1. What is the difference between a full session and a mini-session?

Full photoshoots last anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours. In general, there's no need to hurry. If you want more photos, let's take more photos.

Mini shoots last 30-45 minutes (no exceptions).

Full shoots also include a digital slideshow set to music, whereas mini shoots do not.

During a full photoshoot things are usually more relaxed as I get to know your family more. Often we'll play at home for awhile and then go to a park or an ice cream parlor. During this time the kids really get used to me and you'll see more "real" smiles.

Mini shoots consist mainly of posed photos at location, though I try to squeeze in as many candids as I can. These types of shoots can work well if you're looking for a few family photos, but in general they are less relaxed and not a full portrait of your life together as a family.

2. What is your pricing? And why does it change between seasons?

Weekdays and weekends are priced differently. I also offer heavily reduced "off season" rates.

Previously I charged the same rates throughout the year, but my fall sessions would book months in advance and I turned down more clients than I booked. So now I'm trying something new (much like Caribbean hotel pricing).

This new pricing method is still a work in progress, so if you have questions please let me know!!

For all pricing info, pleaase click here.

3. Should we take photos at our home or meet you somewhere?

This really depends on you.

At home photos tend to be less formal and more "real". Kids often loosen up when showing me their room or riding their bike, which makes the photos more natural (and gives me a sense of who they are, thus making it easier for me to capture their real smile).

Photos at parks tend to be more formal and less candid (though we still try to run around a bit).

For both types of photoshoots, I promise some posed group shots, so it's really a matter of your comfort zone.

4. If we do take photos at home - how clean does it need to be?

Pretend a friend or relative is coming over - so pick up excess clutter, but there's no need to hire a cleaning lady or make your home spotless.

I personally think that signs of everyday life - toys, books, etc. - add character to the photos. We are trying to keep things "real" after all. That being said, if your child has any toys or books that you hate - please put them away or hide them.

5. I found exactly what I want on Pinterest, can you recreate that for me?

Um, well, no. sorry. We can work together on recreating the general idea, but every day brings different light, weather, attitudes, etc. Pinterest can be a great source for ideas, but every photo really comes from a unique moment. Let's try to make your own moments unique as well.

6. I want to look good, are there any tips or tricks I should know?

***No matter how attractive/skinny/young you are, always be aware of the possibility of a double chin. So stick your neck out a little farther then you normally would (I'll let you know if it looks odd).

***Always remember that the camera can't differentiate between a fake laugh and a real laugh. So laugh. Often.

***During group photos, try to look at the camera, not at the kids (unless I ask you to look at the kids or it is a candid). Often, when I go through the group photos, it is the adult who is scowling.

*** Smile often. In daily life and in photos. It makes everything better.

7. What kind of camera and lens do you use?

I photograph with both Canon R5 and R6 mirrorless cameras.

For photos outside, I often use fixed focal length lenses (meaning there isn't a zoom, so you'll see me run back and forth a lot).

All images are edited in Adobe Lightroom, with more detailed fixes in Photoshop CC.

8. What should we wear?

Ideally wear what you like and, most importantly, what you feel comfortable in. Too vague? Okay, so here are some other tips:

***Try to avoid black on children because it overpowers them (though if you love it, we can work with it). Navy, however, works great. Also, if you are an adult and wear black, try to break it up with a necklace or accessory.

***Avoid bright pink. Yes, I know it's pretty. Yes, I know little girls love it. But bright pink doesn't photograph well (yes, this makes me sad too). Patterns with pink are fine as long as there are other colors as well. (Also try to avoid bright red).

***It helps to put the younger children in the brightest color; in group photos, this helps them stand out despite their small size.

***Try not to have one child in a bright color and one in a pale color, unless the child in the bright color is significantly smaller than the child in the pale color. (The risk is that one child will dominate the photo and one will recede.)

***YOU DO NOT NEED TO DRESS UP. Really.

***For women, I like to take action shots, so flats work better than heels. If you really want to wear heels then consider bringing along a second pair of shoes.

***No hats with a brim (or your face will be a big shadow).

***I take photos from a lot of different angles, so if you are feeling body conscious, wear something slightly baggy.

9. How will you know what makes us unique and what details to focus on?

I have a questionnaire that I ask you to fill out which helps me get to know your family better. And I’m always up for calls and emails to discuss locations, activities, and outfits. Just ask.

10. How many photos will I receive?

You will receive approximately 50 photos for a mini session. And approximately 80 for a full session.

All photos will be delivered in color and black and white versions.

11. My kid/kids hate having photos taken, what should we do?

Here are some ideas:

***Let's make it a scavenger hunt shoot. Look for acorns, find big leaves, etc. Eventually they'll adjust.

***Include new/old toys in the photos. After I arrived for one family's photos (in their backyard), the mom brought out a brand new bubble gun and an airplane toy. The kids had a blast - running, playing, and forgetting about the camera. The resulting photos were incredible.

***Always promise them something at the end - a small new toy, a trip to an ice cream shop, a movie, etc. It works.

***I asked a regular client for her advice and this is her response - "We talked about having you come over for pictures for weeks . . . We made it a fun thing. . . like the kids were having a friend over for a playdate. They were watching out the window for you to come. They were excited to show you all their toys. I would suggest that parents talk to their kids a lot about it -- set expectations . . . I feel like a lot of times parents don't include kids in the plans for the day and catching them by surprise isn't usually good!"

