FAMILY COLLECTIONS - TCJ Design

THE FAMILY COLLECTIONS

WELCOME

GET TO KNOW Teresa’s STYLE

Hi! I’m Teresa. I am a lifestyle family and documentary photographer based in the Washington, DC area.

As a lifestyle family and documentary photographer, my sessions are interactive and a mix of candid and portrait images. Sessions include movement, so wear something that allows you to comfortably move and be ready for me to capture that authentic connection. Generally, I try to start my session with that photo grandma will love. I’ll ask everyone to look at the camera, and I’ll try to get that real posed smile photo knocked out while everyone in the family is fresh. If the kids aren’t into it right then, that’s OK. I’ll try to get that later in the session.

In my sessions, I LOVE giving you opportunities for connection, genuine emotion, and a variety of different looks and backdrops. I don’t want every image in your gallery to look the same. I also like playing with combinations: entire group together, all the kids with each parent, all the siblings together, girls together, guys together, solos of each kid, and end with an update shot of the parents. If you have special combinations you want together, just let me know. I’m happy to get it all in!

FAMILY COLLECTIONS

PORTRAIT (MATERNITY, MOTHERHOOD, FAMILY, MILESTONE)

Include:
Pre-session style consultation by email or zoom, wardrobe styling help + access to styling service, session in the client’s home or outdoor location.

THE PREMIER
COLLECTION

$700

60-75 minutes at a location of your choice and entire gallery of edited images (minimum 40)

This also includes consultation prior to session, access to my styling service, session fee, online gallery of edited images, and print release for all images. Only six people are allowed for these sessions. Returning clients get a 10% discount. Maryland sales tax will be added to the listed price.

THE KEEPSAKE
COLLECTION

$550

60 minutes at a location of your choice and your choice of 20 images from a gallery of edited images

THE PETITE
COLLECTION

$375

30 minutes at a location of your choice and your choice of 10 images from a gallery of edited images

This also includes consultation prior to session, access to my styling service, session fee, online gallery of edited images, and print release for all images. Only six people are allowed for these sessions. Returning clients get a 5% discount. Maryland sales tax will be added to the listed price. Clients can purchase prints in gallery store.

THE EXTENDED FAMILY
COLLECTION

$900

60-75 minutes at a location of your choice and entire gallery of edited images (minimum 40)

This also includes consultation prior to session, access to my styling service, session fee, online gallery of edited images, and print release for all images. Returning clients get a 10% discount. There is an additional cost of $20 per person for any extra family members above 12. Maryland sales tax will be added to the listed price.

ANNUAL TREE FARM SESSIONS

HELD IN OCTOBER OR NOVEMBER

$300

Includes 20-25 minutes at tree farm and your choice of 10 images from a gallery of edited images

This also includes consultation prior to session, access to my styling service, session fee, online gallery of edited images, and print release for all images. Only six people are allowed for these sessions. Due to the special pricing, there is no repeat client discount for these sessions. Date and backup date chosen by photographer and held in the fall. Maryland sales tax will be added to the listed price.

A LA CARTE

Additional Digital Image $20

Upgrade for entire gallery $175

Additional family member $20

Wooden thumb drive of images $35

Prints available in your gallery. Albums also available.

LET’S CONNECT

After photographing hundreds of family sessions over the past few years, I have learned it’s essential to make sure you understand my style and process to ensure I am the perfect fit for your family. So step one after you email me is my client survey.

I’ll get to know about your family. Who will be at the session and what are you looking for in me as a photographer? What drew you to me?

MY STYLE: THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCATION

Once your date is reserved and you are booked, we’ll connect to start chatting about possible locations for your session. I love movement in my sessions, and I like locations that give me a few different looks to add some diversity to your portfolio. I’ll ask you about the vibe you want: rustic or a field, clean or fun urban, beach or water, or even in your home? Are there walking limitations? Do we need seating options? Are you willing to pay for a permit for a unique less crowded location? Some locations are better in the mornings while others are better in the evening. I do a lot of research to make sure you have the best light to get the best images for you and your family’s needs.

