Question 1

What is included in a Portrait Photography Session?

Accepted Answer

Every photography session from family to personal branding photoshoots includes an in person consultation to plan location, styling and your portrait goals, professional make-up artist, a fully guided photoshoot (that means I help with posing), and an ordering appointment when I assist with portrait selection and advise on the best way to share and appreciate your portraits.

Question 2

Can I include others in my portrait photoshoot?

Accepted Answer

Yes! If you want your pet, husband, children or grandparents to join for some of the portraits then I recommend having them come towards the end of your session. We'll plan out a timeline at your consultation.

Question 3

Can you make me look good in portraits?

Accepted Answer

Many people feel nervous at first but with careful planning and preparation my goal is to make you feel confident and relaxed. Your personality and connection will get a chance to shine through and that's when the magic happens. Even professional models need help with posing so I am there to help you every step of the way.Your photo shoot will be relaxed, fun, and fully guided.

Question 4

How much does the portrait photoshoot cost?

Accepted Answer

The Planet Photo portrait experience includes a print credit but how you use it is up to you. At your review and ordering appointment I will help you narrow down your portraits to the ones you love the most. Family and portrait clients typically spend $1500 to $10,000. Personal Branding sessions start at $490.

Question 5

Do I have to order wall art?

Accepted Answer

No, although I do feel like it's an incredibly powerful way of sharing your portraits! I know large wall art galleries are not for everyone, so I have a curated selection of albums and smaller pieces to work with your taste and home.

Question 6

Are the digital files included?

Accepted Answer

A matching digital file is included with every image chosen for wall art, prints or albums.

Question 7

Are portraits edited?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Portraits are professionally edited before they are sent to print; that takes care of flyaway hairs, minimizes shadows, pimples or temporary imperfections.

My goal is not to change you - I want to enhance your natural beauty.

Question 8

Why do you include a professional make up artist? Can I do my own?

Accepted Answer

I am a firm believer in going the extra step to make sure that we get this right the first time!

Professional make up makes clients look and feel their best in front of the camera and the lights. My make up artist works with you so that you love your results and she can add on to your look as the shoot progresses to change things up a little.

Question 9

When should I schedule my portrait session?

Accepted Answer

There really is no time like the present - It can be tricky to coordinate large family schedules so let's get that on the calendar so that we can all start planning!

Question 10

How to choose a location for portraits?

Accepted Answer

Often the most meaningful portraits are taken in places that already hold your memories—your home, or a favorite place for your family.

During your consultation, I’ll guide you through the options and help you decide whether to capture your story in a location that’s deeply personal or in the refined setting of the studio.

Question 11

What is the difference between a headshot and personal branding?

Accepted Answer

A headshot is a single, polished portrait—perfect for LinkedIn, your website bio, or professional profiles. It’s straightforward, clean, and designed to introduce you with confidence.

A personal branding session goes deeper. It tells the story of who you are and what you do. Instead of just one image, you’ll walk away with a curated collection of portraits that show your personality, your work, and the essence of your brand. We’ll style multiple looks, use different settings, and capture a variety of expressions and poses—giving you versatile images for your website, social media, marketing materials, and press features.

If a headshot says “This is me,” a personal branding session says “This is what I stand for.”

Question 12

What should I wear for my branding photoshoot?

Accepted Answer

Don’t worry—I’ll guide you through outfit choices so you feel confident, comfortable, and perfectly on-brand for your session.

Question 13

How much does the branding session cost?

Accepted Answer

Personal Branding sessions begin with a one-on-one consultation to understand your goals and the story you want to tell. Sessions start at $490 and include two expertly retouched, high-resolution images—or you may apply that value as a credit toward a larger collection of digital portraits. For clients who wish to showcase their brand beyond the screen, custom-designed wall art is also available.

Question 14

Can I include my colleagues or team in my branding session?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Personal Branding sessions can be customized to include additional team members, group portraits, and environmental images that showcase your business in action. This way, you’ll have a cohesive collection of images for your website, social media, and marketing materials.

Question 15

Are branding sessions on location or in the studio?

Accepted Answer

Branding sessions can be held in the Planet Photo studio for a clean, editorial look—or on location to capture the energy of your workspace, lifestyle, or environment. Many clients choose a combination of both. During your consultation, I’ll guide you in selecting the option (or blend) that best supports your brand story and gives you the variety you need.

Question 16

Are all the digital files included?

Accepted Answer

Individual digital files and collections or bundles of images are available. I can help you choose the most impactful images at your viewing and ordering appointment.

Question 17

Are branding portraits photoshopped?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All portraits are professionally edited before they are delivered; it's important that you still look like you though. Your headshot is your online introduction and your first impression should be genuine and up to date!

My goal is not to change you - I want to enhance your natural features.

Question 18

Why is professional make up important for my branding photoshoot?

Accepted Answer

I am a firm believer in going the extra step to make sure that we get this right the first time!

