity session is $300. All images are uploaded to an online gallery for purchase. I will post my favorite 5-10 images on your Facebook timeline….this lets you know your job is in que. You will then receive an email with a link and password to access an online gallery. There you may see and purchase your favorite images. Images are $20 each. If you can’t decide and its adding up quickly, a flat- rate of $200  paid via paypal/gallery store, will allow access and downloads of all images taken during session.

Newborn Session-
Newborn sessions with 3 outfits , 1 location- $150 “new client” creative fee.
PRICING- As of Fall 2016, pricing is now separated into two sections…the session fee, and the purchase of images (since it takes me roughly 4 additional hours to edit).  A Newborn session is $150. All images are uploaded to an online gallery for purchase. I will post my favorite few images on your Facebook timeline….this lets you know your job is in que. You will then receive an email with a link and password to access an online gallery. There you may see and purchase your favorite images. Images are $25 each.  If you can’t decide and its adding up quickly, a flat- rate of $150 ($200 if there are lots and lots) paid via paypal, will allow access and downloads of all images taken during session.

-Includes a few favorite proofs posted to your Facebook wall! I usually only share 1-3 images….and I only share if I see you have other “baby” related images. Meaning if you don’t want your baby on social media at all, I respect that.

-An online gallery to select additional images for purchase, or share with family and friends.

-An option to buy all images of entire session for a discounted flat rate

AS ALWAYS, I AM HONORED TO GIVE A MILITARY DISCOUNT!

MATERNITY SESSION

TIPS/TRICKS, POLICIES,

BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT,

HOW TO PREPARE,

AND WHAT TO BRING FOR YOUR UPCOMING SHOOT

SCHEDULING YOUR DATE– Scheduling depends on due date. We should aim to take your photos in the 7-8 month for two reasons….1. We don’t want to miss if if you go into early labor, 2. We don’t want you so huge that you don’t love the process and final images. Depending on your due date we will all find an available date.

CONFIRMING YOUR DATE- If you confirm your photo shoot date and time, it becomes yours. That means, payment is due on that date.Once you confirm, you are also confirming that you are purchasing that time from Rustically Romantic.Therefore, if you cancel, or never show up, payment is still due. Please do not book with Darby Johnson Photography, if you are not willing to abide by this.

TIME Shoots take 2-2.5 hrs.

LOCATIONS– We will go to 3-5 different outdoor locations. If you have your heart set on specific locations, that require extra drive time, i.e. the beach, far outside of town, etc…you need to let me know when booking your appointment so I can schedule accordingly. Locations that are far from meeting point my require an additional charge.

WHO SHOULD BE IN THE PICS Mama, Papa, and soon to be older siblings if you wish.

ADDITIONAL REQUESTS- If I have quoted you for a specific shoot, do not try to squeeze in an additional looks, people, concepts without an increase in price. Darby Johnson Photography maintains the right to increase price on the spot (day of) if additional requests are made.

SHOOTS FOR PUBLICATIONS/ADVERTISEMENT/MODEL SUBMISSION- If you are scheduling a photo shoot for an upcoming publication/advertisement/etc; that intention needs to be specified upon booking, and price will be reflective.

RUSH ORDERS- I work diligently to edit and return your photos within a short time frame. 2-3 weeks is expected, although I try to work even quicker! If you need your photos prior to 2 weeks, there is an up charge of $150. 

CRABBY KIDS OR HUBBY– Just as a family session, if you are getting lip……simply shove the clothes in the car. Husbands can stick a button up over their t-shirt when you get there. If kids are crabby about the clothes, same thing. I will ask them to go change and help them get dressed……it always works and keeps mom stress free!

LET ME DO THE WORK- During the shoot, I love kids and will help deal with them…most of the time they will happily change into anything I ask, come where ever I ask, etc. If they get too much direction from me and parents, siblings, etc, sometimes it backfires. Just smile, look happy and stress free, and if they are cranky, keep silent… and let me see if they will cooperate for me, so you actually have fun!

**WHAT TO SHOP FOR AND BRING **

                  1. CASH…

                  2. SNACKS/H2O for Mom (and kids if they are coming)

                  3. Outfits with shoes.

     OUTFITS Mama needs 3 outfits-

If you want, send me a photo upon booking and based on “your look” I will help with outfit suggestions, theme, color scheme……if you decide to DYI, here’s some tips-

-I love Boho inspired maternity outfits…..white sundresses, printed maxis, long skirts with no shoes…..

