FAQ: Clients

Do you have a studio?

Yes!  I have a natural light "studio" in my apartment only for newborn and other baby sessions.  It's located near the Galleria.  It has fun things like a gray backdrop and cute rocking chair (oh, those are probably only fun to me).

How can I make sure our pictures go as smoothly as possible?

Relax, be yourself, and have fun!  If you're a parent, before the shoot think about the silly songs and games you can sing/play with your child(ren) to get some natural smiles and giggles.  Does your child love Dora?  Bring a favorite book to read together.  Do you play the guitar?  Feel free to serenade us all.  It's best to try and plan a child/family shoot around the nap schedule of any young children/infants in your family.  Make sure kids are healthy, well-rested, and fed before a session.  Don't forget that electronics (especially iPhones) are magic and will often elicit natural smiles from babies and young children.  Don't be afraid to use "potty humor" for kids old enough to get it (any parents should know exactly what I'm talking about).  It's incredibly effective for getting real smiles!

Fun treats like lollipops or ice cream can look really cute in pictures (usually towards the end of the shoot if it's messy, though treats often get great smiles out of grumpy children).  Bringing snacks in general is a great idea as hunger can bring out the grumpy in anyone.  You can bring props such as balloons, your child's favorite chair, umbrellas, musical instruments, etc - though it's not necessary.  Bubbles and hand puppets a great way to distract kids.  Show off any special talents like walking on your hands, cartwheels, or even fire juggling (I'd love to see that).  Wagons are great for corralling young children into one spot.

During the session remember to take anything out of your pockets that will show up in pictures as awkward lumps (cell phones, wallets, keys etc) and spit out your gum before we start .  Just make sure you relax!  Have fun with your family and lets capture those natural giggles that only the tickle monster can bring out.

What about my double chin?

If there is anything you're self-conscious about (double chin, upper arms, one eye smaller than the other [oh wait, that's just me]) please let me know at the beginning of our session so I can be conscious of it and help you look your best.  I likely won't notice it otherwise!

What do we wear?

I can tell you my own personal recommendations (and things to stay away from), but the most important thing is that you wear clothes you love and feel attractive in.  Comfortable clothes for kids especially (and husbands) is also recommended.  However, comfort is relative for everyone. Personally, I don't find heels comfortable, but love them in pictures!

Wear something elegant  if that is you!  If you're more casual and don't even own a tie, don't go buy one for the pictures.  I think it's absolutely okay for a girl to wear a dress with heels while her guy wears blue jeans (but no, this is not an excuse for all of you guys to wear jeans).  Most important...be yourself!

For family and engagement sessions I recommend sticking with 2-4 colors.  I do not  recommend that everyone wear plain white shirts or that women or girls wear polo shirts.  I do not recommend that everyone wears the exact same color or same shirt.  You can color coordinate without being too matchy matchy.  Funky scarves, hats, boots, leggings for little girls, polkadots, stripes, tutu's, etc are always cute additions to an outfit and textured sweaters in the winter look great.  Don't forget to accessorize!  Colorful jewelry, headbands, and shoes (yes, your shoes will be showing) can make a picture.

Color combos that I like: green/blue/brown, yellow/purple/gray, green/gray/blue, purple/blue/green, red/purple/yellow, orange/blue/purple/brown, purple/turquoise/white.  Neutral colors (like gray) look amazing when a pop of color is added such as a scarf, or if one person is in gray and another has a jewel-toned outfit.

Click here, here, here, and here to see a few examples of families that did a great job with their clothing choices.   Click here, here, here, and here to see a few examples of couples that did a great job with their clothing choices.

Here are some sites where you can get some super cute, fun clothes for kids!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/elizakatedesigns

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ZozoBugBaby

http://www.etsy.com/shop/lakenandlila

http://www.etsy.com/shop/themodernmarigold

http://www.matildajaneclothing.com/

http://www.shabbyapple.com/ (for girls and women)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/veryKIKI (adorable onesies)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TrendieTreasures

http://www.etsy.com/shop/babybystevie (cute ties for boys)

How long will our session be?

Sessions for families, engagements, children, etc typically last 1-2 hours (look at the next question for information on newborn sessions).  The goal is to have fun while making pretty pictures!

Many parents don't think their child will last beyond 20 or 30 minutes, but don't expect to be sitting quietly expecting a 2-yr-old to stare at the camera and smile the whole time.  You can swing your kids around, wrestle, tickle each other, throw them up in the air, play duck-duck-goose, whatever they like and I'll be there to capture it for you!

