Questions and Answers
Could you detail the level of retouching available as part of this GroupOn? Does it include minimizing bags under the eyes and/or wrinkles at the corner of the eyes?
It would be very appropriate Patricia! As a matter of fact I just did a shoot because a Grandma wanted to update her family wall. :)
@David: The retouching I do varies from photo to photo as sometimes “flaws” are more evident in some photos and not others. I normally do retouch bags under the eyes, as well as smooth wrinkles a little bit. I will not completely remove them, but will make them less evident for sake of the overall photo.
Can I use the 20 digital prints in any way that I choose? ie: tak them to Costco and have them printed up?
This is for a total of 6 people. But if I want a family shot with 12 people can I pay extra per person to get this with this deal?
@Rose B.
The download comes with a release granting you permission to use them for personal use, having them printed is fine. :)
@ Susan F.
My normal rates are $25 extra per person, but in spirit of Groupon I will lower them to $10 extra per person.
Do you photograph only couples? My husband and I have never had a portraits taken and its probably about time!
Not to sound stupid, but if it’s a group photo, why the additional per person charge? Along the same lines as Susan’s question— can you accommodate a largish group? We’re a family of 11.
@Wendy C.
I photograph everyone from babies to adults, and have even taken photos of some of our furrier friends as well.
@Margaret
It costs more because it takes longer to edit photos with more people in them. You always hope for the best when photographing a large group but sometimes it takes some major editing to be able to provide that perfect shot.
HI Jessica, my baby is 8 weeks old and wanted to know if we will get to pick the kind of background, theme etc or will you just have a simple solid background? Can you give me details on this?
@Roshni B.
The photos are taken on-location at one of the three locations, so the location is the background. You can find photos of them on my website at http://dollstudios.com/groupon
Hi jessica!
With the included 20 digitals.. will I have the rights to use them anywhere.. for example.. ordering from other websites that make cards or photo books.. (such as shutterfly)?
@Mitra F.
Yes, you can order them anywhere as long as they are for personal use. So it is okay for you to have books/prints/cards/whatever you wish done as long as you will only be using it for yourself or giving as a gift, but it is not okay for you to have them done and then turn around and sell them for profit.
1 more questions. Groupon says we can not use it until tomorrow.. is it still possible to book today and enter our groupon number on your site if we find a time that works for us?
Hi Jessica,
The groupon states that its only good for a 30min session. That is 30 mins of just snapping away, or does it include set up time?
Additionally, if we would like to add more time..what would the rate be?
Thanks!
Hello! I was wondering what resolution the digital images will be that can be downloaded (i.e. what size print can I make out of them?) Thanks!
Emily
@Mitra F.
Yes, that’s fine.
I have 5 grandchildren. I would like pictures of them all together but will you also do breakouts, of the different families as well?
@Christine T.
It is 30 minutes of snapping away. I use 99.9% natural/available light, so I show up ready to go with camera in hand so there really is no huge set up time. If you’d like to add more time I would suggest purchasing 2 groupons. Then when you book online there is an option to use 2 or 3 back to back.
@Emily F.
The photos are sized at 8″×12″ and 300DPI, so the resolution is 2400×3600. I would recommend printing anything 8×12″ and smaller. I would never recommend printing anything larger than your file or you will risk losing quality.
Jessica
I have 2 children 15. 5 year old daughter and 10 year old son – what park would be the best to get fall/autumn shots of the two of them togather in either october or november?
Thanks
@VL
Yes, I can take the photos however you wish, but just remember that this is only good for up to 6 people. Additional persons are $10 each, and that does not extend your shooting time.
@andrea c.
Central Park has large beautiful orange, yellow, and brown leaves in the fall.
I was unable to get my son into get his Senior Portaits done. I think this would be another option instead studio shots.
Hi Jessica,
For an infant (6months), which park would you suggest?
Additionally, what time are you shootings? Early am? thx!
There’s a ban on photography in a few years – 2015???? Please tell me more.
@Karen R.
This is a great option. For a senior I would recommend purchasing multiple groupons to extend your time and allow for wardrobe changes during our shoot.
@Christine T.
For an infant, I really love the grassy areas at Central Park. My sessions are typically available in the mornings or evenings (for best light).
One more question with regard to autumn photos in Central Park – what time of day is best do you think with regard to lighting and color. Thanks Andrea
@Pamela K.
