WHAT TO WEAR

The options are truly endless and also ultimately depend on your family’s style. When building your wardrobe, think about coordinating pieces (not necessarily matching). I sometimes find it easiest to start with a pattern found on one piece and use it to build in other colors/neutrals. Consider layers (bring a cute jacket or a coordinating button-down) varying textures (cable knits, denim jackets, etc.) and accessories to add interest. Most importantly, please always dress appropriately for the weather and choose things that make you and your family feel their best.

And, lastly, don’t stress! Less is often more. Please know I am always available to help if you are unsure as you make your selections.

WEATHER

Each season in the greater Chicago area can be glorious, but they can also come with their challenges. The weather can become a stressful and important consideration as your session date approaches. I am always willing to reschedule your session to another date should poor weather conditions arise (such as extreme heat/cold, high winds or rain) on day of your session. That determination will be made by me and with the utmost care and respect for all parties involved. In the case of inclement weather, morning sessions will be cancelled (if necessary) the evening prior and evening sessions will be cancelled (if necessary) by noon that day. Please note, warm people tend to be happy people, so dress/layer appropriately! ;)

SESSION TIMELINE

Editing is a time consuming endeavor and I do my absolute best to keep things moving in a timely fashion. Please note, galleries can take as long as 3 weeks, so make a mental note! :) I strive for a 2 week turnaround whenever possible.

BE ON TIME

I sometimes have sessions booked back-to-back. Please be respectful and plan to arrive 5 minutes early and be ready to go. In most cases, I can’t accommodate extensions on your time due to a full schedule. If you’re late, your session runs the risk of being shortened. Please text me as soon as you know you may be running late to your session and I will do my best to accommodate, but please know I can’t always accommodate.

USING YOUR PRINT CREDIT

Your purchase may include choose will include a print credit which can be spent in my online shop. Every item included in my store has been carefully selected, of heirloom quality and sourced from the best partner labs I could find worldwide. From fine-art prints, to hand-torn cotton rag prints, to framed prints and albums - you’ll find something you’ll love.
I have included beautiful selections in every price point.

RESCHEDULING

Life happens. Whether it’s due to sickness, travel plans, or skinned noses, I completely understand that things don’t always go as planned. Below are a few notes and guidelines about rescheduling your session.

Sickness
If you or one of your family members is sick, please call and email me as soon as possible to reschedule. When you’re not feeling your best, it’s hard to truly enjoy the photo session, which results in inauthentic images.

Scrapes and Bruises
With current editing capabilities, some scratches, scrapes, and bruises can easily be seamlessly retouched. However, some places are easier than others (example: noses are very hard to realistically retouch due to their contoured nature). If your child has blemishes on his or her face over and above simple bites and dots, please email me a picture so we can evaluate the situation together.

Travel Schedules
With certain jobs, travel dates / changes can occur after you’ve booked your session. If this should happen, please get in touch as soon as possible so I can reschedule your session to another date.

Family Emergencies
If something should come up in your family that makes your session difficult to attend, please make me aware as soon as possible. I will gladly reschedule your session in such cases.

Everything Else
I’m always open to rescheduling your session should an urgent situation arise. Please respect, however, that I’ve prepared both time and equipment for your session; less urgent situations (example: a new soccer schedule, an extra busy week, a sleepover the night before your session, etc...) are not valid reasons to reschedule. I truly appreciate your cooperation!

Cancellation
In the event of cancellation, session fees are not refundable after agreement to Michele K Photography's Policies. Cancellation must be in writing. Last minute "emergency" cancellations due to illness or acts of God will be given an opportunity for rescheduling. In the event of illness or emergency for the photographer, the client will be given an alternate session date or full refund.

Other GENERAL POLICIES

Through my years of photography experience, I’ve found that when everyone respects the listed guidelines, beautiful things happen! As a small business, I rely on my clients working within these boundaries; please read them carefully so everyone’s expectations are cohesive.

COPYRIGHT & SOCIAL MEDIA
All images are copyrighted by Michele K Photography. If you choose to purchase the digital full-resolution files of your images, you'll find a release form that allows you to have the images printed at any location and in any medium. You may also post them on social networking sites (Facebook, Instagram, etc...) and/or personal websites and blogs.
Because Michele K Photography retains the copyright to every image, however, you may not use them
for advertising or other revenue-producing purposes.

PROOFING TIME
Your images will be presented to you via an online slideshow within 2-3 weeks of your session date.
IMPORTANT: After opening your slideshow, you will have 24 hours to decide which collection you would like to purchase.

NUMBER OF IMAGES
You will be presented with 10-40 images (depending on your session type) from your session. Though many more images will be recorded, my quality standards and your session questionnaire answers determine which pictures are selected and edited. Each image is custom edited in both color and black-and-white. Due to my workflow structure, additional images
will not be shown at the request of the client.

SESSION DURATION
All photo sessions are approximately 60 minutes in length. I work quickly, especially with little ones, to capture the images needed to create your gallery of images. Through experience, I’ve learned that children respond much more positively to a session that “keeps things moving”.

I am cognizant about the comfort level of each member of your family during the session. If all necessary images are captured before the full hour is completed, I will either continue photographing for additional options or end the session depending on the moods of the children. Please be aware that the price of your session is to deliver your family a beautiful gallery of images, not necessarily a full hour of time together at the session.

PRINTS AND PRODUCTS
It is my intention that each session results in a piece of photographic art for every family. That is why all MKP collections contain digital images and print credit to my shop.

The items included in my online shop have been carefully selected. Every piece is of heirloom quality and sourced from the best partner labs I could find worldwide. You are welcome to visit my studio to see, touch and feel these items for yourself.

Print orders will be delivered to your home within three weeks of the order date. Please note: supply chain issues may delay certain items at times. I will notify you of any delays within 1 week
of purchase.

Due to the custom nature of photographic prints and products, all sales are final. If, however, there is any issue with a print or product you’ve ordered through me, please let me know
so that I can make it right!

NOTE: Any prints or products not processed through our professional labs will not be guaranteed by Michele K Photography due to color and finish discrepancies.

OUTFIT CHANGES
Please limit apparel to one outfit per family. Oftentimes, there is not enough time (nor typically a need) for a clothing change. If you have a special request in terms of dress, please let me know as soon as possible so I can try to accommodate your needs.

SLIDESHOW AND GALLERY EXPIRATION
Your online slideshow will be active for 36 hours from the time you have opened it. Upon choosing your collection, you will have 30 days to choose/download your images and use your print credit in my online store. All orders should be placed within this 30 day period. After your gallery expires, I require a $50 reopen fee.