What's Next for your Photography Session

You’re thinking about scheduling a professional photographer — Great!

Whether you’re interested in luxury wedding photography, family or children’s
photography, or something unique like a photography session for a military
promotion ceremony or corporate event— I’ve got you!

I know you’ve likely got some questions bouncing around and I’d love to get them
answered for you. Here is a list of frequently asked questions that may help.

Of course, if all else fails (or you’d just rather have a phone call), please send me
a message! I love answering my clients’ questions. 

Answering your Frequently Asked Questions

Are We Meant To Be?

Hi, I'm Nell! I’m a natural light photographer, a military spouse, and a mama. My style of photography is journalistic and documentary, candid, filled with authentic emotion, and playful. My editing style is “true to life.” If that doesn't sound like what you hoped for, that is entirely okay! I want you to love your photos, so it’s important that you find a photographer whose style matches your vision. Your time and your family are valuable, and our session is a mutual investment.

Let's Build a Connection!

So, you think we might be a good match? Great! Before we jump into our session together, I’d like to schedule a call. This is absolutely free, can be a phone or video call, and there is no obligation to book. I'd just like to hear all about your photography goals and how I can help. This is also the ideal opportunity to ask me any questions that may be lingering for you!

WHAT IS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE?

My photography sessions are candid, natural, fun, and REAL. If you’re worried about whether your littles will stop wiggling long enough to take a photo, don’t worry about it. Yes, we’ll get some of those posed smiles, but we’ll also highlight the sparkle that lights up their face when they are truly happy. So be ready to laugh and connect with your family. The day of your session should be as memorable as the final photos themselves.

We don't have a "typical" family...

In my book, there is no such thing as "normal." The "average American family" is whatever your family dynamic looks like. I'm here to tell YOUR unique story and leave a legacy for your family. I support and honor diversity, no matter your family makeup, race, abilities, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, religious or political beliefs. All are welcomed and celebrated.

[ LEARN MORE ABOUT MY STORY ]

Where Do Sessions Take Place?

I photograph sessions in Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, Maryland and the surrounding areas. With that, I am open to traveling for larger events, such as military ship homecomings. In addition, I can recommend several outdoor locations and am happy to capture your family in your home for a documentary, more cozy and sentimental feel. Message me directly to discuss in-home or hospital birth sessions!

How Far Will You Travel?

My typical service area is within a 4-hour radius of DC Metro. However, there may be additional travel fees incurred. Don't hesitate to get in touch with me directly so we can discuss the details.

How Far in Advance Should I Schedule My Session?

Because I photograph a limited number of weddings to give each of my clients the best, luxury wedding photography experience, I highly recommend scheduling your photography session at least a year in advance, or as soon as you know your wedding date.

All other sessions should consider scheduling 3-4 weeks before to secure your ideal date.

What do I Get with My Session?

In addition to your edited digital files, you will also receive a designed and curated photo album. Each and every session, no matter type, will have digital images as well as an album. You also have the opportunity to purchase professional wall art, customized packages, canvases and photo gifts, if you would like to do so. 

What Happens When I FIll Out THe Contact Form?

Together, we will build a foundation of trust for a genuine relationship. So, before we get started, here is what to expect after you reach out (excluding weddings and corporate events - those are handled a bit differently!)

     • You will receive an emailed response within 24-48 hours requesting a meet-and-greet phone or            video call.
     • We will have a warm conversation during which we can all determine if your vision fits my                  style. Photography sessions, particularly family photography, are intimate, and it is vital that            we connect. I want to make sure I understand your needs and expectations. Some of the things            I will want to know are the drive behind the session, who will be involved, and your unique                need.
     • Within 24 hours of our call, I will send you a questionnaire along with the session options we              discussed.
     • Once you have selected a photography session package, the full session fee will be due at that             time. Please note: 50% off the session fee is non-refundable and is a retainer for your scheduled           session date.
     • One week before your photo session, we will have another call to discuss the session in further            detail, addressing any questions or concerns you may have.
     • Approximately two to three weeks after the photo session, we will schedule a gallery and album          design reveal!
     • You will receive your complete order with a tangible family photo album and wall art within              three weeks of your reveal.

