Sessions & Half-Sessions
For information on where and when to schedule your session, rain dates, and other Frequently Asked Questions, see the links below
All Sessions with Love & Lenses include the following:
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Professional image editing
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Sneak Peeks (if images are allowed to be shared online)
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Online password-protected gallery
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10% off coupon good for 1 month for gallery product purchases
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Digital Downloads are not included but are available to add on as a pre-paid bundle or to purchase after your session through your gallery (see Frequently Asked Questions below or our Digital Download Information Page here)
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Studio rentals are available in Little Falls or Midland Park for additional cost; see "In Studio" below
Full Hour Sessions
Optional Add-Ons:
Rush your turnaround for an hour session for an additional $350*
*Brand Photography Rush Orders start at $400.
Reserve a specific Rain Date in advance: See "Rain Date Options" below
Half-Hour Sessions
Optional Add-Ons:
Rush your turnaround for a half-hour session for an additional $250*
Brand Photography Rush Orders start at $300.
Reserve a specific Rain Date in advance: See "Rain Date Options" below
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What are "digital downloads"?Previously called "Digital Files", "Digital downloads" is a fancy term for your photos. Once photos are edited, they are saved in a JPEG format. When we refer to "digital downloads", we mean the full-resolution image without a watermark. The watermark will remain on the photos in the gallery, and when you look at them within your shopping cart, but will not be on the actual download you will receive. One "digital download" is equal to one photo. For more information on their pricing and bundles, visit our Digital Downloads Page here.
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Where do you do sessions?We are primarily on-location photographers, but can rent out a studio if needed. For more information on our "On Location" sessions, click here For more information on "In Studio" sessions, click here
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What is the best time for pictures?We're glad you asked! For more information on when the best time is for scheduling your outdoor session, click here
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What kind of products do you offer in your gallery, and what are the prices?While we ofter a wide variety of prints and products through your gallery (sample pricing can be found here), we recognize that there may be products you don't see listed that you wish to purchase. Just reach out and let us know and we'll help you get what you're looking for!
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Why do I have to crop some of my pictures for ordering prints?We're glad you asked! Digitally speaking, the files that come out of our camera are sized in a 2:3 ratio -- which as you can see, many of the popular print sizes are not. For more information, check out our Cropping and Sizing Guide
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Do you have any other policies?For our Session policies, please click here
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What are "digital downloads"?Previously called "Digital Files", "Digital downloads" is a fancy term for your photos. Once photos are edited, they are saved in a JPEG format. When we refer to "digital downloads", we mean the full-resolution image without a watermark. The watermark will remain on the photos in the gallery, and when you look at them within your shopping cart, but will not be on the actual download you will receive. One "digital download" is equal to one photo. For more information on their pricing and bundles, visit our Digital Downloads Page here.
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How do I get my pre-paid digital download bundle?If you pre-paid during booking for a specified number of digital downloads, the gallery will recognize your email address when you open the gallery and allow you to directly download the number of photos you pre-paid for. PLEASE NOTE: we cannot reverse "accidental" downloads. If you "accidentally" download an image, that is now one of your included downloads.
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What if I want to buy more digital downloads?Not a problem at all! Just add the downloads to your shopping cart. Our system will automatically recognize the number of downloads being purchased and adjust to the bundle or sliding scale pricing. For more information on our digital download bundles and sliding scale pricing, please visit our page here. Please note: if you are contracted for an Event, there are no additional downloads to purchase. All downloads are automatically included in the coverage.
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What are your rates for sessions?Sessions are now a flat base rate, with the ability to add on digital downloads separately. Sessions with one of Love & Lenses' owners (Brianna or Rebecca) are $275 for an hour, or $150 for a half hour. Sessions with one of Love & Lenses' associate photographers (Rachael) are $150 for an hour, or $75 for a half hour.
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Why do weekend sessions have a surcharge?Weekend sessions are considered prime days due to their popularity and limited availability. We ask our clients that if they are able to make a weekday session work to start there for scheduling. If you schedule a weekend session and pay the surcharge but end up having to reschedule to a weekday due to rain, the surcharge will be removed from your balance, returned back to you, or put toward product purchases.
