2017 Session and Booking changes

     This summer we announced some changes coming to Imagination Photography for the coming year. As 2017 approaches, and the January and February calendars begin to fill up, I just wanted to give all my amazing clients a reminder on the new offerings and booking process. I never dreamed that my business would reach a point of success that would require some of these changes. The only reason I am able to do what I love is because of all of my amazing clients. Thank you so much for your trust and support for the past 8 1/2 years!
     Now, on with the details!

*These changes affect all sessions scheduled for 2017.*

Booking a Session

     Due to the increased number of "no shows" (clients who fail to come to their appointment without cancelling or responding to messages), there is a $50 payment required to reserve any session in 2017. This payment is due within two weeks of booking/scheduling the session. It can be mailed or dropped by the studio. This payment goes toward your total, with the remaining amount due at the time of the session. If the booking payment is not paid within two weeks the session is not reserved and will be made available to other clients. This $50 payment is non-refundable, but can be used for another session or as a credit (to be used for any purchase at IP).
     As much as I hate to require deposits or down payments for sessions, I'm not sure how else to address the issue. Session demand has become too great, and it is unfair to both myself and my other clients for appointments on my calendar to be wasted. I totally understand that unexpected things happen. Kids get sick, family emergencies, work, life...Sometimes we just can't be everywhere we plan to be. If you cannot make it to your session for ANY reason (even if you just decide you don't want to do it), please be courteous and let me know you will not be coming. I normally have a waiting list for sessions, and someone would love to fill your spot.

Session Offerings
     The portrait photography industry has changed dramatically since I first started 8 years ago. Back then, few photographers were really offering "digital sessions" yet (where a disc and print release is automatically included). In most cases, you would pay a "sitting" or "session" fee on the day of your session. Then once the images were processed, you would view them either online or in the studio, and purchase the prints and products of your choosing. Today, most all clients prefer to have all their final processed images in digital form. It's very rare that I have a client who prefers the traditional route for their session.
     By popular demand, and to simplify things for everyone, we will be eliminating the Traditional Session option. All 2017 Portrait Sessions will include a 1-hour session, standard image processing, 40-50 final images on USB flash drive with print release for $165 (this was formerly known as the Digital Session option). A payment of $50 is due within two weeks of booking and $115 is due at the session. This pricing covers all types of portraits, whether it's a family session, newborn, birthday, child, or senior. The only exceptions are the baby and toddler portrait plans and the Storybook Experience.
     The Storybook Experience (for children ages 4 and up) will include a 1-1.5 hour session, costuming and props for up to two themes, speciality image processing (including special effects), 40-50 final images on a USB flash drive with print release, and a custom hardback album for $200 ($50 is due within two weeks of booking and $150 is due at the session). Storybook Experiences are my specialty. These are the sessions that truly ignite my passion and creativity. The images we create are unique, whimsical, and have an extra sprinkle of magic you won't find in regular portraits. Not to mention, it's a complete experience that your kids will never forget.

     There are other changes happening to the baby and toddler portrait plans, and to our product selection (price reduction, anyone?). But those will be detailed in separate posts. In the meantime, you can view a complete 2017 pricing guide here.
     Once again, thank you all so much for choosing Imagination Photography! I couldn't do it without you!