FAQs

+ What’s your style?

It’s actually tricky for me to attach words to it because it’s just how I am, but here’s what comes to mind: real life, minimal, simple, clean, light, lasting, and of course: natural, unexpected, artfully edgy.

+ What are your rates?

• Portrait sessions (baby, couples, headshots, etc.) start at $400 for an hour

• Hourly event and commercial rate $400

• Micro Wedding coverage is available for up to three hours at $550/hr.

• Mini sessions are available for headshots (always) and portrait specials (occasionally) for $225

If you have any questions at all, please reach out!

+ Do you have a studio?

Yes, my studio is in NE Minneapolis. There’s a natural-light, white-walls portrait area; a spot for studio-lit portraits against white, gray, or black paper; dressing room; plus a meeting/lounging space. It’s great for consultations and a variety of sessions and styles both inside and outside.

Photographers: the studio is available to rent hourly - just send me a note.

+ What should we wear to our portrait session?

Know that these are more guidelines than rules, and all can be successfully disregarded.

The key is just be and dress like you! That said, here are some tips:

We want to keep the focus on you or the little ones, so avoid distracting or busy colors and patterns. Go easy on white. Coordinate and compliment, certainly, but there’s no need to match. Kids can pull off bright, bold colors, but otherwise similar earthy tones are safe. Always, always wear something you’re comfortable and feel good in.

+ What should I wear for my headshot?

Number 1 Tip: Wear something you feel good in! This takes precedence over everything else. But if you'd like more guidance...

Avoid very bright colors (magenta, etc.). Avoid large blocks of white. A white shirt under a jacket or blazer is great.

Please lint roll!

Glasses vs, no glasses? Personal preference. LMK if you'd like a mix of both options.

Fitness watches, hair binders on wrists, etc. may show. Remove anything you don't want included.

95% of fashion/accessory/jewelry questions are personal preference (my observation and not a real statistic), so go with what you feel good in! See Number 1 Tip above. :)

+ Will you tell me how to pose? What happens during the session?

I’ll let you know what to do, where to look, etc. That’s my job! I call this “light direction.” I’ll help you look amazing and natural. At the same time, I’m always happy to work with your preferences and suggestions.

+ How do I book a session?

Just get in touch to start! We’ll swap info and get something on the calendar! We’ll take care of a quick contract and payment when booking to reserve your spot. I can take cash, check, or card. I’ll always confirm details a few days prior. Then it’s session time!

+ What if I need to reschedule? What if the weather is icky?

Portrait sessions can be rescheduled due to weather or illness. A 24-hour notice is appreciated. We’ll reschedule based on availability. One non-weather-related reschedule is allowed, based on availability.

A rainy or snowy wedding, on the other hand? Here for it! Safety and your preferences prevail of course, but I’ll happily get you out (with umbrellas) to capture a moody, romantic, magical feel.

+ What if you get sick?

Knock on wood, I’ve never been too sick to shoot a wedding or event. That bar is set so high (hospital/emergency room-high) that I will do everything in my power to be there. In a case where I just can not, I’d then do everything in my power to find you a comparable replacement from the wonderful photography groups and associations I’m affiliated with. When there’s a second photographer, they’d likely step up as the lead, and we’d find a new second. All the photographers I work with are also professional, experienced business-owners.

+ When will I see the pictures? What if I need them right away?

Portrait and event images are ready in 1-2 weeks. Expedited 3-day and next day turnaround are available add-ons.

+ What’s the difference between “lightly edited” and “finalized/enhanced”?

“Lightly edited” images are color-corrected, brightened, cropped, or otherwise lightly adjusted as needed; a “finalized” or “enhanced” image is really spiffed up: eyes brightened, under-eyes lightened, teeth whitened, blemishes and stray hairs removed, skin softened, “Exit” signs or other distractions removed, and so on. All adjustments will enhance but not drastically change the subject. All prints, enlargements, books, Art Images and other products are always fully finalized.

+ Do you use Photoshop? How MUCH photoshop?

All finalization adjustments will enhance but not drastically change the subject.

+ Do I have to order prints through you? Should I?

You don’t have to, but you sure can. If printing elsewhere, I suggest using a real photo printing company vs. a supermarket/drug store. The advantage to printing through me - aside from accurate colors, contrast, and a matte finish - is that all prints, enlargements, books, Art Images and other products are always fully finalized.

+ Do you archive our images?

I archive for one year from the session date. Though I would love to keep everything always, unfortunately changing and imperfect technology make that tricky. If you have suffered a catastrophic loss of your photo library, please let me know and I’ll do everything I can to help.

+ Can I refer or review Lauren B. Photography?

Referrals are the best compliment I could ask for! Word of mouth is huge! I’m so grateful for your referrals and reviews. If you get a chance, please write a review on Google, Wedding Wire, LinkedIn and/or Facebook – thank you, thank you!

+ Should we do an engagement session?

Well, I recommend one! It's great to have the experience. You’ll see what the “light direction” I use feels and looks like, and we’ll just get a chance to hang out and get a feel for each other’s style prior to the wedding. Plus it's fun to have some professional images in more of your everyday look, location, etc. Pets are welcome too of course!

+ What about a second photographer? Do we need one?

Some weddings should definitely have a second, and some (in my opinion) can go without. Either way, a second photographer will enhance your candid collection, and cover alternate viewpoints and areas. In the case of a tight timeline, we can divide and conquer.

+ Do you offer wedding books?

Yes! I think it’s important to have a tangible representation of your wedding day - something substantial you can hold. I offer custom-designed fine art coffee table books to 4x6 art books that hold 20 images. Engagement and “parent” replica books are also available.

+ When will my wedding pictures be ready?

Micro Wedding turnaround is about 4 weeks, often sooner. Engagement sessions have a 1-2 week turnaround time.

+ I know you photograph x but do you also do y?

I do just about everything except product/still life photography (as of now). Feel free to reach out for:

• Maternity Portraits
• Newborn Photography
• Baby & Child Portraits
• Family Sessions
• Senior Portraits
• Headshots for Corporate and Business Professionals and Actors
• Event Photography
• Commercial Photography
• Theater Photography: Press, Dress Rehearsals, Headshots, Events
• Micro Weddings
• Boudoir Photography
• Fine Art and Commission Work

+ Do you do video?

I don’t but I can recommend talented videographers - just ask!

+ Are you on social media?

Why, yes I am! Instagram & Facebook. I’m bad at Pinterest and don’t tweet - ah, well.

+ What if I have a different question?

Just fill out the contact form or email me at lb@laurenbfalk.com and I’ll answer it.