FAQ's

You asked! So here it is. These are some of the most common frequently asked questions.

Q. Where are you located?

A. I am located in the Parkville area of Baltimore County. I have a home-based studio.


Q. How do I make an appointment?

A. I prefer that you call/text or email to schedule an appointment. 


Q. How does the shoot work? When and where do I see my proofs? Do I get my pictures that day?

A. No. Because we take around 100+ images I will need time to go through all of them. Within 7-10 days after the session, the images will be posted on my site, where you will be able to view them. There is also a link on this site at the bottom that takes you there directly. After you make your selections for editing/enhancing, they are completed and uploaded/unlocked within yourr album. The whole process takes about a week-two weeks total. If you are in a hurry or meeting a deadline, we can work something out in most cases. Just keep in mind, I put a lot of care and work into the photos, during and after the shoot and this DOES take some time. 


Q. Can I get ALL of my images from my session? Even the unedited and non-enhanced files?

Yes! There is additional charge for that, however. You will get a certain amount of edited/enhanced images included in the session price but if you want everything from your shoot, there is an additional fee. This charge covers the "cleaning up" of the unedited images, so I feel comfortable releasing them. Basically that means, slight lighting adjustments, cropping, etc. Keep in mind that this does not include skin retouching, other editing or enhancing. You can choose additional images for enhancing/editing at $20 per image.
Finished or purchased images will be unlocked and may be downloaded right from your online album! Flash drive of images is an additionaL $25.



Q. Why do you edit/enhance and what exactly can be edited in an image?

A. When I edit a photo, there are many things that I can do to it. Even an image that may look fine to you, I can always edit a bit further to perfect it. That is why I allow you to choose your favorites from each shoot. Editing isn't only done when there is something wrong or needs to be fixed in an image. Editing/enhancing can simply make a good picture GREAT!
I can edit many things, although some things are much harder than others. I can smooth skin, remove things and erase blemishes. This type of editing is mainly used in the boudoir and newborn sessions.



Q. Can I buy actual prints as well?

A. YES! I do sell prints as well. My print prices vary, but are kept reasonably
low. Many shoots include prints, however, feel free to purchase professional lab quality prints right from my site,  if desired.


Q. What if I don't like any of the images or my child doesn't cooperate?

B. This is actually a very uncommon problem. Even when children do not cooperate, I usually can still get enough good shots to satisfy the customer. What can I say? I have a gift! 
If the child doesn't wish to cooperate, I am usually willing to extend the shoot a bit longer, to ensure enough good shots. I am a reasonable person. I have even rescheduled shoots in the past, if things have gone really bad! In this case, the fee must still be paid at the time of the original shoot. 
As far as after a shoot, I DO NOT refund unless there is an issue with the QUALITY of my work. That is why it is important to schedule a shoot that works around your child's schedule (ex. naps, meals, etc). A tired or cranky child isn't grounds for a refund. After all, I took my time and did my part to ensure a good shoot, you must be willing to compensate for that:) 
I must add that I have never ever had any issues in this area. I somehow manage to get great shots, one way or the other! LOL


One thing that I would like to add...

I am extremely easy going and understanding. I put a lot of work and creativity into what I do. Although I truly love what I do, It's my job, it's NOT A HOBBY! Please respect it as such :)

A few more things...

*Do not schedule a shoot unless you are pretty certain you can make it. I DO understand that emergency's come up. 

*I do not tolerate No-shows or extreme lateness. Remember, that I am opening my home to you, please try to be on time. I sometimes have to arrange child care and make arrangements just like any job, so if you are late, it may cut into your shoot time.

*I do not refund deposits. I DO apply them to prints if you book another session at full price. This means another session date has to be booked and a new deposit has to be made. After the shoot you will get a promo code to receive an extra $50 in prints. Please feel free to ask any questions regarding this policy.

*I accept Cash and check ONLY, at time of session. If you wish to pay via paypal, you must do so 3 days before the session date. The transaction must be cleared before any proofs will be posted. This also applies for checks and there is a $25 return check fee for insufficient funds.

*There IS a mileage charge for traveling to locations beyond 25 miles. The fee is $1.50 for every mile after 25 miles (both ways). 


Thank you for reading this and taking an interest in my work!
I look forward to shooting with YOU very soon:)

Candy Bell


 

 

Newborn Session Preparation

 

 

 -When is the best time to photograph newborns?

I suggest within 1-2 weeks of birth. This is generally when they are the sleepiest and cooperate the most:) After 3 weeks, they may not sleep well enough for certain poses and props. There IS always exceptions to this rule, but to be safe, shooting sooner is better! 

