FAQ
General FAQ's
1. Where are you located? How far can you travel?
A: I am in Albert City, Iowa. I'm willing to travel wherever you'd like me to go! Mileage greater than 50 miles out of Albert City require a mileage surcharge - contact me for details.
2. How do I book a session?
A: Send me an email or message through my Facebook page.
3. How should I pay you?
A: Cash or check, please. Make checks payable to Marisa Dahlstrom.
2. How do I book a session?
A: Send me an email or message through my Facebook page.
3. How should I pay you?
A: Cash or check, please. Make checks payable to Marisa Dahlstrom.
4. Do you do weddings/newborns/events?
A: Let's talk - contact me directly and we'll discuss the details of your event.
5. How do I get my photos?
A: I use a web-based password-protected download service; no CD's or flash drives to mess around with! When your photos are ready, I'll send you an email with information on where and how to download all of your photos from your session. This website also offers prints from Pro DPI, a high-quality printing service.
6. Can I print my photos at Walmart?
A: You can, and I'm certainly not going to stop you. I can provide you with a print release at your request. HOWEVER: please keep in mind that department store printing (such as Walmart or Walgreen's) usually is not the highest quality and colors may show differently than what you see on your computer screen. For more information on using department store printing versus high-quality printing services, please read this article.
7. How long will my photos be available online?
A: Usually your photos will be available for up to six months after your session to allow time for you to share with friends and family. Photos may be available for up to a year, space permitting. If you need access to your images after they have been rotated out of your session page, you can contact me directly. I keep all original files on a separate hard drive that is backed up daily.
7. How long will my photos be available online?
A: Usually your photos will be available for up to six months after your session to allow time for you to share with friends and family. Photos may be available for up to a year, space permitting. If you need access to your images after they have been rotated out of your session page, you can contact me directly. I keep all original files on a separate hard drive that is backed up daily.
FAQ's about Family and Engagement Sessions
1. What should I expect the day of our session?
A: Most family sessions are between one and two hours long depending on number of family members and desired location(s). Since I specialize in outdoor natural lighting, sessions are usually scheduled in the early morning or late afternoon as these times provide the best lighting conditions. Location is flexible within the Northwest Iowa area. If needed, I can suggest locations as well.
2. What should we wear?
A: Whatever you'd like! Sometimes busy prints or clothing with large logos do not photograph well, so it may be best to avoid these. Wear what makes everyone comfortable, and free to bring an outfit change if you desire! If you need help choosing color coordinates, don't hesitate to ask! But just know that color coordination is NOT necessary, a family in comfortable clothes is a happy family, and happy families photograph best!
3. What should we bring?
A: Yourselves, any props that you'd like in your photos, and toys or other small distractions for the little ones. A freshly fed and slept kiddo(s) helps tremendously with the photography process!
4. How soon will we get our photos?
A: You should receive photos from your session within three weeks, unless otherwise expressed/noted at the time of the session. Links are emailed to every client with instructions on accessing and downloading your high-quality photos. Prints are also available to order on your session's website.
FAQ's about Senior Sessions
1. What should I expect the day of the session?
A: Most senior sessions are between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on outfit changes and desired locations. Since I specialize in outdoor natural lighting, sessions are usually scheduled in the early morning or late afternoon as these times provide the best lighting conditions. Location is flexible within the Northwest Iowa area. If needed, I can suggest locations as well.
2. What should I wear?
A: Whatever you'd like! Sometimes busy prints or clothing with large logos do not photograph well, so it may be best to avoid these. Wear what makes you comfortable, and free to bring outfit changes if you desire! If you have a cap and gown, class ring, or any other class mementos at the time of your session, they can certainly be incorporated.
3. What should I bring?
A: Yourself and any props you'd like in your photos. Mom or Dad are certainly invited and encouraged to tag along.
4. Can you Photoshop my (zit, freckle, scar, etc.) out of the picture?
A: Short answer: I can. I do my best to airbrush slight skin imperfections during editing. One thing I will NOT do is airbrush your whole face/body to look like a porcelain doll with makeup on. If you're looking for this type of portrait, I am not your photographer. However, I want to make you look like your best SELF, and this usually involves slight skin touch-ups.
4. How soon will I get my photos?
A: You should receive photos from your session within three weeks, unless otherwise expressed/noted at the time of the session. Links are emailed to every client with instructions on accessing and downloading your high-quality photos. Prints are also available to order on your session's website.
