FAQ

Family Session FAQ

Everything You Need to Know for a Smooth Family Session:
Please review this FAQ before scheduling your session. It’s designed to answer your questions and help ensure a stress-free experience - but If you have specific questions, please don’t hesitant to reach out. Thank you and I look forward to working with you! - Lydia

Session Prep

What is the best way to communicate with you?

The best way to reach me directly is via email. Since I am typically booked solid over the weekends, emails received during that time (unless related to a session scheduled that weekend) will be addressed by Tuesday of the following week. My phone number is reserved exclusively for day-of-session communication.

To book a session please visit the booking page.

A message about connection through social media: 

I do not book jobs through Instagram, my business Facebook page, or my personal Facebook page. All booking requests made via social media will be redirected to email. If you have questions about a session, please review the information on the FAQ page before emailing me. Alternatively, you can book directly through my booking page.

How much do sessions cost?

Rate information can be accessed here. I work really hard to keep my prices as accessible as possible for everyone. I offer discounted sessions multiple times a year. The best way to be alerted of those offerings is by signing up for my newsletter - which is located on my home page.

How far in advance do I need to book with you?

My calendar is typically booked out about six weeks in advance. However, I reserve a few days each month for last-minute bookings or rescheduled sessions. These reserved dates are typically days I would otherwise use for editing, so availability is not guaranteed. During busy seasons, I may not be able to accommodate last-minute requests, so please plan accordingly. If you have a specific date in mind or want to inquire about booking or feel free to send me a message.

How do I pay you?

Sessions booked through the booking site require a $200 booking fee to reserve your date, though you’re welcome to pay the full amount upfront upon request. I will email your remaining invoice, which can be paid electronically via the provided link (I invoice through Quickbooks) or in person (cash or check). Full payment is due two weeks before the session. Invoices are sent on Tuesdays and Fridays, so if you haven’t received yours, please wait until.

Is there a contract?

All clients are required to sign a contract. You will need to pay close attention to the information you receive after booking a session. From there, you will be directed to your contract page - which is also where you will purchase your session. Sessions are not considered booked until they are contracted and paid for.

What is your cancellation policy?

  • Cancellations: Clients may cancel or reschedule by providing written notice at least 72 hours before the session. Cancellations or rescheduling with less than 72 hours’ notice will forfeit the booking fee unless otherwise agreed in writing.

  • Rescheduling: For rescheduled sessions, reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate the client’s new date. If the photographer is unavailable despite these efforts, it will be treated as a cancellation. Sessions must be re-booked within six months, with at least six weeks’ notice before the new date. The session fee is valid for 12 months from the original date, after which it may expire. Reschedules more than 6 months after the original date may be subject to pricing increases, which will be communicated beforehand. Reschedules due to weather will not require a new booking fee, and priority scheduling will be offered.

  • No Refunds: Fees paid prior to same day cancellation are non-refundable.

  • Late Arrivals: Session time may be reduced for late arrivals, and no compensation or refunds will be provided for lost time.

  • Replacement: If the photographer cannot perform the session, they may offer a replacement photographer with the client’s consent. If no consent is given, all fees and retainers will be refunded, and the agreement will be terminated with no further obligations.

Your Session

Now that you’ve booked your photography session and chosen your outfits (if you still need help, click here for clothing tips), it’s time to prepare for the big day! Here are some tips and tricks to help your session run smoothly and ensure you get the best results.

Tips / Tricks

  • Arrive Camera-Ready: Ensure everyone is ready to go when you arrive.

  • Well-Rested, Well-Fed Kids: Make sure little ones are rested and have had a snack beforehand.

  • Look at the Camera: Unless instructed otherwise, keep your eyes on me to ensure great photos.

  • Capturing Kids’ Attention: When I’m trying to get your child’s attention, keep looking at me instead of them. This helps me capture the perfect moment.

  • Candid Shots: When I say “ignore me” or “pretend I’m not here,” I’ll guide you to play naturally with your family.

  • Treat Rewards: If you plan to reward your child with treats, please wait until after the session to avoid editing candy out of their teeth.

  • Plenty of Photos: Don’t worry about taking lots of photos—digital film is free! I’ll take as many as needed to get the perfect shot.