I’m pretty sure that was just Groupon’s marketing team using their imaginations.
If there is a ban, I will be out of luck! :O
Hey Jessica, if we wish to choose the studio over a location, would that be possible?
@andrea c.
I love the evening light at Central Park.
@Varsha D.
These shoots are for on location portraits, but I am looking to start offering studio sessions in 2-3 months.
Does this offer have the typical sitting fee/session fee added on or is it just the $60.00 for 30 min, total?
Your photos look amazing — very nice!
Ooh.. great deal. I need some shots for my dating profile! :)
Ooh.. great deal. I need some shots for my dating profile! :)If I get 2 groupons.. then I get 60 min of time and 40 digital files, correct?
Ooh.. great deal. I need some shots for my dating profile! :)If I get 2 groupons.. then I get 60 min of time and 40 digital files, correct?I love groupon this week… I can get photos done and frame them with my other groupon of the week! :D
.. and then sip tea and eat my produce…
Groupon is costing me a lot of money this week!
Thanks for the reply, just one more question… Can we buy multiple groupons for more than one session at different times?
For a group of 11, if I purchase 2 groupons, would that cover 60 minutes for different groupings (from individual portraits of grandma to full 3-generation grouping), plus 40 prints? Or would there still be a $10 per person extra fee? Thanks!
Once you buy the Groupon(s), how do you book the sessions with you? Thanks!
How long does it take to get the prints sent to me. I would like to use them for Christmas cards and want to send them out early Dec. Should I book October or is November OK?
I bought the Groupon and booked the deal through your booking site. I didn’t have my Groupon yet (I think I get it tomorrow). Hope it’s not a problem that I made the reservation without it.
@Sharon M.
It is 30 minutes of time and 20 digital photos for you to download. Also 25% off if you’d like to order additional prints/media.
@Sherri H.
Yes that is correct, sounds like a great plan you have!
@Varsha D.
Yes, you can.
@Lena M.
There would still be an extra fee. Keep in mind that these are not prints, they are merely images for you to download and have printed as you wish.
@Julie C.
You can view information and book sessions at http://dollstudios.com/groupon
@Amy S.
If you book in October you should receive your digital images in plenty of time.
@Mason
I will contact you to get your groupon # from you, or I think you can actually edit the appointment and enter your number after you receive it.
Wow lots of interest Jessica, congratulations!
I bought Groupons from ‘canvas on demand’ for two 16″×20″ gallery-wrapped canvases. They expire Oct 5th.
I would like to take some pictures of my husband and myself(love the idea of a natural setting) and send it to them before Oct 5th. I need 2 great pictures. Will you be able to help us?
@ A G.
Yes, it looks like I still have some availability in September. I would book as soon as my schedule allows to allow for ample time for editing & retouching since you want to have them printed so large.
Hi Jessica,
How do you feel about photographing pets? I see come fur babies in the gallery and I like what I see. I have a Jack Russell and two step sons. I would like to get some photos of them with the dog as well as my fur child alone.
@ Amparo M.
I love fur babies! We have a pug & a pomeranian. :)
Two great breeds. Ed’s best friend is a Pom. Ok sounds good. Ed had disc surgery 7/21/10 and as soon as his hair grows back we will book.
Great! I’ll be opening some more availability on my calendar later on today too for later on in the year. I’m trying to create openings based on the # of groupons sold and such to try to keep a nice balance and retain some of my sanity.
I hope Ed heals up fast!
Hey Jessica – Are you planning on opening more sessions for any weekends in November?
Yes I am planning on it. Trying to leave some areas open to add later so that it doesn’t all fill up at once.
Hi Jessica,
The groupon has validity of 1 year. My sister and her family is most likely visiting me early next year (May 2011). Would you be ok with me booking an appointment with you at that time?
@Anagha D.
Yes, of course. That sounds like a great time for photos.
Hi Jessica,
Your website mentions 30-33 weeks best for maternity shots. I am currently 30 1/2 weeks pregnant, and concerned that with the nearly 400 purchases you’ve had just this morning alone, I won’t be able to book a time with you within the next 2 weeks. I also can’t see the availability left until I purchase… do you think you will be able to accomodate me?
Also – I am most familiar with Oak Meadow park, but open to location. Do you think Central Park or Oak Meadow offers more of a location for maternity shots?
