If we haven’t worked together (yet!?), you might be wondering what the process of working together is like from start to finish. What is the ‘NGP Experience’? I, myself, like to know what to expect and I suspect you might too. So here’s the nitty gritty deets.

01. Drop me a note.

Whoop! Are you ready to book a session and work together to tell your story? There are a couple of ways you can get in touch with me. You can:

• Head on over to my contact page and fill in the form. It will automatically send me an email with the contact information you’ve provided and I will respond back.
• Shoot me an email at nicoleguidophotography@gmail.com
• Message me on social media – but just as an FYI, I will respond with a link to my contact page or email address because I don’t do business over social media.

I usually respond within 24-48 hours. If you haven’t heard from me, the internet may have eaten my email, in which case you should reach out again.

02. Let’s chat about your session.

In my email response, I really like to get to know you a bit and what kinda session you’re envisioning for you and your family. Are you looking for updated family photos? Are you celebrating something special? Do you have a timeframe that you’re looking to have a session in? Tell me about you and why you’re looking to book a photographer! This helps me to be sure that I’m the right photographer for you and can tell your story in the way it deserves to be told.

03. Sign your session agreement, pay your retainer, and fill out your pre-session questionnaire.

Once we’ve decided on a date for your session and talked through some of the bigger details, I’ll send over a session agreement through my client management system, Honeybook, where you’ll be able to sign digitally. Most photographers, including myself, usually require a 50% non-refundable retainer to hold your session date/time. This protects both parties – no worries of double booking, you have my undivided attention. Because that time is dedicated solely to you and your family, it deters no shows and ghosting. You’ll be able to pay your retainer when you sign your agreement.

* A note about ‘non-refundable’. All the fine print is laid out in the session agreement, but I realize that the term ‘non-refundable’ can seem kinda risky. If I am unable to perform the agreed upon services on the date/time listed in the session agreement (think weather, emergency, illness) and we are unable to reschedule at an agreed upon later date, your retainer would absolutely be refunded to you.

Once you’ve signed your session agreement, you’ll also be able to access the client questionnaire. Don’t worry, it’s not a test. It’s just a really helpful way for me to get to know you and your family members a little better so that I know how best to tell your story during your session. It can also help us determine a location if we haven’t already.

This is usually where most people are also starting to think about what to wear for their photos. If you’re looking for some inspiration, you can check out my 10 tips for choosing what to wear for your family photos.

04. Have your session.

Yay, it’s session day and you’re about to have the most relaxed and fun session you’ve ever had! If you’re anything like me it can also be a little nerve wracking. You might be thinking, what do I do with my hands? What if my kids don’t behave? How do I pose? I’ve got you covered. I always start each session with a formal family photo where everyone is looking and smiling at the camera. You know, the one you’d probably give to your grandparents. I like to get this out of the way first because everyone is usually happy and clean. What happens next is really up to you! I like to follow the lead of my clients, the littlest of the bunch to be exact. I find that the best way to keep a kiddo engaged in a session is not to force them to sit and smile at the camera but instead to encourage play with the people they love the most in this world – you. I’ll lightly direct/pose/offer a playful prompt as I see fit but I also really love an unscripted element. So you’ll always hear me say “anything goes!” Believe it or not, 45-ish minutes to an hour goes by really fast when you’re having fun!

After we’ve parted ways at the end of your session, I head home to put your photos onto my computer and I try my best to get a small sneak peek sent over within the first 24 hours of your session. I cull your images to the best of the best and hand edit each image. Because each of your final images is handcrafted, I guarantee final gallery delivery within 3 weeks of your session date (though, it’s usually much quicker).

05. View and download your photos.

Once I’ve put the final touches on your photos, I’ll upload them into a password protected online gallery where you’ll have the opportunity to view and download all your photos. Yes, all. I’m probably not making any friends in the industry, but I refuse to be a gatekeeper of memories. So no picking your 5 favorite to download. Download them all (and back them up!!). Your gallery will be available for download for 30 days.

06. Print your photos.

Don’t let those memories sit in the digital realm never to see the light of day. Print your pics – if you need any convincing, here are 3 reasons you should print your photos and a few recommendations of where to print. I’m not currently printing for clients, though I hope to offer that in the future!

Bonus step: share your photos and refer your friends!

So much of this industry relies on word of mouth marketing to reach new clients. I LOVE seeing my clients share their photos on social media for their world to see. There is no higher compliment! Feel free to share and tag my social media pages. I would be forever grateful!

I can’t wait to work with you!