If you have a question, it’ll most likely be answered here! If you can’t find it, please contact me and I’ll get you an answer immediately!
General
Newborn & Maternity
Weddings
General
How long have you been a photographer?
Thatās hard for me to put a finger on. Professionally, Iāve only been doing this for a couple of years. Non-professionally, over 10 years. I used to blaze through disposable cameras and film.
What made you decide to start a professional business?
I like to do stuff that I love. I find it hard forcing myself to do stuff I donāt enjoy doing. I love photography and being an artist, so I thought, why not?
Do you have insurance and a business license?
Of course! I carry liability insurance and I am also a licensed business.
What are your specialties or do you shoot everything?
No, I donāt shoot everything and hereās why ā Iād rather be perfect at something than just be okay at a bunch of stuff. I shoot maternity, newborns, and weddings, and those things I am pretty great at.
Why are you so expensive?
I donāt believe that I am expensive. Why are Mercedes so expensive? What about Starbucks? Some people (me) would argue that you get what you pay for. Buying a Mercedes means that youāre buying the best of the best, same with Starbucks. Custom photography is a luxury that you appreciate. My fees cover amazing customer service and quite the experience. Not to mention my beautiful, heirloom quality products that no one around here can offer you.
What do your prices include?
A few different things. The session fee includes the session, my time and talent, editing of the images, an online gallery for you to choose your order from, and that amazing customer service I just mentioned to you. However, the session fee is deducted from the price of whatever package you choose.
Do you offer a CD with high resolution images?
Nope. You will, instead, get a beautiful wooden USB drive, and the images on it can be printed up to an 8āx10ā.
How far in advance do you book?
For my maternity clients, please book with me when you will be 34-37 weeks pregnant. For my newborn clients, please book with me when you book you maternity session. Weddings need to be booked at least six months in advance.
How do we pay you?
I accept all major credit cards, Paypal, and cash. I do not accept checks.
How long will it take for us to see our images?
1-3 weeks, depending on my schedule. I will let you know a more accurate time when we complete your session.
Do you charge sales tax?
Sales tax is included in all prices for your convenience.
Do you offer workshops or lessons?
Yes! This is something fairly new to me and I will be expanding on it as the year goes on. Check out the mentoring tab on my Facebook page for more information!
Newborns
When should I book my newborn session?
I take a limited number of sessions each month so that my clients receive personal attention. To ensure your desired session date, please let me know as soon as you would like to book a session. I will pencil your due date in on my calendar, and then you will contact me when your baby arrives to set that date in stone.
What is the recommended age to get those curly poses?
I prefer to photograph newborns when they are less than two weeks old, with the ideal age between 6-10 days old. It might not seem like it to new parents, babies under two weeks old are more likely to fall into the deep, deep sleep that we need to capture these portraits. After two weeks of age, normal baby things like colic and baby acne tend to flare up.
I see a lot of newborn photographers around here. What are some things I should look for?
The most important thing you should look for and ASK YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER about is the measures they take to make sure your baby is kept safe. Iāve seen a ton of newer photographers not being educated on the safety of these tiny bundles. Your baby should never be left unattended or left to ābalanceā in a pose or a prop. My assistant and I are well versed in baby safety, and if I ever believe that your baby will not go into a pose willingly, I will not force them. You should look for timeless and classic portraits in a photographerās portfolio. These portraits will hopefully be an heirloom that you will pass on to future generations. The baby should be the focus of the portraits. What is the first thing you see? Are you distracted by anything? Often the less stuff or props that are in the pictures, the better the photographer.
Where is my session going to take place at?
I ask clients come to my home studio in Kingsport, TN. Under special circumstances, I can travel to your home for the session.
What should I bring to the session?
Any special heirlooms or hats/headbands that you want to provide. I also have an extensive collection of props available for you to use.
Can I request certain poses or shots Iāve seen on Pinterest or other photography sites?
You may! I will make every attempt to get you exactly what you want in terms of poses. However, keep in mind that your babyās safety is my number one priority, and I will not risk that for a trendy image that will be obsolete in a few years.
Can siblings and parents be in a few shots?
Of course! However, I do recommend that siblings and anyone who is not mom or dad and is wanting to be in photos with the baby come the last 30-60 minutes of the session. The session does last a few hours and little ones tend to get cranky if they have to wait around.
Weddings
What are your prices?
My prices for wedding photography start at $900 and includes a whole big bunch of goodies. Email me if you wanna know more.
How can I book you and when is payment due?
Just shoot me a message or an email! I require 25% of the wedding package price to hold your wedding date and then I require the remainder two weeks before your wedding date. Iāll send you an email when the remainder is due to remind you. I do offer some payment plans if they are needed.
Do you offer smaller packages?
Yes. These are especially good for elopements and small ceremonies.
Do you travel for destination weddings?
Yes, yes, and yes. I love to travel!
How do you charge for travel?
I request that the client cover transportation, hotel accommodations, plus my travel fee, which varies by region. As far as transportation goes, it can either be by plane or a rental car. Please read more about booking me for destination weddings on my website! ** Note: if booking for a wedding in Charleston, SC, only the cost of the rental car would be required, as I have family I can stay with there. **
Do you work on Sundays?
No, Iām sorry! Sundayās are my day off.
How much coverage do I need on my wedding day?
It depends on what you want covered.
Do you have a second shooter? Are they there all day?
I do have a second shooter. Usually, she will accompany me to the venue tour, so you will get to meet her before the wedding! She is there with me all day. I sometimes also bring an assistant.
Can we meet before the wedding?
Of course! We can set up a meeting before you book, after you book, a venue tour, and any other time you want to meet. I am part photographer/part great listener if youāre feeling stressed out.
Do you carry back up equipment?
A million times yes. I carry multiple bodies and lenses with me in case one fails.
Is it okay if I have another photographer shooting at the same time as you?
No, please. When I am booked as a wedding photographer, I expect to be the sole creative present during your wedding, aside from my second shooter. That being said, I also donāt like stealing the limelight from other photographers, so if you would like to book me as a second photographer for your wedding, please reconsider. Also google “unplugged wedding”. š
Do you have a replacement wedding photographer in case you become unavailable the day of the wedding?
Yes, I have all the nice connections. ļ
What is your policy on taking breaks? If you require a meal break, do you require that we provide a meal?
So, I do take small breaks throughout the day, but only if my second shooter feels comfortable handling the creative processes. I will not take breaks around the important times. I do not require a meal break and will use my small breaks to get a drink or eat a small snack.
How soon after our wedding will our proofs be ready?
Wedding galleries will be ready and online about 3-6 weeks after your wedding. Keep in mind I am also a portrait photographer and I edit images in order that they were taken.
Lakyn Hayes | Wedding Photography in Kingsport 