FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS • Howell Photography & Co

ABOUT THE SESSION

What happens during the session?

We'll start with something easy — walking shots, because most people know how to walk — and go from there. I work through every family combination in my head so you don't have to hand me a list. With about 2-3 minutes left, I'll check in to see if there's anything specific you still want to capture. The whole session is a mix of natural poses and relaxed, candid moments — so your gallery feels alive, not stiff.

What if my kids won't cooperate?
Honestly? Some of my favorite sessions have started exactly that way. I don't believe in forcing kids to stand still if they're not feeling it. Instead, I get the parents involved — tickling, chasing, spinning them through the air. Movement becomes the session. The shots we get from those moments are often the ones clients love most in their gallery. So if your kid is a runner or a crier or a "absolutely not" kind of personality — we've got this. I promise.

WHAT TO WEAR

Do you have any guidance on what to wear?
Yes — and I'll send you a full style guide plus an Amazon shopping guide the moment you book, so you'll have everything you need. The short version: think soft, earthy tones — navys, whites, tans, grey-blues, olive greens. Layer when you can, even something small like a cardigan or a collar peeking out adds so much depth to the photos. Long, flowy dresses are wonderful for the movement they create. Skip the jeans if you can — they rarely photograph the way people hope. And as a general rule, one pattern for every three people in the frame is plenty.

If you want my personal feedback before the session, just text me photos of your outfit options and I'll give you my honest input. But here's the thing — I photograph people, not outfits. If you want to break the rules, go for it. I won't say a word. The love in your photos will be beautiful no matter what.

BOOKING & PRICING

How long is a mini session?
15 minutes! I know that sounds fast — and it is — but I promise it's almost always enough. I've been doing this a long time, and I know exactly how to make the most of every single minute we have together.

What does the session fee include?
Your session fee includes 15 minutes of photography and 5 digital files and a $30 print credit to spend in my online store.

What are my collection upgrade options?
After you see your photo slideshow, you can choose to upgrade to full collections that are offered at a BIG savings, purchase individual items a la carte, or stick with your initial purchase that included 5 digital downloads and $30 in print credit. 

• Collection B — $195. 15 digital files + $190 print credit.

• Collection C — $390. ALL digital files + slideshow + $380 print credit.

• Upgrade to just all digital files (no extra print credit) — $220

Do I have to decide on products or a collection before my session?
Nope! You don't decide anything until after you've seen your photos. I want you to fall in love first — then choose. No pressure, no guessing, no committing to something before you know what you've got.

AFTER THE SESSION

When will I get my photos?
I'll have your edited gallery ready within 2-3 weeks of your session.

How does the slideshow work?
When your photos are ready, I'll send you a beautiful slideshow of every image I edited. My one request: watch it on the biggest screen you have, sound up, with your people around you. Make an event of it.

Your slideshow is available for 24 hours. That's enough time to watch it more than once, share it with the grandparents, and really sit with how you feel. After 24 hours, you'll choose your collection to keep your images.

What happens after I choose my collection?
Your full gallery opens and you'll have 30 days to download your files and spend your print credit. I'll be sending you helpful emails along the way to introduce you to the products, show you what's possible, and help you actually get these photos off a screen and into your home.

What products are available?
My online store has something for everyone — prints, print packs, greeting cards, magazine books, lay flat albums, framed prints, canvases, and metal prints. If you're not sure where to start, I'll help you figure it out. That's part of what I'm here for.

How do I use my print credit?
Your print credit lives in your gallery and is yours to spend anytime during your 30-day access window. You just shop the store like normal and your credit applies at checkout. Easy.

What can I do with my digital files?
Once you have your files, they're yours to enjoy! Print them, frame them, use them for holiday cards, post them, share them with family. The only thing I ask is that they stay personal — no commercial use, contests, or transferring them to others for commercial purposes. The images remain my creative property, and I reserve the right to use them in my portfolio and marketing. But for everything personal? Go wild. They're your family. Show them off.