FAQ’s…

Do I need a classic or petite session?

The Classic session is for all newborn clients (excluding fresh 48) and those looking for a more tailored photography experience including a full gallery of digital images. These galleries include posed and candid portraits and clients are able to choose their preferred location. 

The Petite session is perfect for a quick updated family portrait or capturing your baby's first year milestones. If your child is slow to warm up to strangers I would recommend booking a Classic session. 

When should I book with you?

Anytime you are ready to have your session within the next few weeks! Newborn & Fresh48 sessions are booked by baby's due date and we set your exact session after the baby is born.

How do I book & what happens next?

The easiest way is to submit a contact form (click “contact” up in the top right corner) or to email me directly at emilyadamsphoto@gmail.com with the type of session you are interested in. From there I’ll be in touch to discuss date, time, and location for your session. Once we’ve nailed down the details, I send a contract for you to sign and make payment. A $100 non-refundable retainer is due at the time of signing. The remainder of your balance is due at least one day before the session, but can be paid at any point before then. You’ll then also receive a short questionnaire to help me get to know you and your family better and a guide with tips and tricks to help you best prepare for your session. All throughout the process I am available by email or text to answer any questions you may have and am even willing to give feedback on outfit choices before your session. I want to help make this your best session yet!

What time will my session be?

For indoor sessions (think newborn, or winter family sessions) I try to shoot when there is adequate light streaming into your home or the location which is typically between 9am-3pm depending on the time of year.

For outdoor sessions I like to start an hour to an hour and a half before sunset (which changes year round!). If you are worried about your kiddos being up past bedtime I can recommend locations that will still have beautiful light at an earlier time or we can schedule an early morning sunrise session. If you are drawn to the images with golden light in my portfolio you are going to want that ideal time!

Where will my session take place?

For outdoor family sessions, there are so many great forest preserves in this area! I have my favorites, but you just can’t go wrong with any of them. That being said - I also love new locations and am totally game if you have something specific in mind! And if you’re up for traveling, I’m in for going downtown to the lakefront or any other location that may hold meaning for you (a small fee for travel greater than 10 miles from 60188 applies).

Newborn sessions typically take place in your home, but can also be outdoors (weather permitting) if you’d like.

Fresh 48 sessions are at the hospital within 24-48 hours of birth before you are discharged to go home.

How many images will I receive?

The number of images in your gallery varies from session to session. I guarantee at least 60 images for a classic session and at least 30 for the petite sessions, but often end up with more because I love so many of them and can’t narrow them down to a set number. I am continuously shooting during your session, and always end up with a lot of great photos!

When will I receive my images?

Within two weeks of our session together, you will receive an email with a link to your gallery. From there, you are able to access your gallery and download the images (for petite sessions, you will see the full gallery, and have the option to select your 20 images and/or purchase additional images). You may also share the link to your gallery to your loved ones and friends for them to enjoy. You have full rights to the images for printing and sharing purposes.

What happens if there is bad weather on our session date?

As we all know, Chicago weather can’t make up it’s mind sometimes. I don’t reschedule if it’s overcast or cloudy- but will absolutely reschedule if it’s pouring down rain (my gear and your hair just won’t want to handle it!). We’ll be in contact and make the call at least 2 hours before the scheduled session time. I will say that overcast days are actually my favorite and much better for photos, ensuring more consistent lighting and prevents squinting or harsh shadows.

What should we wear?

I cover this in detail in the guide I send you after booking, but as a quick start I highly recommend a “coordinated” look with complimentary colors and various layers. Avoid a “uniform” or matchy-matchy look with all jeans and white t-shirts, etc. Consider the season your session will be in, the overall look you are hoping to achieve, and where you are hoping to display the photos to help guide any color choices. Personally, my trick is that I always choose my own outfit first, and then figure out what the rest of the family is going to wear- ha! I am also available to give feedback as you try to figure out your family’s outfits.

i don’t see a session I want to book in your packages - what about those?

If you are looking for a wedding or event photographer- I am not your girl. There are so many other photographers who will rock it at your event and take fabulous pictures for you! Now if you want pictures of those precious babies of yours and your family, I’m here for it!

what is your post processing workflow?

My post processing workflow consists of dumping all of your gorgeous 100% raw photos onto my MacBook pro laptop. I back up all my photos on an external hard drive and online backup until your online gallery is delivered. I look through each photo individually for emotion + lighting and decide which images make the cut for hand editing and delete the rest. I do 90% of my editing in Lightroom and will occasionally pull into Photoshop for some advanced editing. 

Do you have a degree in photography?

I don’t! I have learned through so many various avenues- but never got a formal degree in photography. I have a master’s degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) because at one time in my life I was going to move to Cambodia and teach English! But now I’m married to a pastor and a momma to two little boys while running this photography gig and couldn't be happier about it!

Are you official?

I sure am! I am a registered LLC, pay my taxes like a boss, carry permits for photography in local forest preserves, and have insurance coverage for all those moments we hope we’ll never need to use it for!