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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a session with you?
Once you reach out, I’ll send over all the details including pricing, availability, and next steps. A signed contract and retainer officially secure your date.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s your photography style?
I focus on natural, authentic moments with gentle guidance when needed. Think real connection, relaxed posing, and images that feel like you.
You never need to know what to do! I’ll guide you in a way that feels natural and comfortable so nothing feels stiff or forced.
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general Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the weather is unfavourable for an outdoor shoot?
I always keep a careful eye on the weather leading up to your session. I'll reach out to you if we need to coordinate rescheduling to another day.
Weddings are prebooking ahead and cannot be changed based on weather. However, I’m flexible and experienced with shifting timelines and weather. We’ll adapt and still create beautiful images no matter what.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How and when do we receive our photos?
Turnaround times vary by session type, but you’ll always receive a full online gallery within the timeframe outlined in your contract.
You will receive an email link with your online gallery including a download PIN which allows you to easy access and share all of your images.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do you do retouching?
As a candid and documentary-style photographer, I try to keep retouching to a minimum. I will typically lightly smooth skin for any close-up images, and I always will take out any obvious blemishes!
Please note that while Photoshop exists, photographers aren't magicians! Certain things aren't able to be edited out.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the retainer non-refundable? Is it transferrable?
The retainer is non-refundable because it serves as a commitment to reserve the time and services for a specific date. Photography involves a lot of planning and preparation, and once we book, I often turn away other potential clients. The retainer helps cover these initial costs and ensures that both of us are committed to the process. If a cancellation occurs, I may have already turned other client away and/or invested time and resources into planning your shoot, which is why I retain the retainer. This policy is standard practice in the industry, and it helps protect both of our commitments.
I totally understand that sometimes life happens and things come up where you're no longer able to make the scheduled session. Clients will be given one free rescheduling where your retainer is still valid. If the weather is pouring rain come your photoshoot date, we will definitely reschedule free of charge.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do you travel?
Yes! I love exploring new locations and am happy to travel. Travel fees may apply depending on distance.
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maternity & Newborn Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to book a maternity session?
Typically, I recommend reaching out when you are around 23-25 weeks pregnant or sooner. If you are going to be around the 29-36 week mark in the Spring/Summer months, I would suggest reaching out earlier rather than later because these months are usually my busiest. That way, you can make sure that if you have a specific date or month in mind, that I will still have availability.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should we wear for a maternity session?
Honestly, I don't have many requirements of what you should or shouldn't wear for your session. My biggest thing is that what you choose is something that you feel comfortable and confident in, as well as something that accentuates your beautiful baby bump.
Here are some suggestions of what I typically see clients wearing:
- Flowy maxi dress
- Form-fitting dress
- Bra/bandeau, jeans and a button up shirt
- Fitted skirt and sweater tucked in
Consider the time of year you're doing your session and the location of your session (ie. it's probably not ideal to wear a flowy sun dress for your Winter session or to wear a chunky sweater in the Summer)
If you have any questions or need help coming up with some outfit inspo, please let me know! I'm always available to help create a inspo board with some ideas that suit your specific session and style!
Generally speaking, I recommend avoiding very loud patterns, neon colours, or big logos on any items of clothing.
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general Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need to bring anything in particular to the maternity session?
The short answer is no, not if you don't want to. But some clients will bring the sonogram, a baby onesie or baby shoes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lifestyle newborn session vs. another newborn session?
The main difference is that a lifestyle newborn session is more about capturing baby with their new family and/or in their home environment. A non-lifestyle newborn session is usually at a studio space and requires a lot of careful posing and specific swaddling techniques as well as sometimes very elaborate backdrops and costuming. I currently only provide lifestyle newborn sessions.
If you have any other questions about lifestyle newborn vs newborn sessions, please let me know.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should we book the newborn photos?
I typically recommend we plan for 5-14 days after the due date. This is for a few reasons:
- To give mama some time to rest and recover
- To give the whole family some time to get used to the new routines.
- Baby is usually still very sleepy for the first couple weeks of being Earth-side, which makes it a bit easier to be able to move them around a little without too much fuss. This also creates a bit of a calmer environment for the parents and baby so everyone can really settle in and enjoy the moment.
- Baby is still very little which is the perfect time to capture those precious newborn moments
If the timing doesn't work out for the 5-14 days postpartum, don't worry! There's no right or wrong answers about how to capture those sweet moments with your newest addition. It's whatever works for you and your family!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do you do breastfeeding photos during newborn sessions?
We absolute can, but there is no pressure either way! It's whatever you feel comfortable with and what you want out of the session. If you do, please feed baby a bit beforehand so they're content for the rest of their session, and try to time your session with baby's feeding times if possible. I try to do these moments near the end of the session just so you're not in a rush to finish feeding baby so we can continue the rest of the session. It just helps take the pressure off you a little bit so I can just see myself out at the end after we wrap up!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What if baby comes early or late?
Just shoot me an email at SaraAckimenkoPhoto@gmail.com as soon as you know that baby might be coming early or if baby is running behind. We can work together to reschedule the session!
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maternity & Newborn Frequently Asked Questions
What should we wear for a newborn session?
Parents and other children should wear something with less pattern as to not draw too much attention away from the new babe. Typically more neutral or soft colours that will go beautiful with your baby's skin tone.
If you have any questions or need help coming up with some outfit inspo, please let me know! I'm always available to help create an inspo board with some ideas that suit your specific session and style!
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maternity & Newborn Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prep baby?
I usually suggest preparing the following:
-A white onesie is an easy go-to or any cute outfits or bows that you really love
- A couple different swaddle blankets
- Any sentimental or special items that you would like to include in the photos
- Make sure baby has been fed and changed prior to your session so that they feel happy and content!
If you're wanting to do it outdoors, please bring a cute basket that baby can fit in and some additional blankets.
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maternity & Newborn Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we do newborn sessions?
During the Spring/Summer months, if you'd like to do an outdoor location we can definitely make that happen!
If you're wanting to do an in-home session, that's always an extra sentimental option. Some tips on how to prep your home:
- Don't sweat tidying the whole house! Most clients like to have their photos done in their room, baby's room, or in a living room. Try to clear as much clutter in the area(s) you are hoping to do your photos.
- Light coloured bedding and clothing can really help to reflect light and make things appear brighter.
- In the editing process, I can help to make things appear brighter.
- Open up blinds and curtains to let as much natural light as possible.
- Aim to do your photos somewhere in your home that has the most natural lighting.
Some clients opt to skip any extra stress and don't want to do their session in-home. I also have a bunch of cozy studio options we can look into as well! Studios are a great option because all you have to do is show up, do the session and then head home! Stress-free experience and no clean up!
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