Frequently Asked Questions
What is required to book a session with Blossom & Pine Photography?
If you decide that we would be a good fit together, a 50% non-refundable retainer fee is required to reserve & secure your session date. Once your retainer fee is paid & I receive your signed contract, we can block the date on my calendar & begin planning the details!
Did you say contract? Am I required to sign a contract before having photographs taken?
Yes! In addition to paying your 50% non-refundable retainer fee, I also require that you sign a contract in order to reserve & secure your session date with me. But why? A contract ensures that the business relationship between a photographer & their clients is fair, transparent, & mutually beneficial. This protects & benefits the both of us & makes working together long-term more trustworthy & efficient. Don't stress about paperwork though - I can help you with any questions you may have about it.
If I cancel my session, will I receive my retainer back?
Unfortunately no. A 50% non-refundable retainer fee is used to reserve your session date with me. Once I reserve your date, I turn away other inquiries for that date. So in the event that your session is canceled, the retainer goes towards covering lost wages.
Where are you based and do you travel?
I am based in Midland, Michigan, and yes I love to travel! If you want me to photograph your story, it may require a travel fee, depending on where it takes place within Michigan.
When will I receive my photographs?
You will receive access to your private gallery containing your photographs within 3-4 weeks from the session date. Micro-weddings & elopements may take up to 6 weeks. I do my best to get your photographs to you within a timely manner!
Do you provide unedited images? RAW files?
No, sadly I do not. My business is built on my interpretation of your love story & how I view the world around us. I take lots of time to care for every photograph I provide you, & the final product is a reflection of my editing style. RAW files are like half baked brownies - my job is to complete the baking for you so that the final product you receive is satisfactory!
Do you do heavy image retouching?
Simply put, no, I do not heavily retouch my images - nor will I do it upon request. I do take care to reduce any visible unpleasant skin tones caused from environmental lighting, & I will also remove minor blemishes, scratches, etc. I seek to provide photographs that capture the natural aura of the moment experienced.
Do you offer in-home sessions?
Yes! I offer in-home photography sessions - meaning that you could have your photographs taken from the comfort of inside or outside of your own home. In home sessions are a perfect way to comfortably capture your life as it is - personal, authentic, & beautifully you. Like people, every home has a story & unique beauty to it.
Can we bring our pets to the Flora & Fauna sessions?
Of course! Pets are more than welcome to come along to any session with you - they are our family too after all. Just keep in mind that not all locations will be pet-friendly, so let's figure out a location that will be welcoming & friendly to your furry love!
Does the photographer retain the copyright to the images? Will we be able to share them?
Yes! I retain copyright to the photographs I create. This means that I can post them for marketing purposes or submit them to magazines for publication - with your written permission first of course. As your photographer, I am granting you printing & posting permission for the photographs you will recieve. This means you can print them for your personal use & post them on your social media or website.
How do your travel fees work?
I will always work with you on an individual basis to find the most affordable, accommodating, & realistic method of transportation to get myself to the location of your choice. These travel fees apply to all packages with reasonable flexibility:
o) If I am driving - I charge a rate of 30 cents/mile for any distance traveled 30 miles outside of Midland, Michigan. Once I cross the Mackinac Bridge into the Upper Peninsula, I charge the federal rate of 54.5 cents/mile.
o) If I am taking a ferry - I charge the cost of the round-trip ferry ticket to get me where I need to be. Once I am on the island with you, I will handle my own transportation costs!
o) If I need overnight accommodations (motel/Air BNB) - any location over 2 & 1/2 hours driving distance away from Midland, Michigan may require the cost for a minimum one-night stay accommodation.
*Overnight stays are handled individually based on your needs & the timeline of your session day to ensure that I will be there at the time you need me. I only charge however many nights I will need to stay in the location for your specified session if it is necessary. For example, if I am there for your wedding that is only one day, you are only responsible for covering my motel cost the night before your wedding - solely depending on what time you need me there & how far away it is located from Midland. Some elopements roll into motion before the sun rises, so this ensures that I will be there for you the moment you need me to be, if not sooner, & it also gives me more time to scout the location even more the day before your session.
Do you photograph large weddings?
At this time, I do not photograph weddings with an average guest size greater than 50 guests. While this style of wedding does not fit everybody's needs, it does have its benefits for both the couple uniting in marriage & also for the photographer working along their side. As a photographer, I simply find the most joy in my work when I also have more time to slow down & reflect in the moments that resonate with you most. (Please inquire directly if weddings will have 50+ in attendance)
Do you photograph weddings or elopements outside of Michigan?
Unfortunately I do not. While I love traveling to other states & documenting the beauty along my way, I do not offer my services in any other state but Michigan. If you are traveling to Michigan soon & have considered getting photographs done while here, I would love to help where I can!