12. What if my kid won't cooperate at all during the photoshoot?

Well, no matter how hard we try, sometimes this happens. But in my experience, a photoshoot goes for about 1.5 hours and unless a child is extremely tired or sick, they usually don't have the determination to stay mad for that long. They almost always come around, the problem is that I often lose parents along the way.

Nothing is worse than a group photo with happy kids and scowling parents.

So be patient. Be silly. And don't get discouraged.

Also, TRY NOT TO THINK OF FAMILY PHOTOS AS A MEANS TO AN END AS MUCH AS A FUN EXPERIENCE IN ITSELF. RUN RACES. MAKE SILLY FACES. TELL STORIES. ENJOY YOUR TIME TOGETHER.

And laugh a lot.

Usually if adults are laughing, kids feel the need to laugh too. And if things totally go south, let's talk. Free make up sessions can be scheduled at a later date if things really aren't working out.

13. Can you photoshop out acne, wrinkles, weight gain, stray hairs, etc.?

I hate vague answers, but unfortunately all retouching is done on a case by case basis. If there's a particular photo where you don't like your chin, arms, wrinkles, etc. I can do my best to fix the problem area/areas . But if there are number of photos you'd like edited, that many additional edits may be outside the reach of my businesss.

I do, however, work with an editing team who can (for a fee) help with more extensive cosmetic edits. So please ask if you're interested (edits usually range from $8 to $10 a photo).

14. How long until we receive the photos?

My standard turnaround time is five weeks for most of the year. Though in autumn I try to shorten this to 2.5-3 weeks (hence the higher price point). Please let me know if you'll need them sooner.

15. What is your cancellation policy?

I know how life works. Kids get sick. Weather ruins the day. And I want to make things as easy as possible for you.

I require a 30% deposit to save the date, but if anyone gets sick or if it rains the photoshoot can be rescheduled anytime within 3 months (subject to availability - please don't wait until the last minute to reschedule!) as long as I have 48 hours notice of the cancellation.

If you cancel within a 48 hour window than all monies paid are non-refundable and the photoshoot will not be rescheduled. (The 48 hour cancellation period does not apply if the cancellation is weather related AND we have been in contact about the possibility of rescheduling due to weather).

Further, if your photoshoot was subject to a seasonal promotion and you need to reschedule to a time outside the promotional window, than a higher rate may apply. (If Darcy Troutman Photography is the party that needs to reschedule, the original rate is locked in).

And, of course, if you do not make your final payment then the deposit is forfeited and will not be returned under any circumstances.

16. What if it rains?

It's up to you. We can still take photos in the rain, or we can find an indoor location, or we can reschedule. If we decide to reschedule, you have threee months to rebook (though I recommend picking a new date as soon as possible).

I always keep some weekends and weekdays open on my calendar for rescheduling purposes. But please understand in advance that my schedule is pretty full, so I may not be able to reschedule to the exact date or time you prefer.

17. What time of day do sessions occur?

For indoor photos, the timing is flexible - so let's pick a time that works for you.

For photos outside, the best light occurs about 30 minutes after sunrise and 1-1.5 hours before sunset. Since the sun is lower in the sky during these times, the light becomes more diffuse and golden. For a longer (and better) description on why this light makes such good photos, please read this blogpost (which also has lovely photos) - https://www.darcytroutmanphotography.com/darcy-troutman-photography/a-february-afernoon-at-lubber-run-with-the-c-family-arlington-va-also-lets-talk-about-light

18. Do you use "true" color?

No. All of the photos I take are uploaded with a preset that tends to oversaturate reds and undersaturate greens. It also emphasizes yellow tones over blue tones. And the luminance on orange tones is increased in order to brighten skin. I also tend to use a lot of contrast. If you have questions, please contact me and I can send some before and after images.

Also, here is a blogpost with some before and after photos showing how I edit - https://www.darcytroutmanphotography.com/darcy-troutman-photography/a-february-afernoon-at-lubber-run-with-the-c-family-arlington-va-also-lets-talk-about-light

19. How far in advance do you book up?

This is a tricky question as the answer always varies. But in general I tend to book up about 2-3 months in advance. And in fall (especially fall weekends) I book up 4-6 months in advance.

20. I love your photos, but I'd like to either edit them myself or ask you to use a different editing style. Is this an option?

I'm sorry, but no. The way in which I edit is part of my business. I totally understand if you don't like the tones or contrast I use, but in that case we're probably not a good fit and I suggest looking for another photographer (there are A LOT of great ones out there!!)

21. Will you blog or share our photos?

Not without your permission first. If you'd prefer to keep your photos private, I totally understand.

22. Do you offer any discounts?

Congratulations! You read through to the very end! Thank you!

And the answer is yes - I offer a "pay it forward" discount. Receive an automatic $30 off any family session, if you use the saved money to contribute to a charity of your choice. Just send me the receipt.

Some small disclaimers apply - (1) it has to be a new donation, so if you already contribute to something each month that's awesome, but it doesn't count towards this promotion and (2) no charities that support sexism, racism, homophobia, etc.

23. Anything else?

This is a reminder that if I didn't answer something - PLEASE contact me and ask!!