Frequently Asked Questions
What type of photography do you specialize in?
Honey & Fig Photography specializes in Motherhood, Maternity, Newborn, Family & Portrait photography. Based in Central California I share my time between Fresno and the Bay Areas, while also available for travel outside of these areas. I photograph indoor/outdoor, natural-light sessions, with the goal of capturing your family in the most beautiful light. I work to carefully-craft a uniquely personalized experience for each individual client!
What is your approach to Maternity/ Newborn/ Family photography?
I believe every family is unique, therefore every session should be unique. This being the case, I take the utmost care when designing your session. Communication is important. Upon booking, I will reach out to you with my Getting To Know You form to learn a little more about your family ~ and any wishes you may have and your ultimate goal for our time together. I use an editoral~inspired, storytelling approach to capturing your family and creating gallery-like art for your home!
Do you offer mini sessions?
I do not. With a few of these quick sessions behind me, I've come to see it is not one image that tells your story but a series of moments that speaks volumes. I would rather approach providing you with a collection of images that speak to this particular season in your family's life instead of a fast batch of images in 15 minutes.
I am however moving forward with (2) events a year. Partnering with local floral designers and or venues for an annual Motherhood event as well as an early December Holiday event. These will be limited and will differ from year to year depending on venue availability.
These are abbreviated sessions for those looking to capture an image in celebration of Mothers Day or for your annual holiday card. These offerings will begin in the 2022 Calendar year, if Covid restrictions aren't limiting.
Want to be the first one to know about these special events? Sign up for my newsletter for premium access to all information before it is shared on social media platforms here.
Where will my session be held?
Sessions are held at your home or at one of our beautiful California Central Valley or Bay Area outdoor locations. (psst, I travel upon request!)
What should we wear?
Upon securing your session date on my calendar, I will forward you my Portraiture Planning Guide with lots of information on our upcoming time together, as well as a personal mood board with dresses from the wardrobe collection as well as include links to several local stores which serve as a little fun inspiration for dressing your family. In addition, all of my clients have access to my curated client wardrobe where you will find a beautiful selection of designer dresses in soft layered neutrals for mama. It is constantly growing & I love the idea that there is a little something for everyone!
What is the timeframe of an average session?
While I typically put aside 1-2 hours for every session, most sessions extend about half an hour. You are my priority. I have been hired to collaborate with you to create art for your family. Please do not feel as though a little hiccup will derail our session. Such is life ~ in fact 9 times out of 10 this is the way! I am not shooting the entire time; I have built in time for potty breaks, snacks, meltdowns (yup, those happen) etc. Sessions are super relaxed and go with the flow.
My goal is to create a morning or evening that is completely enjoyable for your family! I have a framework that I use to guide us during our time together; keeping us on track while allowing plenty of time for serendipitous moments to unfold. My goal is to create a complete gallery that speaks to your family's dynamic and love. Your only job is to show up and enjoy your family!
What can I expect before our session?
The Excitement Begins! We discuss your overall vision and chat about location (home or outdoor) for your customized portraiture session! There are unique locations all over the Central Valley and Bay Area as far as San Francisco and Carmel... if you've seen a location I have shot at in the past and would like to shoot there, we can discuss this upon booking. If there is a specific location you have in mind that holds a special place in your heart for your family, please mention this in your initial email so we can plan ahead!
I'd love to learn a little more about your family - any wishes (or hesitations) you may have and your ultimate goal for our time together. My Portraiture Planning Guide will be forwarded to you with lots of sweet bits, including wardrobe closet information, on our upcoming session together once we've decided to move forward.
What can I expect during our session?
Your job is to relax and enjoy your family, no matter what! Little ones tired? Don't sweat it.. I have three of my own and understand meltdowns happen from time to time. There is still magic to be found in the in-between, mundane moments. We will take our time, ebb and flow through the session and let it unfold naturally. I will guide you through the process! We will create a whole lotta real relaxed family magic. I promise. LET GO, BE PRESENT, HAVE FUN! I can't wait!
What Can I Expect After our Session?
Upon the completion of your session, your images are distributed on my computer and are carefully reviewed; each and every image is hand-edited by me.
Your final images are then uploaded to an online viewing gallery. This gallery will show up in your inbox approximately 3 weeks after your session for you to review and print. This gallery will give you full access to your gorgeous images with the ability to download web sized digital files to your computer or device for social sharing, order prints, order digital files and other products, and share them with family and friends.
