📸 Frequently Asked Questions – BJ Thompson Photography

I accept the following payment methods for all photography sessions:

• Credit or Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover) 
• PayPal 
• Venmo 
• Zelle
  You’ll receive payment instructions in your booking confirmation email.

Yes. A $150 nonrefundable retainer is required to reserve your photography session date and time. The retainer is applied toward your total package price. The remaining balance is due after you've reviewed your proof gallery and selected your favorite images, before your finished photographs are delivered.

  If you need to cancel or reschedule, please notify me as soon as possible.

Cancellation Policy:

• 48+ hours prior: You may reschedule without losing your retainer. 
• Less than 48 hours: The retainer may be forfeited. 
• No-shows: Full session fee is due.

Because photography sessions are custom and time-sensitive, all payments are non-refundable. However, I do my best to accommodate rescheduling when possible.

 Yes — flexible payment plans are available for select portrait sessions.
Let me know before booking if you need a custom arrangement.

For outdoor sessions, I monitor the weather closely.
If conditions aren’t ideal, you may:

• Reschedule at no extra cost 
• Shift the session to an indoor location
   

 Extra fees may apply for:
• Travel outside my standard service area
• Rush editing or expedited delivery
• Additional time beyond the booked session 

After your session, I'll carefully select and professionally edit the best images from your photo session. You'll then receive access to a private online gallery where you can view your finished photographs and choose your favorites.

For example, if your package includes 10 digital images, you may have 20 to 30 beautifully edited photographs to choose from. If you fall in love with more images than your package includes, additional photographs are available for purchase.

Once you've made your selections and your remaining balance is paid, you'll be able to download your chosen high-resolution digital photographs. Professional prints and wall art are also available.

• Family & Headshots: 30 minutes–1 hour
• Maternity & Newborn: 1–2 hours
• Engagement: 1–1.5 hours
• Senior & Graduation: 1–1.5 hours
• Pet Sessions: 30 minutes–1 hour
• Events: 2+ hours
• Weddings: 4–8+ hours

If you need additional time, it can be arranged.

Absolutely! Every image in your private online gallery has already been professionally edited. You'll be able to browse the gallery and select your favorite photographs based on the number included in your package.

If you love more images than your package includes, you're welcome to purchase additional photographs. Once your selections are finalized and payment is complete, your chosen high-resolution digital images will be available to download.

Turnaround varies by session type:

• Family, Headshots, Senior Portraits: 5–7 business days
• Maternity & Newborn: 7–10 business days
• Engagement Sessions: 7–10 business days
• Pet Photography: 5–7 business days
• Event Photography: 10–14 business days
• Weddings: 4–6 weeks depending on package

Rush delivery may be available for an additional fee.

Choosing the right outfit makes a huge difference.
General tips:
✓ Solid, neutral, or earthy tones
✓ Avoid loud patterns or logos
✓ Layering adds dimension
✓ Coordinate colors for family or couples
✓ Wear comfortable, flattering clothing

Specific tips:
• Maternity: Flowing dresses or fitted gowns
• Newborn: Soft, neutral tones
• Headshots: Clean, professional, brand-aligned attire
• Senior portraits: Bring outfit variety + cap & gown
• Pet sessions: Comfortable clothing that hides pet hair

Bring extra options — I’m happy to help you choose what works best.

• Confirmation email with all details 
• Outfit guide + preparation tips 
• Optional consultation
   

Relax and enjoy — I guide you through natural posing and candid moments.

Your best photos are selected and edited in my clean, timeless style.

View your private gallery and choose optional print products.

Download, share, and celebrate your portraits with friends and family!