Together, we will build a foundation of trust for a genuine relationship. So, before we get started, here is what to expect after you reach out (excluding weddings and corporate events - those are handled a bit differently!)

     • You will receive an emailed          response within 24-48                hours requesting a meet-            and-greet phone or video            call.
     • We will have a warm                    conversation during which          we can all determine if              your vision fits my style.            Photography sessions,                particularly family                      photography, are intimate,          and it is vital that we                  connect. I want to make              sure I understand your                needs and expectations.              Some of the things I will            want to know are the drive          behind the session, who              will be involved, and your          unique need.
     • Within 24 hours of our                call, I will send you a                  questionnaire along with            the session options we                discussed.
     • Once you have selected a            photography session                    package, the full session              fee will be due at that                time. Please note: 50% off            the session fee is non-                refundable and is a                    retainer for your                        scheduled session date.
     • One week before your                  photo session, we will                have another call to                    discuss the session in                  further detail, addressing            any questions or concerns          you may have.
     • Approximately two to                  three weeks after the                  photo session, we will                schedule a gallery and                album design reveal!
     • You will receive your                  complete order with a                tangible family photo                  album and wall art within          three weeks of your reveal.

How Do I Prepare for our Session?

You have taken the step to find the right photographer to capture your special moments. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before our session:

     • Time: Scheduling a photography session is an investment. Let's make the most of our time                  together. Avoid double-booking your schedule the day of our session. That means, don’t                    schedule either before or after another appointment. Don't rush yourself- I promise, the more            relaxed you are, the better your photos will be.

     • What to Wear: Keep it simple. Don't wear very bright colors or "loud" prints that are too busy. I          do suggest wearing something you are comfortable in or something that reflects the season. Try          to incorporate colors that you'd like to see on your walls for years to come. If you want to dress          up for the occasion, go for it! Let's have some fun!

     • Eat Something: Make sure everyone has eaten before the session, and by everyone, I mean you,            too! Parents often take care of everyone else; don't forget to take care of yourself!

     • Little Ones: If you're worried about how your child will behave during the session, you aren't              alone. Many families put off ever getting family photos taken because of their nervousness.                Don't look back when they're grown up and wish you had something to remember this phase of          their lives. Our session is about capturing your family and the bond between you just the way            you are. It's okay if they're experiencing a difficult moment or a bad day during our session.              Life has unforgettable moments, and they aren't all perfect.

        The good news is, children are receptive and eager to build friendship and trust when the                  setting is right. I take time to lay the foundation for trust before I even meet your littles!                  Trust me; it's a part of my workflow. Through our questionnaires and phone/video calls, I                  prepare myself, you and THEM ahead of time, so I'm no longer a "stranger" by the time we meet          in person. This detailed pre-planning reduces stress for the whole family and helps your child            get excited about their photo session. The goal is to have your children start the session feeling          confident and happy with what they're doing, which always shows in the photos.

     • Lighten the Mood: What does it look like before your family leaves the house for an                            appointment? If it involves lost clothing articles, unbrushed hair and at times, raising tensions          – all parents, including me, can relate. However, this level of stress isn't conducive to a loving            family photo session - but, after a bit of laughter and fun, we get there! Many families find it            helpful to do activities that remind them of the connection they have with each other the                  night before or a few hours before their session, deleted text to reset from the rest of life's                demands deleted text. Take the morning to go out to breakfast or do a picnic lunch or a movie            in the living room. Go on a date, get a massage, or spend some quality "me time" getting your            hair done. Whatever self-care looks like for yourself and your family, be sure to take time to              indulge in that before arriving at your session. Rather than the overwhelming stress of having            to do a million things to get your session "over with," you'll focus more on making memories              together, which serves as a good reminder of why you're having these photos taken in the first            place. Those good vibes wills translate into your session. 