  • Breaks: If your child needs a break, just let me know. As a mom, I completely understand!

Goal

  • My Approach as a Portrait Photographer: My primary goal is to connect with the people I’m photographing. I take time to get to know my subjects, whether through conversation or observation from afar for candid shots. During family sessions, I alternate between posing and encouraging play to capture authentic, natural moments. Ultimately, a successful session is one where everyone has a positive experience and enjoys themselves.

  • Working with Kids: At the start of a session, I’ll focus on gaining your children’s attention. Kids often expect the family photo process to be boring, so I’ll engage them early with games and silly faces to warm them up and make the experience fun. This approach usually leads to real smiles and genuine moments. I believe in taking as many photos as needed to capture the perfect shot—even if it feels like a lot of goofing around. Kids are naturally wild and free, and working with their energy, rather than against it, makes for the happiest photos. Your patience during this process is key, as building a connection with your children sets the tone for a successful session.

Posing groups

  • I prefer group portraits to reflect the love and connection between family and friends. I often pose people close together, encouraging phrases like “closer, closer, closer” or “get huggy” to foster natural connections, affection, and laughter.

  • I’ll provide general direction at the start of the session and more detailed instructions as we go. If I’m not giving direction, everything is going smoothly. If I’m unusually calm, I’m likely trying not to startle a baby or dog!

  • Subtle movements between shutter clicks are ideal over holding one pose—don’t be afraid to move naturally. Trust that even awkward-feeling poses often look great in photos.

  • If you feel uncomfortable or have questions about posing or placement, let me know—I’m here to help, and that’s my job!

Mood

  • Stay Calm: The calmer you remain, the more settled the kids will be.

  • Keep Interactions Purposeful: Please avoid unnecessary distractions or excessive noise. Even well-meaning requests (like asking for eye contact, smile requests or shouting names) can become overwhelming.

  • Follow My Lead: Whenever possible, let me direct the flow of activities.

  • Go for the Giggles: Head straight for what makes them laugh—tickling, silly body noises, dancing right behind me, raspberries, or anything playful and fun are encouraged!

  • Camera Attention: Try to hold their focus in the direction of my camera.

  • Spatial Awareness: Feel free to stand right above me, but please give me a heads-up to avoid accidental collisions. I can move quickly!

Where will the session be held?

Location Selection:
I typically hold sessions in local parks or at my clients’ homes or offices. When choosing a location, it’s always best to select one that holds personal meaning. However, if you need suggestions, I’m happy to offer ideas! Some of my most popular locations include:

  • Discovery Park

  • Golden Gardens

  • Parson’s Gardens

  • Ella Bailey Park

  • Interbay P-Patch

  • Richmond Park Saltwater Beach

I’m experienced with both natural and supplemental lighting, which allows me to create a studio-like atmosphere wherever it’s needed. While I do own two studios, they are best suited for individuals or smaller families.

What should we wear?

Read more about what to wear here.

Do you have a plan for if it rains?

  • I’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest for over 40 years, so I’m no stranger to unpredictable weather! Because of this, I do not cancel sessions until 24 hours in advance - or sometimes even just hours before - unless it’s absolutely pouring.

  • I come prepared with an arsenal of clear umbrellas and a handful of covered location options to keep the session running smoothly. My philosophy is simple: we shoot regardless of weather!

  • For those who prefer indoor options, I have three studios available. However, these studios are small and require significant Photoshop work for larger family sessions.
    For more details on how we handle rainy day sessions, please check out our rain plan.

Can I bring my dog?

I’m absolutely an animal person! Dogs are welcome at sessions, but it’s important to note that they can change the energy—especially when kids are involved. Dogs are usually good for a handful of photos before they’d rather just do dog stuff. (I’ve taken thousands of images while standing on a dog leash because of this!)

While I’m also a cat person, I recommend leaving your cat at home—unless you’re ready for chaos!

My toddler is impossible, are you sure you can photograph them?

With my background as a former child care provider, I’ve seen it all—and developed a deep well of patience that only comes from decades of experience with children. I pride myself on being able to connect and level with just about anyone, kids included.

My approach to photographing children is relaxed and calm. I believe the photos should capture the essence of the people in them, so I don’t come with rigid expectations or a set agenda. Instead, I continuously adapt throughout the session to meet the needs and interests of each child and family.

