What is your cancellation/rescheduling policy?

Because our customers need a little time to prepare for their shoot, sessions are typically booked several weeks out. As a result, last-minute rescheduling and cancellations are hard on a portrait photography business, since it makes it nearly impossible to fill the spot again. Therefore, the following policies are in place:

The session fee is required in advance to reserve your requested date (and turn away other potential customers) and is, therefore, non-refundable. You may change the date or time of your session one time, up to two weeks before your appointment and 100% of your session fee may be applied to a new appointment. If you must reschedule within the window of 13 days – 48 hours before your appointment, 50% of your session fee will be forfeited and the remainder may be applied to a new appointment. This new appointment must take place within six months of the original one. The following will be considered a cancellation and your session fee will be forfeited: rescheduling more than once, canceling/rescheduling with less than 48 hours notice, or arriving more than 30 minutes late to your session. Exceptions to these policies may be made for illness. Rescheduling for bad weather is at the photographer’s discretion only. Sessions are typically rescheduled if steady rain or strong wind is in the forecast (determined about three hours before the session).

Your time is valuable, too, so if Jill has to reschedule your session for any reason other than bad weather or illness within two weeks of your session, Jill will credit you 50% of your session fee or give you a full refund of it if you choose to cancel.

How do I schedule a photography session?

Simply call or email to schedule your appointment and Jill will be happy to discuss the perfect location, clothing ideas and what you are looking to get out of your session.

Can I do my session outdoors?

Yes! Outdoor sessions may be held in your home or an outdoor location. They are very easygoing, usually lasting about 60 minutes. If using your home, Jill will have you show her around so that she can find the best light. If you’d like some family photographs, she’ll start with those and then move on to the more candid shots that involve your family living life, having fun and just being themselves. Outdoor sessions typically result in 40-45 final image to choose from.

Do you offer studio sessions?

Yes, we have a private studio that will accomodate up to five people. The studio is located in Elmhurst, just south of East Sacramento.

Can you tell me more about newborn sessions?

The best time to photograph your baby is around 5-14 days old. At this stage, the baby sleeps a lot and is most receptive to positioning. The session is very relaxed, usually lasting about 2-3 hours, allowing time for feedings and breaks. Newborn sessions are typically held in the studio but a “lifestyle” (interactive and loosely posed) session may be done in your home upon request. Parents and siblings are more than welcome to join in. Newborn sessions generally result in 40-50 final images. If you would like to book a session, please contact Jill during your pregnancy so that she can make some room in her schedule around your due date. The exact date of your session will be determined after your baby is born. If your little one has already arrived, please email as soon as you can so you can be scheduled before the “newborn stage” has passed.

What happens after the session?

Within two weeks following your session, you will be presented with artistically edited images in a private online gallery and shopping cart. Your images will be available to view for seven days, during which time your order is due. Purchased digital files are sent by download within five business days. Please allow 4-6 weeks for your printed order to be delivered to you. Rush deliveries are an option — please inquire about applicable fees.

Are prints and/or digital files included in the session fee?

No, Jill prefers to let the client choose exactly what they would like to have, separately from the session fee, instead of locking them into something that is part of a package.

Can I purchase the digital images from my session?

Yes! Digital images from your session gallery will be available for purchase. The high-res digital files are retouched and color-corrected and you may make unlimited prints from them for your personal use.

Can you recommend a location for my session?

Absolutely! Jill has scouted out a selection of beautiful locations which she will be happy to discuss with you.

What should we wear?

Selecting clothing can be easier than one would think… once you have a few tips under your belt. Your session fee includes a clothing inspiration guide which will greatly assist you in avoiding the dreaded “matching outfits” scenario our parents knew and loved, while still creating a fun and flattering combination of clothes. Jill is also more than happy to discuss clothing options and guide you in the right direction to suit your family’s personality.

Where can I find a full list of your products and prices?

To receive a complete list of our products (including digital images, prints, canvases and albums), please send an email inquiry through the website contact page.

When is the latest I can book a session in order to have my pictures delivered in time for Christmas?

Session Deadline for Prints – November 15th
Session Deadline for Digital Images – November 30th

Can I scan, screenshot or take pictures of my unpurchased proofs or purchased prints?

No. All images are copyrighted by the photographer, Jill Carmel. For any digital/online proofs that you have not yet purchased, it is illegal and unlawful to download, screenshot, copy, print, publish to the internet or reproduce Jill’s work in any manner or medium without written permission. Copyright also protects purchased prints from being scanned, photographed, copied or reproduced in any manner. However, if you have purchased digital images from us, you are welcome to crop or copy these images or post them to social media (please include image credit). If you plan to use purchased digital images in any kind of published work (like a magazine, book or online media), please contact the studio for permisssion.

I received a gift certificate. Can I return it or redeem it for cash?

Gift cards and gift certificates issued by Jill Carmel Photography are not redeemable for cash, have no cash value, and are nonrefundable. They are only redeemable for services and merchandise. Purchases made with the gift certificate will deducted from its value until the balance reaches zero. We do not replace lost, stolen or damaged gift certificates.