     • Remember Your Why: As your deleted text session (i.e., picture day) gets closer, we tend to fall          into a comparison loop. Those anxious thoughts start plaguing our minds. "I'm too..." "I wish I          was..." "What if..." The sinking feeling of "what on earth did I get myself into?" starts chewing            away at our resolve and we begin to second-guess our decision to get in front of the camera. I            promise you, your kids and loved ones don't care about your hair, clothes, or your weight.                  Remember that the way you feel about them, they feel the same way about you, too. They just            want to be with you. Yes, you'll adore the photos now and share them with your loved ones, put          them on the wall, and even make albums. Yet, photos do so much more for us. You'll also                    cherish these photos once they grow up and move away, and down the road, they'll also want              the same photos when that's all they have left of you. You've only got this moment, don't let it            slip away. Rather than dwelling on what is to come, stop and remind yourself of why you                    wanted this session in the first place. Some of my clients have found it therapeutic to do a                little writing or journaling. There is something special about your family's journey. Make sure            you focus on that and bring that mindset with you when we see each other!

Are you scheduling a family photography session? Try this blog that offers tips to prepare for your family photo session!

You have taken the step to find the right photographer to capture your special moments. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before our session:

Time: Scheduling a photography session is an investment. Let's make the most of our time together. Avoid double-booking your schedule the day of our session. That means, don’t schedule either before or after another appointment. Don't rush yourself- I promise, the more relaxed you are, the better your photos will be.

What to Wear: Keep it simple. Don't wear very bright colors or "loud" prints that are too busy. I do suggest wearing something you are comfortable in or something that reflects the season. Try to incorporate colors that you'd like to see on your walls for years to come. If you want to dress up for the occasion, go for it! Let's have some fun!

Eat Something: Make sure everyone has eaten before the session, and by everyone, I mean you, too! Parents often take care of everyone else; don't forget to take care of yourself!

Little Ones: If you're worried about how your child will behave during the session, you aren't alone. Many families put off ever getting family photos taken because of their nervousness. Don't look back when they're grown up and wish you had something to remember this phase of their lives. Our session is about capturing your family and the bond between you just the way you are. It's okay if they're experiencing a difficult moment or a bad day during our session. Life has unforgettable moments, and they aren't all perfect.

The good news is, children are receptive and eager to build friendship and trust when the setting is right. I take time to lay the foundation for trust before I even meet your littles! Trust me; it's a part of my workflow. Through our questionnaires and phone/video calls, I prepare myself, you and THEM ahead of time, so I'm no longer a "stranger" by the time we meet in person. This detailed pre-planning reduces stress for the whole family and helps your child get excited about their photo session. The goal is to have your children start the session feeling confident and happy with what they're doing, which always shows in the photos.

Lighten the Mood: What does it look like before your family leaves the house for an appointment? If it involves lost clothing articles, unbrushed hair and raising tensions, congratulations, you're normal. However, this level of stress isn't conducive to a loving family photo session - although, after a bit of laughter and fun, we'll get there! Many families find it helpful to take the day off (or maybe the night before if they have a morning session) to reset from the rest of life's demands and reconnect with the family. Take the morning to go out to breakfast or do a picnic lunch and a movie in the living room. Go on a date, get a massage, or spend some quality "me time" getting your hair done. Whatever self-care looks like for yourself and your family, be sure to take time to indulge in that before arriving at your session. Rather than the overwhelming stress of having to do a million things to get your session "over with," you'll focus more on making memories together, which serves as a good reminder of why you're having these photos taken in the first place. Your good mood will 100% translate into your session.

