Got a question? I've got answers!

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
We are located in the awesome little town of Genoa, Illinois. We shoot on location in the surrounding Chicagoland areas. 

WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
I’ve been a Canon girl from shot one! But the camera does not make the image…the artist’s vision, knowing your gear and understanding light are all much bigger factors than the brand name on the camera. 

HOW MUCH DOES A SESSION COST?
Regular sessions (families, children, senior, maternity) have a fee of $175; newborn sessions $350. The session fee covers your location session and viewing and ordering appointment afterward and/or online gallery to view your images.
Portrait products, printed or digital, are not included in the session fee, and available at an additional cost. 

WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE MY SESSION GO SMOOTHLY?
Relax! Take a breath, and be assured that this will be at least a little bit fun. The best images happen naturally, so you play and laugh and be your gorgeous selves and I do the work capturing it.

CAN I MEET YOU BEFORE MY SESSION?
Absolutely! Most pre-session consultations take place over the phone or via email. If you’d like to meet to see samples of our portrait products or go over questions you may have prior to booking, I’d be happy to meet you and talk over a cup of coffee!

WHERE DO SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?
I have a number of locations that I like to shot in, and we will decide on a location together based on the type of ‘look and feel’ you want to go for. The locations I use are chosen for their rustic beauty and quality of natural lighting. Newborn sessions typically take place in your home. 

I HAVE A SPECIAL LOCATION IN MIND, DO YOU TRAVEL?
Yes! If you have a location that is special to you and your family just let me know and we can discuss shooting there. Locations outside of a 30 mile radius of Genoa, Illinois may be assessed a travel fee, which will be discussed when you book your session and we choose your location.

HOW LONG WILL MY SESSION LAST?
Most regular sessions last 1-1.5 hours, newborn sessions 2-3 hours. But we don’t put a set time on your session. We shoot until we’ve captured what we set out to get.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING? DO YOU PROVIDE PROPS?
I am not big on lots of props, so I may just bring a blanket or stool/chair and let the focus of the portraits be YOU. However, if you have items you want to include in your session – favorite toys, lovies, quilts/blankets, etc – I absolutely welcome you to bring them along! Anything that makes your images special and unique to you makes a lovely addition to your portraits.

WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?     
Wear something you feel great in and are comfortable in…dressing in formal wear is not necessary! Family portraits look lovely when everyone’s attire is ‘coordinated’ (NOT matching ;) White doesn’t always photograph well…cream or off-white is better. 

WHAT IF WE GET RAINED OUT? WHAT IF I GET SICK?
Hey, life happens! If weather or illness or some other unforeseen life thing comes up, we’ll re-schedule to another date and your deposit will be applied to the new session date.

WHAT IF MY KIDS WON'T COOPERATE OR CAN'T/WON'S SIT STILL?
I have yet to meet a child I couldn’t capture a portrait of! Most kids are in perpetual motion…toddlers especially do not enjoy being asked to sit still and smile, so I move right along with them. You may see me run, squat, lying on the ground…I may be a sweaty mess by the end of your session but we’ll have captured some lovely memories!

CAN WE BRING OUR PET TO THE SESSION?
Yes! Pets are family too! If your dog is high-energy (like mine!) it’s best to give them a good long walk or other exercise to wear them out a bit just before your session.

I'D LIKE TO BRING EXTENDED FAMILY TO OUR SESSION, CAN WE DO THAT?
Of course! Our regular session fee covers up to 5 people; for larger groups there is an additional cost of $35/person over five that is added to your session fee. 
When I work with bigger groups or extended families, I happily shoot all the ‘groupings’ that you’d like – full family group, sibling groups, adults only, grandparents with kiddos, etc. 

HOW SOON CAN I EXPECT TO SEE MY IMAGES?
Your portraits are carefully edited and processed with loving care, and are typically ready 1-2 weeks after your session. This can vary depending on the time of year; fall and holidays are busier and turnaround time may be longer. If you have a time frame you need to work with just let me know. 

WILL MY IMAGES APPEAR ONLINE?
I typically post a sneak peek or two from each session on our Facebook page so that while you wait for your images to be completed, you get to see what we captured. However, if you prefer that your images NOT be used on the internet, please let me know and I’m happy to accommodate that request.

HOW DO I ORDER?
After your session, we’ll schedule a viewing and ordering appointment where you’ll get to see your lovely portraits. This appointment takes place at your home or we can meet at a public location such as a coffee shop. Along with viewing your images, you’ll get to see samples of our printed portrait products. I’ll help you select your favorites and determine the size and type of product that works best for your home and space. 

I ask that all decision-makers and purchasers be present for the ordering appointment. Payment is due at the time of your appointment.

I PLACED AN ORDER BUT NOW I CHANGED MY MIND...CAN I CHANGE OR CANCEL MY ORDER?
Once I have fulfilled your order with my print vendors, it cannot be changed or cancelled.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE MY PRODUCTS?
Printed portrait products are delivered in 2-3 weeks; most items will be hand-delivered to you, but shipping is available for out-of-town orders. 
Digital image files are delivered via a download link in 1-2 days.

CAN MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS ORDER FROM MY SESSION?
Yes, just let me know and I’ll set up an online gallery of your session portraits for your family and friends to view and order from. I can also take orders via phone or email. 

DO I OWN THE IMAGES FROM MY SESSION?
As the photographer and artist, I (Ivy Impressions) own the copyright to all images I create, and retain the right to use them for advertising, marketing or sample purposes in online and in print. 

You have the option to purchase your session images, and that purchase includes a copyright release that allows you to print and use the images as you like for personal purposes.  In an effort to ensure that your images retain proper look and quality, we ask that if you print your purchased files, you use one of the print companies that we recommend to you.