This is also the time to order any of our Heirloom Albums, Fine Art Prints, and Fine Art Framed Prints to grace your walls. This is all done in-house by professional printers and framers and will be delivered to your doorstep! *These are purchased separately and are not included in the creative fee. More details below.
How much do sessions cost?
The Creative fee is $300 to secure your place on my calendar. This creative fee includes: Portrait Planning Guide, pre- session consultation via email, Skype or phone call, access to client wardrobe & family wardrobe assistance; 1-2 hour Session (at home or on location), and a curated online gallery of approx 35-40 hand edited images for review.
I offer a wide variety of à la carte products ~ including fine art small gift prints in a linen or glass box, fine art wall prints, heirloom albums, additional digital files, etc. which are not included in the above collection fee. People tend to invest more on their albums or specialty framed prints for their homes or as gifts for family members.
Is there a discount when booking both maternity & newborn sessions?
Yes! When booking Maternity & Newborn sessions together, the creative fee ($300) for your Newborn session is waived.
When do you recommend newborn sessions take place?
Many photographers suggest photographing newborns within the first 5-15 days. However in my experience, I find that photographing newborns a bit later at about 5-6 weeks is really enjoyable. Newborns have often had time to get to know their families a bit and little ones are starting to settle into their features and families settling into their new routine. I have found that it is just an overall relaxed and enjoyable experience. Especially at home where your family is extra relaxed and comfy. There is honestly no pressure. Relaxed, your routine, just dressed up and having me follow you around for a few hours!
When should we expect to receive our images?
Each and every hand-edited image is carefully crafted and prepared for you. You should expect to receive your online gallery approximately 3 weeks following your session date.
How many images will we receive in our gallery?
You will receive approximately 30-40 images in your online gallery & 10 printed proofs chosen by me delivered to you in a keepsake glass box a few weeks upon gallery delivery to display on your coffee table.
How do we place our order following our session?
I will forward you an online link to view your curated gallery of images. You will then review your online gallery further for product purchase, if you so choose. Products such as digital files & printing rights, embossed albums in linen or velvet, large format prints, or framed fine art prints which are reviewed by you and I both and prepared with the utmost care and delivered right to your doorstep! I truly believe in printing your images & have made this change directly for you and your family in mind. I am there every step of the way to assist you through the decision and planning process.
Do you offer fine art print products?
Yes. From fine art small gift prints, baby announcements, holiday cards, heirloom albums and large format framed fine art are available for purchase. Products are available à la carte. Should you need help, I will work to guide you in selecting art to grace the walls and hallways of your home. Clean, fresh images to breathe life into your space, preserve your family legacy, and remind you (and your children) of the incredible love you share!
Should I order prints directly through Honey & Fig or print on my own?
Images ordered through me are guaranteed to be the highest of quality. Each is printed by a professional lab on archival quality Fuji Matte photographic paper. My computer is calibrated to my lab's printer, assuring accuracy in color, brightness, etc. Please note that we are unable to guarantee quality of images printed from consumer labs such as Walgreens or Costco.
Can we purchase digital files?
Yes. Digital files in your gallery are web sized files only. Any additional sizes in digital are available both individually and at a discounted packaged rate for the entire session. This can be discussed during or after your session once you've reviewed your gallery.
How far in advance should we book?
I photograph a limited number of Maternity / Newborn / Family / Portrait clients each month to ensure a completely customized experience. Typically 3-6 months in advance and up to one year. If you are interested in newborn sessions, please inquire while you are pregnant so that I can work together on timing your session.
*I also provide a Portrait Subscription which allows first access to special session dates, guaranteed access to private special events (such as Mothers Day & Holiday events that will begin in the 2022 calendar year), a little more tailored experience, with an option to add an album at the end of the year with all of the years events included. These are great for families who want to capture maternity, newborn, 6 months, and one year memories; families with growing kids or couples who want to capture their life through the lens. Want more information on this wonderful opportunity? Please email me with title: Portrait Subscription. I only take on a very limited select few each year! hellohoneyandfig@gmail.com
How Do I book a session with you?
Ah, I can't wait! Please begin the first step in my process and help me get to know you by filling out my online contact form. I will reply to all of our inquiries within 48 hours. Once you have filled out the Contact form and we have discussed availability, you will then let me know when you are ready.
I will then forward you over my online Model Release (with the pre-paid session fee retainer request) and Getting to know you forms to book. Session dates are unable to be held and are booked on a first come, first serve basis. Upon completion of signed online forms and prepaid creative fee, your date will be added to my calendar! And then the fun begins!