Spring and Summer Booking 2023
In February I was sure we’d have an early Spring this year but how wrong I was! It is now mid April and finally the trees are blooming! I am officially opening my Spring booking on May 1st but if you’d like to book an earlier date to catch some of those flowering trees, just shoot my a message at info@alinesternphotography.com.
Like every Spring/Summer season I don’t make a difference between weekday and weekend booking – both are the same price – the lower price! I know how much we all love later Summer and Fall pictures – Chicago is just so gorgeous in those seasons – but Spring an Summer have their charm – less hot and humid and a lot less bugs! Plus sunsets are later so if you have school aged kids or you don’t get out of work until 6pm, you really want to grab one of these Spring or Summer spots!
Like last year, I am offering two kinds of sessions – Silver Sessions and Gold Sessions. Silver Sessions are my shorter sessions but I don’t want to call them mini sessions because to me a mini session is 10-15 minutes long and for outdoor shoots that just doesn’t work for me. So my Silver Session is 20-30 minutes long, that way we have a little time to move around and do different poses. I currently only offer true mini-sessions in my North Center studio.
Which session is right for you?
SILVER SESSION
$350
0-30 minute shooting time, includes 8 pictures for digital download – with the option to purchase more later
Do you have a toddler (or multiple toddlers) who is outgoing and likes people but just doesn’t have a very long attention span? Or do you just want some updated pictures but you really don’t want more than a few photos? Do you like my work but want to “try” this out first before committing to a longer session? Or does the sound of a one hour session just sound like a nightmare to you (trust me, I make it as fun as possible but I know getting your picture taken is just not fun for a lot of people)? Then you should try out a Silver Session! We will get all the “smile in the camera” picture perfect family photos and if we have time we can do some unposed ones too. This sessions is NOT for kids that take a long time to warm up and usually not for kids with special needs that might take a while to trust me. Also with families with 5 or more members, I recommend a full session. Silver Sessions can only be done in the Lincoln Square area or close by. Montrose Beach is ok!
GOLD SESSION
$550
40-60 minute shooting time, includes full gallery of all pictures that turn out during the session
I was considering naming Gold Sessions Adventure Sessions because that’s how I like it to go. We do some posed shots but we also walk around, play some games, get to know each other … if you don’t like super stiff, posed shots, maybe you don’t even like when your kids look in the camera, consider booking a Gold Session. These are my favorite! My goal as a photographer is to capture the real you – the best version of it. I want to catch those loving looks between you guys, I want your kids to giggle with glee, I want there to be a spark and we usually get the best photos after the first 30 minutes together. A lot of my clients started out booking a Silver and then come back for a Gold Session every year. Gold Sessions can be done anywhere in Chicago, as well as North Shore suburbs up to Winnetka (after that I do apply a travel fee).
Frequently asked questions:
What about timing? We will discuss the exact time of your session after you book – just pick either a morning or an evening time, depending what works for your family. My preference to get the most gorgeous light is to shoot within 1-2 hours of sunrise and sunset. I will only shoot midday if there is absolutely no other choice because those harsh shadows are just not flattering on anybody’s face and you’ll be squinting in every picture. If you’re not sure the timing will work you can always email me first!
I see you only have Mondays available for weekday Silver Sessions but I cannot make Mondays! While I generally prefer to stick to the booking days, I am still pretty flexible and we can change the day. The only day I try not to book is Sunday since this is my weekend rain backup day (and also the day both my kids have all their sports events – oh youth sports!). But if Sunday is absolutely the only day you can do I will try and make that work too!
What happens if the weather is terrible on the day of our shoot? If it’s raining or there is a tornado warning or anything like that we will find another day for you! I always check in with my clients a couple of days before our shoot and if the forecast looks iffy, I will give you some other choices for dates. We only make the ultimate decision the night before the shoot because the weather service cannot always be trusted but we will make it work!
What will I wear? Once you book I will send you my style sheet, as well as some personal recommendations. You can also always text me your outfit choices and I am happy to help and give advice!
When do I have to pay?A non-refundable down-payment is due when you book to secure your spot, the rest is due within 48 hours of our shoot.
My family is high-risk – do you still take Covid precautions? My kids get tested weekly in school and I test myself whenever I feel sick at all. I am also fully vaccinated and boosted. While I normally don’t wear a mask during outdoor shoots anymore I am happy to wear a KN95 mask if you prefer. It is actually a question in my session prep questionnaire!
I hope that answers most of your questions but please don’t hesitate to email me if anything else comes up!