Professional make up and grooming ensures ALL my clients look and feel their best in front of the camera and the lights.

Question 19

When do I need to update my headshot or branding images?

Accepted Answer

Ideally every year or when you drastically change your appearance but realistically every couple of years is what most people settle on. The branding images on your website are often your first chance to connect with future clients, don't waste that with old, outdated images!

Question 20

What should I wear for my portrait session?

Accepted Answer

I can guide you through your own wardrobe, if you want to order or buy something new, or if you want to rent something for a certain look. I have a few pieces in various sizes at the studio and you are welcome to borrow from there but don’t worry, I help style every session during the consultation appointment.

Question 21

Do I need senior portraits?

Accepted Answer

This is the year you celebrate your achievements, your growth, and the exciting road ahead. These images become part of your family’s legacy—something your parents will treasure long after graduation caps are tossed.

Your portraits also serve a practical purpose. They’re perfect for your yearbook, graduation announcements, celebration invitations, and even for creating unique gifts for family and friends. Most importantly, they’re a way for you to step confidently into this new chapter, with images that reflect your true personality and style.

Question 22

Can you include a pet or sibling in my senior portraits?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Your portrait session should feel personal and meaningful, and sometimes that means including the people (or pets!) who matter most. Whether it’s your best friend, a sibling, or even your dog, having them along can make your experience even more fun—and give us the chance to capture a few extra-special images.

We’ll focus on you as the star of the session, but we’ll also make time for a handful of portraits with your guest. That way, you’ll not only have images that celebrate your senior year, but also the relationships and connections that are part of your story right now.

Question 23

How far in advance should I book my senior portraits?

Accepted Answer

The best time to book is as early as possible, especially if you want an outdoor session during the busy fall months. Many seniors schedule their portraits 3–6 months in advance to secure their preferred date, season, and location.

Booking early also gives us plenty of time to plan your session—whether that means styling outfits, scouting locations, or making sure we capture the exact look you’re dreaming of.

Question 24

Are portraits edited?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Portraits are professionally edited before they are sent to print; that takes care of flyaway hairs, minimizes shadows, pimples or temporary imperfections.

My goal is not to change you - I want to enhance your natural beauty.

Question 25

Why do you include a professional make up artist? Can I do my own?

Accepted Answer

Professional makeup is an essential part of creating portraits you’ll truly love. The right products and application ensure that you not only look your best in front of the camera and lights, but that you feel your most confident as well. Not all makeup brands are designed to photograph well, which is why we work with trusted professionals who understand exactly how to enhance your natural beauty for high-end portraits.

Our makeup artist will collaborate with you to achieve a look that feels authentic and polished. If you have inspiration photos or a particular style in mind, share them during your consultation—we’ll tailor the look so it reflects your vision. From soft and natural to bold and glamorous, our goal is to make sure you love your results the moment you see them.

Question 26

What should I wear for my portrait session?

Accepted Answer

I help style every session during the consultation appointment. I usually recommend a coordinating but not matching approach and make sure the pickiest person in your family (we all have one!) feels comfortable.

Question 27

How often do I need portraits of my family?

Accepted Answer

There isn’t a single right answer—it depends on your family and the milestones you want to remember. Many families choose to schedule portraits once a year to capture the natural changes that happen as children grow and life evolves. Others prefer to book sessions at key moments—welcoming a new baby, celebrating a graduation, or gathering multiple generations together.

What matters most is that your portraits reflect this moment in time—because it will never come again. Years from now, these images will become part of your family’s legacy, reminding you not just of how you looked, but of the love and connection you shared.

Question 28

Can you make me look good in portraits?

Accepted Answer

Many people feel nervous at first but with careful planning and preparation my goal is to make you feel confident and relaxed. Your personalities and family connections will get a chance to shine through and that's when the magic happens.

Question 29

Should I get studio family portraits or choose an outdoor location?

Accepted Answer

Studio for timeless, outdoor for natural—together we’ll choose the location that tells your family’s story best. Sometimes the ages and personalities of your children will help to answer that question and sometimes just personal preference.

Question 30

I have an idea of the look I want, can you do that?

Accepted Answer

Yes—within reason. Your vision is important, and I love collaborating with clients who bring ideas or inspiration. That said, every portrait session is crafted with my signature editorial style of lighting, posing, and refined retouching. I’ll take your ideas as inspiration and then shape them to fit seamlessly with the high-end look you see throughout my portfolio.

This ensures your portraits feel authentic to you, while still carrying the polished, timeless Planet Photo style.

Question 31

Are portraits edited?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Portraits are professionally edited before they are sent to print; that takes care of flyaway hairs, minimizes shadows, pimples or temporary imperfections.

My goal is not to change you - I want to enhance your natural beauty.

Question 32

Why do you include a professional make up artist? Can I do my own?

Accepted Answer

Professional make up makes clients look and feel their best in front of the camera and the lights. My make up artist works with you so that you love your results and she can add on to your look as the shoot progresses to change things up a little.