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Where do you do sessions?We are primarily on-location photographers, but can rent out a studio if needed. For more information on our "On Location" sessions, click here For more information on "In Studio" sessions, click here
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What is the best time for pictures?We're glad you asked! For more information on when the best time is for scheduling your outdoor session, click here
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What is "golden hour"?""Golden Hour" is that magic time of the day where the sun is hanging low enough in the sky to light subject in the most flattering light. This time is typically 2-3 hours after sunsrise and 2-3 hours before sunset. For more information on how (and why) we choose certain times for outdoor portraits, please read this section of our sessions page
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What happens to my outdoor session if we have bad weather/rain?We always keep a close eye on weather leading up to our sessions. If it looks like we're scheduled to have confirmed rain during the time of your session, we will reach out in advance to discuss alternatives with you. If the weather changes for the date and time leading up to your session, we may wait until the night before or morning of to officially make the call. We reschedule for rain, unsafe driving conditions (heavy snow, ice, etc) or any other situation that would be unsafe for all parties involved. We do not reschedule for clouds. You may choose to continue to have your session in the rain (using rain boots, umbrellas, etc) unless there is a thunderstorm. We do not shoot outside with audible thunder. If your session does need to be rescheduled, please note your gallery due date will also be changed. You also have the option to reserve a booked Rain Date in advance to ensure you already have a backup plan. For more information on this option, please visit the link for the Rain Date Options at the top of the page.
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Can I get my photos back faster than the projected date?When you receive your email containing your quote and the information on how to finalize your session, the date your gallery will be due by will be included in the email. While we do our best to get them back to you before that date, that is the promised return date. If you need your photos back sooner, you will have the option during the booking process to add on a "Rush Order". In most cases, rush ordered sessions are returned within a week (less for shorter sessions).
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Do you have any other policies for sessions?For our Session policies, please click here
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What are "digital downloads"?Previously called "Digital Files", "Digital downloads" is a fancy term for your photos. Once photos are edited, they are saved in a JPEG format. When we refer to "digital downloads", we mean the full-resolution image without a watermark. The watermark will remain on the photos in the gallery, and when you look at them within your shopping cart, but will not be on the actual download you will receive. One "digital download" is equal to one photo.
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How do I get my pre-paid digital download bundle?If you pre-paid during booking for a specified number of digital downloads, the gallery will recognize your email address when you open the gallery and allow you to directly download the number of photos you pre-paid for. PLEASE NOTE: we cannot reverse "accidental" downloads. If you "accidentally" download an image, that is now one of your included downloads.
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What if I want to buy more digital downloads?Not a problem at all! Just add the downloads to your shopping cart. Our system will automatically recognize the number of downloads being purchased and adjust to the bundle or sliding scale pricing. For more information on our digital download bundles and sliding scale pricing, please visit our page here. Please note: if you are contracted for an Event, there are no additional downloads to purchase. All downloads are automatically included in the coverage.
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Can I choose some of my downloads now and get the rest later?If you have pre-paid for a bundle of a set number of downloads, yes you can! The system will now recognize you by your associated email address and allow you to download your included number of photos as you wish. However, the system will not recognize a duplicate download of the same photo and it will remove one of your downloads. Because of this, we suggest you use our Favorites system for tracking what you have and have not downloaded. If you have not pre-paid for a bundle of downloads, you must process each order of downloads at the same time to get the bundle price or sliding scale price. For more information on pricing and purchasing digital downloads, please visit our page here.
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I can't download my chosen and redeemed photos to my phone, how can I get them there?"Because of the size of the files, they must be downloaded as zipped files which cell phones and other mobile devices do not recognize. Files must be downloaded and unzipped on a computer and then sent to your mobile device using your preferred method. We find that using a cloud service or drive works the best (such as DropBox or Google Drive).
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Where can I print my downloads out?We can't stop you from printing your downloads where you wish -- though we may cringe a bit on the inside when they're printed at Walmart. We highly recommend using MPix, which is the consumer branch of our professional lab, Miller's. Their quality is wonderful, and their pricing is budget-friendly.
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What kind of products do you offer in your gallery, and what are the prices?"While we ofter a wide variety of prints and products through your gallery (sample pricing can be found here), we recognize that there may be products you don't see listed that you wish to purchase. Just reach out and let us know and we'll help you get what you're looking for!
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Why do I have to crop some of my pictures for ordering prints?We're glad you asked! Digitally speaking, the files that come out of our camera are sized in a 2:3 ratio -- which as you can see, many of the popular print sizes are not. For more information, check out our Cropping and Sizing Guide
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When is your next Portraits in the Park for Operation Smile?Our next Portraits in the Park for Operation Smile date and availability are listed on our Upcoming Events page. We may be between fundrasiers though, so check back often! Also, newsletter subscribers get first chance at signing up for Portraits in the Park for Operation Smile sessions! Click here to sign up!
