Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
How do I book a session?
All you need to do is fill our our contact form to provide us with your contact details and session request and we’ll be in touch within 1 business day to get you all set up!
Do I pay for the session upfront?
In order to book your session, you will be required pay $100 of your total session cost as a non-refundable $100 session fee. This fee reserves your session date. If there is bad weather, someone becomes ill, or other emergency situations arise, the session fee is transferrable to another date or session type.
The remainder of the session cost is due by the end of your session date.
Do you offer discounts or “First Year Packages”?
While we don’t have a standard “First Year Package” that limits which type of sessions you can include, we do offer $100 off ANY two sessions booked at the same time and $200 off ANY three sessions booked at the same time. So, did you have plans for a Maternity Session, a Newborn Session, and a Seasonal Mini Session this year? Guess what, you just got yourself $200 off if you book them all at once!!
How are you keeping things safe during this pandemic?
Because our studio constantly has new babies and small children cycling through, we have always been careful. However, Carrie has definitely stepped it up to ensure safety for all of our clients!
Carrie sanitizes all props, outfits, blankets, etc. after each use. She also sanitizes all high traffic areas and touch points after each session. There is a sanitizing air purifier in the studio that runs 24/7. While Carrie’s studio is in her home, it is closed off and unused by other family members.
We also remind all clients that if they are exhibiting any illness symptoms that they need to reschedule after they have remained fever- and symptom-free for 24 hours and/or are cleared by a doctor to resume normal social activities.
And of course, Carrie will wear a mask for your session and we ask that anyone not being photographed also wears a mask. She is also fully vaccinated.
What are your hours?
Our studio is open Monday - Friday, and 1-2 Saturdays per month from 9:30am - 2pm, by appointment only. Carrie also offers outdoor sessions 2 weeknights per week from May - October.
Business Manager Ashley works from home with varied, part-time hours, Monday - Saturday to manage all the administrative sides of this business. Her hours vary, but she is always in touch by email within 1 business day of receiving any questions or requests.
Do I have to pay extra for my images?
For ALL of her photography sessions, Carrie offers all-inclusive digital downloads with no hidden fees. Each and every session comes with high resolution digital images (with full personal use rights) for you to cherish and use for a lifetime.
In addition, Carrie offers the option to have your photos printed from a high quality professional printer. These prints can be ordered directly from your online gallery.
How long does it take to get my images after the session?
Carrie’s turnaround time is within 2 weeks. She often strives to get your gallery to you sooner, but it will be no longer than that.
During busy season (September - November), her turnaround time may need to extend to 3 weeks due to the number of sessions she photographs per week. If this were the case, you would be notified.
Where is the studio located?
Carrie’s studio is located at 848 W Bartlett Rd in Bartlett, IL. The nearest main intersection is Rt. 59 and West Bartlett Rd. Carrie also shoots outdoors in Bartlett and the Winfield/Warrenville area.
The week before your session, you will receive a confirmation email that will provide directions and location specifics to get you where you need to go!
Bartlett is a bit of a drive for me. Will Carrie travel to my home?
Carrie does not travel for most session types. They are done either at her West Chicago studio or at an outdoor location nearby. (See above)
For Lifestyle Newborn Sessions, Fresh 48 Sessions, and Birth Story Sessions, Carrie will travel to you! A travel fee applies for sessions further than 30 minutes away from Bartlett, IL, please contact us for more information.
Do you allow dogs?
The short answer is yes. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor spaces that Carrie shoots. They are also allowed in the studio, so long as they are *well-behaved*. There is expensive studio equipment and props, so Carrie does not allow dogs in there that don’t listen well or are overly hyper-active.
Cake Smash Session Questions
I don’t see the theme I had in mind. Am I out of luck?
No way! Carrie loves creating new themes! If you desire to have a unique theme or one that you do not see here, Carrie would be happy to design a new set for/with you. There is an additional fee for this service and the cost depends on how prop-heavy your set will be. This fee allows Carrie to buy the props and supplies she would need to create the set. Often, this fee is around $50.
Any tips for helping this go well?
A tip for ending up with a happy baby with a stomach full of cake - if the baby has never had frosting or sugar, it can be helpful to give them a cupcake ahead of the shoot and encourage them to play with it. We have found that there are many little ones who get a bit overwhelmed by the cake smash experience in a new studio environment. So, introducing it in a smaller, home setting can set the stage for more freedom and fun on the day of your session!
How messy is this going to get?
Looking for a fun and photographable way to clean up? Add on a "Splash" to your "Smash" for $40! You'll get 5-10 additional images and a clean baby! You can choose to do either a bubble bath or a milk bath, in either a white clawfoot tub or an ornate galvanized metal tub.
Do you do sessions for twins?
Yes, Carrie loves twin sessions! There is an additional fee of $50 added to the session cost so Carrie has enough time to do individuals of each twin and for the extra cake.
What themes do you offer?
You’re in luck! This is Carrie’s very favorite type of session to offer and we have SO MANY themes for you to choose from.
Check them out HERE to pick out the perfect theme for your session!
We also now offer a “Simple Cake Smash”, which is a simple solid color backdrop, a simple smash cake, and a #1 cake topper included. Perfect for our minimalist friends and easier on the budget!
What is included in the Signature Cake Smash Session cost?
Of course all of your edited digital images. But also, outfits are provided for all sets as well as all the props!
The cake is also included in the price of the cake smash. We have them custom made by a wonderful bakery, Rebecca’s Cakes by Design in Bartlett, IL. (For a small extra fee, we are able to have cakes made that accomodate any allergy/diet concerns.) There are a couple of sets that have a premium cake that requires an additional fee. Circus and Lumberjack are $30 extra, but if you would prefer a regularly frosted cake, you wouldn't be charged with the additional cost!
What if my baby is nervous and tentative?
We schedule Cake Smash sessions for 45-60 minutes in the studio. Carrie doesn't typically have to photograph this entire time to get the perfect images you will love! She allots for extra time for a relaxed atmosphere, outfit changes, last minute set tweaking, and tentative or unhappy babies.
Newborn Session Questions
When is the best time to take newborn photos?
For best results in newborn photo shoots, it is recommended that the session take place during the first 7-14 days of life. They are the most sleepy at this age! In order to accomodate the uncertainty of when the little ones decide to make their debut, we pencil in several days around your expected due date and then remain flexible.
Newborn sessions are also typically scheduled for a weekday session.
What newborn session type is best for me?
Great question!
Newborn Signature Sessions are ideal for a family with siblings who you also want photographed with baby. It offers the most time (around 3 hours) to get baby cozy in 3-4 sets (1-2 of baby alone, 1-2 of baby with siblings, 1 of baby with whole family/parents.) This is also the only session that offers the opportunity for “naked baby” photos, as these can be the most time consuming.
Newborn Petite Sessions are great for first-time parents that want some photos with their new addition! This session offers 2-3 sets (1-2 of baby, 1-2 of siblings and/or parents.)
Newborn Mini Sessions are best for budget-conscious parents or for those that just want that perfect birth announcement photo! This offers just 1 set of baby alone.
Newborn Lifestyle Sessions are ideal for families that like a more relaxed look and prefer not to have the posed and prop newborn photos. This is also for families that would prefer that Carrie come to their home, instead of traveling to Carrie’s studio.
The number of “sets” will be determined by the sleepiness and cooperation of baby. Carrie will not push baby if they’re just not having it.
What is your availability for newborn sessions?
The way we typically schedule newborn sessions is to put in three tentative time slots on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays between 9:30am and 2pm, based on your due date to accommodate early, on-time, and late scenarios. Then we ask that you keep us posted and be sure to let us know as soon as baby arrives so that we can get a date firmed up that works for everyone.
There are times when we may double-book babies. In our experience, babies rarely arrive as planned! But not to worry - we promise to get in every scheduled baby during their magic window (so long as baby’s circumstances allow).
I have siblings coming to our session. How the heck do I keep them occupied for the whole session?!
We always recommend to get yourself a wrangler! This can be Dad, Gma, Gpa, or an angel babysitter. When siblings are going to be a part of a newborn session, Carrie usually does the sibling and group family photos first. Once the siblings are no longer needed, the wrangler can lead them out the door to explore Carrie’s wooded backyard, find a snack, or head back home or to school. (The latter ones work best if you drive separately to the session.) That way, you and baby are left in the peaceful studio to finish up the session.
If you aren’t able to secure a wrangler, no problem. Carrie has a few toys and we recommend bringing lots of snacks and their tablets :)
How should I prepare for my newborn session?
We’ve got you covered. Select your session type and read on…
Milestone & Children Sessions Questions
Why would I want to do one of these types of sessions?
These are fun sessions that are focused on capturing your child at this amazingly fast time of growth! Carrie is very flexible with what is included in this time.
These sessions are designed to be simple and to capture the essence of your child in our studio. Their personality. Their missing teeth. Their smile. There will be limited props and neutral backgrounds to ensure whatever favorite outfit you choose will look great and you can frame the photos in any room of your house.
If I want to capture my baby’s milestones, when is the best time to book sessions?
Ideally, the 3 month would be scheduled when they can hold their head up during belly time and the 6 month scheduled once they are sitting. If your child is developing at a different pace, please schedule anyway and we will get creative!
Family Session Questions
What time of day do you do Family Sessions?
Carrie shoots family sessions outdoors with ideal lighting. This means that outdoor sessions are done either in the morning or about an hour and half before sunset and studio sessions are done morning through early afternoon. These times are when the sun and lighting are at their best for those locations.
When the sun is overhead (or what is considered "full sun") there are many issues - squinting eyes and unflattering shadows are two of the biggest. For that reason, early in the morning or in the evening are the only times we offer family sessions outdoors.
Do you offer fun seasonal sessions? Like Christmas sessions?
Yes! We usually offer Seasonal Mini Sessions in late Spring/early Summer, Fall, and for the Winter Holidays. Sometimes we may add a special one for fun!
The Seasonal Mini Sessions are just that. Short, "mini" 15-20 minute sessions that are set up back-to-back with other families during a certain festive season. Be sure to follow the CCP Facebook page because we always announce the minis there and provide information on how to book!
Are you the type of person who needs a goal? Here’s the goal of Family Sessions.
We want you and your family to walk away believing that getting pictures taken is fun! Get excited about your session and show your enthusiasm! You are going to interact, tickle, and play. Carrie's goal is to capture your family at its most natural, fun, best!
Do you have props for outdoor family sessions?
Carrie usually has a stool, ladder, or box for little ones to sit or step on. She also will provide blankets to sit on when needed. Otherwise, outdoor sessions are meant to focus on your family!
For Family Signature Sessions ONLY, we do have a lightweight loveseat sofa that we can bring for the "couch in the fields" type of photo. Carrie loves it! It is ideal for families with smaller children because is is on the smaller side. However, if you have older kids and just love the look, she can get creative to find a pose that will look beautiful. Because there is some hauling involved (lugging a couch into a quiet field is no small feat!), we do charge an $25 fee for use of the couch.
Maternity Session Questions
When do you offer Maternity Sessions?
Year round! From April - October, Carrie offers Maternity Sessions outdoors 2 evenings per week and 3-4 mornings per week. Once the weather gets colder, she mostly offers Maternity Sessions in her studio 3-4 mornings and afternoons per week.
Do you offer dresses to wear during the session?
Yes! Carrie does have a few dresses that are available for you to choose from. You would choose at the time of your session. Most are neutral creams, mochas, or whites. We always recommend you bring another outfit as well.
Is my significant other or children included in the session?
Absolutely! Carrie loves to get photos of just mom and bump, but she also is sure to include your family because that’s what it’s all about!