Do you have a studio?

I do not currently have a studio, but hope to someday offer that option.  Right now, I love to capture your memories using natural light in natural settings.  Generally this means outdoors, however this can also mean I come to your home too (where most people feel the most comfortable)!  We will choose a location based on our email discussions, but in general, we typically go to local public parks, rural locations such as woods or fields, or even urban spots with lots of texture and color!  If you have a certain location in mind for your shoot, I’d love to discuss it with you!

What can I expect from our shoot?

I like to capture the “real you”.  So, I don’t do a lot of posing or placing you or your child in uncomfortable positions.  Each family and child is different, so each shoot will be different.  I may suggest some poses or location spots, but generally I like to just capture life as it happens!  With children I allow them to explore, play and be themselves.  I may ask parents to entertain their children in order to get the natural smiles or joyous expressions but I never tell a child to ”sit and say cheese”!

What editing do you do, and what do you use?

I use both Adobe Lightroom 3 and Photoshop CS5.  I love to keep photos looking natural, but I also love the whimsical magic that some “special editing” can do for a photo.  If you prefer one editing style over another, please let me know.  Check out my photo posts for more examples of my work…some people think they don’t like “editing” on a photo, but end up loving the examples that have more editing work done! 

I have a certain style or idea in mind…can we incorporate it?

Absolutely.  I want every photo to be something that you will love to look at and be proud to have a part in creating.  If you have a certain idea in mind, I highly encourage you to express that to me before the shoot.  I also love props and using them in photos.  If you have a special prop you would like to incorporate, let me know and we can make sure it is used.

Why are your rates “introductory”, and how can I lock in the current rate?

I am a firm believer that the talent comes from behind the camera, not in it.  The equipment that I use is wonderful, but by no means is the top of the line.  That said, as my skills develop I plan to upgrade my equipment to allow me to do more and go further with my talent.  I will always strive to be affordable, but with the cost of new equipment, the value I put on my time, and as my schedule fills, my prices may increase.  You can lock in a current rate by paying your deposit as soon as possible.  Once your deposit is received, your rate is locked in…voila!

What gear do you use?

I am a Nikon girl all the way!  I love my prime lenses and use them for most of my work.  Except for large families and those full-speed-ahead toddlers!  My zoom lenses are much better for those situations.

How long does it take to get my disc?

I ask clients to allow up to 3 weeks for their images.  Being a mommy is first in line for me, and I do work full-time during the week as well.  That said, I will work hard to get your images back to you as soon as I can, and I am known to stay up all hours of the night editing just because I LOVE what I do!!  I want your images to be fabulous and  I know how anxious you are to see them!  So, I do typically post “sneak peeks” on Facebook before I am finished.  Be sure to like my page so you can see those!

Can I tag myself in a picture you post on Facebook or use it as my profile image?

Absolutely!  Please do, in fact!  I do ask though, that you pretty please do not crop out my logo when you do.  With your disc, you will get a certificate allowing you to print and share your images on the web, but the copy-right is not yours…I own the copyright to all images.  :)

Where do you recommend I print my pictures?

I DON’T recommend local “super” marts for printing your images.  Quality is terrible.  You will be so much more pleased with your images if you use a reputable professional print lab.  I promise!  My personal favorite is MPIX at http://www.mpix.com.  Great prices, fabulous quality, and awesome customer service.

Do you ever offer sales or discounts?

Yes, be sure to watch the blog and Facebook for special offers and discounts I run!

Wanna earn 5% off a session?  Leave me some comment love.  Leave a comment on Facebook about how much you love Jackie Petersen Photography and make sure to mention it to me when booking your session.  I’ll take 5% off your session charge!

Wanna earn $10 off?  Tell a friend!  Refer a friend or relative to Jackie Petersen Photography and I’ll take $10 off your session charge!  Be sure to have them mention your name when booking, and be sure to let me know who you sent!  *Not valid on mini-sessions or sale offers due to the already discounted price.