WARDROBE STYLING

If picking out outfits for photos takes you back to your high school days when you literally tried on everything in your closet and piled it on your bed but still felt like you had nothing to wear, you’re in luck.

I subscribe to a styling app that helps you plan every outfit for your session; you pick a vibe for the dress, choose two color schemes, and add the ages of the people in the session. It will generate outfit suggestions, and you can look for similar items in your closets at home or even purchase items through the links in the website! Remember the key is to coordinate, not match!

THE SESSION

The week of your session, I will be in touch to touch base about weather and time. Forty-eight hours out when there is an accurate forecast, we’ll confirm any issues. Hopefully, weather cooperates! Because Maryland weather is so finicky, I always try to book a backup date when you book.

Remember, I have a lot of movement in my sessions so make sure everyone has comfortable shoes. If kids are involved, I really let them lead, so try not to stress. Put a smile on your face, and be ready for fun!

DELIVERY

All images from our sessions are typically delivered within about three weeks of the shoot date via an online gallery. If you purchased the entire gallery, you will get a download code and be able to share your gallery with friends and family immediately.

If you chose a set number of images, you can choose to upgrade your gallery or you will pick your favorites and receive them in a separate email with download links.

All print orders are placed right through the website itself. If you have a print credit with your package, you’ll be able to enter your code and use that credit toward your purchase.

FAQ

How far in advance should we book?

The sooner the better! My weddings book a year out, and I try to make sure I leave some time open to attend my kids’ sports on Saturday mornings. With three kids, weekends tend to fill up pretty quickly – especially during the spring and fall, so the sooner you reach out to me, the more likely you are to get your desired date! Remember I always ask for a backup date, too, so we are prepared with weather issues. In January and February, I take only a few sessions, and they are usually newborn or in-home sessions. Starting in March or April, I take 2-3 sessions per month. Due to client requests, I’ll probably hold National Mall Minis in the spring and then again in early to mid August. Tree farm minis usually open at the end of July and book within days. For fall sessions, book by the end of August.

To reserve your date, you’ll fill out a survey, complete a contract, and place a deposit to reserve your date. Deposits are half of your package. The other half of your fee is due the day before your session.

FAQ

WE’RE AWKWARD AND MY KIDS DON’T SIT STILL.

Unless you’ve modeled professionally, you’re probably going to feel awkward in front of the camera. Heck, I take photos for a living and I even feel like a deer in the headlights when I am in front of the camera.

I have found the key for me to feel comfortable in front of the camera is to include movement and to find ways to be natural, so I try to include movement and prompts to get more natural emotions and actions in all of my family sessions. You’re going to feel awkward at first, but as the session goes on, I will coach you through the session; hopefully, you leave thinking that being photographed can actually be fun. And don’t worry about your kids. I am well versed in capturing even the busiest of little ones. Just keep a smile on your face!

FAQ

WHAT IF IT RAINS?

No one wants to look like a wet dog in their photos so if it looks like it’s going to rain, snow, hail or some other weather catastrophe, I’ll be in touch via email or phone to reschedule.

Often, when we’re scheduling our initial portrait session date, if it works for our calendars, I actually set up both a main date and a rain date just to make sure I don’t have to postpone your session for very long if the weather is bad on the original date.

FAQ

How will we receive our photos?

Within three weeks of your session, you’ll receive a link to a digital gallery that will allow you to view your images images. Depending on what package you purchased, you may be able to download your images immediately!

The gallery is also set up to make ordering prints, canvases and other keepsakes easy for you or family.

READY TO BEGIN?

CONTACT Teresa TO RESERVE YOUR DATE

I am so honored that you’re considering working with me to capture your family. To officially reserve your date, please complete the form below or send an email to Teresa (teresa@tcjdesign.com), with your names, number of family members, ideal date and anything else we should know. We can’t wait to work with you!