What to expect
From your first message to the moment your gallery lands — here's exactly how a portrait session works.
Six steps, start to finish
You reach out
Send a message or use the form below. Tell me what you're thinking — session type, timing, any ideas you have. There's no wrong thing to say, and nothing you need to have figured out yet. I'll respond within 24 hours.
The consultation call (free, no obligation)
A 20–30 minute conversation — by phone, video, or in person, whatever works for you. We talk about what you're going for, what you're nervous about, location options, and anything else on your mind. Nothing is scheduled until it feels like the right fit.
Planning and prep
Once we book, I'll send a session prep guide — what to wear, how to coordinate outfits for family sessions, which locations are working well right now, and how to get everyone in the right headspace. For family sessions, I'll also share specific tips for managing kids of different ages on the day of.
The session itself
Sessions start slow and relaxed. I give light posing direction to get things going, then step back and let moments happen naturally — the real laugh, the spontaneous hug, the quiet look between two people. I'll show you back-of-camera previews throughout so you can see what's working. If kids need a snack break or a toddler has a meltdown, we roll with it. There's no clock pressure.
Editing and delivery
Images are professionally edited and color-graded to look polished but still natural — like an elevated version of you, not a filtered stranger. Your gallery is delivered via a private, password-protected link within 2–3 weeks. Rush delivery (within one week) is available as an add-on.
Your images, your rights
The print release that comes with your gallery gives you full rights to print, share, and use your images however you choose — no coming back to ask permission, no watermarks, no restrictions. I'll also include personalized recommendations for which images print best at large wall sizes.
What "unhurried" actually means
A lot of portrait sessions feel like a sprint — hit the poses, get the shots, wrap up in an hour. I understand why photographers work that way, but I've found the best images don't happen in that environment.
When people feel rushed, they perform. When they have space to relax, they forget about the camera. The goal of building extra time into every session isn't to use all of it — it's to make sure we never need to fight for it. The moments worth photographing tend to show up right after everyone stops trying to make them happen.
If your kids don't cooperate, if the light is better somewhere else, if we want to try something different — there's room for all of it. That flexibility is built into the session from the start.
Things people usually ask
Where do sessions take place?
Wherever makes the most sense for your session. Outdoor locations around Austin — parks, greenbelts, urban spots — tend to produce beautiful, timeless images. Studio sessions are also available for a more controlled environment. During the consultation we'll talk through options and pick what fits your style and the look you're going for.
What should we wear?
The prep guide covers this in detail, but the short answer: coordinate without matching, and wear things you actually feel good in. Avoid big logos or busy patterns. For families, picking a color palette (rather than identical outfits) tends to look the most natural and timeless. I'll share examples during the consultation if it's helpful.
What if my kids won't cooperate?
This is the number one concern I hear from parents, and it's almost never as bad as they fear. Kids respond differently when a session isn't rushed — they get curious, they play, they forget to be self-conscious. I've worked with toddlers having meltdowns, teenagers who didn't want to be there, and everything in between. We'll get good images. Bring snacks.
How many images do we get?
Package image counts are listed on the pricing page. These are minimums — I deliver every image from the session that's worth keeping, and you can purchase additional edits from the full gallery at $35 per image. You'll never be artificially limited to a small number just to push add-on sales.
How long until we get our images?
Standard turnaround is 2–3 weeks from your session date. Rush delivery (within one week) is available for $100. I'll let you know during the session if I anticipate anything outside that range.
Can I print the images anywhere?
Yes — your full print release means you can take the digital files to any printer, online or in person, and order any size you like without restriction. I'll send recommendations for print labs that consistently produce great results.
What's the cancellation policy?
Life happens. If you need to reschedule, reach out as early as you can and we'll find a new date. The consultation is always free and comes with no obligation to book.
Start with a conversation
Free, no commitment, no obligation. Fill out the form below or reach out directly by email. I'll respond within 24 hours.
Schedule directly:
Or send a message:
Prefer email directly? joshua@imaginethemagic.com