When you book a session with Julie Bird Photography, I will do everything in my power to make your experience as stress-free and pleasant as possible.
Booking the session: Please email me at [email protected]. Once we've settled the basic details, I will send you a contract to sign and return. You must sign the contract and pay the $200 non-refundable retainer fee. I accept credit cards through PayPal, stripe, square, cash and checks. Once you've done these things, you are officially on my calendar. Please keep in mind that my Saturday shoots are limited, and Sundays are reserved for clients who have to be rescheduled due to sickness or weather. I prefer to shoot during the Golden Hour, which is about an hour before sunset.
Locations: Most of my sessions are done on location in public places, such as local parks, universities, downtown areas and my farm. I'm glad to shoot in other outdoor areas, but if it is a private property, the client is responsible for getting permission and paying any venue or permit fees. I do have a small home studio which is good for headshots, fine art sessions, kids and composites. I use very simple, solid backdrops and few, if any props. If you would like to book a studio session, I can shoot those at any time of day. Contact me directly to set up a studio shoot.
Consultation: A week or so out from your date, I'll contact you, and we will discuss location, wardrobe, props, and what you'd like from the shoot. I can suggest places to shop, give you ideas of what looks good, and offer you suggestions for hair and makeup artists if you want one. We will discuss what you plan to do with your images. Do you want wall art or an album, or custom cards or invitations? We will talk about colors and styles and how those best fit with certain locations. You can tell me your ideas and the types of shots you like. A travel fee may apply to areas not in Madison County, TN, or the surrounding counties.
Day of Shoot: I will keep a watch on the weather. If it is absolutely dreary and cloudy, or there is a strong chance of rain, I will give you the option to reschedule. In addition, if it is extremely hot or humid or cold, I'll also give you the option to reschedule. I can also usually offer you an indoor shoot, but most people prefer outdoors. I want you to love your images, so if you don't handle extreme weather, I'll do my best to offer you another date (but since we live in West TN, sometimes that isn't an option). If I feel that a shoot should be cancelled due to weather, I will notify you approximately 2 hours before our scheduled session.
During the shoot: I will do everything I can to make you feel at ease. I always allow more time than we need so that you have a chance to relax and get comfortable with me. I am very patient so if you have kids or pets I will work with them as long as I can to get the desired results. Occasionally, little kids just have an "off" day. If you're worried about your child cooperating, usually, if you'll just let me interact with them, I can make it work. However, if a child is having a meltdown, I will do my best to offer you a reshoot. Also, I know that moms stress out about picture time. I can't tell you not to stress (because I stress when my family has pictures made), but I can assure you that I can handle the situation. If there are parts of your body that you feel self-conscious about, let me know. I have extensive knowledge of posing, so I can capture everyone from the most flattering angle. I also can work magic in photoshop. If you have a big zit pop up I can get rid of that. If you spill a little ketchup on your white shirt before you arrive, I can get rid of that so you can relax and know that I will shoot and edit in such a way that you look like your very best self.
After the shoot: Within 2 weeks, I will send you a link to a password protected gallery that includes your proof images. You may select the images that you want to be edited and delivered with your chosen package. If you would like to purchase other images, you may select them and after invoicing, I'll edit them. You will be able to download your edited images and print them at your convenience wherever you'd like. For your convenience, and to insure you have the highest quality prints and products, you will have the option to order directly through my website. If you need any help during your ordering process, I'll be glad to assist you. If you choose to print through any other vendor besides my website, I will not be able to guarantee the quality of the prints.