Just for reassurance, here is a client reaction:

““Thank you for that extra time and just being so great with the girls. You really shine during those shoots; I know it must be exhausting to make those connections with the kids, but you do it so well and make it look easy.” ”
— Julie Bayer, client

After the session

Please be aware that my lead time is essential to ensure I deliver the best possible images for every client. I have recently extended my turnaround time during the 2024-25 school year as I anticipate a very busy year—my daughter is graduating and aging out of her roller derby league, a milestone filled with emotions that I want to be fully present for. In some cases, sessions can be rush-processed for an additional fee of 50%.

  • Please allow 5 weeks for session galleries and 8 weeks for weddings to be fully processed.

  • Reaching out to inquire about the status will not expedite the post-production process.

  • I am always working diligently to produce multiple galleries at once, and I take great care in editing each image to ensure the highest quality. This meticulous editing process takes time.

  • Flexibility for Small Edits: If you have minor edit requests after receiving your gallery, I’m happy to accommodate. While these small changes are typically handled within my regular lead time, I will do my best to expedite simple edits when possible. For any urgent edits or revisions, feel free to email me to discuss options.

  • Upgraded Options: If you’d like additional edited images, please let me know before the session so I can capture enough material to build a full gallery.

  • One-of-a-kind prints and products are also available upon request. To initiate a conversation about these options, please email.

  • Rush Processing: If you require rush processing, please let me know as soon as possible. You can request this via email or mention it at the time of booking. Rush processing comes with a 50% fee and is subject to availability.

  • Thank you for your patience and understanding—this lead time ensures that I can deliver the best possible images to every client.

Your Photos

How many photos will I get?

The number of images you receive depends on the type of session, how smoothly the session flows, and the level of editing required.

  • Full Family Sessions typically result in 75 to 100 photos.

  • Weddings generally yield 300 to 500 images.

Each gallery is carefully curated and edited to ensure high-quality images that reflect the best moments of your session.

Where can I view my photos?

  • I will create a custom gallery for you and provide a download PIN. The images uploaded to your gallery will be full, high-resolution files.

  • Your gallery is connected to a top-tier professional printer, allowing you to order prints and products directly. Simply click the shopping cart icon in the top right corner of any photo to begin your order.

  • For custom orders or special requests, please email me, and I’ll be happy to assist you.

I forgot the link to my photo gallery and/or the PIN. Can you help?

Yes, just email me to access that information again. 

How long will you store my photos?

  • Your images will be available for download from my hosting site for up to six months after your session. Please download all photos to a desktop computer and save them in a secure location. (Note: Downloads are not permitted on handheld devices to help prevent image theft.)

  • If you need your gallery re-uploaded after the six-month window, a $50 re-upload fee will apply.

  • Extended Access & Backup Options: If you’d like extended access beyond six months or want to purchase a backup service, please contact me to discuss options.

Technical Stuff

As a certified Nikon professional photographer, I bring extensive experience and top-of-the-line equipment to every session. I actively use five camera bodies and eight lenses, supplemented by five Profoto lights and modifiers—often considered the Cadillac of lighting gear. Yes, I’ve made the switch to mirrorless, embracing the latest advancements in technology. I also still own and occasionally shoot with film cameras, although I don’t use them for client sessions. Yes, I utilize AI while culling and editing small areas of images while editing.

This combination of skill and professional gear allows me to create high-quality, dynamic images in any setting.

What do you do for lighting?

The use of lighting gear depends on the type of session, the time of day, and the time of year. For children and family sessions, I typically avoid using lighting gear because little ones are far too busy, and it’s nearly impossible to keep up with them while adjusting lights! Instead, I plan these sessions around the best possible natural lighting conditions. That said, I own five portable, highly powerful lights that I bring to sessions and events as needed, ensuring flexibility for a variety of settings and lighting challenges. To ensure the best possible natural lighting for family sessions, I plan the session timing and location carefully. Here’s how I optimize the lighting:

  • Golden Hour: Whenever possible, I schedule sessions during golden hour—the hour after sunrise or before sunset. This time of day provides soft, flattering light with fewer harsh shadows.

