A peek into the magic (and organized chaos) behind the scenes
Ever wonder what actually happens between the time you book a session and the moment your final images hit your inbox? Well, buckle up—because I’m taking you behind the scenes of my full process. Whether you’re a curious client or a fellow photographer looking for workflow ideas, this is how I keep things running smoothly(ish), on time, and stress-free.
1. The Inquiry: You reach out (yay!)
You’ve landed on my site, loved what you saw, and hit that “let’s chat” button. First of all, THANK YOU. This is where it all begins.
Once you inquire, I send over a beautifully curated brochure that includes:
- Session details
- Package options
- Common FAQs
You also have the option to hop on a phone call with me—because sometimes it’s just easier to talk things through with a human (hi, I’m that human).
2. Booking: Let’s make it official
Once you’re ready to lock it in, I send over:
- A booking proposal
- Your contract (super straightforward, I promise)
- The session fee invoice
Once everything is signed and paid, your session date is officially reserved on my calendar—and yes, I do a little happy dance.
3. Prepping You for Success: No guesswork here
You’ll receive a:
- Session checklist (because preparation = confidence)
- Client questionnaire (to help me understand your vibe, goals, and any must-have shots)
- Reminder email the day before your session (because life is busy and we all forget things)
I’m also an open book for any questions you have—whether it’s about outfits, location ideas, weather backup plans, or whether or not your toddler really needs to wear shoes (spoiler: they usually come off anyway).
4. Shoot Day!: You show up. I show up. The magic happens.
We meet, we chat, we laugh, and we create. Whether we’re on the beach with wind in our hair or inside my studio with perfectly diffused light, I’ll guide you the entire way. I’ll make sure you feel relaxed, look amazing, and walk away knowing we nailed it.
5. Post-Shoot Routine: The not-so-glamorous part
I go home, peel off my shoes, collapse onto the couch, and let my computer do the hard work while I hydrate like I just ran a marathon.
Meanwhile:
- Images are imported and backed up (both locally and to the cloud, because I don’t mess around with your memories)
- I double-check all backups like a paranoid photo hoarder
- Then… I sleep. Because even photographers need rest
- I sometimes eat in between if theres time
6. Proofing Gallery + Slideshow Delivery
Within a few days, I cull the images (aka: lovingly delete the ones with closed eyes or weird mid-blink faces) and lightly edit the best of the best for your proofing gallery.
This is the fun part:
- You receive a slideshow to relive your session (bring tissues if it’s a family session)
- You pick your favorite collection based on how many images you want
Spoiler: Most people fall in love and end up upgrading. It’s a thing.
7. Final Edits + Delivery
Once you select and purchase your collection, I apply final edits to your chosen images—this is where I finesse every little detail. Think: skin retouching, color correction, cropping magic, and all the polish your images deserve.
Then I deliver the final high-resolution gallery via email with download instructions and optional print shop access. It’s fast, beautiful, and ready for sharing, printing, and proudly displaying.
8. That’s a Wrap (But Not Really)
Even after delivery, I’m still here behind the scenes if you need help choosing prints, designing albums, or figuring out where the heck to hang that new family portrait without it clashing with your gallery wall.
Final Thoughts
This process may seem seamless on the outside, but trust me—it’s built on years of refining systems, sipping lukewarm coffee, and learning how to blend professionalism with personality. My goal is to make the experience stress-free, fun, and totally worth it—whether you’re in front of my camera or behind one yourself.
Whether you’re a client considering booking or a fellow photographer looking for ideas, I hope this behind-the-scenes peek was helpful!
xoxox
-Sami
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