Q: What sets you apart from other photographers and studios in the area?

A: We are a small, family-owned and run studio. Our portrait experience is unique and specifically crafted to create the best environment for you and your family to feel excited about your portrait session and look forward to getting in front of the camera.

I, Derek, have been honing my craft of portrait photography for nearly two decades and truly have a skill for creating authentic and beautiful art for your family. I am here to help you through the entire process and ease anything that makes you hesitant to have your portrait taken. “I don’t take good pictures” is my most common phrase from parents and professionals. That’s fine, I’m an expert at creating quality portraits, so leave it up to me and my team. We will ensure an experience you will find is quite different and refreshing.

Q: Do you have weekend and weekday appointments available?

A: Yes. We are available on weekdays and weekends to provide the most flexible scheduling options possible for our customers.

Q: Are all the photos taken going to be formal and posed or will there be candid shots too?

A: We have fun in the sessions, some of the portraits are more timeless and heirloom while many are candid and reflect the authenticity of your family. Each session lasts 30 minutes to one hour and gives us ample time to give you choices of how to see your family.

Q: Are all the images retouched?

A: All images ordered are professionally retouched. Which includes slight smoothing of the skin, deep creasing, and flyaway hair. We do not modify the subjects in the photos with “nips and tucks” or remove scars, tattoos, or moles unless requested by you.

Q: Can we bring our family pet to be in our portrait?

A: Absolutely. Our studio is pet friendly. We understand that pets are a part of families. If you are interested in having a session with your pet, please discuss that with the photographer before the day of your session.

Q: How long does it take to get our images back?

A: Prints, Canvases, Acrylics, and other art may take 4-12 weeks for delivery depending on the product, the lab, and the shipping time.

Q: How long will I be in the studio?

A: Plan for about 1-1.5 hours in the studio with about 45 minutes to an hour with the portrait artist on set.

Q: Is there a separate space for wardrobe changes?

A: Yes. We have a full-service studio complete with a full dressing room and a selection of clothing from maternity dresses to young men’s and men’s shirts and lots of props, wraps, scarves, and accessories for babies and children. Our dressing room is your own haven to prepare and change comfortably, and privately during your session.

Q: Are you experienced in photographing children who are especially active or have special needs?

A: Yes. We photograph families at almost every session. Children who are especially active or have special needs are photographed with care and attention to their individuality and is no stress to the photographer. The photographer’s assistant will be scheduled for these sessions to assist and your family will be the only others in the studio other than our small staff to help.

Q: Will I get to choose what images of me, or my family are used for your promotional purposes?

A: You will see all of your images on the day of your Viewing and Ordering Appointment. If you prefer that we not use your images, please make it known on the day of your appointment. Otherwise, all images are the property of McClelland Portrait Art and will be used at the discretion of the photographer as needed for promotional purposes.

Q: What steps do you take to reduce the spread of germs and communicable diseases?

A: Our studio is kept clean, and we sanitize all props between sessions. I’m a parent to a child with severe asthma and understand the need for clean air and sanitation. We use a local cleaning company as well as cleaning between each session for your comfort and safety.

Q: What is the purpose of the Reservation Fee? 

A: Being a parent as well, my time with my children and family is important. I want to ensure I don’t end up in the studio alone on the day of your session when I could be with them. The reservation fee is to hold your place on our calendar and to help minimize no-shows. It will be applied to your purchase on the day of your Viewing and Ordering Appointment.

Q: Is the Reservation Fee refundable?

A: The Reservation Fee is held as a credit for you to apply to the purchase of your portrait collection. This will go towards the final order that will consist of your session fee and the custom portrait art that you choose.

Q: Can I reschedule?

A: You can reschedule once with at least 10 days’ notice before the reservation fee is no longer available to hold your date on the calendar and we will need to get another reservation fee to hold a 3rd date.

Q: How many images do I get free when I book a session with your promotions?

A: The Images are not part of the promotion. You will get the complimentary session ($200 value) and the credit offered in the promotion to apply to your purchase of any of our collections on the day of your viewing and ordering session.

Q: Am I required to order on the day of my viewing and ordering session?

A: To apply the credit offered in our promotion you will need to order your portrait collection on the day of your Viewing and Ordering Appointment. If for some reason you are not able to purchase the day of, we do hold the images for 28 days and can schedule another Viewing Appointment for you to come back in. There is a minimum purchase deposit required to reschedule another Viewing and Ordering Appointment.

Q: Do I have to order my prints and wall art from you?

A: Yes. Each one of our portraits is an original work of art, from the artistry and mastery of the art to the materials we use to craft each piece to your specifications. We use professional labs that do not serve the public. Our editing software printed in a professional lab will ensure the highest quality of your images. 

Q: Do you offer a payment plan?

A: Yes, we offer several “buy now, pay later” options.

We utilize AfterPay, Klarna, and Affirm for your convenience and at no cost to you. With this option you purchase today, and your order is processed immediately and sent to production.

We also offer an in-house auto-draft payment plan, interest-free for up to 90 days from the day of your session. Your order will not be processed until the final payment is made, and this will delay retouch, printing, and the delivery of your order. 

Q: How many outfits do I need to bring?

A: This will depend on the type of session you are booking. For most portrait sessions in the studio, we recommend you bring 3-5 outfits for the photographer to see and decide what will work best for your session. We will go over all of this during your Planning Appointment.

Q: When do I view the photos taken at my session?

A: During your Planning Appointment, we will schedule a separate date and time, usually within 3-5 days of your session, for you to come back to the studio for a Viewing and Ordering Appointment.

Q: How many photos will be taken of my family?

A: We will have approximately 35-50 images for you to see on our screen on the day of your Viewing and Ordering Appointment.

Q: Do you provide a hair and makeup artist for the session?

A: We do have a list of recommended Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists that we would be happy to connect you with. We do have a full dressing room and would be happy to host your chosen artist.

If you prefer we take care of your arrangements, we would be happy to schedule and coordinate our preferred and chosen artist for a no-hassle, full-service experience. Charges vary depending on the services needed. Schedule a Planning Appointment consultation here.

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