–> FAQ’S <–

How should I get my retainer fee to you (50% of session fee)?
*I will email you the Contract & Model Release form for you to fill out and sign then please mail this and the retainer fee to me @ #103-398 Nanaimo Ave West, Penticton, BC, V2A 1N7.
(Another option is to send an Email Money Transfer, “EMT”, and then fill out the form then scan & email it back to me, Cheques made payable to “Jodie Lemke”)
Remember, the retainer is NON-REFUNDABLE, this holds your date and time. In case of poor weather we will work together to change the date. I often have a few other spots that work and am flexible to help find something that works for us both.
(Gift Certificates are non refundable and have a NO CASH VALUE written on them.)

What Payment Types do you accept?
*Cash, Cheque, Email Money Transfers. (Sorry No Credit Cards)

****ALL CHEQUES PAYABLE TO ‘Jodie Lemke’ Please!****

When will our Disc be ready?
My editing time line is 3 weeks from your session date. 4 Weeks for a wedding.  I do my very best to keep to that.

How Many Images will I get?
*For Full Portrait/Newborn Session its between 20-30 images at high resolution.
*For a Mini Portrait Session it’s 10-12 images at high resolution.

Who Chooses the Location?
*You do! Because I am a Natural Light/On Location Photographer I shoot outdoors 99% of the time. There are a few times (ie. newborns or winter Smash The Cakes) where I will do indoors, however I do not have a studio so I would be coming into your home to do these, I prefer a big window with natural light coming in but I also can use my flash when needed!
I believe that when a client picks their location that they value the photos that much more. I want you to pick a place that YOU like, or a place that has sentimental value. However, I would love to offer my suggestions if you need them!

Popular locations include: Munson Mountain, Skaha Lake Park Area, Okanagan Lake by the SS sicamous & Rose Gardens, Japanese Gardens, Summerland Gardens, Linden Gardens (Requires fee to enter client must cover), 1912 Building in Kaleden, Sanoka Beach in Trout Creek, Downtown Penticton, Naramata. Also a playground can be fun with school aged kids. I also love Vineyards and Orchards, alot of winery’s allow you to come in and take photos too which is FUN! Even your own backyard can serve as a wonderful and personal location! I have more remote locations if you would like something different, just email me for more ideas!

I am always finding new locations!

What should I wear & should I bring props?

*Family Session- Wear something you feel comfortable in, something that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed, and not posed. Avoid matching.. ie.Everyone wearing jeans and white shirts… It’s nice if you all want to wear Jeans but then choose different colored tops that coordinate. Avoid to much pattern. It’s often best to have a solid color. You want the be drawn to your faces when looking at these photos not your clothes! Lastly, DON’T STRESS! haha Just be you and R-E-L-A-X.
Feel free to bring anything to interact with your kids, a book, bubbles, bicycle, ball, a skateboard, you name it. Try to make this session personable and about YOU as a family. What makes you Unique? What do you enjoy doing as a family? Let’s play on that!

*In saying that you don’t need ANYTHING. You can just come AS IS and we can make the shoot fabulous!*

What if my kids don’t co-operate?? – I hear ya! I have two of my own little turkey’s that don’t like to have their photos taken! What child really likes to sit and pose.. not manySo my advise is to just let them be kids. They don’t want to sit and smile and get those perfect shots. But, I promise to get some of those too. Often when you have small children, family sessions can be all over the place. Walking around lots, letting them run around, jump, be silly and have fun! So I encourage you to come into the session knowing this is a possibility and try not to stress! My secret weapon is mini marshmallows or gummy bears!

*Engagement Session- Make sure you wear something that makes you feel gorgeous and confident. Take the time to do your hair and make up, I have clients who’ve actually gone to a salon before a shoot! I also want you to come with something that you share between you. It could be hockey jerseys, Wine and two glasses, a bicycle, a really cool old car, guitar, picnic set up, anything that screams YOU! I have lots of ideas but I want this session to be personal.(maybe a bridal magazine, candy you love, coffee you love..)

They are now 60-90 minutes long. Bring TWO outfits each. A casual one (Jeans, cute shirt) and something more classy/dressy/vintage/sexy.
You can choose two locations for this session if you like. I just want to get out and have FUN!!!!

*Maternity Session- Be comfortable! Feel free to bring a change of clothes. I don’t suggest a dress as your main outfit, we can’t get any shots of your belly this way! Seems lately lots of mama like jeans (even if they need to be unzipped!) or Leggings with long shirts/sweaters and boots! I love it when you bring things with you like, scarf and mittens, ultra sound photo, Umbrella, whatever your heart desires!
Remember you want to remember how special this moment in time is. Take the time to make yourself feel great! Pregnancy is beautiful! Pamper yourself! Make sure to let me know if you want photos with your spouse and children. I often suggest doing those first and then letting daddy play with you child(ren) after while we focus on more of just you.

*Newborn Session-

Parents- If you would like to be part of the session, this is the time I suggest neutral colors or white/black tops with Jeans or black pants. If you can, have bare feet or same colored socks as your pants. Mom, be comfortableWe will only do a few photos at the end, if you want them

Babe- In the nude is the best!If you can have babe in only a loose diaper when I arrive wrapped up in a blanket. REMEMBER Baby needs to have been AWAKE  before I come. Try to make sure you stimulate & talk to them so when I arrive they are tired! Also, make sure to wait to feed them. It’s best to be feeding them when I arrive as it takes a few minutes to set up. So when I am done, they should be done too and ready for a good long sleep! Another awesome tip that seems to work wonders is give your little one a bath  and then feed him/her! They usually sleep soundly after that!!
However,  I know that most babies require us to stop and take a couple breaks so they can have a snack or a snuggle. Its normal and that’s why we book in this much time. A full tummy= A sleepy newborn!

What if the weather is poor?

*Weather happens. And unfortunately I can’t control or predict it. BUT I’m willing to work around it!
-If its pouring rain, extremely windy or freezing cold, we will have to cancel and re-book for another day. Other than the Summer, this is possible and I want you to be aware. If I see that the weather is looking poor the day before I will call or email to let you know of the possibility of re-booking. I always wait until the day-of to make the decision as the weather changes so fast.

HOWEVER- in saying that. I will work if its spitting, or overcast or snowing or anything minor. Put your kids rain boots on and pull out the umbrellas.

The final call will be yours & re-booking will be subject to when my next available opens are.

 

How long does it take to see some Teasers from our session?
*I usually have a approx 6+ (8+ for a wedding) teasers up for you within 48 hours! I love to look at them when I get home! But don’t hold me to that! Sometimes I have to go out of town or have two weddings in one weekend. Life happens!

Where should I print my images?
*REMEMBER – The quality of your images is dependent on the quality of the printer. I suggest London Drugs or Costco. Please don’t go to ‘cheap’ (un-named,lol) printing places and then get disappointed in the images, they don’t print the same quality and their colors are often different! I also suggest to my clients to print one or 2 images at 2-3 places and compare them for yourself, then you can decide.

**I can also order for you through my printing services through a professional lab, these are amazing quality you will not be disappointed with (email to inquire)**

If you have any other questions or see something I’ve missed PLEASE let me know so I can add them here for everyone else to see

Thanks