FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR SESSION
These days, we all have a camera in our pocket, and often we spend so much time taking photos of a moment that we remove ourselves from it. Time is a precious comodity - kids grow up quickly, schedules are hectic, and it gets increasingly difficult to get everyone together at one time. Scheduling a portrait session with us is your chance to stop running for an hour, get everyone together and just enjoy the moment. At JCULVER/CREATIVE, we believe that relaxed subjects make for great photos. We do away with flat backdrops, fake smiles, and harsh studio lights and use natural environments and lighting, and best of all, genuine smiles.
What should we wear?
For outdoor photography during the spring and summer months, choose lighter tones and
pastel colors for the most pleasing results. In the fall and winter, bolder colors look best. Family
members don’t have to match exactly, but should stay coordinated with simple, comfortable
clothing that blends with the season. Avoid busy patterns, graphics/logos, and shades of green
and brown that may blend with the environment. Ladies, we’ll be kneeling and sitting on the
ground so be wary of low necklines and short skirts. Overall…be comfortable.
When is the best time to take portraits?
The best time is the “golden hour” just before sunset when the light is softer and the
temperature is more moderate. We don’t take portraits in the morning and early afternoon hours
because the sun is too intense which causes harsh shadows and squinting.
When and how should I book my session?
You’ll want to make your reservation well in advance to make certain you get the best time slot…
the golden hour. It is a good idea to book 3-4 weeks in advance. The best way to reserve your
appointment is to call us at 404.433.3006.
Can you come to my house or a location of my chosing?
During the spring and summer months, we ask that you meet us at one of our preselected
locations because we want to offer as many families the best possible lighting without having to
incorporate time for travel. Later in the year, our hours are more flexible and we can discuss the
option of traveling to other locations in Birmingham and the surrounding areas.
What happens if it rains during our session?
Weather can change quickly especially during the summer months. We typically don’t make
the cancellation call until the time of your session. Even if it is raining an hour before your session
time, the weather can clear up and result in amazing lighting, with picturesque clouds and even a
rainbow. Your safety is our utmost concern, so if it begins to rain during your session or if we have
severe wind or lightning, we will cancel your session and try our best to reschedule any remaining
portrait time. Our business depends on happy clients and if severe weather impacts your session,
we will be fair at working out a solution with you.
Can we do clothing changes during our session?
Often times changing clothes can turn into a production that will cut into the time of your
portrait session’s best lighting. For “Senior Portraits” we expect clothing changes and advise young
adults to think in layers and to bring a large blanket that can be used as a changing screen if
needed.
Can I take pictures with my camera?
There are several reasons why we don’t like having other cameras out during your session. The
number one reason is that it will negatively impact the quality of the portraits that you’ve hired us
to take. When a family member takes out a camera, subjects will often start clowning around.
Moreover, when eyes are not looking at the professional’s camera it can ruin an otherwise great
portrait. Leave your cameras at home or in the car and let us capture your special moments.
Can I bring my pet?
We understand pets are a huge part of many of our customer’s families. However, if you do
choose to bring along your pet, you must tell us when you schedule so we can select a location
that is pet friendly. Also, we highly recommend inviting a pet handler to help out during the
session. That way if your pet is having a bad day or wants to chase other dogs, birds, squirrels,
cars, etc ...we can still get a nice variety of family portraits taken. Please abide by all required leash
laws. Woof!
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel your session for any reason, we ask that you do so as soon as possible. We
took a credit card to hold your reservation which will not be charged until after your session or if
you cancel with less than 48 hours’ notice. (Half the session fee is charged when a cancellation
occurs 24-48 hours before your appointment* and the full session fee is charged with less than 24
hours’ notice)
*Some discounted rates, such as those through groupon.com, can not be refunded.
Why can’t I print from the online proofs?
All of JCULVER/CREATIVE’s images are copyright protected and cannot be printed without a
copyright release from JCULVER/CREATIVE. Because we have access to the highest quality
professional labs, you should feel confident in ordering prints through JCULVER/CREATIVE. If you
would like to purchase the rights to your high-resolution photos you can do so by purchasing any
image for $50 or your entire session for $450.
My session was over a year ago and the link to my proofs no longer works. Can I still
place an order?
Sure...we can temporarily put your session back online so that you can place an order. Just give
us a call.
What is the difference between mounted prints on gator foam, canvas mounted prints
and gallery-wrapped canvases?
Mounted prints are made with photographic paper and mounted to gator-foam board. These
prints have lush color and a luster finish but must be protected from light and framed behind
glass. Canvas mounted prints are printed on premium canvas using archival inks and mounted to
a flat masonite board. This canvas is sprayed with UV-protection and the flat board makes them
easy to ship and frame without glass. Gallery-wrapped canvases are also printed on premium
canvas, but are wrapped around 1.5” wooden stretcher bars. The gallery- wrapped canvases don’t
need a frame and come ready to hang on your wall.