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Do you do Mini Sessions?We do Mini Session events, where we offter 15 minute sessions on a specific date at a specific location and registration must be done in advance. Beyond those specified days, we do not offer anything shorter than a 30 minute half session. To book a 30 minute session, please fill out this form. Mini Session dates get released to our newsletter list first, and then released to the public on our Facebook page and Events page on our website. If you're not on our newsletter list, make sure you visit here to sign up for our newsletters for first notice for all our events!
Where?
We are primarily "on-location natural light" photographers. This means that rather than working entirely in a studio, we will set up your session someplace more personal for you and utilize as much natural light as possible. Sometimes it is a specific location that is important to you, such as the spot of a first date or a softball field where someone grew up playing.
If you don't have any place in mind, we'd love to help! We'll talk about your particular session and what kind of feeling you're looking for. Are you looking for something natural, sun-drenched, colorful, simple, rustic, edgy, urban -- you name it! We’ll offer some suggestions for known locations, or do some research for someplace new.
Depending on location, additional travel and entrance fees may apply. Standard government travel fees will apply for sessions further than 25 miles from Ringwood, NJ. Some locations we work at regularly have a standard travel fee. See our Session Locations page for more information.
Please know that while we're open to new locations for sessions, there may be things we are not comfortable doing. For example, due to the high number of injuries and even deaths that occur, we will never shoot on railroad tracks. If you choose a location we're never shot at before, we will do our best to research any photography rules the location may have. Please be prepared for the possibility of needing a permit or of not being able to photograph at certain locations. We will do our best to find this out in advance.
Over the summer of 2017, the State of New Jersey changed its laws regarding photography in the State Parks. We are now required to carry a purchased permit in order to photograph sessions or events at any State Park within New Jersey. Because of this, sessions in State Parks now have a $15 surcharge added to the session price to cover the cost of the permit.
When?
Because we won't be in a studio, we'll be limited by things like the weather and time of day. We'll never shoot outside in weather that can be hazardous (such as thunderstorms). If we decide the weather is going to be a problem we will call for a re-schedule and your deposit will be transferable. Don't be sad if you see a cloud! Cloudy days can actually give us very flattering light that will evenly light our subjects, much like a natural softbox. Let us know if you're open to continuing with your session if we have rain (not accompanied by thunder and lightning). Umbrellas and a sense of adventure can break up a session and give you pictures you'll never forget!
Outdoor photography has a specific time that works best for natural lighting. The ideal time for outdoor portraits is either 2-3 hours after sunrise or 2-3 hours before sunset. Since the sunrise and sunset times change over the course of the year, it changes the available times. Midday (when the sun is high in the sky) is a generally unflattering time of day to photograph people because of the shadows that are cast across our subject's faces. Occasionally we can work with shooting midday if we absolutely have to by using heavily shaded areas and other tricks for blocking out light, though it is not ideal. Please feel free to reach out to discuss what times are best for your session.
If you have a need for a studio session, or would like to discuss what we can do for a boudoir session (still using natural light), please check the "In Studio" section below.
Rain Date Options
Traditionally, if a session's day and time got rained out, we worked with our clients to then find another day/time that worked for everyone's schedules. While we still offer this for regular bookings, we now have the ability to reserve a specific date and time as your official Rain Date.
We suggest adding on a Reserved Rain Date when:
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You have a large group/multiple families where it may be difficult to find another common time for everyone
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Your photos are for a specific event that is time sensitive
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You're booking for the fall (we book up quickly and very fully; last minute availabilities will be sparse)
Prices are as follows:
Sessions With an Owner (Brianna or Rebecca)
Reserving a weekday Rain Date: $50
Reserving a weekend Rain Date: $100
Sessions With an Associate (Rachael)
Reserving a weekday Rain Date: $25
Reserving a weekend Rain Date: $75
Reserved Rain Date fees are non-refundable, even if the session does not get used as we have turned away other bookings for that day and time. Reserved Rain Dates can be added on anytime leading up to your session, but please be mindful that the closer you get to your session, the less availability there may be.
If you have any questions about our Rain Date options, feel free to reach out to us!
In Studio
Occasionally a session may call for use of a studio, and we can do that too!
For an additional fee, we can rent out studio space in either Little Falls, NJ or Midland Park, NJ.
Little Falls
The rental fee covers the use of the entire studio for a minimum of 4 hours, which includes a white background and a black background with colored lighting available. The studio also has a separate room set up as a simple bedroom where boudoir sessions can be done in privacy with incredible natural light pouring into the room. Along with a lounge, there is also a hair and makeup room where you can get ready.
