COVID 19 GUIDELINES
I’m fully vaccinated, boosted, and have already had covid. Wearing a mask creates fog in my camera viewfinder. I am 100% happy to wear a mask upon request, but will pass if your family is comfortable without.
I’ll also be depending on your transparency to let me know if any of your family members have been ill, had a fever, or contact with someone who’s tested positive for COVID within 48 hours of our session.
Likewise, I commit to do the same with you. We’ll postpone with no rescheduling fees.
Thank you! Jess
HOW TO CHOOSE
Q: How do I know if these sessions ARE for us?
A: You are expecting for the first time or have already starting your journey of parenthood - and a home. If you desire to document the heart + soul of childhood with your family. Beyond the stuffy portrait, you want to share your family story through honest moments displayed on your walls. We create heirlooms. I encourage sessions to take place in and around your home, where its meaningful to you.
Q: How do I know these sessions AREN'T for us?
A: You love posed, everyone looking at the camera and smiling in a formal setting. Nothing wrong with that! We may get a few of those, but it wouldn't be the focus of our time together. If you really want a studio setting, I'm not your gal. If you love everyone in matching clothes and perfectly put together, this isn't for you. If you want to wear a huge flowing dress with a floral crown or wrap your baby up in a basket, there are great photographers that do that! I’m not the one. Our goal would be to document the beautiful mess.
Q: What sets you apart from other photographers?
A: I have over fifteen years experience along with a degree in advertising photography. Using high quality equipment, I have spent countless hours photographing lifestyle and families. I am a natural light photographer. With styled direction, I document the heart + soul within all-types of families, revealing what makes them unique and beautiful.
Q: What is the best location?
A: Most sessions take place within a client’s home for comfort and storytelling. A library of other locations are available to review. Locations within a 15-mile radius of 90038 are included at no extra charge. New locations that require extended production are subject to additional fee.
BOOKING
Q: When is a good time to book our session?
A: 4-6 weeks in advance. Maternity sessions are recommended between 32-36 weeks. Newborn sessions are recommended within the first 2-4 weeks of birth. First 48 are within the first 48 hours, at place of birth.
Given the SoCal weather [and heat], Spring and Fall are the busiest times of year for outdoor family photos. If you'd like a session during one of those times (ESPECIALLY if you want a weekend spot), please get in touch as soon as possible!
If you have a particular date or holiday by which you need prints or gifts (Mother's/Father's Day, Hanukkah, Christmas, etc.), be sure to book a date at least one month in advance of that date to ensure sufficient processing and printing time.
Q: How do I get my session on the calendar?
A: Your session fee is due at the time of booking along with a signed contract. Once these are received, your date is confirmed.
Q: Will my photos be posted online?
A: I respect your privacy and allow each client to decide whether or not they want their photos displayed publicly. I’d love to show off your images, if you approve. A photo release is included in the contract.
HOLIDAY SHORT SESSIONS
Hosted at pre-determined locations on set dates for back-to-back clients with no wardrobe changes. These may be offered in a studio and/or on location. (Typically offered in April/May and October/November) This is especially useful if you’d like to have a full session earlier in the year and more of a portrait session for holiday cards in the Fall.
CUSTOM HALF SESSIONS
Only offered at pre-approved locations in Central LA. These are available on weekdays and available to book at your convenience throughout the year. This is especially helpful if you’d like something special with the grandparents.
Please note that these additional sessions are not available to use as a substitute for The Baby Club milestone sessions.
TRAVEL SESSIONS
Q: Will you distance travel if I reallllly want you?!
A: It’s possible! Since I’m raising a little family of my own, I will take about one a year in the off-season. Gather your community, because I do require 3 confirmed sessions within your city with a minimum investment of the Classic Collection. All accommodations such as airfare, hotel, and food will be divided evenly at cost and billed back to the clients. Since this likely takes time to invite other families to join you in signing up, please consider this months in advance for planning and more affordable travel costs. Please don’t hesitate to inquire with more questions!
NOTE: I do travel back to Central New York every summer and have openings for a few sessions. I will make email announcements for that in advance, please let me know if you’d like to be on that list!
PREPARATION
Q: What do we wear?!
A: The wardrobe consultation is included in your session fee. I'll send a recommended list on how to select for everyone as well as visual inspirations. I'm available to give feedback if you send me options laid out in a photo.
ORDERING PRINT PRODUCTS
Q: Do I have to order products through you?
A: I’ve curated my favorite quality products + paper. Although it is not required, you’ll have print credit and I highly recommend ordering through my professional vendors. The difference is worth it.
Q: How long do I have to make a print order?
A: Your online gallery is available for 30 days. After that, it may be opened from archives for $25/30 days. Some sweet deals may happen through the year on additional products. Client galleries will then be re-opened for a limited time.
Q: Will you retouch any unwanted spots?
A: Minor retouching is complimentary and I upload ‘ready to print’ collections.
In-depth retouching available upon request for additional fee.
Q: What if I have a problem ordering?
A: One of the reasons I use this specific vendor is because they have a support chat to guide you through any questions that come up.
DELIVERY
Q: How does shipping work?
A: The print shop is set up to run seamlessly for you. It will process the order and my pro lab will ship direct to your home.
Q: Will I receive a print release?
A: Yes! When you order digital photos, a release is included that allows you to print images through the vendor of your choice. This is not a release of copyright. Meaning, you can’t sell or publish the images for profit without written consent from Jess Koehler. Buyouts are available at an additional fee upon request.
Q: What is this copyright thing?
A: It’s fairly simple. As the creator, the overarching rights of the art created belongs to my archive and legacy. A print release will be given with any digital downloads purchased. This is not a release of copyright. Meaning, you can’t sell or publish the images for profit without written consent from Jess Koehler. Buyouts are available at an additional fee.