Scroll down for special sections on maternity/newborn, children, family, and senior portrait photography.
General Questions
With some fun, personal get to know Laura questions mixed in!
Q : WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BOOK?
A: Send me a message to inquire about available dates including your availability (weekends/weekdays) and anything in particular you may have in mind for your session. All sessions require a non-refundable $100 deposit to reserve a spot. This deposit gets placed toward your final package balance.
Q : WHEN IS FULL PAYMENT DUE?
A: Payment is due prior to image delivery. Cash, check, or credit cards are accepted as payment unless otherwise stated. I do offer payment plan options, please inquire for details.
Q : DO YOU BOOK WEEKENDS?
A: Yes! In fact, most sessions are booked on weekends. I mainly offer sessions around Wayne County on the weekends, and weekdays I shoot closer to home (Stark, Carroll, Tuscarawas counties). Not that I don’t mix it up every now and then, but that is generally how I schedule.
Q : WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
A: I have three motorcycles and most activities are bike related. I do a lot of lunchtime backroad rides between editing with my husband (who many of you see assist me at shoots) that I refer to as my “sanity break” and ends at the ice cream place down the road. I also spend a lot of time at our family farm (that is where the miniature horses are located). I draw and paint. Lift weights and run. And I love to antique shop! I also read, a lot. I start every morning with a book for about an hour, and a giant cup of coffee!
Q : WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?
A: If it is raining, excessively hot/cold/windy, we will reschedule. Just because it is cloudy does not mean we will reschedule. In fact, cloud coverage is a photographers best friend and my preferred kind of a day!
Q : WHEN DID YOU FIRST FEEL LIKE AN ADULT?
A: Honestly? Never. I don’t think I’ll feel like an adult until the entire generation of people that I knew that came before me passes on. I feel spontaneous and young at heart and as long as an older generation exists, I refuse to believe I’m “old” aka, an adult. Even though bill paying made it a little more real, and owning my own studio, I still don’t quite feel like I’m there yet!
Q : WHAT IF SOMEONE GETS SICK BEFORE OUR SESSION?
A: These things happen. Sick people do not photograph well and we don’t want to spread illness. If you have been sick or in contact with someone who has, please let me know so we can discuss rescheduling.
Q : WHAT IS THE STRANGEST THING TO EVER HAPPEN TO YOU?
A: There have certainly been a few! This one probably made me laugh the most and is somewhat business related, so I’ll share. I’ll admit, in my dating years, I did have profile on a well known dating site. I got a message from someone who was a past groom of mine! Ok, strange enough, right? Nope….he didn’t remember me. While I wasn’t interested, my curiosity was peaked. I mean what happened to him and the past bride? After a little online “stalking”, I found out, yes, he WAS still married.
Q : WHAT IS YOUR TURNAROUND TIME?
A: Most galleries are turned around in 7-12 days, occasionally longer during peak season. If you need quicker turnaround, you can request it ahead of time and pay the applicable fee.
Q : WHAT IS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?
A: I am an adventurer by nature. So I just want to go on one grand last adventure! Ideally, I would love to ride on horseback on an African wildlife safari. But I really would also like to drive cross country and go to California and base jump and see the redwood forest again (saw them when I was very young) to end my trip. Iceland would also be a dream place to visit.
Q : WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
A: Booking fees are NON-REFUNDABLE (a refund for the booking fee will only apply if the session is cancelled altogether by the photographer or your spot is filled by another client). Should you no longer be able to make your session date, you can pay a $50 transfer fee to change to a different date and reserve the new spot without forfeiting your deposit completely (cancellation due to illness being the exception). Please be committed to the session date once you book. I understand kids get sick, obligations change, etc. but please understand that when you cancel last minute, that is a spot someone else could have had and the spot you are rescheduling to is also a spot someone else could have had, so I am essentially out time and money for both. Other terms can be agreed upon at my discretion depending on the circumstance. ***If you are a "no show" to your appointment, you will not be permitted to book sessions again. *** Please be courteous and let us know with advanced notice if you are unable to make it to your session.
Q : WHAT IS THE MOST OUTRAGEOUS LIE YOU TOLD A CHILD?
A: Outrageous, maybe not….but here is what we tell the kids when they ask if our “unicorn” is real when they suspect the horn isn’t growing from her head. My assistant Mel has a great tale she spun, so maybe I should put this one on her! “You know how deer shed their antlers every year? Well, unicorns do the same! It is just the season when unicorns shed their horns, so she has to wear this one for now until hers grows back. But we take her horn and grind it up and make something magical from it…..glitter!”