The studio rental fee is added to your session fee and starts at $175 for 4 hours on a weekday. Set up and clean up time are part of the studio rental fee. The studio requires a non-refundable $75 deposit to hold it open.
Midland Park
The rental fees cover the use of the entire studio on an hourly basis, which includes a white background, black background, and multiple color options. There is a lounge space included in the use, with a pop-up changing space. There is no hair/makeup room, so please come prepared with mirrors as needed.
The studio rental fee is $75 an hour, added to your session fee. Set up and clean up time are part of the studio rental time, which means that an hour session will require a minimum of 2 hours of studio rental time (30 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for clean up). Please discuss the timing with your photographer to get a better idea of rental length.
What to Expect
Before Your Session
Inquiry Through Day Before the Session
Our sessions are mainly controlled by your vision. When you book a session, we will discuss your wants and needs for your portrait session. Whether it is a formal, casual, or mini-session, we are confident that we can work with your family to achieve the imagery desired.
This will include: selecting a date, location, and time; coordinating any possible permit requirements; possible required research; and having you fill out a request form and process your quote. A $75 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your session date. This deposit can be made online through your quote, or a check can be sent. Please note your quote also includes a questionnaire and your digital contract to sign online.
During Your Session
Throughout Your Session
We follow the lead of the individuals, family, children, or whomever it is we are working with for the feel of the session. We want to capture you just as you are. We’ll encourage families to interact with each other, tell jokes and just have fun!
If you have little ones, please bring a backup change of clothes since you never know what can happen on location! Also remember, not every picture has to be everyone looking directly into the camera. Sometimes asking kids to sit and smile can create a stiff and robotic look. We'll do our best to get kids to laugh and smile naturally, and will ask if we need assistance.
After Your Session
The Day After to +6 weeks after your session
Sit back and relax! We’ll be hard at work editing your images and choosing the best ones to present to you.
We know you’re anxious, so we will provide you with a sneak peek of what we captured within a few days of your session. You will find your sneak peek on our Facebook page, where you can tag yourself and share with family members. If you prefer photos from your session not to be used publicly, please note we are no longer doing Sneak Peeks for sessions marked for no public use.
Approximately 4-6 weeks after your session, you will receive an email from us with a link to your password-protected gallery, where you will find all of your edited images from your session. Using your Administrator Access Code, you will be able to label certain photos for your mobile app, along with hiding any images from your friends and family. In your "gallery ready" email you will also find the code for your 10% off coupon that will be good for the first month your gallery is live. There will also be directions in this email for how to download your included files if you decided to pre-pay for downloads.
You may place orders directly through your gallery from our trusted labs, and the products will ship right to your house. While we do not restrict where you print the images that you download, we do highly recommend the consumer branch of our professional lab, mPix.
What to Wear
General Session:
Patterns or prints distract and date your photo. Choose mid-tone color in blue, green, wine and purple because they are universally flattering. Avoid wearing tops in flesh tones (cream, beige, pastels, peach or yellow) as they will blend your face into your clothes. Remember to let your family be who they are! Choose a color palette and arrange coordinating outfits instead of matching ones. When shooting outside, try to avoid green so you aren't lost in the grass! Textures, layers, and patterns photograph well but be mindful of busyness when planning for a large group!
Maternity:
Trying to decide what to wear for your session? Here are some general suggestions!
Maxi dress: flattering and can be dramatic depending on how you're posed. Also, incredibly comfortable (comfort is key when you're pregnant!)
Solid colors: A nice way to keep your bump the main focus. Want a pattern? Have your partner wear a pattern that goes with what you're wearing.
Belts: Worn above your bump, it'll pull in looser clothing to define your bump!
Tight clothing: If you don't mind showing off you're pregnancy body, this is a nice way to show off just how amazing the human body is!
Textured clothing (lace, or a chunky knit sweater with jeans!): This will add dimension to your photos and its a nice alternative to prints or patterns.
In general, just be comfortable!
Headshots:
Find colors that work for you! Avoid wearing short sleeves, shiny fabrics or low necklines. Limit the amount of jewelry(unless jewelry is your statement!) you're wearing in your photos to avoid distraction. Come with your clothes rather than wearing them to avoid wrinkles. Make sure everything is clean and fits well. All of these steps will increase your confidence and you'll be photo ready!
Depending on what your headshots are for, we can keep you looking your most professional while letting your personality shine through.