Thank you, Wendy G.
@ W G.
I replied to your e-mail 18 minutes ago. Could it have possibly gone to spam? I do have availability at both of those locations in the next few weeks. I am really partial to Central Park for maternity. I will forward my reply to your e-mail again.
thank you, I’m new to Groupon and realized the “comment” here might be a better way to reach you than email… I will check my spam as well, and thanks for your speedy response :)
OK, so before I saw you comment, I booked on Nov. 6th. Do you still think I’ll have the images back by early Dec.?
@Amy S.
You should be fine.
Hi Jessica – Would it possible to book a photo shoot mid November for our Holiday cards or are you all booked up?
Smiles…
@Erica
I am opening some more mid-november availability later on today. :) I know I do have some week days available still, and some random openings on a few weekends. I didn’t want to just open everything up because I wanted to give everyone a fair chance at being all over the schedule instead of being shoved to the back.
Do you have openings for 2 half hour sessions (engagement shots) this month or next month?
That’s just perfect. My deal is on – I just bought your groupon. Thanks, I’ll be in touch soon to book a photo session.
@Emeline O.
I do. Check out more info & my availability at http://dollstudios.com/groupon
Jessica, we are so excited to have you do our family portraits! My question is where we meet exactly. Central Park is pretty huge!
Great. I bought 2 groupons for my fiance and me and am super excited! I’ve never been to the 3 locations but would like to check them out before choosing. I’m thinking one session with our road bikes (we love riding bikes together) and another in more normal clothes. Should I do one 1-hr session or two different 1/2 hr sessions?
I won’t be able to check out the 3 locations until next weekend, will you still have openings for the end of Sept/Oct?
Or, could I book a location now and perhaps switch to another location if I liked it better? Right now I’m leaning toward Central Park…
Sorry for the long msg!! Thanks for your time!
@Laura H.
That’s great! I love people who are excited for family portraits. The address on the map takes you to the smaller parking lot and the entrance to the park is fairly small. If all else fails, you can always call me. :) You will receive these details again in an e-mail prior to your shoot along with tips on what to wear, etc.
Hi! I’m really excited to jump on this great deal.
Quick question before I purchase… if I were to schedule a shoot with you at one of the parks, would you reschedule the appointment (without penalty) if it happened to rain? I’m thinking of a November shoot, but who knows what the weather would be like then?
@Emeline O.
I can not guarantee availability if you wait to book your session, but from what you’ve said I would recommend Oak Meadow or Central Park. Or one at both.
@Kenneth W.
Yes, acts of nature are excluded in the cancellation policy. I would call you if the weather were looking too sour to shoot and either offer a studio session, or to reschedule your original session.
Jessica,
We just bought our voucher. I hope you have room in the fall, that way Ed’s hair will be back and we can order for Xmas. Can’t wait to meet you.
This is a great deal & i love your website but I’m concerned that with all the groupons – you won’t be able to handle all the biz! Do you have a lot of available hours to accomodate?
@Amparo M.
Thanks!
@Heather B.
Thank you for the compliments, I designed/coded it myself. All of my time is dedicated to photography and spending time with my family. I’m offering around 150 shoots a month until all of the groupons have been redeemed or 90% of them have and they expire. Over 100 have been booked so far and I still have plenty of availability, and I still have yet to open more availability in the coming months. I have responded to every single e-mail so far, every comment, and returned every phone call. Have no fear! :)
Hi Jessica,
I was thinking to get the groupon for myself and my gf but i seen on your website most of the pictures are of kids ? so was wondering if you take pictures of the kids only or we will be good as well :)
@Vikram
I photograph everyone from babies to adults to our furrier friends, and have even had my hand in a few weddings. :)
Jessica you photos are amazing I’m super excited for our photo session in Oct.
Thank you sooo much for this rare oppurtunity for beautiful photos of my family.
@Rose L.
Thank you! And you’re welcome. I look forward to our session in October.
I booked my groupon for maternity pics, but started wondering about buying another groupon to do pics of the new baby once he’s born. In reading the “fine print” it seems maybe you can’t do that? If you buy 2, do you have to use them in a back-to-back booking (meaning for extended time at the same shoot), or can I buy another and use one now and one in a few months? Thanks! It’s such a great deal!
