Frequently Asked Questions
Use this page to answer any questions that you may have about Bradly Bennison Photography.
Collapse AllPre-Session
What should I wear?
The clothing you wear will make a big difference in the outcome of your photographs. Before choosing your clothing colors, consider the style and theme in your home. If you will be investing in wall art for your home, make sure that the colors you wear will complement the surrounding colors in your home where your portraits will hang. For example if you own a Tuscan styled home, you may not want to have portraits with bright colors that will clash with your home. Always consider the location your photos will be hung.
Using good color harmony will increase the visual appeal of your portraits. Try keeping the color palette to 2 or 3 different colors. Instead of matching all the same color, try using complementing neutral/muted colors for a more appealing look. For example, for fall portraits a mix of brown, tan, and dark orange would make a great color scheme.
It is best to keep clothing simple, avoiding stripes, busy patterns, and logos. I suggest using layers/textures. For example a sweater with a collared shirt underneath or adding a hat or scarf. Any additional accessories can usually add visual interest as well. Like a watch or a necklace.
I encourage multiple outfit changes to get several look options.
Here is a good article on Clothing for Portraits
What's a planning session?
The planning session or pre-session consultation is the preliminary meeting that helps me tailor the session and products uniquely to you. It is also a chance for us to get acquainted and for me to learn your story. During the planning session, we will discuss what you want to do with the photos taken. For example, if you are looking for wall art for your home, we will discuss which areas you are looking to hang and what the appropriate products and sizes are. This is the time to express how you would like to enjoy your photos. This helps me shoot the right style photographs during the session. Shooting for a 10 x 20 canvas is very different than shooting for an album, so it is best to know the end product beforehand.
The planning session can happen either at my home office or at the comfort of your own home. The benefit of coming into my home office is that you will get to see many different products and decide what you like. The benefit of meeting at your home is that we can discuss the areas you would like to hang wall art and the appropriate size. Usually the best mix is that you take pictures of all the open areas in your home and measure where you would like to see your own beautiful portraits and bring these photos to the meeting at my office.
During the planning session we will also discuss the location of the shoot, the clothing and potential color scheme.
During this time we will also set your expectations on pricing so you understand the investment beforehand.
Lastly, you will need to sign a Portrait Agreement Contract.
The session fee may be paid at the planning session or during the session.
Where will the session take place?
The location of the photo session is up to you! Over my years of portrait experience in Boise, I've collected a large list of great locations. Most clients will tell me the style they are looking for and I help them pick the best location. I also love getting suggestions for locations from clients as well!
I've found the best lighting for photos is during the "golden hour" and prefer to shoot around that time. But, I can work with any type of lighting, so I am flexible with timing.
Unfortunately, at this time, I don't offer studio sessions.
What to bring?
Multiple outfit changes and any personal items that you'd like to use as a prop.
**Parents** Please make sure your little ones have had a nap and have eaten before the photo session to get the best results. Food usually isn't a good idea for the session. You might not think the crumbs on your child's face are so cute after the fact.
Session
When is the collection fee due?
The collection fee is due preferably during the ordering session, but at least immediately after the portrait session.
What distance from Boise is included in the session fee?
Any location within a one-hour drive from Boise is included in all collections.
Any portrait session location over an hour's drive from Boise will require Collection III.
Post-Session
What is a viewing and ordering session?
The viewing and ordering session takes place at my office. During this time you will get to choose your images and purchase lasting art for your home. You will get a chance to see and feel the unique print products I offer and see the quality of each.
I ask that clients study their home and walls before coming to the ordering session. Usually measuring out the open space on walls and taking photos of rooms before hand helps in the decision making process of the ordering session. For example, if you want a large canvas on your wall, you will need to know what is the max size that will fit.
I also ask that all the decision makers be present at the ordering session. You don't want to waste time at the ordering session if you can't make a confident decision.
Where do we see our images and how long does it take?
Your images will be posted on an online image proof gallery for you to select your final images within 14 days of your session. Note that these will be the basic color-corrected images. You choose images you want to keep by hearting/favoriting the images. Once you have finished selecting your final images, send me an email saying your images are ready for editing. I will edit those photos and send you a final online gallery where you can download those photos and order any prints you want directly from the gallery. If you've purchased a collection that includes print credit, the print credit code will be emailed to you when the final edits have been completed.
Editing may take up to 2-3 weeks depending on the session, the collection, and the busyness of the season, but usually the turnaround time is less than that.
Prints usually take about 1-2 weeks from the order date to arrive depending on the shipping you choose.
General Questions
Do you offer digital copies?
Yes, digital images are available as part of my portrait collections.
I highly encourage clients to purchase prints for their home. Most clients that only purchase digital copies do not end up printing out products for their home. It is my duty to make sure my clients enjoy their investment fully, this is why I have a planning session and a viewing and ordering session. All of my portrait collections include print credit to guarantee my clients go home with some kind of printed product.
Can i get all of the images you shoot?
Yes & no. After a session I go through all of the photos and filter out any duplicate images, missed focused shots, test shots, shots with undesired expressions, and any images that do not fully represent the quality of my work. This saves the customer time of filtering out images and increases the quality of the overall product. Once I have filtered out the images, we will have a viewing and ordering session where you will filter even further the images you want to purchase. If you would like to purchase all of the culled images, you may order collection III which includes all color corrected images.
View the investment page for collection details.
What are your open hours?
Bradly Bennison Photography is open Sunday - Friday. I am available by appointment only. I usually try to schedule outdoor photoshoots during the golden hour time of the day. The golden hour is the time period approximately one hour after sunrise or one hour before sunset during which the natural is the most pleasing for photography. The golden hour light provides warm soft light that helps give a magical look to photos.
Golden hour changes depending on the season so please check the sunrise and sunset hours to get a closer idea of a shoot time for outdoor shoots. Indoor photography is not affected by the sun light and therefore is not subject to the gold hour preference and can be booked for anytime of the day. I am also available for outdoor shoots outside of the golden hour time period for areas that are shaded or provide some kind of shield from the direct harsh light of mid-day sun.
Open Hours:
Sunday - Thursday: Sunrise - Sunset or 10 p.m. for indoor photography.
Friday: Sunrise - 3 p.m.
Saturday: Closed.
Can I reschedule after booking?
Yes
What payment types do you accept?
I accept cash, check, and credit.
Didn't find the answer to your question? I'll refer you to my handy-dandy Contact Page. Don't be shy, ask away!
Helpful Links
Boise Senior Portraits
Here at Bradly Bennison Photography, we enjoy getting to know each senior we work with! We take pride in providing a fun and comfortable experience you will not forget! If you're interested in high-quality portraits and a good time don't hesitate to book now!