Clients often ask questions that can be answered quite simply.  Here are my answers to some of the most frequently asked.

- Leslie, I’ve never hired a “custom” photographer before.  What exactly does that mean?

Custom Portraiture is not for everyone, but it is for those who realize these memories will last a lifetime and they want the very best for their family. Your session will not be anything like any other photography session you’ve experienced before!  No waiting lines. No pressured sales pitch.  Sure, I don’t charge Walmart prices, but I can guarantee you won’t get a Walmart experience either! 

-What can I expect when I book a session with you? What can I expect?

Before your session, we’ll discuss what you can expect during a short telephone consultation where we will discuss times, dates, what to wear, and what to bring.

During your session, there is only one rule. There is no rush!  I only schedule one custom session per day. Period!  Most sessions take between 1-2 hours. I take my time and know how to get the best images during my sessions and that keeps everyone happy. If your child needs to take a break or get a snack, we work with it. If your baby needs to nap or nurse, that is completely understandable.  If you want to change into a different outfit to go for a completely different “look” in some of your pictures, please do!  If the location allows, I encourage it! At Leslie du Mont Photography, our goal is to have relaxed, natural expressions from happy smiling people!

After your session, you will receive a private online password-protected gallery. You just follow the simple instructions I provide in the notification email and access your photos. You can also share your portrait gallery with friends and relatives like deployed Dads and Grandparents that live in another state!

Another plus is that you can shop in your jammies!  How great is that? You can make your portrait buying decisions from the privacy of your own home!

At Leslie du Mont Photography, we pride ourselves on only giving you the portraits that you want!  That is why we have both a la carte print prices and convenient portrait packages for you to choose from. We also have a way for you to save an additional 10% off of your order by taking advantage of our Early Bird Special! After your order is complete, your professionally printed quality portraits should be mailed to you in roughly two weeks.

The whole process is remarkably simple! Feel free to ask me questions at any point!  Remember- that is my job!

- Do I pay the session fee before my session or when I order my portraits?

Session fees are paid in advance of your photo shoot through my online shopping cart.  Because of the high demand for custom photography, your requested appointment date will not be held until your session fee is paid.  I am usually booking sessions out approx. 4-6 weeks out and during the late fall I’m frequently booked two months out.  You can’t book too early!

- Do you take Visa or Mastercard for payment?

Yes, I’m proud to offer my clients credit cards options when using my wonderful new online shopping cart ordering system where you can pay with a check or by Paypal!  It is safe and secure and works like a champ!

-Leslie, I looked at your website and I love your photography. I’m ready to book a session for my children!  What do I do now?

That is great!  Now all you have to do is figure out what days you are free for a session.  I am usually booked three to six weeks out.  It is best to look at your calendar and come up with several optional days.  If your days are limited, PLEASE email me as soon as you make your decision!  As a custom photographer, I only work a limited amount of days in the field with my camera because on the other days I am in the office either proofing sessions or finalizing orders.  There is always a chance that the dates you want are free. 

-What do I do if my child is sick on the day of our session?

As a mother myself, I know that things happen.  If you or your child becomes sick, let me know as soon as possible!  I would much rather have a subject that is happy and feeling great than to have one with a fever and a runny nose!  With advance notice, we can always apply your session fee to another date!

- I am interested in getting our family portraits done at a local beach.  Is this possible and do you sell those big canvases like I see hanging over people’s fireplaces?

Yes, I love beach sessions!  What isn’t to love?  You’ve got sand, sun, surf, seashells and bare feet!

And, about the canvases, I’ll let you in on a secret. Seeing an image of mine become a treasured family heirloom is one of the main reasons I became a photographer!  If you know you’re interested in a canvas before your session, let me know!  I can show you examples and size option choices.

-Does it matter what my family wears during their photo shoot?

That is a very common question and the answer is yes! In our pre-shoot consultation, I’ll help explain how important clothing can be in your portraits. Ideally you would want to stay away from large distracting checks, busy patterns,and logos. Khaki pants or blue jeans and white shirts always look timeless.  If having matching outfits is not your style, coordinating your wardrobes with a common color can also work. 

The main reason for taking extra care about your wardrobe choices is that we want the focus to be on your beautiful faces and not on your son’s favorite bright orange and red Spiderman tee shirt!  (I’m a Mother. I know how things really are with children!)  And don’t be surprised if I ask your children to take their shoes off.  Bare tootsies are best for most sessions, too!

-My mother is in town.  Can she bring her point and shoot to our session?

Actually the answer for this one is no.  The reason is that having different flashes go off during your session can interfere with my camera equipment which helps to insure a flawless photographic session. 

-My husband is active duty military.  Do you offer a discount at all?

Oh, yes!  As an active duty Navy wife of 18 years now, I completely support our hardworking [and often deployed] military and their families by offering them a free 8×10 with each regular paid session.  Yes, a free 8×10 just to say thank you! 

-My son is very shy.  I’m very nervous about how he might act during our session. Can you give me any advice on how to have everything go smoothly?

Honestly, this is something a lot of mothers are worried about if the photo session is for the child only.  One of the things that being a custom photographer allows me to do is to take time to get to know your child before I even take my camera out of my bag.  Often I’ll ask your child to show me his room, or we’ll talk about his favorite toys or books or movies. Sometimes we sing. Sometimes we dance.  I can tell some pretty corny jokes!  I get to act like a big kid! Generally, I just do whatever it takes.  This usually does the trick!  Children “get” that we’re going to have fun and I won’t force them to say cheese over and over again.  My goal is to capture natural, soul-revealing moments and to do that everyone has got to be at ease! 

Man, I love my job!

-Leslie, I’m interested in your commercial fees, but I don’t see your prices listed on your site.

I am available for commercial work and my prices vary by the job. Let me know what you’re interested via email or phone and I’ll get back with you as soon as possible.

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