What can I expect at a newborn shoot?

A shoot with a newborn typically lasts about 3-4 hours, with lots of time for feedings and comforting.  Newborn shoots should be scheduled sometime during the first two weeks of life, with the best time being around 5-10 days when they're still in that newborn coma and nice and curly.

I have many props that I'll bring (beanbag, baskets, blankets, headbands, hats etc), but I'm more than happy to use anything you may have that you want photographed with your baby (hats/headbands, blankets, special gifts, etc).  I won't be able to bring every single prop to a shoot, so if you have a special request (such as certain baskets, blankets, or a scale) tell me ahead of time so I can bring it.  Let me know if you have any preferences as far as which props or poses you'd like utilized.

I always do a few pictures with the parents and/or siblings if they're up for it, but not all parents want pictures of themselves, so it's a personal choice.  The primary focus will be on the newborn.  If your baby uses any of my props as a diaper, don't fret!  It happens and is expected when dealing with a naked baby .

Also, expect to crank the heat up before I arrive!  If you want those curled up naked pictures, baby has to be comfortable (around 85 degrees is ideal).   After spending 9 months in constant 98.6 degree your baby is a bit spoiled.  We will all probably be sweating for baby to stay asleep in the buff.  I'll bring a space heater to help heat up the room I choose to shoot in.

Where can I get some of those cute hats and headbands for my baby?

If you don't know about etsy.com, go there now!  You can find so many adorable hats, headbands, blankets, etc for your baby, and there is tons of stuff for you too!  It's basically like your own boutique full of handmade goods at your fingertips.  If there's a specific hat or headband you want to purchase, email me and I'll send you the seller information.  I buy from too many different ones to post them all here!  You can thank me later (your wallet may not).

When is the best time to photograph my baby?

If you're looking for those sleeping, curly newborn pictures we need to shoot in the first two weeks of life (preferably at 5-10 days).  If we miss that stage I recommend waiting at least three months before having your baby photographed.  Before that is often the awkward baby time when they lose their hair, get baby acne, don't smile much, and don't tolerate tummy-time well.  3-6 months is definitely more animated, but my favorite time to do baby pictures again is about 6-9 months, when baby can sit up unassisted, but can't get away from me too easily!  It's such a happy, playful age.  They'll play peek-a-boo and laugh at mom and dad's silly antics.

What happens if I forget about or miss my session?

There will be a $25 missed appointment fee.

When do I pay you?

For a portrait session a signed contract and a $50 deposit is needed to secure the date (if we're scheduling a newborn shoot contact me as soon as possible after baby's birth and we'll schedule the actual shoot), with the remainder of the session fee due the date of the shoot.

For a wedding, a $500 deposit and signed contract is necessary to secure the date, with the remainder due one week before the wedding.  Once we have an initial consultation (via phone, email, or in person) and you've received a contract I'll hold your date for one week to give you time to send a deposit and signed contract.

When I order prints, do they come with your logo on them?  Do you do any retouching?

Your prints will not have my logo on them.  I do slight retouching, such as skin smoothing, on all print orders 5x7 or larger (alterations such as head switches or alterations with you riding a mystical creature will cost extra).

Do you use studio lights or natural light?

I use all natural light for family and baby pictures whether indoors or out (and engagements, children, HS seniors, etc).  I use available light for the majority of weddings, but use flashes when needed.

What's your last name?

My last name is Saunders.  Nicole is my middle name.  So my name is Kelli Nicole Saunders.

Haven't I see you before? Perhaps on a granola commercial?

I enjoy granola while camping and occasionally with yogurt, but I do not sell it.  I also have an identical twin (though that is not her in the commercial).

Are you a real blonde?

Yep. My mom's doc had never seen babies born with such white hair!  The current color is actually a bit dark for me.

What happens if I lose my disc?

If you lose your disc of images I can send you another one for a $50 fee plus shipping.  You never know what could happen, fires, theft, volcanic eruptions, etc, so I recommend making several copies and keeping them in separate locations (such as your mother's house).  Every few years you may want to copy them onto a new disc as discs do go bad over time.

Can I order prints after my gallery expires?

You may, however, there's a $50 retrieval  fee for any expired galleries.

Do you do weddings or other photo sessions on Sundays?

No.  Due to religious commitments, I do not do any work on Sundays.

Do you schedule non-wedding sessions (babies, engagements, families, etc) on Saturdays?

I do a very limited number of sessions on Saturdays.  Newborn sessions always take place Monday-Friday.