FAQ

Booking is easy! Simply contact me through my website, email, or phone to discuss availability and details. I find that email is usually a great way to get the basics out of the way, and then we can set up a time to chat in more detail about things like location, product needs, and wardrobe.

When you are ready to book, a deposit of $50 will be required to secure your date. That deposit will be applied to your order at your ordering session. I'll also send over a contract to confirm everything.

Wear outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable. Solid colors, minimal patterns, and coordinating (but not matching) outfits work best for group photos.

Keep it simple to keep it timeless. Avoid logos, busy patterns, bulky accessories, and new trends that may fade fast.

I'm happy to provide styling tips!

Once a location is chosen, we will look at scheduling. 

My schedule varies, but I usually book on weekdays when possible. Most locations are less crowded and have better availability on weekdays. That said, some are the opposite (like a University campus for example) and we will work around what is best for that location.

If your session will be outdoors, keep in mind that the best light will be right after sunrise or right before sunset. In the studio, that won't matter and we can be a bit more flexible.

If there are children involved, we will also want to consider what the best time of day may be for them. We will want them rested and in good spirits, so we will want to avoid nap and meal times. 

Session lengths vary depending on the type of shoot. Portrait sessions typically last about an hour, give or take. More extensive sessions, like large family groups, will take longer. Newborn sessions can be several hours due to needing breaks for nursing/feeding.

Approximately two weeks after your session, we will make an appointment for your ordering session. At that session we will view your images, narrow down your favorites,  and choose the best products for you.

A 50% deposit is required on all orders, with the remainder being due on delivery.

If you live far away or it is too difficult for you to come in for an ordering session, please let me know and we will make other arrangements. 

Editing takes time to ensure the best quality. Most sessions are ready for your ordering session within 2-3 weeks. Once you place your order, most products are ready within another 2-3 weeks, with some custom items taking longer. 

The time from the shoot to product in hand is roughly 4-6 weeks, but rush processing may be available upon request.

I offer archival custom prints in a variety of sizes, beautiful wall art, and handmade albums from only the best professional photo labs. Every image you order will be carefully retouched and printed on the highest quality materials to showcase your memories beautifully for many generations to come. 

Wall art options include canvas gallery wraps, vivid art metals, fine art wood prints and custom framed prints.

Digital files are also available for purchase.

Yes! I offer complimentary brag files of any image you order a print from. These are lower resolution and will be great for sharing online (not printing). If you need a high resolution digital file for printing, those can be purchased individually or in packages. 

You can find some of my product and pricing information here https://www.jillhays.com/investment

Please contact me for more detailed pricing information.

Sales tax will be applied. Prices are subject to change at any time and additional fees may apply.

If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we can reschedule for another day or move the session to an indoor location. I will check the weather the day before the session and we’ll stay in touch and make the best decision together.

If you need to cancel or reschedule your portrait or ordering session, please let me know right away so that I can make other use of that time.

A deposit of $50 is required to secure your date. That deposit will be applied to your order at your ordering session.

If a session needs to be rescheduled once, no problem! If you reschedule your session more than once, your deposit will be lost and a new one will be necessary to move forward. If you cancel your session (and choose not to reschedule) without at least 48 hours notice given, you will lose your deposit.