FAQ

Family Session FAQ

This FAQ Has All The Information That You Need For Your Family Session To Run Smoothly. Please Review It Before Scheduling. I Appreciate It!

Session Prep

What is the best way to communicate with you?

Emailing me is the best way to reach me directly. Since I am booked solidly through most weekends, all emails received on the weekends (that are not directly related to a session scheduled that particular weekend) will be responded to on or before Tuesday of the following week. My phone number is reserved for communication on the day of our session.

To book a session please visit our 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 social media requests for bookings will be redirected to email. If you have a question about a session, please review the information on this FAQ before emailing me at hello@lydiabrewerphotography.com alternately, you can book directly via my booking page.

How much do sessions cost?

Rate information can be accessed here.

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

My calendar is typically booked out 6 weeks in advance. However, I do reserve a few days a month for last minute bookings and rescheduled sessions. These reserved dates are technically days that I would otherwise be editing images - so they are subject to availability. Keep in mind that I may not be able to honor this statement during my busy seasons and please plan accordingly. If you have a particular date in mind or you would like to inquire about booking, feel free to send a booking request or email hello@lydiabrewerphotography.com.

How do I pay you?

Sessions that are book through the booking site require a $200 booking fee to reserve but you are welcome to pay the full amount at the same time. If you choose to be billed later, I will email you a copy of your invoice. You are welcome to pay electronically by following the link on my invoice, through Venmo @Lydia-Brewer-Photo, in person - in cash or by check. I do ask that you pay in full 2 weeks before our session date. I invoice sessions on Tuesdays and Fridays. If you have not received your invoice, please wait until the following billing day.

Is there a contract?

Short answer: yes. Follow the prompts to sign your contract upon booking

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellation. Client may terminate the Agreement (“Cancellation”) and/or reschedule the Services (“Rescheduling”) by providing Photographer with written notice no later than 72 hours before the original date of the Session (the “Minimum Notice”). Client acknowledges and agrees that Client is not relieved of any payment obligations for Cancellations and Rescheduling unless the Minimum Notice in accordance with this Article 6 is duly provided or unless the parties otherwise agree in writing.    

Rescheduling. Rescheduling is allowed for clients that cancel their sessions prior to 72 hours before the session start time. In the event of Rescheduling, Photographer will use commercially reasonable efforts to accommodate Client’s change. If Photographer is not able to accommodate Client’s change despite using commercially reasonable efforts, the parties agree that such Rescheduling will be deemed as Cancellation by Client and that Photographer will be under no obligation to perform the Services other than on the original date of the Session. If Client cancels their session less than 72 hours before the session is scheduled to begin, they understand that their booking fee is not refundable. The Client understands that they must make a reasonable effort to re-book their session within six months of the original date. The client understands that the Photographer is often booked far in advance, so it is required that the session is re-booked 6 weeks in advance of the anticipated rescheduled session date. The client understands that their session fee is good for a rescheduled session within eighteen months of their original session date and that their credit may expire after this time. The Client understands that while reasonable effort is made to set prices fairly and within regular rates of inflation, there may be yearly pricing increases that affect the session cost. The Photographer will make reasonable effort to honor the prices that the client paid at the time of booking, however, if the session is rescheduled more than twelve months after the original date then pricing increases may be necessary. The Photographer will communicate all pricing increases to the client prior to the re-scheduled session.The Photographer may need to reschedule the session due to weather and in this case the photographer will alert the client as soon as possible. In this case, the client will not be charged a booking fee and the Photographer will priority reschedule.

No Refund. Client acknowledges and agrees that Cancellation by Client will not result in a refund of any fees paid on or prior to the date of Cancellation by Client.

Late Arrivals. In the event that the Client arrives late to the Portrait Session, the amount of time late may be deducted from the time allotted for the session. Photographer will not provide a refund or other compensation for the time deducted from the session due to late arrival of the Client.

Replacement. In the event that Photographer is unable to perform the Services, Photographer, subject to Client’s consent, which is not to be reasonably withheld, shall cause a replacement photographer to perform the Services in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. In the event that such consent is not obtained, Photographer shall terminate this Agreement and shall return the Retainer and all fees paid by Client, and thereafter shall have no further liability to Client.

Your Session

Now that you have booked a photography session and chosen the clothes (click here for clothing tips, if you haven't already done so) how do you prepare for the session? Here are some tips and tricks to make a session run more smoothly.

Tips / Tricks:

  • Please arrive camera ready.

  • Please have well-rested, well-fed kids prior to sessions.

  • Please look directly at the camera - unless told otherwise.

  • When I am attempting to capture the attention of a child, just look at me. Please resist the urge to look at them.

  • I will work hard to gain the attention of your children, grandma, dog, etc. Just keep looking at me.

  • When I am trying to obtain candid images, I will literally say “just ignore me / pretend I am not here.” I will also intermittently promote that you play with your family.

  • If you wish to reward your child with a special treat for good behavior, please do so after our session is complete. I like to avoid editing candy out of teeth wherever possible. 

  • Remember: digital film is “free!” If I have to take a thousand goofy photos to get one great one, let’s do just that. 

  • If your child needs a break for any reason, do not hesitate to alert me. I am a Mom. I get it. 

Goal:  

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.

Posing groups: 

  • I prefer group portraits of people who love one another to show that love by touching one another - in whatever feels comfortable to all parties. 

  • I pose bodies very closer together to showcase that bond. I’ve been known to say: “closer, closer, closer” and / or “get huggy” because I want you to connect, love on one another and laugh.

  • I tend to give baseline directions at the beginning of a session and detailed direction as the photo shoot progresses. 

  • If I am not giving direction, that means everything is going fine. 

  • If I am acting eerily calm, chances are I am trying to not rile up a dog or baby.  

  • Slight, subtle body movements between shutter clicks are always preferred over one pose photographed seventeen times. Don’t be afraid of movement. My cameras / I can keep up.

  • Often poses feel awkward but look good - trust the process.

  • If you feel uncomfortable or have any questions with any posing or placement, let me know.

  • I am here to help with posing - that’s my job!

Mood: 

  • The calmer you are, the calmer your kiddos will be. 

  • Please keep the interactions calm and purposeful.

  • Wherever possible, it’s often best to allow me to direct. Too much noise (even the most well intended requests for eye contact) can be overwhelming.

  • Go straight to whatever you think will make them laugh - (tickling, body fluid / noise jokes and raspberries are strongly encouraged.) 

  • Try to hold their attention in the direction of my camera.

  • Feel free to stand right above me. Just give me a warning that you are there first - to avoid collision - I’ve been known to move quickly. 

Where will the session be held?

I typically conduct sessions in local parks, inside my client’s homes or office. When choosing a location, it is always best to choose a meaningful one but if you need assistance with location ideas, I am happy to provide them. My most popular locations are: Discovery Park, Golden Gardens, Parson's Gardens, Ella Bailey Park, Interbay P-Patch, Richmond Park Saltwater Beach, Gold Creek Pond. I have knowledge of both natural and supplemental lighting, so I am able to build a studio where and when needed. I also own two studios but they work best for individuals and smaller families.

What should we wear?

Read more about what to wear here: clothing tips

Do you have a plan for if it rains?

  • I literally have no trust for people who predict the weather - they have led me astray too many times. Because of this, I do not cancel sessions until 24 hours - possibly even hours before - and it has to be absolutely pouring. 

  • I have an arsenal of clear umbrellas, a handful of covered location ideas and 40+ years of living in the PNW that says “we shoot regardless of weather.” 

  • Again, I have two studios but they are small and require A LOT of Photoshop work for extended family sessions.

  • Please check out our rain plan for additional info.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes! Absolutely. I am an animal person. Just know that dogs change the energy of a session - especially when kids are involved. Dogs are only good for a handful of photos before they’d rather just do dog stuff. I have taken thousands of images while standing on a dog leash because of this. I am a dog person. And a cat person. But I’d avoid bringing your cat. That would be chaos.two

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

As a previous child care provider, I've basically seen it all and have an extreme level of patience that can only come with decades of experience with kids. There are very few people (kids included) that I have not been able to level / connect with. I have a pretty relaxed / calm manner about me / my approach to photographing kids. I want the photos to be about the person / people in them. So, I don't have any expectations or an agenda. I am constantly shifting my expectations during a session to meet a child or family's needs / interests.

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 allow 5 weeks to process all sessions / 8 weeks for weddings

  • Reaching out to ask status will not speed up the post production process. 

  • I am always working as hard / fast as I can to produce multiple galleries at the same time.

  • I also very carefully edit all of the images that I create - which takes a lot of time per image.

  • Additional edited images are available upon request - please alert me prior to our session if you would like to upgrade, so I can make sure that I create enough material for a full gallery.

  • Additional one of a kind prints and products are available upon request - please email hello@lydiabrewerphotography.com to initiate that conversation.

  • Please be aware that my lead time is necessary in order to provide the best possible images for every single one of my clients. In some cases, sessions can be rush processed but do require a 50% increase.

Your Photos

How many photos will I get?

The amount of images that you receive depends on the type of session conducted, how smoothly the session goes and how much editing is required. Full family sessions often yield between 75 - 150 photos and I deliver between 400 to 600 images from each wedding. 

Where can I view my photos?

I will create a custom gallery for you and provide you with a download PIN. The files that I upload to that site are full / high-resolution versions. This gallery is connected to an incredible professional printer. Prints and products can be ordered directly through the gallery. You can start an order by clicking on the shopping cart at the top, right corner of any photo. Additionally, custom orders are available and will need to be processed through my directly. You can inquire about an order by emailing me at hello@lydiabrewerphotography.com.   

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

Yes, just email me at hello@lydiabrewerphotography.com to access that information again. 

How long will you store my photos?

I can guarantee that your images will be available for download from my image hosting site for up to six months after our session. Please download all of your photos to a desktop computer and save them in a safe location. (My gallery hosting site does not allow downloading to handheld devices - in order to avoid image theft.) There will be a fee for galleries that need to be re-uploaded. 

Technical Stuff

I am a certified Nikon professional photographer. I actively use five camera bodies and eight lenses. I supplement with five Profoto lights (the Cadillac of lighting gear) and modifiers. Yes, I switched to mirrorless. I still own and shoot with film cameras - but not for jobs.

What do you do for lighting?

It depends on the type of session I am conducting, the time of day and the time of year. I have found it easier to capture children and families without the use of lighting gear - mostly because they are far too busy and it’s impossible to keep up with them if I am also fussing with lights. Instead, I plan these sessions around the best possible lighting conditions. I own five portable and highly powerful lights that I often bring to sessions and events to use as needed.   

Can I have the raw/unprocessed files?

I do not deliver RAW files under any circumstances. (That would be like delivering the mac without the cheese.) However, if you feel that any particular image needs to be reworked / re-edited, etc. please let me know. Keeping in mind that there is a $150 per hour charge for re-editing.  

“Can you make me skinny?”

I get asked this question all of the time. The answer lies more-so in my ability to pose a person - and less in depending on technology to “fix” a body in Photoshop. Since I have 20 years of experience posing bodies, I know many tricks to not only help people feel good about the experience and pose them for their best attributes.

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: