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How do I book my session?
Portrait sessions are booked online through my scheduling link. Just click on any BOOK NOW button to get started A signed agreement and retainer are required to reserve your date.
What types of photography services do you offer?
We offer a wide range of photography services, including wedding photography, portrait photography, family photography, event photography, commercial photography, and more. We specialize in capturing meaningful moments and creating stunning visual stories.
What are your payment terms?
For portrait sessions, a 25% non-refundable retainer fee is required to book and hold the date for your session and serves as a cancellation fee. This fee is credited towards your portrait session balance. All remaining balances are due 24 hours prior to your session.
We will not make any other reservations or accept any other clients for said date and time.
Requesting to reschedule your session for any reason after making full payment will incur a non-refundable rescheduling fee of $100 in order to offset its loss of turning down potential clients or projects by providing another/second appointment slot.
For events and weddings, we require a non-refundable 50% retainer to book and hold the date for your event and serves as a cancellation fee. This fee is credited towards your event balance. All remaining balances are due 30 days prior to the date of your event.
Where do sessions take place?
Sessions take place at a carefully selected outdoor or lifestyle location. If you have a meaningful spot in mind, I’m happy to discuss it and offer guidance.
Only Newborn sessions take place at our exclusive home studio MHP studio in Watertown NY. (Fort Drum)
Indoor – Mobile/Pop-up Studio
We’ll bring the professional studio experience to any client provided space. The perfect option for indoor photoshoots.
It’s not uncommon for clients to travel 1-2 hours for their session.
MHP offers a complimentary travel radius of 25 miles from our home location in Watertown NY. We gladly travel to locations throughout upstate and central New York.
** TRAVEL FEES**
FREE (0 - 25 Miles)
$35 (26 - 50 Miles)
$75 (51 - 75 Miles)
Can we choose the location for our photo shoot?
Absolutely! We believe that the location plays a significant role in capturing unique and personalized photographs. Whether it's at your home, a scenic outdoor location, or a venue of your choice, we're open to capturing your portraits in a place that holds meaning to you.
What if there is inclement weather on the day of my session?
Outdoor sessions are rescheduled in the event of inclement weather to ensure the best possible experience and image quality. I follow the weather closely on the day of your session. If a reschedule is necessary due to weather, I will make the decision prior to your session.
Do you provide NDAs?
We gladly provide NDAs for our client's privacy and protection. Please inquire for pricing.
What if my child or I become sick before our session together?
For the safety of all clients, especially newborns, we observe a strict no-illness policy. If you are feeling unwell, please contact us as soon as possible to reschedule your session.
Rescheduling policies are outlined in your contract.
When can I see the final images?
We do our best to get your images delivered as soon as possible. Current turnaround for galleries is 1 week after your portrait session.
How will we receive our images?
Images are delivered through a private online gallery where you can download your selected images and order professional prints and products.
Can we purchase additional images or prints?
Absolutely. Additional digital images, fine art prints, and heirloom albums are available directly through your gallery.
How many people are included?
Most portrait sessions include up to 5 immediate family members. Extended family sessions or larger groups of 6 or more require additional time with a "Your Way Coverage" package.
What should we wear?
Once your session is booked, you’ll receive a styling guide with outfit tips, color palettes, and recommendations to ensure your portraits feel timeless and cohesive.
Do you provide maternity gowns? Also, Where can we get outfits for our session?
ABSOLUTELY! There is a variety of gowns in “Maria's Client Closet” for mothers to borrow during their session.
https://mariahopewellphotography.mypixieset.com/mhpclientcloset/
FINDING YOUR STYLE
choosing what you will wear for your photo shoot is a huge decision!
Here are some of our favorite places to shop:
https://mariahopewellphotography.mypixieset.com/favorite-places-to-shop/
When is the best time to schedule my maternity session?
The best time to schedule your maternity session is between 28-34 weeks. This means booking should be done in your second trimester to ensure availability and allow time to stylize the session.
Can I change outfits during my session?
Yes. Outfit changes are permitted for 60- and 90-minute sessions and should be planned in advance for a smooth transition.
When do we schedule the newborn session?
It’s hard to know exactly WHEN your baby will arrive, so we use your due date as a place holder or “soft” booking. Once your newborn arrives let me know within 24 hours so we can schedule the actual session date on the calendar.
• Posed Newborn Sessions are done in the MHP studio and should take place within the first 2 weeks of birth. This is when they’re still sleepy for those curly womb-like poses.
**Most Posed Newborn sessions are booked in advance, occasionally there are last minute openings when babies come early or later than expected. Please don’t hesitate to ask.
Do you offer in-home posed newborn sessions and bring buckets and props?
Not at this time. There are advantages of having your session at The MHP studio. The lighting is perfectly set for the best exposure for studio sessions. Most importantly, I will have full access to all the wraps, bonnets, headbands and props to use for your little one during our session.
What kind of props do you have in your studio?
We have a huge variety of newborn props! We order from high quality vendors experienced in the best sizes for newborn sessions…bonnets, sleepy caps, beanies, headbands, floral crowns, wraps, textured knitted layers, buckets, bowls. Items are added frequently and the hunt for unique props is ongoing.
Can siblings and parents be a part of newborn sessions?
To include parent and family participation you may purchase an add-on. We encourage family participation. We allow up to 5 participants including newborn. The "Whole Family" add-on is $250
Do I need to bring anything to a newborn session?
Just the essentials in the diaper bag! Everything needed for a newborn session including all photography props are available in the studio. You do not need to bring additional items unless you have something sentimental such as a family heirloom. Most store purchased items are too large for newborns and not used at our session. The studio is stocked with handmade custom sized props.
What is a Lifestyle Session?
A lifestyle session is simply a session that has less focus on posing and more focus on documenting your life “as it is.” Your home is an intimate space where we will have the opportunity to utilize the areas within as our backdrop.