-Both flowy and tight outfits work…show off the belly, so you look pregnant, and not just a bit bigger than usual!lol

 -DO NOT BE TOO MATCHY MATCHY, but everyone should loosely match Mama.

 -Shop e-bay, thrift, borrow from friends, etc….It does not have to be expensive

 -Let Husbands dress how they normally do. Do not make them your dolls and dress them all uptight!!!

 -Pick each look wit a 4 color color scheme……i.e. denim, yellow, royal blue, white and then dress family in                        variations of these colors without any two family members wearing identical outfits.

     MOM NOTES Bring lots of choices…they can be inexpensive and returnable! Make sure you like your arms in your outfits. Hair should be down and done. Makeup should be darker than usual, with a darker cheek & dark eye. Brows are important in pics, so groom them and fill them in a bit!!

∗GREAT IDEAS FOR OUTFITS FOUND ON PINTEREST!!!

WEATHER- Unless it it a full downpour within an hour of your session, it’s a go! Overcast is the absolute best….so unless full wet rain is comin’ down, we shoot!

Cancellation Policy– Upon scheduling, client immediately agrees to follow cancellation policy. All cancellations must be made 4 weeks in advance, otherwise payment is due in full. If you do not agree to the terms, do not schedule a session. If your session is in November or December, no cancellations are permitted, even with notice! BABIES COMING EARLY OR HOSPITALIZATION IS A VALID EXCUSE AND PLEASE DON’T WORRY!

 

NEWBORN

TIPS/TRICKS, POLICIES,

BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT,

HOW TO PREPARE,

AND WHAT TO BRING FOR YOUR UPCOMING SHOOT

SCHEDULING YOUR DATE– Younger the better…..and more likely to be sleeping!Best to schedule while still pregnant so we have a date set up after the stork comes!

CONFIRMING YOUR DATE- If you confirm your photo shoot date and time, it becomes yours. I understand new mamas get overwhelmed, just keep lines of communication open.

TIME Shoots take 2-2.5 hrs. We break when baby is hungry!

LOCATIONS– Your home. Its not as fantastic as a studio, but its easier on Mama and baby!

WHO SHOULD BE IN THE PICS- Baby, maybe Mama and Papa and maybe siblings if you wish for a few.

ADDITIONAL REQUESTS- This is different than a family photo shoot, or older sibling individual photo shoot at the “new client” rate. If I have quoted you for a newborn shoot, do not try to squeeze in an additional looks, people, concepts without talking to me prior. Darby Johnson Photography maintains the right to increase price on the spot (day of) if additional requests are made.

SHOOTS FOR PUBLICATIONS/ADVERTISEMENT/MODEL SUBMISSION- If you are scheduling a photo shoot for an upcoming publication/advertisement/etc; that intention needs to be specified upon booking, and price will be reflective.

RUSH ORDERS- I work diligently to edit and return your photos within a short time frame. 2-3 weeks is expected, although I try to work even quicker! If you need your photos prior to 2 weeks, there is an up charge of $150.  

 

**WHAT TO SHOP FOR AND HAVE ON HAND**

  1. PAYMENT

  2. WHITE SWADDLE

  3. TEXTURED NEUTRAL BLANKET W/ NO PATTERN

  4. SOLID COLOR OUTFITS

   5. CUTE HAT

     OUTFITS 3-5 outfits- No patterns, neutrals are best for baby and family…no all white shirts or all black for everyone…but cream, beige, white, grey is ideal.

 

To schedule a session, please contact me early :)….so we can best schedule timing

Facebook message @ Darby Johnson Photography

Instagram @darbyjohnsonphotography

Text:707.489.5750

NOTE FOR ALL SHOOTS- Service is nonrefundable. But that said, I want every client to be thrilled with their session and their images. If necessary, arrangements will be made only at photographer’s request to re-shoot if there is a problem. Reasons such as weight concerns, baby not looking exactly at camera, hair blowing in the wind, senior not smiling enough, etc, would not be considerations for a free/discounted re-shoot