Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a session with Cassie Clayshulte Photography?
To book your session, please email CassieClayshultePhotography@gmail.com or message me using the form at the bottom of any page. To book, clients will need to sign a photography agreement and pay a $100 non-refundable retainer. Your retainer will be applied to your session balance.
How early should I book my photography session?
We recommend booking as soon as possible as I often book up a few months in advance. Booking in advance is always the best way to ensure I am able to fit you into my session schedule. Expectant parents typically book their Newborn & Maternity Sessions as soon as they are comfortable sharing with me that they are expecting or during their second trimester! (Don't worry, I can keep a secret!) Occasionally, I can fit last minute inquiries in, so please don't hesitate to contact me! I sometimes advertise openings on my Facebook page & instagram! Once booked, you are placed on my schedule & your session will be scheduled as soon as your little one arrives.
When should my Maternity or Newborn Session take place?
Expectant mommies should schedule their Maternity Sessions around the 34 week mark of their pregnancy. After this time, many expectant mamas may not feel comfortable enough for their session. When booking your maternity session too close to your due date, you run the risk of delivering before your session.
Newborns should be photographed before they are 14 days old. Please book as soon as possible so that I can save plenty of time surrounding your due date for your session in case baby arrives early. Newborn Sessions are scheduled for weekday Mornings at 9:30 am. Sibling & parent poses are taken first to accommodate your family's busy schedule.
What kind of sessions does Cassie Clayshulte Photography Offer?
In Studio
Newborn Sessions(6-21 days old)
Tummy Time Sessions (5-7 Months Old)
Sitter Sessions (6-11 months old)
In Studio or On Location
Styled Children's Portraits for Kids 1 Year & up
Maternity Sessions
Personal Branding & Headshots
Where are you located?
I am proud to live & work in Bluffton, South Carolina & serve Bluffton, Beaufort, Hilton Head, Savannah & the surrounding areas. My newborn & baby photography studio is located conveniently to Bluffton, Beaufort, Savannah, & Hilton Head Island near the Palmetto Bluff Area in the Berkeley Place Shopping Center. My studio address is 102 Buckwalter Parkway.
What should I wear to my Maternity Session?
I provide a full wardrobe of gowns for my maternity clients. If there is a dress you love that I do not have in my collection, let me know & I may be able to purchase some thing especially for you! It's a good idea to bring boots or rain boots to wear under your dress for some shots. Expecting mamas should also wear a nude bra & maternity spanx under their dresses. Your family members should coordinate with you. For family outfits, try sticking to a color palate of up to 3 colors, or variations of a similar color. I ask all my clients to send their outfit choices to me prior to their sessions. I have set up a VIP Group for my clients to see a preview of my props & outfits. JOIN NOW
How should I prepare for my newborn session?
New parents often have many questions when it comes to bringing their new little one in for their Newborn Session. "What do we bring? What if I need to nurse? How do we prepare? What can we expect?" All of my clients receive a complete guide upon booking to answer all of your questions.
Do we need to bring our own props to our session?
I have everything you need for your session! I spend hours hand making props, outfits, & headbands that add the perfect professional touch to your session. I have a great collection of photography props, backgrounds, & accessories but if you have something special you would like incorporated into your session please let me know! I have set up a VIP Group for my clients to preview my professional quality props & outfits. JOIN NOW
*Please do not bring crochet animal costumes.
What kind of props should we bring to our session?
Some items photograph better than others. For example, shiny items can produce glare from my lighting and can look cheap on camera while items with texture look great & add depth and interest to the photo. Play clothes and onesies can wrinkle & hide your baby's sweet features. Etsy has some great props but can take several weeks to arrive so order early. Choose soft colors and texture over patterns & bright colors. Timeless, classic items will be treasured longer and will never go out of style. If you have a special prop and you are unsure if it will photograph well, send me a photo and I'll let you know. Professional Session Styling is offered with every session to ensure the best photos possible. JOIN my VIP Group for access the best professional prop vendors and Sales! Below is a quick list of items that do and do not photograph well.
Great Newborn Prop Ideas:
Items with sentimental value
Vintage inspired rompers
Your Wedding Dress
Special items that incorporate
your job or special interest:
Military Items, Clean Firefighter helmets, etc.
For more tips on a Newborn Session, read my Newborn Safety Guide.
Props to leave at home:
Shiny Items
Plastic, Glass, or breakable items
Toys
Play clothes - T-shirts - Onsies
Items with Text
Large floppy stuffed Animals
Halloween Costumes
Crocheted outfits, hats, diaper covers, & "Costumes"
Neon Items
How will I receive my photos?
Photos are delivered via your Custom Online Gallery a few weeks after your session. You will be able to select & download your images & order prints & products. You can even share your gallery with friends & family so they can order prints & products for you or for their own homes. Prints & products will be shipped wherever you prefer for your convenience. No in person consultations, sales sessions, or print minimums are required.
Can I purchase additional digital images, professional prints, & canvases?
Yes, of course! Clients may purchase additional digital images from your session as well as professional prints, canvases & albums. Your gallery will have 25-30 beautiful images to choose from. I have also put together add on collections consisting of my favorite products to get the most from your session!
Can I have a CD with "Rights" to my photos?
I often get asked for "Rights" to images on a CD. No experienced photographer will give you "Rights" or Copyright to your portraits. Asking for copyright is asking the photographer to release all ownership of the images meaning that someone could edit, sell, or take credit for the images. I do however provide written permission to print & share your purchased images for personal, non commercial use. You can print your digital images at a local drugstore or online lab, make photo gifts, & share them on social media.
Can I print my photos at a lab of my choice?
Yes! You may print the digital files that you have purchased at any drugstore or online lab. You also have access to professional quality photos, canvases, and photo gifts that will last longer, resist fading and will print true to how they are displayed digitally. My editing is calibrated to the print specifications of my pro lab and will print your photos as they appear in your gallery. Many drug store labs apply "auto correcting" to the photos they print, use inconsistent color processes, and often only offer glossy finishes that will decrease the sharpness of your photos and collect finger prints. I cannot guarantee the quality of photos printed outside of my professional lab. Clients may not print or share screen shots or copies from my website, preview gallery, or social media.
Do you offer Payment Plans or Discounts?
Yes. Only a $100 Non-Refundable Booking Fee is required to reserve your session. Payments can be made leading up to and at your session.
Expectant Mama's can also add Cassie Clayshulte Photography to their Baby Registry!
A few times a year I will host Limited Edition Mini Session Events. These are highly sought after, include a special set up and theme & often sell out in under an hour! Follow my facebook page & Instagram so make sure to follow me! Join my VIP Group to be the FIRST to know about specials & Mini Sessions!
More Questions? Contact me below!