 

 

- How should I prepare for the session?

The day of the shoot, try to bring baby dressed in something easy to remove. If they arrive asleep, removing tight clothing may wake them up! Something that buttons or snaps is ideal. Feeding your child immediately before a session is also a good idea. Keep in mind, you may have to take some time during the session to feed again so come prepared for that. Bring a pacifier! It may help in between pose changes and to get the baby relaxed and content while shooting. This also helps if they are having difficulties sleeping, or getting back to sleep during the process! 

Please limit the session guests to the persons being photographed (if family photos are being taken) or 3 people. Keep in mind, a quiet, soothing environment is needed to get sleeping shots of baby! Most of the session will be getting the baby to sleep and posed for the shots. 

 

 

- If I do the shoot in my home, do I need to stage my house?

The only thing you need to do is make sure the room where the photos will be taken is

cleared a bit and that there is plenty of light available. We may be opening window coverings to allow a lot of natural light in if possible. I will also be bringing lights/strobes so if we can not use natural light, it is NOT a problem. The baby’s nursery is a great spot for shooting. The bed is a good spot for family photos, so having plain bed sheets or linens is a good idea! 

 

 

- How long does a session take? How many images do I get?

A photo session will take approximately 2.5 hours. This usually will yield about 75 proofs. You will then choose the 10 that you wish to have enhanced/edited and put on your final CD. You can also opt to purchase your entire session for an additional cost. Keep in mind the images, other than the 10 selected, will NOT be enhanced. I will simply clean them up if needed. This will not include skin retouching. 

 

 

 - How long will it be before I see the photos?

Depending on my shoot schedule, it will take between 5-7 days to process the full session post the photos to my CBP site in your personal, password protected album. The proofs that you will see will be raw. This means that they are unedited and not enhanced. Remember that YOU will choose your favorites for enhancement. 

 

 

- Why should my newborn be asleep for the session? 

Newborns are still sleeping a lot at this age and that's great because they are a lot

easier to work with and pose. Generally, when newborns are awake and looking around, they can't focus well and often look cross-eyed or uncomfortable in the photos. They also move theirs hands and feet around nervously. This makes some of the fun NB posing that I do impossible! Most likely, there will be a time when the baby is awake during the session, so do not fear! We can get some shots of them awake as well:)

 

 

- How do you schedule a sitting since a baby's arrival is unpredictable?

Very few babies are born on the dates they are due. The best you can do is pre-book a

tentative date with me. This is especially important if you need a weekend appointment. During the week days, I have a lot more flexibility. As soon as the baby is born, we can firm up a date and time. It's very important that you let me know when your new baby arrives (within the first few days) so we can get your session scheduled ASAP!

 

 

- How should mom, dad and other siblings, dress?

Dress casual and comfortable, but keep in mind that you don't want to wear clothes that

contrast with the baby's clothes. So if your baby is wearing light colors you should do

the same; the same goes with dark colors or pastels too. I personally, 

As a general rule don't wear any stripes or patterns in the photos. They can play tricks

with the camera and distract from the baby in the photos. Also, your hands and fingernails may be shot up close while holding the baby. You don't need to go out and get a manicure, but do be aware of polish/dirt in your nails. This applies to the NB as well. 

 

Also, the temperature in the shooting environment is kept around 75-80 degrees. I turn the AC OFF during Summer and use a small space heater in the Winter. This helps the baby stay sleepy and comfortable while nude. You may want to bring a change of clothes if YOU are wearing long sleeves/sweaters for the family portraits. Just warning you, you may get a little warm!

 

 

- How should I dress my baby? What about headbands, hats and props? Who supplies those?

 I use mostly blankets and wraps. This is just MY style. Feel free to bring any clothes that you wish to have the baby photographed in. MY one suggestion is that the clothing fits WELL, otherwise they get can lost inside the outfit. 

I supply a large selection of props for your session. Most of the things you see on my website are MINE and you will have access to them for use. Feel free to bring any personal items that you wish to use in the session as well. Let me know if there is something that you have seen me used before so that you wish to use so I can pull itin advance and have it ready for you!

 

 

- What if my baby has acne, marks or blemishes?

Babies typically do not get acne until the 3rd week of life, making it even more important to get photographs taken within the first two weeks if possible. Some get it sooner or sometimes the session can not take place before it sets in. Keep in mind, it CAN be airbrushed from the finished ENHANCED images, so do not stress over it!