F.A.Q | Tanya Velazquez Photography

Where should we have our portrait session?

Chicago has SO many great location options the sky’s the limit!

Your home is a great option for your family when the little ones are a bit shy.  Kids are much more comfortable when in their own element, so not only do they get to play with their favorite toys, but they also act more naturally. It’s also fun to have a photo of your home as it looks now so you can look back and say, “I’m really glad we got rid of that wallpaper” or “This was our first home.”

The beach is another great option for families who love to spend time at the lake to enjoy a nice picnic and the warm summer sun.  Beach sessions are really classic!

The downtown area is great for those cool and hip photos full of awesome textures, materials, and color.  I just can’t pass up a perfect exposed brick wall! Add some vines to it, and I’m in heaven!

Chicago really lends itself to “themed” sessions, too.  Consider an out-of-the-ordinary location, like say a super cute coffee shop, a neighborhood block party, the zoo, an old theater, or your favorite hot dog stand! As long as you’re in your favorite place and you’re having fun, there’s no way we can’t get those genuine smiles.

Do you provide “A Day In the Life” session?

Indeed I do.  ”A Day In The Life” session begins when your day begins. These sessions last up to 6 fun hours and document a typical day in your family’s life.  Whether it be from a visit with the grandparents to the local farmers’ market, or walks on the beach to playtime at your neighborhood park, I’ll capture all of it and retell that story in a nice coffee table photobook.  A Day In The Life sessions are one of my favorites because I document all those casual natural moments that pass by in the blink of an eye.

How do I schedule a portrait session for my awesome family?

Documenting your family requires a good relationship between the both of us– I mean you don’t need to know the guy who fixes your computer, but you’d want to know your child’s teacher.  So, we’d love to meet you and your family! First, give me a call or send me an email so we can set up a time to meet face-to-face and get a sense of whether or not we’re a good match. We can meet over a chai latte and chat about your family and about your dream session, or, if your schedule is a little hectic, we can always schedule a phone or Skype chat! If I’m the photographer for you, we’ll then pick a date and a location, or several.  To reserve a date, we’ll sign a portrait contract and $175 will save your date.  You can pay the remainder the day of the session.  Then we’ll count down the days until our awesome session and you check  “get a family photographer” off your to-do list!

Why should I hire a professional photographer? 

Good question. The answer is simple – quality. I received a Bachelor’s of Art with a concentration in photography from Baylor University. On top of my formal education, I’ve worked under established photographers as well as on my own for the past three years.  My family photography has been featured in blogs like Indie Tot, while my weddings/engagements have been featured in blogs like Middle of the Map Weddings.

Your photo session is a special occasion, and while kool-aid is great for kid’s on a summer day, you wouldn’t serve it at Thanksgiving.

Do I get a disc of the photos?

Always! They include 70-100 hi-resolution photos. All photos are fully edited, and come in both color and b/w. (So that’s like getting double the images you paid for because I don’t just convert the photos to b/w, I actually edit them separately.)  You also have the rights to print on your own, share on Facebook, or make baby announcements or Christmas cards.  The possibilities are endless. All I ask is that you don’t “edit” them yourself. See the Copyright question.

What is your copyright policy?

The images I provide are essentially for personal use only (printing, making photo albums, sharing on Facebook, etc.).  This means I retain the actual copyright and only I can use the photos for advertising purposes or to enter into a competition. So by all means, post your favorite photos to Facebook and share the love. (Giving credit can also be considered as spreading the love!)

Also, it means only I can alter the photos beyond basic cropping. So, re-editing the photos on Photoshop or on your awesome phone and then posting them is NOT okay.  Hopefully you’ll think your pictures are so cool anyway that you won’t want to change a thing!

Can I order prints from you?

Absolutely! All photos are printed on high quality fiber paper.  This paper will keep its color in perfect condition for at least 100 years.  It’s not the kind of print you can develop at your local pharmacy. The prints really are super nice and vibrant.  I use them for my own personal photos, too. We guarantee you’ll love them or they’re free!

How long is a typical session?

Capturing the right moments cannot be rushed, so sessions are typically 1-2 hours.  Sessions move at the speed of the family, and toddlers move fast!

What happens after the session?

2 weeks after the session I will email you a link to your personal gallery where you can choose your favorites and order from there!  We will also invite you and your family to come by the studio and look at some of our studio samples because touching a paper can make a load of difference, and we’ll give you your much anticipated disc of your lovely session photos.  Coming by makes the shopping experience less stressful!

What are your favorite products?

Albums are one of my favorite products to make and share. To me, it’s one of the best ways to tell your family’s story. Another contender for my favorite product would be a collage of framed prints. There’s no better way to say “classic” if you ask me.

Do you photograph weddings?

I do photograph weddings! Weddings deserve quality time, so in order to preserve high quality service I only agree to do a small number of weddings per year.  This ensures each bride/groom receives amazing photos and plenty of editing attention.  I know a thing or two about weddings and would love to share what I know to make everything stress free. Lets meet!  I know a great coffee shop with THE best chai latte in Chitown!! Just p.s…Wedding Collections start at just $950 and always include a disc of images and an amazing second photographer.

What should we wear?

I say let the kids dress themselves and prepare for fun family time. The best advice I could give would be to wear what you love, what makes you feel great, and don’t over think it. Take what you would wear on a trip to the farmers’ market on a lovely Sunday afternoon and add some fun accessories or a new pair of shoes! I’m a nut for layers! It really makes an outfit look put-together by just adding a cute cardigan. For men, I’d say a casual button down with crew neck sweater looks like he tried but not too hard. Don’t be afraid of color, a cute bright necklace or bracelet does wonders! Also try to avoid being too matchy-matchy. For example: 4 people + white shirts + khakis= not as super cute. Feel free to bring a couple options to change things up!

What if I still have questions ?

Give us a call!  We love meeting new families and would love to hear from  you!  Or fill out the contact form and shoot me a note.

 Should we have fun?

It wouldn’t be a Tanya Velazquez Photography session if it weren’t!

Favorite Movie quote?

“Great Scott!” I love Love LOVE Back to The Future. In fact, I can quote the trilogy in both Spanish and English.   Head over to my “about me“ page to find out more!