How to Prepare for Your Session

What to Expect Before we Meet

I get it, reaching out to strangers isn't everyone's cup of tea. Hopefully this Blog post will help walk you through what to expect when you reach out to me! Having certain information on hand when you reach out can make for smooth sailing, but will also speed up the process on the front end while we get your session outlined.

What Should Clients Prepare Before the Meeting?

If you're reaching out to me, I'm guessing that you are either: A). window shopping just for pricing, or B). ready to book a session! Both of these options are totally fine, and I even have the links provided for you at the end of this post. Having an objective in mind when you reach out is the best way to start. Including this objective in your message when you do reach out is even better! It will help me make sure you get relevant information for the portion of your journey that you are on.

If you're reaching out for a smaller session like a mini or family session, most of our communication may stay over email! If you're reaching out for something like branding or a wedding I prefer to meet up in person or over Zoom so we can talk more in depth!

It's not super often, but sometimes there is extra documentation involved in the quoting process. It may be a questionnaire, invoice, timeline, etc. Make sure you have these on hand or at least in an easily accessible area when we are talking. Having information on the front end helps ensure you get the best service possible. I may even send you a questionnaire before we meet to really make sure I see your vision for your session.

Know your Budget! I understand, professional photos are a luxury item. Sometimes the stars don't align and I am out of your budget. I have beginning prices posted on my website so you can take a look and get a feel for if I am in your budget or not. If I am out of your budget it's okay! You may decide not to reach out, which will save you precious time if you see that pricing before you message me. You are always still welcome to reach out. I am more than willing to put together a payment plan agreement if you can't pay a lump sum!

If you have questions, write them down! I have a Frequently Asked Questions section on my website located here. If your question isn't on there, please ask me! If you have a question, someone else will have the same question at some point. This will help to make sure all of your concerns are addressed before any money is on the table.

How to Make the Most of Our Time Together?

Be on time! Time is a precious commodity for everyone. I don't want to waste anyone's time. So please be on time to your meeting or session. This will also allow us to make the most of our time together. I never like feeling rushed, and I'm sure you don't either. I try to plan for a little wiggle room in most scenarios but sometimes it just doesn't work out. If you are running late, please make sure to notify me so I know what to expect.

Engage! I love hearing your stories and having conversations during sessions and meetings. This will really help us connect and decide if we are a good fit for working together, or make a session fun. We may even bond so much that we become close friends in the future! (I can happily say that I am close friends with a number of my clients now.)

If need be take notes! I will admit, I have a horrible memory unless I write things down. So I won't blame you if you need to do the same, or if you are blessed with being able to remember everything. This will also help you to remember what we covered, and assist you in following up if need be.

During your session keep an open mind. Some of the prompts that I use sound weird or even silly, for example: kiss with your teeth. These are meant to be like that so I can capture genuine smiles and reactions! I like to compare it to telling a little kid to smile and you get a big ol' goofy grin vs. talking about something they love and getting a cute little smile. If you are ever uncomfortable with something, have an idea you want to try, or would like more instruction on posing please say something! I want to make sure you are as comfortable as possible.

What to Expect During Our Meeting?

I strive to create a comfortable space for everyone! I am always open for communication during our session and meetings. I encourage you to communicate any needs or concerns as soon as you have them.

That being said, I do prefer interactive discussion. I will communicate my thoughts and processes to you, and I would hope that you are able to conversate and add input as you see necessary. Depending on how much we have to go over, there be a lot of information getting thrown around. Please feel free to speak up and ask for something to be gone over again or for more clarification.

I aim for both of us to walk away from our session or meeting with clear next steps if there are any. I personally take notes to write down actions that may need to be taken by myself or any info that I need from you so there is a clear understanding before we part ways for the day.

Common FAQs Clients Have

• What if I forget to bring something?

Don’t worry! We can always discuss options if something is forgotten.

• How long will the meeting be?

I typically recommend a 30 minute to 1 hour timeframe, but it's flexible depending on our agenda.

• Can I reschedule if something comes up?

Absolutely! Life happens, and I’m happy to accommodate changes.

• Will there be any costs associated with this meeting?

I will clarify any potential costs upfront without hidden fees. All of my prices include travel within 1 hour of Logan, UT. Anything outside of that will come with additional fees that are dependent on distance and time. Other common fees that may come up is location fees for entry.

• Do you shoot destination weddings?

Yes! I may even have a deal going on that will give you a heavy discount if I have never shot at the location for your wedding or elopement. So reach out to see if that may apply to you!

• Will there be a second shooter?

A second shooter is automatically included in my top wedding package, but they can be added on for an additional cost on all my wedding packages.

• Can I extend the session on the day of?

If there is no other session taking place after yours, the session can be extended. If the shots we want are just taking longer to get than we thought I will do my best to be respectful of both our times. Event and wedding coverage extension may include additional fees.

• What kind of gear do you use?

I primarily shoot on a Canon R6 and use a Canon 5D Mark IV as my backup. Both of these cameras have dual card slots ensuring the safety of your images by recording them in two separate places. I also have a variety of lenses for both cameras to make sure we get the shots we need.

• Do I have to order prints through you?

You don't have to order prints through me. But I do have a print lab that can help make albums, gifts, art, and a variety of other options. My monitors are also calibrated to their printers so you know your photos are coming out perfect!

• Can you provide recommendations for other vendors?

Of course! Being in the wedding industry has allowed me to work with a variety of vendors. I would be happy to show you some of my favorites, but you are by no means required to use them if you don't want. Often times you may get a discount by using a referral.

Post-Meeting Expectations

If we are just meeting for your session I will gladly send you a follow up email or message to recap everything that we went over. This will also include any agreed upon actions that need to take place as we move forward. Often times my contract covers all the major information, so it may just be included in that email depending on the scenario.

Depending on your needs, I may provide additional resources for you to look over. This can range from a guide book, outfit ideas, session inspiration, etc. Walking into your session feeling confident is my goal.

If you have more questions or concerns we can communicate through email or even set up a follow-up call.

Conclusion

To summarize everything above, please come prepared with questions and be ready to communicate! It makes planning your session go so much smoother if you have ideas that you want but are willing to collaborate on. I will do my best to assist in making sure you are prepared for your session, but doing your own homework beforehand can also go a long way!

As always, during the entire process I am always open to answer your questions or address your concerns. This may include something as simple as feedback on outfits! I'm here to make your vision a reality by providing my skill and knowledge.

Thinking we would get along?

Thank you so much for hearing what I have to say about myself and Rachael Shine Photography! If you think we might get along and you want to work with me check out my pricing or just contact me!