Booking and Preparing for Your Session
What do you charge for a session? Is anything included with the session fee?
The session fee is $150 for Wilmington, Delaware sessions and $250 for traveling sessions up to 30 miles from zipcode 19810. This includes Melissa’s time, talent, editing, and communications. In addition, there is a $400 minimum print purchase. Prints and products are purchased separately.
How far do you travel?
Currently, I travel up to 30 miles from zipcode 19810. If you are outside of this range and would like to book a session we can chat about our options or I would be quite happy to refer you to another high quality photographer in your area.
How far in advance should I book a session?
That depends. If you want to book a newborn session, contact Melissa 2-3 months before your due date to ensure a spot. If you want a session in the fall, the busiest season, book 2 months in advance. Melissa’s sessions are very limited and fill quickly.
How much do people, on average, invest?
Clients typically spend between $800-1300 on their session. There is a $400 minimum print purchase after the session, not included in the session fee.
I am pregnant and want to book a newborn session – how do I go about doing this since I do not know when the baby will arrive?
Book 2-3 months before the baby is due to arrive. Melissa will pencil your due date on her calendar. Contact Melissa when you get home to make arrangements for your session. Newborn sessions take place within the first few weeks of your new baby’s life.
Where do you do outdoor shoots?
Most sessions are done at a few downtown Wilmington parks and streets. There is plenty of gorgeous park land in Delaware!
Do you shoot weddings?
I do not shoot weddings. Not small weddings, large weddings, or backyard weddings. 
How do I pay for the session?
After deciding on a date, you will be sent online paperwork to fill put. At the end of the paperwork you will be directed to the payment area automatically through Paypal. Please note you can pay with any credit or debit card and do not need a paypal account.
Do you accept credit cards?
Absolutely! I accept all payments through the Paypal interface, but you do not need a paypal account to use them.
Do you offer digital images?
I do! Digital images are also a complimentary gift with the order of a 16×20 or larger canvas or wall displays (grouping of canvas images).
The Session
What time of day do you shoot?
For outdoor sessions, I shoot 1-2 hours before sunset. Indoor sessions are usually in the morning.
What should we bring to the session?
If you plan to change clothing, clothing changes should be brought. Any favorite toys or stuffed animals that you can use behind Melissa while she shoots, or that you wouldn’t mind having in a picture. Bubbles, balloons, and cupcake/cake with a candle are also fun and lead to natural reactions.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the session?
We will keep in touch the day of the session and make a decision that day. If we need to reschedule, we do it for as soon as possible.
What happens if someone in my family gets sick?
Contact Melissa ASAP to reschedule the session. In fairness to other clients, please note that you can reschedule only 1 time before your session fee is forfeited.
How long will the session be?
Newborn sessions last 2-4 hours. Outdoor/family/toddler sessions last about 1 hour.
Do you provide props/headbands/hats?
I have a collections of headbands and hats that I bring along to newborn sessions. If you have any of your own we can definitely use them too!
What should we wear?
I have a whole “What to Wear” page for you, my friend! Also check out the blog category for newer updates and ideas.
Can I bring my dog to our outdoor session?
If your dog is happy to wait on the sidelines for a bit, then sure!
After the Session
How do I view my proofs? How many pictures will their be?
In 1-2 weeks, from the date of your session, Melissa will send along a proofing email with all of the information you need to view and order your images! Your gallery will contain 20+ images for you to choose from.
When can I view my proofs?
Editing usually takes 1-2 weeks. In the rare occasion it takes Melissa longer she will contact you and let you know when to expect the completed gallery.
How long do I have to place and pay for my order?
The gallery is live for 7 days. After the gallery expires online you may purchase more hosting time for $25/3 days. Unordered images are purged from Melissa’s archives after 30 days.
My mom/cousin/aunt/etc would like pictures. Can they order?
Sure! They are welcome to purchase through the website.
When will I receive my prints and products?
Melissa will ship them directly to your home! They will arrive 2-3 weeks after ordering, depending on what you ordered.
