FAQ's and Info
General FAQ's
1. What type of services do you provide?
While I am a non-traditional portrait and wedding photographer, I do also venture into other areas of photography. Boudoir, family, high school seniors, musicians promo material, book covers, conceptual, birth, maternity, personal branding, in-home lifestyle, and real estate are also other areas of interest.
2. Where are you located?
I am from Illinois and moved to Northwest Indiana about 5 years ago. I am still close to Chicago and am available for travel. In fact, I love to travel and am thankful for all of the places my profession has allowed me to go. In the future I am hoping to plan a roadtrip through the U.S. making photo stops along the way. So don't hesitate to hit me up if you aren't local!
3. How long have you been a photographer?
Professionally, since 2006 and as a hobbyist since 2000. This makes me feel old. In the last 14 years I've photographed more weddings and families than I can count but each and every one of them still hold a special place in my heart.
4. What got you into photography?
I love this question, even though in all honesty the answer is rather personal. Depression got me into photography. It's something I've battled off and on throughout my entire life and during the lowest of all lows I forced myself to start seeing at least one beautiful thing each day. Once I shifted my perspective I excitedly couldn't stop searching and finding beauty everywhere in our world. We are surrounded by it, sometimes you just have to search a little harder for it, but it is there. Simple things like the shadow of a bird sitting on an electric line or a leaf floating in rippling water were the things that brought life back into my life and when I was searching for these things I wanted to photograph them to remember them. From there I moved onto photographing concepts I came up in my daydreams or insomniac nights.
5. How would you describe your style?
I'd say my style is mostly photojournalistic, story-telling, and emotive. And my post-processing editing has a moody tone to it.
6. What sets April Love Photography apart from other photographers?
For a successful photographer/client relationship to flourish, I understand that trust and personalization are important. I like to get to know my clients on a personal level so I can better customize their session or wedding. It is important to me that you not only walk away with professional quality photos and products but also having had a positive and memorable experience. It's pretty much a guarantee that we will laugh a lot and you will leave having gained a new friend.
7. Will I own the copyright to my photos?
To be blunt, no. Since I am the photographer I will remain the copyright holder. However, as the client you do own rights to print and share on social media.
Wedding FAQ's
1. What can I expect from you as my wedding photographer?
You can expect complete professionalism from me as your photographer. Same goes for my second photographer if you choose to have one. To assure no details are overlooked, I will touch base with you before your wedding to discuss family portraits and other important aspects of your day. I will work closely with your other vendors so that everything goes as smoothly and timely as possible. And before leaving at the end of the evening I will check in with you to make sure we've captured everything.
2. Will there be more than one photographer?
This ultimately depends on your wedding day and how many guests and how many hours of coverage are needed. A second photographer provides a second perspective and a second set of eyes. Typically, if your wedding is over 6 hours or has more than 100 guests, most couples opt for a second photographer. If you choose to add on a second photographer, I will have you know that the photographers I hire are also professionals as well.
3. How many hours of coverage do I need?
The answer of this is dependent on many variables. From wedding size, your wedding timeline, your budget, etc. I am always happy to sit down with my clients and either review or help come up with a timeline for their day to assure they have just the right amount of coverage. Then, about a month before your wedding date we will touch base again to review your timeline to make any revisions to plans or your package if needed.
What is the difference between a traditional wedding, a micro-wedding, and an elopement?
In short, the amount of guests typically can determine the difference. A traditional wedding will have an average of 100+ guests, a wedding ceremony, followed by a reception. A micro-wedding is the same as a traditional wedding but with fewer guests, typically around 50. And an elopement can have 20 guests or less, and not unusual to have no guests at all. An elopement can be anything from a short ceremony at the courthouse, your favorite hiking spot, or a trip to the mountains out of state. Which ever you decide, I am here for it!
4. Do you offer wedding albums?
You bet! I love, love, love wedding albums! I love designing them, I love seeing which images my clients choose for their album, and I love knowing that my clients have this beautiful keepsake to cherish and reflect on. I also offer parent albums, canvas gallery wraps so you can display your favorite photos, prints, and metal prints.
5. How long does it take to get my photos?
Turn-around time is 4 weeks at most. You will receive an online gallery where you can view and download your images to save. I always recommend saving your photos on two trusted locations. An external drive and a cloud based server. You can also share your gallery with loved ones so they can see your photos as well as purchase prints if they choose.
6. I'm very uncomfortable in front of the camera, can you help?
First off, I can relate 100%! Since I can relate, I know just how uncomfortable and awkward it can be for some of us to have our photos taken. Have no fear, I will guide you and pose you in ways that feels natural, I will make jokes to ease the tension and get real smiles and laughter, and my photojournalistic approach has a more candid feel rather than an over-the-top traditionally posed vibe. A lot of the time you won't even know I'm taking your photo. I got you!
Portrait FAQ's
1. What type of portrait sessions do you do?
So many! Family sessions, personal branding sessions, maternity sessions, creative conceptual portrait sessions, engagement sessions, band sessions, you name it.
2. How much does a portrait session cost?
On average, $350 is the starting point and can go up depending on how many add-on's and extra time you choose.
3. How long does it take to get my photos?
Up to two weeks. They will be delivered via an online gallery. Depending on the package you have chosen will determine how many photos you get out of the gallery. Once you have chosen your favorites you will be able to download them and will have rights to print. You will also have the option to order professional prints from your gallery as well.
4. What products do you offer?
I offer a variety of top-notch quality products that all come from a professional printing lab. Albums, photo books, canvas wraps, metal prints, acrylic prints, prints of various sizes, and encaustic photo paintings.
5. Will you help me pose?
Absolutely! I won't leave you hanging and wondering what to do with your hands. I am not one for over the top traditional posing but I will give direction and prompts so that you are comfortable, having fun, and relaxed, and most importantly - smiling authentically!
Boudoir FAQ's
1. What is boudoir?
By definition, boudoir is a private sitting room, bedroom, or dressing room, especially one belonging to a woman. But in the realm of photography, boudoir is a photography session that celebrates one's body, is self-care, and doing something to show case your bad self. Boudoir also makes for a steamy gift for a partner.
2. I'm super self-conscious. How do I get over being nervous?
I say it time and again, I think it's natural for each of us to be our own worst critic. Especially as women, we tend to pick apart ourselves far more harshly than anyone else. That narrative needs to stop. We need to see ourselves in a new light and sometimes it helps to see ourselves through the eyes of someone else (me and my camera hopefully!). One of my goals with each boudoir session is to show each and every client just how beautiful they are. It's normal to be nervous for a boudoir session. I find that those nerves fade after a few short minutes and before you know it, even the shyest of the shy, are rocking the hell out of their session!
3. Will you help me pose?
Absolutely! I will help you every single aspect of the way. From finding out what your goal is by doing a session and making sure it is obtained, to helping you choose the perfect pieces to wear, and helping you pose.
4. Will you show my photos to anyone?
Only, and only, if you give permission. If you choose to keep them private, I absolutely respect that. If you are completely comfortable with me sharing, I respect that too. Zero pressure and 100% respect.
5. Where will we shoot?
At the moment, I do not have a studio of my own. Although, I do have a few that I frequently rent out so that is an option. Your own home is another option as well as a boutique hotel, AirBNB (as long as they are okay with photography taking place on the premises), or even outdoors at a discreet non-public area.
Creative Conceptual FAQ's
1. What is a Creative Session?
A creative session is when someone comes to me wanting unique imagery of themselves. Either we can come up with a concept together or I can come up with one that is completely custom to your distinctive individuality.
2. How much does a Creative Session cost?
Creative Sessions start at $750. You might be wondering why they cost more than my average portrait session and that is because much more planning and much more editing is involved. Often times I will provide wardrobe if I have it as well.