Q : DO YOU CHOOSE THE LOCATION, OR DO WE?
A: It’s a joint effort! If you already have a spot in mind, that is great, but if you don’t, that’s okay, too. I’ll ask you about the types of locations that appeal to you most, your personal aesthetic and clothing, and make some suggestions based on that.
Q : WHAT DOES YOUR EDITING INCLUDE?
A: Editing goes beyond the basics. All images will have color adjustments, though I tend to stick to true to life colors that go maybe a touch toward the warmer end of the spectrum. I am not a light and airy or dark and moody photographer, so if that fits your personal preference, another photographer may be better suited to your needs. All images also receive complexion enhancements. I tend to be a little OCD and go overboard with special little touches, like removing small objects and hair that bother me. But if you require head swaps, object removals, glasses glare removal, braces removal - these all fall out of the realm of our regular editing but are available. Ask for an estimate and we will quote you on a per image basis.
Q : WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT ALWAYS MAKES YOU SMILE?
A: Life. Just being present and experiencing the little things I enjoy every day. Mostly animals. I wouldn’t feel complete without them.
Q : CAN I CHANGE MY LOCATION AFTER I BOOK?
A: My shooting schedule tends to be very tight with little room between appointments. If I can accommodate a location change, I am happy to do so, but can not guarantee it. I need to have enough time to get to you and my next appointment, and depending on how far the new location is from the one originally agreed upon, I may or may not be able to do it on your scheduled date, in which case you can still pay the session transfer fee to change dates.
Q : DO YOU OFFER GIFT CARDS?
A: Yes, you can get a gift card for any amount, but gift cards are limited to being used on Short & Sweet or Adventure Sessions only. They may not be used for any Limited Edition minis.
Q : CAN I ORDER PRINTS?
A: Yes! Your gallery is linked to a professional print lab that you can order prints from, as well as other products like albums, wall art, etc. These prints will have superior overall quality, color, and paper compared to consumer labs you may be use to printing with. I strongly encourage you to give them a try! Your package includes a print release and you can print at any lab of your choice though.
Q : DO YOU DO PHOTOGRAPHY OUTSIDE OF WHAT IS REPRESENTED ON YOUR SITE?
A: I sure do! I do not limit what I shoot and also do product photography, headshots, cosplay, boudoir, and weddings which are not represented on this site, but I can show you samples upon request.
Q : WHAT IS YOUR STRANGEST IRRATIONAL FEAR?
A: Sleeping people. Nope there isn’t a namephobia for it. I may be the only one. I’m not fearful of sleep itself, but of being around sleeping people. If I’m around a sleeping person (minus children, it has to be an adult), I get oddly uncomfortable to the point I can’t be in the same room and when forced to stay there, could have a low level panic attack over it.
Q : WHY ARE YOUR PRICES HIGHER THAN PHOTOGRAPHER X DOWN THE STREET?
A: A lot of things factor into pricing. Experience, equipment, overhead costs being the main factors. I bring sixteen+ years of experience, carefully curated props, use all professional level Sony equipment (in fact, you could buy a small car for the price of my equipment and a luxury sedan for what I have into backdrops/props.). And also experience. No, I’m not talking about what my degree is in, or how long I’ve done this, but what you get in return for your investment, that kind of experience…..reliable communication, beautiful forever memories, high end retouching, quick turnarounds. In the end, you can go cheap and have photos you might want to hide in a shoebox, or you get a guaranteed set of artistically crafted memories to share with the world that are priceless. Not every photographer is created equal. The question is, does that matter to you? Maybe it doesn’t. And that is ok, it just means that another photographer may be a better choice for you.
Q : DO YOU HAVE A LIFE MOTTO?
A: Live life beautifully. Have no regrets.
Q : WHAT IS CONSIDERED A WARDROBE CHANGE?
A: Simply adding a hat, or a jacket, or taking it off is NOT a wardrobe change. Changing headbands….NOT a wardrobe change. So taking off or adding to an existing outfit is not included as a wardrobe change. You can change up your look during a Short & Sweet session this way. What IS a wardrobe change? Changing a shirt. Changing pants. Even if it is just for a couple shots. Short & Sweet sessions are one outfit.
Q : WHAT IS CONSIDERED A LOCATION CHANGE?
