We recommend that you come to the studio for a portrait consultation prior to your session. We will discuss clothing color, portrait style (casual or dressy), studio vs. garden sessions, and so on. The more we know about what you like, the better able we are to create portraits that reflect who you are. The time you invest in your consultation will make you feel more prepared, relaxed and ready for a great portrait session. We understand that you may have a busy schedule and if you are unable to come in before your session, we will be happy to do a consultation over the phone.

What should I wear for my session? The most important thing to remember is the simpler your clothing the better the portraits will look. Solid colors always look best in portraits. Clothing with stripes, patterns and prints are distracting and draw the attention away from the subject of the portrait and onto the clothing. Everyone should wear similar style clothing for your session. It doesn’t matter whether you are wearing suits and cocktail attire, or jeans and t-shirts. Don’t mix casual and dressy outfits.

Clothing color should be either primarily light or medium to dark. Similar tones and colors give a more harmonious look to a portrait. You don’t have to wear matching outfits but similar tones or colors tend to be less distracting to the eye. Avoid strong contrast between the top and bottom of your outfit or between two or more outfits in your group.

The good news we have prepared three great Information Guides to get you ready for a great portrait sesssion! Portrait Information Guide, Children & Babies Portrait Information Guide, Senior Portrait Information Guide.

How long will my session take? We work by appointment only -- setting aside special, uninterrupted time for our clients. We take the time to get the right images for your session. Most portrait sessions last approximately one to two hours, depending on the type of session (family, child, baby, etc.) and whether it is a combination of indoor and outdoor.

What should I bring? You may come dressed for your session or bring your clothes and change once you arrive. If you are planning on an outfitchange during your session, be sure to bring all necessary items and accessories for your other outfit.

Please feel free to bring any props or items to personalize your session. For example, for baby portraits, a blanket that Grandma knitted, or a favorite teddy bear for a toddler's session. For high school seniors or older children we encourage you to bring in things that represent their interests, hobbies and activities. Musical instruments, sports or cheerleading items, drill team outfits, trophies, a car -- you name it and we will make it work for you.

Do you photograph pets? We consider our two kitties part of our family and we know you feel the same way about your pets. We encourage you to include your pets in your session, though we do request advance notice so we can prepare the studio accordingly.

Do you charge extra for outdoor sessions? One of the great things about Captivating Images Portrait Studio is there is no additional charge for doing both indoor and outdoor sessions. With our one acre, on-site, Outdoor Portrait Garden, there's no need for a Location session to get beautiful outdoor portaits.

How can I get more detailed pricing information? Because each portrait session is different, we request that you call the studio and we will be more than happy to discuss our pricing and portraiture options with you.

How do I order my portraits? About one week after your session, you will return to the studio for your Presentation & Ordering appointment. This appointment should last approximately one to two hours. Please make sure that any and all decision makers are present at the Presentation & Ordering appointment since you will be placing your portrait order at that time. On average, most of our clients expect to invest $400-$900 in their portraits.

When are payments due? Full payment of your session fee is required to reserve your session appointment. We accept MasterCard, Visa and Discover cards. If you are paying your session fee by personal check, it must be received within four business days after scheduling your session. We can not hold session appointments without payment.

You will place your order and pay for your portraits when you return for your Presentation & Ordering appointment.

What product choices do you offer? We are pleased to offer a wide variety of portrait styles and finishes. Choose color, classic Black & White or Sepia tone at no extra charge. Gallery Wraps, Composites, Montages, Albums, Folios, Art Mats, custom CD/DVD slideshows and custom framing are just a few of the many Portrait Products and services we offer. Please visit the Portrait Products section of our website to see some examples.

Do you offer cards, announcements, or other products? We have a full collection of seasonal and all occasion greeting cards as well as baby and graduation announcements. Please see our Portrait Products for more information.