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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.

  • What is the difference between a mini session and a regular photo session?
    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.
  • What is a cinemagraph?
    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.
  • Can I apply filters to my photos on Instagram and other social media?
    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 .
  • How soon can I expect to get my photos?
    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.
  • Where should I print my images?
    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.
  • Do you provide ideas for locations and themes?
    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.
  • What is the difference between advanced and custom retouching? Why are there additional costs for a custom retouch?
    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.
  • What type of professional equipment do you work with?
    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.
  • Help! "I am not photogenic AT ALL!""
    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!
  • I only need a few images. Do you offer mini sessions?
    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 .
  • Do you provide Hair and Makeup?
    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.
  • Can I keep the images from my session private?
    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.
  • What if my children don't cooperate?
    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.
  • What happens if we are running late or vice versa to our shoot? Will you extend the shooting time?
    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.
  • Do I need to provide props for the photoshoot?
    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.
  • What happens if I lose my disc or images?
    I do keep backup photos for 3 years. Anything over that will cost $50 to access and $20 for a new disc or gallery.
  • Do you deliver every image you shoot?
    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.
  • Do you offer product photography?
    Yes I have been trained to produce professional quality studio or on location product photography including editing for commercial use.
  • Can you shoot in my home even if it is small or dark?
    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!
  • How do I pay my deposit to secure a specific date and time?
    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!
  • What if the weather is terrible the day of my session?
    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!
  • What do you charge for portraits?
    My prices start at $300 and include digital images with rights to print. To request a quote for your session please click here!
  • What do you have for studio backdrops?
    I have all sorts of backdrops and sets avaliable including colored woods , scenery , patterns and plain colors. Please view all choices HERE!
  • What if my venue is very dark?
    I feel it is super important to capture photos that show exactly what the event looked like! have extensive lighting equipment as well as camera equipment that can handle any type of liughting! You definetly want to show off all beauty of your lighting!
  • If we cancel the wedding, will we receive our retainer fee back?"
    Unfortunately no. Retainer fees are used to reserve your date. Once we’ve reserved your date, we do not accept new clients for your date.
  • Do you deliver every image you shoot?
    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.
  • What if it rains the day of my outdoor wedding?
    We have waterproof equipment and special covers and can easily capture rainy day events. I also well scout the location before hand and have a back up plan for protected wedding photos throughout the day. and of course we will completely take advantage of the rain and I will bring umbrellas and we will get some great creative shots .please don’t worry about getting a little bit wet the photos will be so stunning you won’t even care that you may be a little wet.
  • How many images do you take during a wedding reception or ceremony?
    We take as many images as we think are required to capture the events and record the emotions during each wedding day. Like a book cannot be constrained within a certain number of pages in order to tell the real story and communicate the author’s ideas completely, a wedding photography cannot be measured by the number of images it produces. Some photographers would capture large amount of unflattering or uninteresting images, while others would know which image and moment to capture. I believe that with years of wedding photography experience, I do know which image to capture, which moment to record and when the event worth capturing is going to unravel. I capture as many images and moments as possible on your special day and present them to you in as a complete wedding story.
  • How far in advance should we book you for our wedding?
    My calendar fills up quickly so you should plan to book about 18 months in advance. If you are planning on a shorter timeframe, please email me to check availability!
  • What is a boudoir session?
    Boudoir is defined as: French for a woman's private room or bedroom, or inphotography terms, a bedroom, hotel or somewhere that creates an intimate setting for classy and romantic images. So my job is to capture you in the most flattering poses that fit your body type and make you feel gorgeous. I do my sessions in studio with an array of settings as well as on location in a hotel or your own bedroom!
  • Do you offer hair and makeup for the session?
    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.
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