Question 1

What is the difference between a mini session and a regular photo session?

Accepted Answer

There is a signifigant difference between a mini session and a full photo session. A mini session is a sampling of my artwork and does not include quite as much as a full session would.
 
A mini session is 20 minutes and we do photos at just one location with a couple different variations on the angle .
With this package you receive 8 digital images and the images are able to be printed up to an 8x10. These are available for download via pixiset aka my photo sharing website! 
 
A Full photo session takes anywhere from 1 1/2 to 2 hours and is much more involved where we make sure that we get every image on our list and a little extra time for on the fly creative shots! We will shoot at two different locations that are in the same vicinity and we do multiple looks at both scenic areas. A full package includes 12 images and can really tell the story of the day! These images are delivered on a disk with rights to print them up to an 8 x 10.

Question 2

What is a cinemagraph?

Accepted Answer

A cinemagraph is a still photograph which has repeated movement layered via video clip .My cinemagraphs are all done customized to each client and will be styled to each session. These Cinemagraphs can be made into videos ,gifs and they can also be displayed on a digital photo frame.

Question 3

Can I apply filters to my photos on Instagram and other social media?

Accepted Answer

No No and No ! No one but the photographer has authorization to edit or change the style of the photos delivered by Jessica Jackson Photography .

Question 4

How soon can I expect to get my photos?

Accepted Answer

Once the proofs have been loaded to my editing software we set a date for you to come and choose your photos! This typically takes at least 2-3 days. Once choices have been selected I then share some sneak peeks.
 
Once I have your photo choices I guarantee photos to be ready for pickup or shipping in 21 days or less. Time frame can get extended when ordering extra edits.
 
Weddings: Weddings typically yield at least 200 photos so My clients can expect the digital files to be ready in 90 days or less. Time is extended with larger packages and when extra photos are ordered.
 
I do post day of sneak peaks of weddings as this is included in the wedding package pricing.
 
RUSH ORDERS: Any rush orders start at $50.

Question 5

Where should I print my images?

Accepted Answer

I recommend an excellent online-based consumer lab that offers professional-quality prints. After you upload your digital files, they mail the prints straight to your home. I’ve had test prints made with nearly every consumer lab, so please ask if you have questions about the quality from a specific place.I do not recommend printing your images at Shutterfly, Target, Walmart, CVS, or Costco. These labs are not designed to handle printing professional photographs.

Question 6

Do you provide ideas for locations and themes?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Once we have decided on your package and pay the deposit you are sent an awesome interactive map of photo shoot locations with images of each! You can search by area and state! 
 
I have a large amount of props and backdrop options for all ages and interests! I send my clients a list of options specific to the type of photo session.

Question 7

What is the difference between advanced and custom retouching? Why are there additional costs for a custom retouch?

Accepted Answer

Advanced post-production includes touch-ups such as removal of blemishes, removal of bags under eyes, removal of fly-away hairs, etc. On the other hand, custom post production is anything that requires extensive, custom work in Photoshop such as removing entire objects from the scene, changing the size and shape of body parts or other objects in the scene, adding objects to a scene and other custom work. We charge hourly for the custom post-production as the time required ranges depending on the complexity of the project. Please contact our studio for a quote for custom post production.

Question 8

What type of professional equipment do you work with?

Accepted Answer

I have 3 professional grade full frame digital cameras with the full range of lenses from macro to 400mm zoom!
 
We have 4 studio lights with modifiers for event or outdoor lighting. I also have a dozen positionable lights for on location light artwork. I also have reflectors diffusers and filters to best control the lighting! 
 
I am up to date on all professional editing software including Lightroom , Photoshop , Adobe Illustrator and more.

Question 9

Help! "I am not photogenic AT ALL!""

Accepted Answer

Believe it or not, pretty much EVERYONE tells me this before their session, and it never turns out to be true! I love coaching my clients through having their photos taken, and I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve to make you look fabulous! I have extensive experience with posing and when you’re having a great time, you’ll look more beautiful than you thought was possible. I promise!

Question 10

I only need a few images. Do you offer mini sessions?

Accepted Answer

I believe that a photo session should not be a rushed experience — I want you to truly enjoy our time together and leave with some amazing memories. The difference in expressions between the beginning and end of the session is truly remarkable. I find that when parents and babies have time to settle into the session and get used to the camera and me, we’re able to create more authentic portraits. For these reasons, I don’t offer mini-sessions.
However, I do offer mini session special events from time to time, and the best way to find out about those is by signing up for the Jessica Jackson Photography newsletter/mailing list .

Question 11

Do you provide Hair and Makeup?

Accepted Answer

Yes!!! Not only is Jessica Jackson a seasoned photographer she has also been a professional hair and makeup artist since 1996 and offers beauty for all services.

Question 12

Can I keep the images from my session private?

