Session Details

Thank you for considering Shannon Decole Photography for your custom portraiture.  This is a special time in your life and thank you for trusting me to create images that will be treasured forever.  

 

Before Session

  • We'll speak, learn a little about each and see if we're a good fit for each other.  
  • If we are, I'll send you a questionnaire so planning can begin for your session.  This will help me keep notes about your session in one spot as well as envision the images you are expecting me to achieve.
  • Your session retainer is paid to secure your requested date.  It is non-nonrefundable but is transferrable to use for a future date.

 

MATERNITY

  • Sessions are best booked during the first or second trimester and photographed during the 32-36 week of the pregnancy.  The earlier you schedule the better.  Feel free to contact us to give us an estimated due date.  We can make a tentative booking until you arrive home from the hospital and then you would contact us to schedule a better day for your session.
  • Once booked you will be emailed a prep guide of things to bring with you for the session.
  • Sessions usually take place in a home studio or an outdoor location of your choice.  You will have access to maternity gowns, fabrics and chiffon but feel free to wear your own clothing.
  • Two days prior to your session you will be emailed a reminder prep guide.

 

NEWBORN

  • Sessions generally take place in my home studio and are best booked during your second trimester.  Shannon will travel to your home but add $100 for the travel with all equipment, props and gear.  In order to get the sleepy, curly and bendy poses that you see here on the site, these session MUST be done while your baby is 5-10 days old.  After this stage babies are easily disturbed, harder to settle, can become colicky, develop acne or have a growth spurt.  Because Shannon does not rush babies please plan on spending 2-4 hours to allow time for feeding, peeing, pooping and comforting.
  • Sessions are best booked during second trimester but the earlier you schedule the better.  Feel free to contact us to give us an estimated due date.  We can make a tentative booking until you arrive home from the hospital and then you would contact us to schedule a better day for your session.
  • Session is styled by Shannon based on two-three colors of your choice.  Props are also included.
  • Although it is rare, sessions will be postponed if Shannon has any cold/flu symptoms.  Your baby's health and safety is our number one priority.
  • You will have access to our collections of props, headbands, hats, bonnets, outfits and backdrops.
  • After session date has been confirmed you will be emailed a prep guide of things as you get ready for our session.  Two days prior to your session a reminder will be sent.

BIRTHING

  • Sessions are limited.  We generally take only 8-10 per year.  This allows time for Shannon to be on call 24/7 two weeks before and after actual due date without the stress of birth dates overlapping.
  • We will discuss birthing plan and location, preferably in person.
  • We will remain in touch with each other throughout the pregnancy.
  • Client should call when she is in Active Labor (3+ cms).

 

MILESTONE/CAKE SMASH 

  • Give yourself at least a month to ten weeks ahead of time to schedule in to ensure you get the date you're interested in.  This also gives us time to customize colors and props/backdrops that'll be used for your session.
  • It's always great to see baby's first reaction to cake frosting but some can be so startled that we might not get the images you scheduled for -- baby SMASHING cake! For this reason it is highly recommended that you expose baby to a cupcake or something with the consistent sticky texture that frosting has.  
  • Whatever the case may be expect to have a memorable time!

 

BOUDOIR

  • Outfit selections and location options are discussed. 
  • 3 hour sessions take place at your home or hotel of your choice. (1st hour is with the makeup artist while 2nd hour is with the hairstylist. Final hour is with photographer.)
  • Next to maternity sessions, boudoir are my absolute favorite!  (Newborns are somewhere in the middle!)

 

After Session

  • Following the completion of your session, a gallery reveal and order appointment is scheduled to return to view your images plus make purchases for print products.
  • In 10-14 days you will return for your gallery and reveal appointment where you select your image options.
  • Once full payment is made for additional products it can take 2-3 weeks for delivery and possibly longer for albums or canvas depending on the time of year it is.
  • Sessions where digital images are given as part of the session (i.e. birthing), files will be sent via private online gallery 10-14 days after session.