FAQ
Where are you based and do you travel?
A.I am based out of Sarasota, Florida. I travel to neighboring towns and beaches within a 30-mile radius, such as Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Anna Maria Island, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, and Lido Key. Any area outside of that radius may incur additional travel expenses.
What should I wear for our photo session?
A.The simplest answer? Whatever feels good and is authentically you. As far as colors, select three or four colors that complement each other. I strongly recommend including a neutral in that palette to balance everything out! Truthfully though, you can never go wrong with an overall soft neutral palette. Think tans, whites, creams, baby and navy blues, sage greens, muted pinks, etc. If you’re at the beach, selecting your outfits around the colors of the sand, sky, and sea help to create a truly beautiful and cohesive look. I am also always happy to help build a color palette or provide styling options to help make your session go that much smoother.
For women’s dresses, a few spots that I love to scope out for photo sessions are Baltic Born, Free People, Petal and Pup, Lulus, and Amazon. For children, I always have the best luck at Zara, Old Navy, Gap Kids, and Amazon. Men are typically the easiest ones to dress – you can’t go wrong at Gap, J.Crew, or Old Navy.
What can I expect from our photo session?
A.Most importantly, you can expect to have fun. I have no qualms about being a little silly to get the best smiles from your little ones, and I might be known to bring a bottle of bubbles to pop at engagement sessions.
During our time together, we will take a variety of photos at a number of different scenic backdrops in order to have variation in your portraits. At each location, I will capture posed images as well as candid images that I help craft through the use of prompts or games. I like to think I’m a very efficient photographer in the sense that I am able to accomplish a good amount in very little time. I keep things moving, exciting, and fun!
What is your turnaround time?
A.Depending on the time of year, my turnaround time is typically between three to five weeks. During busy seasons, such as the holiday season or Spring Break, it may take longer. In addition to being a photographer, I am stay-at-home mom to three little ones. Your patience is so appreciated!
Will you provide the unedited RAW image files?
A.No, I do not give away any unedited RAW files. Only the final edited versions.
Can I post my images to social media?
A.Absolutely! I love nothing more than seeing your personal favorite images from our session. I kindly ask you that you tag me for photography credit whether that be on Instagram or Facebook.
When should I schedule maternity photos?
A.I typically recommend to schedule maternity photos around 30-34 weeks gestation.
When should I schedule newborn photos?
A.I would recommend reaching out early into your pregnancy in order to get on my calendar for newborn photos. Once babies is born, we will coordinate our newborn session within your baby's first three weeks.
How do you deliver my photos to me?
A.All high-resolution photos will be delivered through an online, PIN-protected gallery via email. You can download images directly from your phone or computer. You will also receive a link to your gallery that can be easily shared with friends and family.
Where can I order prints of my images?
A.I provide my clients with an online print shop where you can order items ranging from simple physical prints to large-scale canvas prints to holiday greeting cards. All prints can be ordered directly from your gallery.
As a photographer, do you retain the copyright of my photos? Does that mean I can't share them?
A.It is stated in my contract that by agreeing to the fact that any photos taken are copyright to Ruby Smith Photography and that I have the right to use images for social media content, website, etc. If this is something you don’t feel comfortable with, please let me know!
However, that said, that does NOT mean that you do not have access to share your images. Please feel free!
How do you accept payment?
A.I accept Venmo, PayPal, credit card, checks, and cash. Prior to our session, I will send you a detailed invoice with all acceptable payment options.
What kind of equipment do you shoot on?
A.I photograph all of my clients on a Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless Camera with a Canon RF 28-70 lens.
What happens if it rains?
A.Florida weather is definitely unpredictable. If it rains, I will make every effort to reschedule your session in a timely fashion. If you are visiting, I absolutely recommend planning your session at the beginning of your trip in order to allow ample time to reschedule if necessary.
WHAT TO EXPECT...
Before Session
Prior to our session, we will discuss timing and location and I will send my Client Welcome Guide that will cover a variety of helpful information. Additionally, I will send a pre-session questionnaire for you to fill out that will help me to better prepare for our time together. Communication will be prompt and timely, assuring that you'll feel well-prepared for our shoot.
DURING SESSION
Rule number one: Have fun! It is my ultimate goal to capture you and your family during this season of life. I will do a series of posed and prompted shots, ensuring that I capture your perfectly posed "Christmas card photo" along with those beautiful, emotive candids that tug at our heart strings. It's important to me that I capture both styles in order to create a well-rounded gallery.
AFTER SESSION
Following our session, I take great care to go through all of our images, selecting the most perfect moments and begin editing from there. My turnaround time is approximately 2-3 weeks, but I will often share sneak peeks of your session on my social media. Once I have completed my edits, I will share your PIN-protected gallery via email through a website called Pixieset.