Accepted Answer

All clients sign an optional model release before the session. If you would prefer to keep your images private, you may indicate your request at that time. For clients who choose to decline the model release, I absolutely respect your decision but there is a $50 fee added to any session that is not showcased on my portfolio.We put a lot of time and experience into all of the photos and as an artist we advertise by displaying the art we create! So we do add a fee to any private session to assure all steps are made to protect privacy of images.

Question 13

What if my children don't cooperate?

Accepted Answer

I love getting to know my clients’ kids, even the ones who are shy/stubborn/you name it! I always approach the session as a new friend who’s just there to play and have a good time. I have all the patience in the world, and I find that being easy-going translates to happy kiddos. That being said, not every moment of the session is perfect, and that’s totally OK — in fact, it’s encouraged! In 10 years, I’m willing to bet that you’ll cherish the image of your toddler crying fake tears just as much as the one that we took 10 seconds later of him happily running toward the camera. My goal is to capture the personalities of the kids in front of my lens, including all of the beautiful quirks, details, and small moments that make up childhood.

Question 14

What happens if we are running late or vice versa to our shoot? Will you extend the shooting time?

Accepted Answer

It is our practice to arrive early to our shoots, as I like to check out the surroundings and get the ideas flowing. If for some reason we are late we will do our best to extend the time or if the time is substantial and the shoot is unsuccessful we will refund all or part of the money. If a client is late we will do our best in the time that is remaining to get everything we need, but we don’t extend the session time.
Our portrait sessions are quite long in the time frame available. We do this so people can be relaxed and happy during the session and don’t need to be stressed about the time.

Question 15

Do I need to provide props for the photoshoot?

Accepted Answer

Typically No! I have a wide variety of props at the studio, but I always encourage my clients to take a look around their homes/studios to see if they have any items that may work. It's a great way of adding touches of your personality and style into your images, which will help them stand out and be recognized as yours! If you need specific props sourcing, I can help you with this - just ask.

Question 16

What happens if I lose my disc or images?

Accepted Answer

I do keep backup photos for 3 years. Anything over that will cost $50 to access and $20 for a new disc or gallery.

Question 17

Do you deliver every image you shoot?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not. We eliminate duplicate images, test shots, missed focused shots, shots with bad expressions and other images that may dilute the overall product delivery. For example, because we shoot with low apertures, sometimes we take a few extra shots to make sure we have the perfect focus. We don’t expect you to have the expertise or the time to zoom into each image to select the one with the sharpest focus, so we spend hours doing that on our end. In another example, candid laughs and emotional tears are some of the best images from the day. Unfortunately, they can also yield some unflattering facial expressions. We might snap a few extras of any of these moments to make sure we have a great shot with the ideal expression for the moment. With our expertise of processing millions of images each year, we may eliminate ones that we feel are duplicates and only deliver the best one.

Question 18

Do you offer product photography?

Accepted Answer

Yes I have been trained to produce professional quality studio or on location product photography including editing for commercial use.

Question 19

Can you shoot in my home even if it is small or dark?

Accepted Answer

YES!!! I’ve worked in hundreds of clients’ homes, and I’ve never found one that didn’t work. There is always a beautiful little patch of light that’s perfect for photography! I also bring lighting with me to make sure each photo is lit to perfection. I’m also used to photographing in a variety of homes, from basement apartments to Large homes including landscapes. If it’s home to your family, that’s all I need to work with!

Question 20

How do I pay my deposit to secure a specific date and time?

Accepted Answer

Option 1: Client can mail a check to me directly at my home/studio at 146 crane avenue, Pittsfield Massachusetts 01201. Please add date and time to memo for filing. Checks are to be made payable to Jessica Jackson.
 
Option 2: You can make a deposit via PayPal using your credit card. Go to www.paypal.com . You sign into your account and then payment is sent to my business email address iceflower69@gmail.com.
 
Option 3: Cash can be dropped off in person at the studio @ 146 crane avenue in Pittsfield. Deposit drop offs are by appointment only. The phone number is 413-464-0824. 
 
*Once Jessica Jackson Photography has received your payment you will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. You will then be added to the calendar.
 
*Only once deposit has been made is the location and theme list provided along with any instructions you will need.
 
*NOTE: A deposit is made to secure a specific slot in the calendar and a deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE! The onlt time a deposit will be returned is if Jessica Jackson or an associate can not make the session!

Question 21

What if the weather is terrible the day of my session?

Accepted Answer

In the event of a heavy rain or snow day we do have flexibility with rescheduling sessions and can always fit you in as we work every day of the week!

Question 22

What do you charge for portraits?

Accepted Answer

My prices start at $300 and include digital images with rights to print. To request a quote for your session please click here!

Question 23

What do you have for studio backdrops?

Accepted Answer

I have all sorts of backdrops and sets avaliable including colored woods , scenery , patterns and plain colors. Please view all choices HERE!

Find out all you need to know about how we at Jessica Jackson Photography and Beauty work get you the best photos possible! You can also submit a question to our website at any time via the contact page to find out more about the Photographer.

Frequently Asked Questions