  • Open Shade: If midday is unavoidable, I look for areas of open shade (like under trees or near buildings) to diffuse the sunlight and reduce harsh contrasts.

  • Window Light (Indoors): For indoor sessions, I position subjects near large windows for even, natural light. North-facing windows are especially ideal for consistent light.

  • Overcast Days: Cloudy skies are actually a hidden gem for family sessions, as they act as a giant natural diffuser, providing soft, even lighting.

  • Constant Adjustments: I stay adaptable during sessions, adjusting positioning and angles on the fly to capture the best light as it shifts throughout the session.

This thoughtful approach helps create beautiful, natural-looking images while allowing the session to remain fun and relaxed for families.

Can I have the raw/unprocessed files?

  • I do not deliver RAW files under any circumstances. (Think of it like delivering the macaroni without the cheese—it’s just not complete!)

  • However, if you feel that any particular image needs to be reworked or re-edited, please let me know. I’m happy to accommodate re-editing requests at a rate of $150 per hour.

“Can you make me skinny?”

This is a question I get all the time! The answer lies more in my ability to pose people than in relying on technology to "fix" anything in Photoshop. With 20 years of experience in posing, I know how to highlight your best attributes and create flattering, natural-looking images. My goal is to help you feel confident and comfortable during the session, which naturally brings out the best in every shot. Rather than heavy editing, I focus on capturing the best version of you through thoughtful poses and genuine moments.

More about editing…

Beyond lightening teeth, eyes, eye bags, reducing wrinkles, fly-away hairs, lint on clothing and distractions from backgrounds, I charge $150 per hour for more advanced editing and can produce about 6 images an hour.

Other Information

What is your approach to a photo session?

My main objective as a portrait photographer is understanding and connecting with the person(s) that I am photographing. I have been repeatedly informed that I excel at this. I take time to get to know my subjects. Or, alternately, if I am photographing candid images, I study facial expressions from afar and allow my subject space to not feel my presence - because I am hunting for their natural reaction. During family sessions I will alternate between asking for certain, specific poses and asking my clients to play games and enjoy one another - so, I can capture true natural reactions. Secondary to that (but probably most importantly) I want it to be a positive experience for everyone. I honestly feel that a successful session is one where everyone has a great time.

I will attempt to gain the attention of your kids at the very beginning of the session. Mainly because children assume that the family photo process is going to be a drag. I want them involved, engaged and loving it. So, if I pull kiddos aside at the beginning, it’s because I am attempting to warm them up to the experience. I will play a game with them and my camera where they show me all their best silly faces (and usually it makes them smile for real.) I’ve been known to say “film is free” meaning: I will take as many photos as needed to pull a beautiful / perfect family portrait out of what feels like a lot of goofing around. Because that is the nature of kids. The more you fight their impulse to be wild, free and themselves, the harder it will be to create happy photos. Please be patient with this process. It’s crucial for me to connect with your kids in order to make the rest of the session successful.

In addition to studying photography for the last 25 years, I have also simultaneously worked with children as a preschool teacher, private nanny / house manager and Mom for even longer. So, when I say “I understand children,” I really understand them!

“Lydia Brewer Photography always has and always will be a safe space for everyone—regardless of immigration status, gender, race, age, sexual orientation, religion or political affiliation. I take pride in having a business motto geared only towards “being a good person and creating great images.” It is my intention to cultivate a climate of love and acceptance.
”
— Lydia Brewer Photography

What is your background in photography?

I have been studying photography for over 25 years. My first camera was a Pentax K1000. I was trained on film and in the darkroom. I worked as a preschool teacher all through high school and college and spent a lot of time photographing the kids. Most of my rolls of film contained equal amounts of children and they did rock bands that I was following at the time. I earned a commercial photography degree from The Art Institute of Seattle in 2001. When my daughter was born in 2007, I became a nanny / house manager - which allowed me to spend my days with her and my evenings and weekends on my business. After an internship in 2014 with a wedding photographer, I rebranded, rebuilt and branched out. I have been a full-time photographer since 2014 but occasionally still care for kids - because I really do enjoy them.

Do you own a studio?

Yes, here you can find information about the studios. Please note that they are very small and can currently host no more than 3 people at a time.

Credentials, Awards and Affiliations: