1. Contact me

Reach out via phone, email, or text to schedule your session and put down your deposit. Let's chat about when would be the best date, time, and location for your session. I like to learn more about how you are going to use the images we capture and what is most important to you during our time together. 

2. Preparing for your session:

What to wear?

I prefer a family to be coordinating but NOT matching exactly.   Try picking one or two main colors that will be repeated through various clothing items and patterns throughout the family members attire. Jeans or dress pants traditionally look the best in photos. 

1. Think about our location choice. What colors are in the backdrop or vegetation? Picking a contrasting color is sometimes a good place to start. Solids are always a good choice but adding in a bit of pattern adds depth. Stay away from logo wear, t-shirts, and bright athletic shoes.

2. Layers of colors and textures are very flattering. Denims, faux furs, burlap, lace, hats, vests, and tulle, are always great items that add variety to your images. 

3. Don't overlook the importance of footwear. We may have to walk to a location and there may be cactus or other hazards in the spot we have chosen to shoot.  You may also use your shoes to add a pop of color to your outfits. When in doubt choose a solid earth-toned boot.

Children and babies: 

Don't forget to have children and babies fed and well rested before your session. If your child responds well to a certain "treat" consider bringing it with you to the session (I love PEZ or other small snacks that won't stain their lips or teeth and provide a bit of encouragement, should we need it). Consider planning to reward your child with a treat after your session of being a good listener and being willing to explore and have FUN!

Props:

If there are props you own, like an old family wagon, a bench, a blanket with a cute family monogram, or something else that is special to your family- let’s use them!! Just let me know ahead of time what you would like to include so I can plan for it.  

3. The Day of your Session:

Be on time as we will only have a certain amount of time with the dreamy light! Most sessions take an hour. We will do formal shots, as well as candid shots, and even some games- especially for families with young children. I will have a prize box reserved for kiddos who do a great job during our session (and I mention that to the children when we are in the home stretch of the session to get just a few more smiles). I will have some samples with me for photo print products and gifts so you may see the items in person and decide what you would like to order for prints and gifts after your session has been completed. Final payment will be due at your session. Unless otherwise instructed, I will post your sneak peek to social media within a week of your session. All images will be retouched and available for download within 3 weeks of your session date. 

4. After your session:

I work through the images from each session and hand select my favorites to retouch. If additional edits or retouches are requested there will be a $50 fee for every hour of additional labor. You may download your images from the gallery to your computer, share your images, post your images (with photo credit), and print your images. You may print from the website or through my studio. I have included my favorite products for printing below. 

IF YOU NEED A COPY OF THE DIGITAL RELEASE IN ORDER TO MAKE PRINTS OF YOUR IMAGES- YOU MAY EMAIL ME AND I CAN SEND YOU THE RELEASE FORM. 

Terms and Conditions: 

RESERVATION: Upon your RECEIVING  your deposit, Shannon Harp will reserve the time and date agreed upon, and will not make other reservations for that time and date. Your reservation fee must be received within seven days of submitting the agreement to meet. Your fee is non-refundable.

WEATHER: If it is not possible for the session to take place on a scheduled day due to weather. Shannon Harp and the client will reschedule on the earliest date agreed upon with no charge.

COPYRIGHT AND REPRODUCTION: Shannon Harp shall own the copyright for all images created and shall have the right to make reproductions and use the images for promotion to include but not limited to: websites, advertisements, and studio samples.

RELEASE OF DIGITAL IMAGES: Shannon Harp will release high resolution digital images to the client within three weeks of the session date for regular session and within 12 weeks for weddings. These files will be available via download or on a flash drive. By releasing the images, Shannon Harp authorizes the client to use the images for their own personal use. All posting of images on social media must acknowledge photo credit to Shannon Harp Photography. No filter or cropping an image is allowed.

FAILURE TO PERFORM: If the photographer cannot perform this agreement due to fire, casualty, act of God, illness, or any other cause beyond the control of the photographer, Shannon Harp shall return all monies paid if the client chooses not to reschedule. This limitation of liability shall also apply in the event that photographic materials are damaged in processing, lost through camera or memory card malfunction, or otherwise lost or damaged without fault on the part of the photographer.

DIGITAL FILES AND CUSTOM ART IMAGES: The digital files released to the client are individually edited for color correction, contrast adjustment, and tonal adjustments. The images will be treated as custom art images and include a variety of techniques to create the photographers interpretation. Steps taken may include but are not limited to: realistic retouching such as blemish removal, selective toning of colors, color enhancements, conversion to black and white.

CREATIVE LICENSE: Images are edited at the photographer’s discretion and delivered prints will not include all images/poses shot. The photographer reserves the right to edit and release those deemed creditable as professional in quality and within the photographer’s artistic standards. Any additional images requested to be retouched and added to the final gallery will be $25 per image.

REQUESTED PHOTOS AND COOPERATION: While Shannon Harp will make every reasonable effort to take specifically requested photos, the Client understands and agrees that Shannon Harp is not responsible for the client/or key individuals willingness to cooperate. The parties agree to cheerful cooperation and communication for the best possible result within the definition of the assignment. 

RETURNED CHECKS: Returned Checks are subject to a $50 returned check fee. Client assumes responsibility for any and all collection cost and legal fees incurred by Shannon Harp in the event of enforcement of this contract becomes necessary.