FAQ

How much should I budget for my portrait experience?

Your $200 or $400 retainer reserves your session date and is deducted from your final collection investment. Portrait collections begin at $600, with most clients investing $1,800+ for our signature full-service experience. Your personalized collection options, including digital portraits and heirloom artwork, will be shared during your consultation.

Reservations

During our consultation, you will receive an electronic agreement along with a request for a non-refundable retainer to secure your session time and date. Please note, if both the retainer and signed agreement are not submitted within 24 hours of receiving your proposal, the date and time will be made available to other inquiries.

Professional Makeup Options

Professional makeup is now offered as a complimentary option with your session. If you’d love to enjoy this extra pampering touch, it’s available for you at no additional cost. Of course, if you prefer to come camera-ready on your own, that’s absolutely okay as well.

Do I have to have a reveal & ordering appointment to see my photos?

Your reveal and ordering appointment is a special moment where you’ll see your images for the first time. I’ll personally guide you in selecting your favorite images and help you customize your collection. This tailored experience is designed to support you every step of the way, as I do not offer online viewing galleries.

How far out should I book?

Sessions should be booked at least two weeks in advance, though we recommend four weeks to ensure ample time for thoughtful planning and to provide you with more options for availability. This allows us to design the perfect session tailored to your vision. For maternity clients, we suggest scheduling your session between 28 and 34 weeks to capture the beauty of your pregnancy at its most radiant.

What type of sessions do you typically shoot?

We specialize in creating beautifully styled portraits that celebrate maternity, motherhood, family, and self portraits

When should I schedule my motherhood session?

We recommend scheduling your motherhood session when your baby is at least 3 months old. For more stable poses and individual portraits, sessions are ideally held when your baby is 6-7 months or older.

What days are sessions mostly held?

We offer sessions Monday through Saturday to accommodate your schedule.

Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Sundays: Closed (available upon special request with an additional $200 booking fee)

Sundays are available for clients who prefer a weekend option outside of our regular schedule. If you’d like to schedule your session on a Sunday, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate your request.

Can I purchase individual photos?

Absolutely! We offer a range of à la carte options for clients who wish to personalize their experience further. Whether you're interested in individual portraits, custom add-ons, or elegant wall art to showcase your beautiful images, we have options to suit your vision and needs.

What if I just want digital photos?

Absolutely, all of my collections include digital images. If you prefer to keep your investment digital only, that option is completely available to you.

If you’d love to elevate your experience, heirloom products such as fine art prints or wall art may be added à la carte, but they are never required. You’re always free to choose what feels right for you and your family.

Do you shoot outdoor sessions?

We specialize in creating timeless portraits through exclusive studio sessions, providing a controlled environment to craft your perfect images with precision and care.

How many outfit changes are there?

Typically, your session includes between 2 to 5 outfit changes, allowing for a variety of looks and styles. The exact number of changes depends on the collection package you choose, ensuring flexibility to match your vision and preferences.

Will you show me how to pose?

Absolutely! Kathleen will expertly guide you throughout your session, from posing and facial expressions to the perfect placement of your arms, every detail will be taken care of. While we understand that being in front of the camera can feel intimidating, we are committed to making the experience enjoyable and seamless. Rest assured, we’ve got you every step of the way.

Can I receive all of the RAW or unedited images from my session?

We do not provide RAW or unedited images, as they are unfinished files and not a true reflection of our work or the experience we want our clients to receive. Each image you see in our portfolio has been carefully and thoughtfully refined with our artistic editing style.

The images included in the Collection you choose will be lovingly retouched with my artistic touch to ensure they are polished, beautiful, and ready to be cherished as lasting memories. Our goal is to deliver a final gallery that feels cohesive, timeless, and truly special for you and your family.

Do you offer payment plans?

Absolutely! We are pleased to offer flexible payment plans. While session fees, which secure your time and date, are not eligible for financing, portrait packages can be divided into two, three, four, or five equal bi-weekly payments. Please note that post-production work will begin once full payment is received. Upon completion, we will begin crafting your breathtaking images.

How long does it take to get my images back?

After finalizing your selections during the ordering appointment, your online gallery will be available within three weeks. Products purchased will typically arrive within an additional three to four weeks.

When does my quote expire?

Prices are subject to change without prior notice. Once an invoice is issued, it is valid for 24 hours. However, if you have paid the booking fee and signed your contract, your package price and included services will remain unchanged.

Do I have to share my images online?

You are welcome to share only what you feel most comfortable with. Some clients prefer privacy, while others are happy to share. Rest assured, your photos will not be published on Kathleen Lisbeth Photography’s social media or website without your explicit permission.

Can I upgrade my package at any time?

Of course! Should you wish to add more images from your session, you can easily upgrade your package or choose from additional products like digital files or wall art.

Why are digital images so expensive?

Digital files are an invaluable and essential addition to your collection. The digital files come with a print release, allowing you to print at any size without needing to return to the studio. High-resolution digital files are priced to reflect their quality and value.

Can we bring our pet to the studio for our session?

Small dogs may be included in studio sessions; however, this must be discussed and approved beforehand so we can plan accordingly and make sure the space is prepared. At this time, only small dogs are permitted in the studio, and other types of animals are not allowed. If you’d love to include your pup, just let me know in advance and we can go over the details together!

Canceling and rescheduling?

Deposits are non-refundable under any circumstances, as they secure your time and date and cover the fees for the studio, makeup artist, styling, and photographer. We offer one complimentary reschedule per client, with at least a 2 week notice. If you cancel with 2 weeks notice, your deposit can be applied toward a future session within twelve months. Sessions are typically booked two months in advance, so rescheduling may limit your available dates.

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Kathleen Lisbeth Photography

Award-winning professional photographer specializing in motherhood, maternity, family and beauty portraiture in Grand Rapids, Michigan