FAQ
Welcome to our ultimate FAQ guide! These answers will help you understand everything about our services at Cedar + Moss Studios. We’ve covered everything from pricing details to pet policies so you can focus on capturing those beautiful moments.
What Do You Charge?
Curious about our pricing? We've got you covered. All our pricing info can be found here. Visit the link to get all the details on our various packages, whether you're looking for wedding photography, family portraits, or anything in between.
What Services Do You Offer?
At Cedar + Moss Studios, we specialize in a wide range of photography services:
Weddings: Capture your special day with our expert wedding photography.
Bellies and Babies: From maternity to newborn photography, we've got you covered.
Headshots and Branding: Perfect for professionals looking to make a lasting impression.
Boudoir: Celebrate your beauty with a boudoir session.
We cater to every milestone, ensuring your memories are captured beautifully.
How Do You Describe Your Photography Style?
Our photography style is authentic and candid. We love to capture genuine moments while providing gentle guidance and direction for portraits and group photos. Think of it as capturing life as it happens, with just a bit of help to make sure everyone looks their best!
What If There Is Inclement Weather for Our Scheduled Session?
Outdoor sessions have their challenges, especially when it comes to weather. If it's extremely hot, raining heavily, or too cold, we'll reschedule to ensure everyone is comfortable. We'll be in touch on the day of the session to discuss any issues. Typically, sessions are called off about three hours prior if needed. Overcast skies? No problem—we'll proceed as planned! Read our weather blog here…
How Long Is the Turnaround Time for Our Gallery?
Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to photo editing! Our turnaround times are as follows:
Portrait Sessions: 2-3 weeks
Weddings: 6-8 weeks
We want to make sure every image is perfect for you, so we appreciate your patience.
Do You Provide the Original Unedited RAW Image Files?
We take pride in editing your images to improve lighting, contrast, sharpness, and color. Because of this, we do not provide the unedited RAW files. Trust us, the final edited images will be worth the wait! Here’s a blog post more about this…
I Can't Afford Your Pricing. Can I Have a Discount?
First off, we’re flattered you're interested! We understand that pricing can be a concern, and we're open to working with you. Tell us what you're looking for—hours, number of images, locations—and your budget. We can also discuss payment installments, so you don't have to pay everything upfront.
Do You Offer Gift Cards?
Yes, we do! You can purchase gift cards in any amount you choose. They make the perfect gift for friends and family who cherish beautiful moments. You can opt for a digital gift card or a hard copy that can be picked up from the studio. Check out our Gift Card Page for all the details.
Do You Allow Pets?
Unfortunately, due to our landlord's policy, we cannot allow dogs into the studio.
For outdoor sessions, well-trained pets are welcome! Just plan for your pet to be involved in part of the session and have someone available to take care of them when they're not in front of the camera. We want to focus on capturing the best shots without distractions.
Do You Do Cake Smashes or Have Prop-Themed Sessions?
We do not use props in our studio as it takes away from focusing on your family or child. However, if you'd like to bring something meaningful to be photographed, please inform us beforehand so we can plan accordingly. Unfortunately, we do not offer or allow cake smash sessions.
What Does the Studio Look Like?
Our studio is set up to look like a home, offering both cozy spots and clean, white walls for a versatile backdrop. Each scene remains consistent for every booked session. Curious? You can view the studio setup here.
What Should We Wear for the Session?
First things first—don’t stress! Seriously. Clothes don’t make the photo. YOU do. That said, if you’re looking for a little guidance to ease your mind, here are my top tips for nailing the outfit game:
Bottom line? Wear what makes you happy. Photos filled with genuine smiles always shine brighter than perfect outfits. If you’re not totally sure, send me pictures of your options—we are happy to help! Here’s a full styling blog with tips on how to use our styling service!
I Just Want a Few Pictures. Why Don’t You Offer That?
Oh, we totally get the idea of “just a few pictures.” But here’s the deal—it’s kind of like saying you’re heading to Target just for milk. Ever actually done that? Nope, me neither.
You walk in for one thing and suddenly, whoops, you’re leaving with a candle, those adorable seasonal kitchen towels, and a throw pillow you didn’t know you needed. (Sound familiar?)
Photographs work the same way! The beauty of a session comes through in the variety, the candid moments, and the connections captured. That’s why we offer two types of sessions:
Simple Sessions—A bit shorter, fewer final images, fewer people. Perfect for smaller groups or when time is of the essence.
Full Sessions—More time, more images, and plenty of opportunities to capture everyone—whether it’s family, friends, or just you.
Whatever you choose, you’ll leave with more than “just a few pictures.” You’ll leave with a collection of memories you’ll treasure forever.
What Time Do the Sessions Take Place?
Timing is everything when it comes to beautiful photos! Here’s how it works:
Outdoor Sessions happen about an hour before sunset for that stunning golden hour glow.
Indoor Sessions are scheduled between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., depending on the season, to make the best use of natural light.
Now, we know golden hour might not jive with your little ones’ bedtime (because toddlers don’t care about optimal lighting). If that’s the case, our cozy New Lenox natural light studio is a perfect alternative for earlier snuggly and playful sessions. Need more info on why we chose this type of light? Read this..
Can You Photoshop Me to Look a Few Years Younger and a Few Kilos Lighter?
Ah, the magic of technology. But here’s the thing—we are all about celebrating you exactly as you are!
We will edit your photos to enhance colors, contrast, and exposure, and we are more than happy to fix minor blemishes if you’d like. But we won’t change your hair, remove tan lines, or shave five years off your face. Why? Because your real, beautiful, authentic self deserves to shine.
If additional retouching is a must-have (hey, we get it!), wee can talk about what you would like done for an additional fee. Just give us a heads up!
Holy Moly, That’s a Lot of Info! What If I Still Have Questions?
No problem! Seriously, we are here to help. Drop us a message anytime, and we will happily answer whatever questions you’ve got. No question is too big, small, or silly.
OK, I’m All-In! How Do I Book a Session?
Yay—you’ve made our day! 🥳 Booking is super easy:
Send us a quick message, and we will get in touch to start chatting over the details.
We will send you a quote and an online client contract. Review, sign, and pay a 50% deposit to lock in your date. (For newborn photos, this will be aligned with your due date.)
We will send you a little questionnaire to get to know your family better so the session feels uniquely yours!
That’s it—you’re officially booked! Now it’s time to get excited about your session and maybe start practicing those smiles in the mirror (kidding, but not really).
Let's Make Magic Happen
Your session is about capturing your unique story, your love, and those little in-between moments that mean the world. Whether it’s golden-hour giggles or cozy studio snuggles, we are here to make the process as fun and stress-free as possible.
Have any other questions? Want to get that booking locked in? Hit that message button, and let’s create something wonderful together!
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We hope this FAQ has answered all your burning questions! If you're ready to book a session or need more information, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's create some beautiful memories together!