A: If I have to hop in my car, it is a location change. If I have to walk more than five to ten minutes to get the other side of a location, it is a location change.
Q : CAN WE TAKE BEHIND THE SCENES PHOTOS?
A: Absolutely! Just be sure to not be my shadow and keep it to behind the scenes. I’m already capturing the moments in professional quality, no need for you to double shoot with less superior technology. If eyes start to wander, I’ll have to ask you to stop, though.
Newborns & Maternity Specific Questions
Q : WHEN SHOULD I DO MY SESSION?
A: Maternity sessions are best photographed around 32-34 weeks of gestation, while I try to capture newborns within the first two weeks after birth. Newborns are only “newborns” for so long…..as they age, they become less sleepy and less moldable. If you want the curled up poses, you want to aim for 7-14 days of age.
Q : MY BABY IS ALREADY 4/5/6 WEEKS OLD, AM I TOO LATE?
A: Nope! You may be limited on posing, and I most likely will utilize wraps to help with having a more active session participant, but anytime is the perfect time to capture your baby. Chances are, your baby is going to be awake for a least part of the session.
Q : I’VE ALWAYS HEARD HOW LONG NEWBORN SHOOTS ARE. HOW DO YOU OFFER A SHORT SESSION OPTION?
A: Experience. I will give you tips to best prepare baby for the shorter session. I will also do the session with your baby in a wrap to help keep them more settled. Thus far, I’ve never had a baby so uncooperative that I couldn’t photograph them in the shorter session.
Q : MY BABY IS DOING SO WELL….CAN WE DO MORE SETUPS?
A: Babies have their limit. Even if your baby slept right through the single set included, or all three in the longer session, sessions are set up this way for a reason. I guarantee you, you will have to feed the baby (if you already didn’t have to once) and the longer we fuss, the more chance things are going to start going downhill. Leave on a good note! I promise I’ll have plenty of precious moments captured for you.
Q : WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH US?
A: Nothing! You don’t have to bring a single thing. I want you to sit back and relax and enjoy the moment and let me worry about the details. I’ll ask you ahead of time if you have any specific ideas, colors, theme you want me to incorporate. But I have plenty of wraps, bowls, hats and outfits specifically handmade and sized to true newborns. If you have a personal item you want to add in, you can, but you don’t have to bring anything for the session other than yourselves, plenty of diapers and milk.
Q : WHAT HAPPENS IF MY BABY IS FUSSY?
A: I’ve done this a lot of years and there aren’t many babies I can’t work with to settle down. Rarely, I will have a baby with an upset stomach or having a very off day and in that instance, I’ll tell you I can see they are not going to settle in and we will reschedule. But I don’t give up easily. Some babies take time to sleep, but I do have “tricks” to help. The studio will be very toasty, I have a tight swaddle wrap to put on under wraps, and usually the combo of the two will settle any baby down. Just don’t get upset, hang in there, and let me work my magic.
Q : HOW DO WE BOOK WHEN WE DON’T KNOW WHEN BABY WILL ARRIVE?
A: Newborn session spots are limited each month to a certain number. If you know you want to book a session, reach out to me. You can pay a deposit to reserve a spot during a certain timeframe of your due date without having to set the specific date and this guarantees you a spot once your baby arrives. Unless you’re having a scheduled c-section, I just tell parents to reach out to me once baby has arrived to set up the final appointment time.
Q : WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO PHOTOGRAPH?
A: Newborns of course! Why else would I include that question in this section! I love creating sets, posing, and all the baby cuddles that come with it.
Q : I AM EXPECTING TWINS. DO I NEED TWO SESSIONS?
A: No. You’ve got enough on your plate and added expenses. I don’t charge anything extra for twins. We will split the time up and capture shots together and separate, and your session may run a little longer, but that is okay!
Q : WHAT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS DO YOU TAKE?
A: All props are carefully chosen with safety in mind. All babies are also “wedged” into props with blankets and under blanket supports to ensure they are properly supported before hands are ever removed from baby while posing. Baskets and buckets are weighted down with 5 pound weights. If a requested shot puts the safety of a baby in question, and a composite shot can be done, we will shoot a composite instead (composite = two combined images. A hand will always be present to support baby and the images are merged to remove it. I will walk you through how to help me get the shot and ask for your assistance). Also, if I see a position is making a baby uncomfortable, we will stop, reset, and not try it again. Some babies are uncomfortable laying certain ways, and we have to be mindful of that. I do not force positions onto babies. I let them tell me what they are willing to do. On top of that, I will sanitize my hands prior to holding your baby and I do wear a mask while handling since we are in such close proximity. All items are washed between every session. If I feel even the slightest bit sick prior to your session, I’ll let you know. It isn’t ever worth that risk.
