With the changes to our pricing and package offerings also comes a few changes to our policies. In the past, we've never had official written business policies, but as Imagination Photography continues to grow, it's time we finally sit down and lay some ground rules. These policies are effective IMMEDIATELY. (The new pricing and packages go into effect August 1.)
- Business hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
All emails, messages, posts, and phone calls will be answered or returned only during those hours. Shooting days and times may vary.
Over the last few years, I have all but completely lost my personal time, with clients messaging or even calling at all hours of the night wanting to talk about portraits. While I love all of you dearly, I don't fancy answering business calls at 9 p.m. as I'm trying to get my 10-month-old to bed. I totally understand if the kids (or you lol) can't sleep and you finally have time to send that email about family portraits at 2 a.m., just don't expect an immediate reply from my end ;). These business hours are designed to give me back some of the much needed time with my family. They also give you a time frame to know when to expect a return phone call or message from me. I try to reply to all messages as soon as possible, but sometimes I am at a session or on mommy duty and am unable to respond immediately.
- Session fees must be paid in full at the time of the session. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Whether you choose the Traditional Session ($40) or the Digital Session ($165), the full amount is due at the time of your session. This policy is not new, but it's worth restating just to make sure we're all on the same page. Session fees pay for my time devoted to you and your images, both at the session during shooting and later during the post-processing. A single, one-hour session takes as many as 9-10 hours of work from beginning to end. Plus, there is the ever-rising cost of fuel to and from session locations. Think of a photo session like a meal at a restaurant. It wouldn't be appropriate to enjoy your food, then tell the waiter, "Is it ok if I pay for this next week?", right?
- We accept cash or check only.
This one isn't new either, but also worth restating. I know, I know... In today's world it's rare to use anything but plastic or electronic payment. What can I say? We're old school ;).
- A deposit of 50% (half) of the total I required for all print/product orders.
No order will be processed until the deposit is received. The remaining balance is due upon pickup.
Due to the increased number of unpaid, never-picked-up orders cluttering the studio, a deposit is now required before any order will be processed and printed. The amount of the deposit due is half of the order total. For example, if your order total equals $200, then your deposit is $100. You can either mail your deposit, or drop it by the studio. Once your deposit is received, your order will be processed and printed. The remaining balance is due when you pick it up. Lay-away and payment plans are available.
- All sales are final.
Because my work is custom and unique to each client, print and product orders cannot be returned or exchanged.
- When sharing images on social media, credit should be given to Imagination Photography and the images should remain unaltered by the client.
Clients are more than welcome to share images on social media like Facebook and Instagram! All I ask is that you give credit to Imagination Photography in the caption or description (a link to my page or website would be AWESOME!), and please do not alter or edit the image (such as using an Instagram filter or changing the color tones). If an image is altered, it's not an accurate representation of my work, plus sometimes those filters don't quite behave like we'd like. If you'd like to post an image to social media, but wish it was black and white, sepia, or some other color tone, just ask. I'd be happy to provide you with a professionally converted version.
I know it may seem we're throwing lots of changes your way all at once (and we kind of are), but just know all these new things have been in the works for a long time and have been given much deliberation and thought. I want my business to grow and prosper so that I will be able to give and offer more to you. I want to be a better photographer, artist, and service provider to all my wonderful clients. I also want to be a better friend, daughter, wife, and mother to my loved ones. These recent changes provide the stepping stones to help make it all happen. Thank you all so much for your amazing support!
Believe it or not, we've still got more announcements to come. A new referral program is in the works that will reward you when you share Imagination Photography with your friends (and your friends will get a little something too!). Stay tuned for more details on that, as well as our newest Senior art collection!
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