@W G.
You can use it another time if you wish as long as it’s at one of the 3 locations. If you are looking for the type of newborn photos shown on my site I’d recommend buying a normal session so that I can come to your home with my props/lighting/etc and take photos of your newborn in their environment and on their schedule.
It says that you (Jessica/photographer) will choose the 20 prints that we get. Do/Can we have any say in that at all? In addition, how much are additional digital prints?
@B C.
Unfortunately with the time constraints placed on offering such a huge discount, it would not be feasible to allow each and every person to pick out their own images. Part of hiring me as a photographer is trusting my creative eye. I always choose photos that are both well composed and flattering for my clients. Additional digital images are $60 each.
Hi Jessica,
I’m a little confused here. You mentioned to Emily F that “I would recommend printing anything 8×12″ and smaller” but you said it should be no problem for A G. to print them into 16″×20″ canvas. Can you clear this up for me please? Thanks
Hi, I am having a baby (our 2nd girl) in Nov and am thinking of purchasing this groupon to do a photo shoot with our newest addition and her older sister in the spring. Our youngest would be approx 5-6 months old and our oldest would be almost 3. Do you have a recommendation of how much time would be needed? A 30 min shoot? A 60 min shoot? If I buy two groupons, do I get 40 digital prints instead of 20, or just the 20? Thanks!!!
Just wanted to comment how impressed I am buy how quickly you respond… looking forward to using my groupon…. thanks
@Arielle K.
If you want photos of both of them together and apart and also family photos I’d buy 2.
@Fabiola L.
Thanks! I’m doing my best. :)
Hi Jessica,
Thank you for all your prompt responses to other questions, they answered a few of my mine before I even had to ask. Another question I have is this: do babies and dogs count as people? :-) I.e. if we have a family of 6 adults, a 7-month-old baby and a German Shepherd Dog, and we want a a photo of the whole family together plus a bunch of photos in smaller/varying groups, would there be an additional fee, and if yes, what would it be? Thanks a lot!
Anya B.
If I need to make sure that the person is smiling/looking good in the photo, I would say that they count. The additional fee is $10. If you want to mix up that many different poses as well I’d suggest buying two groupons.
Good point! I’m convinced! Thanks!
Thank you for answering my question about how much time we should need; however you didn’t answer my question about how many digital photos are included per groupon purchased. If I purchase 2 groupons will I get 40 digital prints?
Oops. Yes, you will get 40 digital images.
Kinda like @ Fabiola said, I just want to say that your attention to detail and customer service through what has turned into a HUGE groupon sale is very impressive. If you are this passionate about your customers and your business, it causes us to be VERY excited about our 2010 family photos with you next month.
Our family of 5 (plus one furry friend) bought 2 groupons yesterday and already booked our family photo shoot for the end of October, mainly because of the fact that you answered questions via phone, e-mail, and your comments on here so quickly (and your website and gallery showed that you have a great talent for family photography).
Everything about this process has shown attention to your individual customer (which is crazy considering you have sold 700+ groupons) and has been handled first-class and timely. Your website and booking was super straightforward and easy.
Our best to you as you embark on what will probably be some of the busiest few months of your life. We look forward to meeting you next month!
Hope you can get another trip to Kauai after this is all done! :-)
I am from out of town but will be in the area on Saturday Oct. 22. Now there are no openings for that day. Is it possible you will have any more open up or should I look else where? Thanks.
@Ryan T.
Thank you so much for the kind words. I’m really excited to start work for all of my Groupon clients. I’ve never met a more excited group of people to have their photos done. :)
@Michelle F.
There may be no bookings on Saturday October 22nd because the date does not exist. :P There is a Friday October 22nd and a Saturday October 23rd. I still have an opening on the 23rd in the Los Gatos location. Does this work for you? I also have October 21st in Cupertino. I’m sure we can work something out.
Oops…I meant the Fri. Oct. 22nd :) Sat. does not work for me. Thanks for responding. Do you think something could be worked out? I am getting married and would love to get engagement pictures so that we can use them for Save the Dates, which is why the timing is pretty important. We are only in California for the weekend and are busy on Saturday. Thanks.
Can you send me a quick e-mail?
Would this be appropriate for a grandma/nana to take photos for her grandchildren/ and children? I’m past the stage of playing in the park, but do love the outdoors?