Remember Your Why: As your deleted text session (i.e., picture day) gets closer, we tend to fall into a comparison loop. Those anxious thoughts start plaguing our minds. "I'm too..." "I wish I was..." "What if..." The sinking feeling of "what on earth did I get myself into?" starts chewing away at our resolve and we begin to second-guess our decision to
get in front of the camera. I  promise you, your kids and loved ones don't care about your hair, clothes, or your weight. Remember that the way you feel about them, they feel the same way about you, too. They just want to be with you. Yes, you'll adore the photos now and share them with your loved ones, put them on the wall, and even make albums. Yet, photos do so much more for us. You'll also cherish these photos once they grow up
and move away, and down the road, they'll also want the same photos when that's all they have left of you. You've only got this moment, don't let it slip away. Rather than dwelling on what is to come, stop and remind yourself of why you wanted this session in the first place. Some of my clients have found it therapeutic to do a little writing or journaling. There is something special about your family's journey. Make sure you focus on that and bring that mindset with you when we see each other!


Are you scheduling a family photography session? Try this blog that offers tips to prepare for your family photo session!

What Should I Expect During Our Session?

Once I’m prepared with the information that you’ve given me on our calls and in the questionnaires, by the time we meet in person, it’ll be like we’re friends who just haven’t seen each other in a long time. We’ll be picking up where we left off. It sounds crazy, doesn’t it? But, it’s true! We’ll do introductions and take some time to warm up and adjust to the environment. I'll take some time to chat with you and your family so that everyone is comfortable before I even take the first photo. After that, it's game on! Be ready to have fun! And not to worry, I will walk you through the entire session.

When Will I Receive my Images?

For Weddings: You will see a sneak peek of a few images within 48 hours of your wedding. 4-8 weeks following your ceremony, we will set up a reveal of your gallery and the design of your professionally designed and curated photo album. You’ll receive the tangible portion of your order approximately 3 weeks after your reveal.

For Other Sessions: You will see a sneak peek of a few of your images within 48 hours of your session. 2-3 weeks following your session, you'll be able to see your digital gallery and the design of your professionally designed photo album during your reveal. You’ll receive the tangible portion of your order, including your album and any other goodies you’ve added to your order, approximately 3 weeks after your reveal.

What are your Fees for 2022?

Luxury and Micro Weddings: Starting at $5,999 and above for a minimum of 8 hrs.

Family Sessions: Starting at $899 for an hour and a half long session.

Children Sessions: Starting at $599 for a 45 mins long session with two children. Additional fee for larger groups.

"Sun Kissed" Docu-films: Your images and videos turned into a legacy. Starting at $549.

All sessions include:
-My time, creativity and expertise and ease you will have during your session.
-Online digital gallery & one professionally designed and curated album.

*Additional discount provided to clients when two or more sessions are booked at the same time (not necessarily for the same date.)*

For more pricing information, such as for corporate event photography, military promotions or retirements, birth photography or other occasions, please contact me directly.

What is the Payment Schedule?

Once you have selected a photography session package, the full session fee will be due at the time of booking to secure your date in my schedule. 50% of the session fee is non-refundable and is a retainer for your scheduled date.

For weddings: A non-refundable 50% retainer fee is due to secure your date in the calendar. The remainder will be due three months from that.

What if I Need to Reschedule or Cancel?

If something happens that you need to reschedule due to illness, emergency, or severe weather, you can reschedule up to 30-days from your original session date without forfeiting your session fee. Your rescheduled session must be within 30-days.

What Happens Next?

If you're ready to book or have questions that I have not answered, please contact me directly and I will get back to you within 48 hours. Thank you for your interest. I look forward to working with you!

Sign up for my newsletter, where you will receive tips on getting the most out of your photography session, news and updates on me, special offers, and artistic musings. Quality content, no spam. 

stay up to date

Follow Nellamor Photography & Films, LLC on Instagram and Facebook to get to know my work, stay connected, receive tips and see my new work!

Here's How!

Let's connect

Let's connect