Q : WILL YOU DO A HOME BASED SHOOT?
A: No, and here is just a few reasons why…. 1) Safety and props. When you see the amount of items needed for a single shoot, you’ll understand why I don’t want to pack it all up. 2) You are already busy. You don’t want to clean your home and move around furniture. 3) You don’t have to heat your house up to 80+ degrees. That is exactly what I do at the studio. 4) The lighting is perfect because I use studio strobes. By coming to your home, you may take away one of the most important conditions of photography….good light. Under very special circumstances, I will pack it all up and bring my studio to you.
Babies (up to one year)
Q : WHEN SHOULD I DO OUR SESSION?
A: If you are looking to capture the typical milestones in your babies first year, I strongly encourage you to go by the milestone and not just age. While most have 3/6/9/12 months engrained as the time to capture, it is really about the moment…..when they are first able to support holding their head up on their tummies, sitting, crawling, standing. And you want them to be doing these well on their own, so I often find that 4/7/9/12 months tend to be closer to the actual times these sessions fall.
Q : CAN WE DO AN OUTSIDE SESSION?
A: Yes, but be mindful of season and temperature. Most babies do not do well when it is 60 degrees or under. They might love playing outside at home in lesser conditions, but try getting them to do what you want in a sleeveless dress without a coat and see what a world of difference that makes.
Q : CAN WE DO A CAKE SMASH AT OUR ONE YEAR SHOOT?
A: Yes you can, but you are responsible for providing the cake. Also, consider alternatives that may be favorites for your particular little one….pancakes, spaghetti, pie, pizza, donuts. You can celebrate with alternative options as well.
Q : WHAT TIME OF DAY IS BEST FOR THE SESSION?
A: Anytime but nap time! If you are planning an outdoor session, late afternoon/early evening is best, but if your baby is getting cranky at that time of day, we can make a different time work. In studio sessions are great for morning and early afternoon sessions.
Q : WHAT HAPPENS IF MY BABY DOESN’T COOPERATE?
A: Normally I am experienced enough to work through it and still get some great captures. Please, don’t get upset. The way you act feeds the way they react. Stay calm, and help me rather than getting flustered and I promise we will still get some wall worthy options captured. If I absolutely do not see a session coming together, I will let you know and we will reschedule. You may be liable for additional travel fees if we are on location, or a rebooking fee, but you will not lose your entire session amount and have to rebook a whole new package.
Q : MY LITTLE ONE IS STILL A LITTLE TIPSY SITTING ON THEIR OWN. WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
A: Wait a little bit longer. Sitters fit the widest age gap. Some will start slightly before six months, while others aren’t sitting well on their own until 8 months. I promise you will have the happiest baby you’ll ever have when they reach that milestone, and you don’t want to miss it.
Q : MY BABY HATES TUMMY TIME. HOW ARE WE SUPPOSE TO SCHEDULE A SESSION AND CAPTURE IT?
A: Some babies just do. And we never want to force them into something they aren’t fond of as it will only end in some pretty unphotogenic tears. Our 3/4 month session will focus on laying down on their back and kicking their feet, perhaps being propped up in a basket, and we will wait until the very end to give tummy time a try. If it works, great! If not, we won’t force it. Some babies just won’t, and that is ok.
Q : MY ONE YEAR IS WALKING EVERYWHERE. HOW DO YOU GET THEM TO SIT STILL?
A: One word, containment. Hah! When you first arrive, they are most likely going to be into looking at everything. Most of the time, we can sit them down and they’ll just stare around and take it all in (there is a lot to take in!). That is our best chance to get some great shots. After that, we will provide some “roadblocks” - like putting them in a crate they have to crawl out of, making a game of it like playing peek-a-boo, etc. Us photographers all have our own tricks!
Q : DO YOU HAVE WARDROBE AVAILABLE?
A: Yes! I have a client closet filled with items size 6 - 24 month. You can view most of it online at https://perceptionstudio.pic-time.com/-babyclientcloset. And the best part? Borrowing outfits is absolutely FREE.
Children & Teens
Q : CAN WE DO AN OUTSIDE SESSION?
A: Yes, but be mindful of season and temperature. Most kids do not do well when it is 50-55 degrees or under. They might love playing outside at home in lesser conditions, but try getting them to do what you want in a sleeveless dress without a coat and see what a world of difference that makes! If it is a colder time of year, consider inside or dressing specifically for the weather. Coats, gloves, hats can be a cute look, too!
Q : WHAT TIME OF DAY IS BEST FOR THE SESSION?
A: If you are planning an outdoor session, late afternoon/early evening is best for lighting. Location options will be limited during other hours of the day.
Q : WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD WILL NOT COOPERATE?
A: Normally I am experienced enough to work through it and still get some great captures. Please, don’t get upset. The way you act feeds the way they react. Help me get them to focus on something other than taking pictures and make a game out of it, that usually works to bring them around and warm them up. We will baby step it if we have to! If I absolutely do not see a session coming together, I will let you know and we will reschedule. You may be liable for additional travel fees if we are on location, or a rebooking fee, but you will not lose your entire session amount and have to rebook a whole new package.
Q : I MOSTLY WANT PHOTOS OF THE KIDS, BUT CAN WE JUMP IN A FEW?
A: You can add on family photos to a child-focused session for $50. Since all packages include all the edited photos, it does take extra time to edit those images plus more images are included with your gallery delivery, hence the small upcharge fee.
Family
Q : WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR
A: We will get to that, but don’t worry about it quite yet! Once you have reserved your time, we will discuss locations and I will send you my style guide.
Q : WHY ARE SESSIONS LIMITED TO OUTSIDE?
A: My studio is designed for children. Families require large backdrops and a totally different environment to capture properly. I can photograph small immediate family groups in-studio only. I also feel like families are better suited to outdoors, where kids can properly play and interact with each other and their parents and don’t have distractions like “what is that prop? what does this do? can I touch that?” It just allows them to better explore their environment.
Q : WILL YOU COME TO OUR HOME?
A: Sure will, but sessions are still limited to your outdoor space. A lot of factors come into play with photographing indoors, and I also do not consider myself a lifestyle photographer, which is what you are looking for. I want to ensure the environment is suited to photography and capturing you at your best, therefore I do not photograph inside homes.
HS Seniors
Q : WHEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE MY SENIOR PORTRAITS?
A: A couple of factors come into play here, but most seniors have them taken the summer before senior year starts through the fall. If your school allows you to submit your own yearbook photos, when is your deadline? Every school is different, with a few having submissions due as early as October, and others not due until February/March. Secondly, do you want photographed in a certain season? Schedule according to the season. Also, think about your schedule. If you are busy with sports or other extra curricular activities once school starts, you’ll want to do them over the summer.
Q : HOW DO I PICK MY YEARBOOK PHOTO AND SUBMIT IT?
A: Most schools require a waist up or closer shot and it must be vertically oriented (long side up and down). Your school should give you an email to submit your image to prior to your yearbook deadline.
Q : WHO CAN COME WITH ME?
A: Family and friends are welcome, but keep it small. A person or two is okay, but when you start getting a group, a lot of the time they will joke around and make you actually feel less comfortable instead of relaxed. Having a person who can act as your assistant is a good idea…they can carry your extra props/clothes, too!
Q : UHOH, I HAD A BREAKOUT. NOW WHAT?
A: No worries at all! You’re going to get skin editing at no charge anyway! Just be sure to not cake on makeup to cover it up. It actually makes my job easier.
Q : DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL PREP TIPS?
A: Don’t get your hair cut right ahead of time….about a week or so in advance is perfect. Gentlemen, if you don’t have facial hair, make sure you don’t have facial hair….those little fine hairs will show. Ladies, make sure your fingernails don’t have chipped paint. Skip the tanning bed. Don’t let yourself get sunburned ahead of your appointment (tan lines can not be removed). If you wear glasses, make sure they don’t glare. You can always take out the lenses or get an empty similar frame from an optometrist to use. If you have transitions, we can not do anything to remove the darkness and you will not be able to wear them.
Q : WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY SESSION?
A: Senior portraits should be about you! If you have any special interests, include them. Maybe it is your pet, your car, sports, musical instruments, art….whatever it is, feel free to bring along “props” that tell a story about who you are.
Q : SHOULD I GET MY HAIR AND MAKEUP PROFESSIONALLY DONE?
A: I do strongly encourage you to book a professional and can make recommendations. Not only is it a fun thing to add to your experience, professional hair and make up will give you more confidence and bring out all your best features.