faqs

I want to book a session.. how do I do that?
email - samantha@samanthamariephotographymaine.com
phone - 207.554.0218
facebook! - facebook.com/samanthamariephotography

how far out should I book a session?
weekdays can be booked with about a week's notice, but weekends book up quite quickly. currently, sessions are booking 4-6 weeks out.

best Chuck Norris fact you've heard?
fear of spiders is called arachnophobia, fear of tight spaces is called claustrophobia, fear of Chuck Norris is called logic. 2nd place - There used to be a street called Chuck Norris, but no one crosses Chuck Norris and lives.

where do you do the session?
anywhere you want, as long as it's outside! newborn photos can be done in the nursery though. Inside options have to be checked out first for light/backgrounds. if you absolutely want inside photos, I highly recommend the Nordic Heritage Center. although I'd rather have gorgeous Maine scenery over inside shots any day!

how long does it take to see the photos?
with your permission, I should be able to get a couple of 'teaser' images on facebook within a day or two of the session, with my faves being put up a few days after that. the DVD should be sent out within 2-3 weeks of your session!

I love the photos we had done! can I use this one as my profile picture on facebook/email it to friends/show everyone I know?
of course! preferably, it would be awesome if you left the watermark on there. also, once you have the instaproofs link, you can send that around to anyone you would like, and if they would like prints, instead of making you pay hundreds of dollars so everyone can have prints, they have the option of ordering their own.

your boudoir photos are great! but I'm a dude.. would you do photos like that of me?
I currently don't offer 'dudeoir' but good luck in finding someone who does! ;)

can I print them myself?
yes, I include a non-commercial print release but NOT a copyright release, meaning you can print photos but cannot change them in anyway, or make money off of them. Do NOT right click + save from facebook, as they're watermarked and a lower resolution than what's on the CD.

if the session runs over the allotted time how much, if any, is the extra charge?
if the session runs over the allotted time by 5-10 minutes or so, there is no extra charge. if it runs over the time, by over 10 minutes a $20 fee will be added.

if I'm late to my session, does the session time start when I'm there, or when I'm supposed to be there?
if you have an hour long session that is supposed to go from 2-3, but you don't show up until 2:15, your time will still end at 3. If I don't have another session or some place to be right after your session, then it is at my discretion if I will go longer.

I'm collecting items for a silent auction benefit, would you be willing to donate something?
yes! email me directly at smariewhite@gmail.com and I will either send you a gift certificate, or a code for a print.

cats or dogs?
cats! or big dogs - like rotties and pits!

my cousin/sister/friend is getting married/having a baby/just got engaged! do you offer gift certificates?
yes, and they are the perfect gift! they are available for sessions, prints and any combination you can think of. they also don't have an expiration date, which makes it even easier!

can I bring my pet to the session?
absolutely! make sure to mention that when you book a session, as some places don't allow animals, and I can be more prepared with toys and whatnot as well.

how should we dress?
do NOT go out and buy a whole new wardrobe! to make sure your photos aren't outdated with a few months, simple, textured apparel that reflect your personality is recommended. For example: jeans, t-shirts with cardigans, nice jewelry, etc. always choose clothes that fit properly and make you feel good, but try to avoid clothes with strong patterns, logos or high-contrast stripes. and definitely try to stay away from everyone wearing the exact same color! mix it up a little, and the photos will be much more interesting. you should also stay away from hats, extremely tight clothes that may leave marks on skin, and colors/patterns that clash - example bright orange and purple.

I won a session in a contest/giveaway, do I get a CD?
yes, all sessions (paid for or given away) receive a CD with the best photos.

do you print photos? are there print packages?
yes, i can! i order through a professional lab, and deliver the photos personally or send them to your mailing address. there are a few print packages available as well.

pirates or ninjas?
pirates. but I like zombies better than both.

do you offer a military discount?
yes!all military families + couples will receive 10% off the session price as well as prints.

How long do you keep photos on file if I want to re-order prints?
I keep all files on an external hard drive and will never delete them.

Is there a certain amount of people allowed at a session?
there are no limits, I just ask that if people are not IN photos that they don't distract those who are. this includes: moving them, taking your own photos, telling them to say "cheese," etc. if you have multiple families/very large group, an hour long session may be needed just to make sure all photos that are wanted are taken.

How many outfits can I bring?
one base outfit plus accessories/things to layer is perfect! little ones probably wouldn't handle too many full outfit changes, but adding a vest to a long sleeve shirt is different.

I love your work! but I live in Portland/Bangor/some other town.. do you travel?
yes, and I love to travel! I usually go to Bangor at least once a month, and Portland every few months. one way to ensure I will be in your area is to get a certain amount of people together for portraits. contact me for exact details such as travel fees, dates, etc.

fave video game?
angry birds, it was plants vs. zombies but I beat it!

What happens if you book a session with your small child and/or pet, and the child and/or pet doesn't really want to cooperate?
if your little one/pet doesn't cooperate as much as you would like, some of your favorite photos still may be produced! some parents have a certain image in their mind of what the photos should look like, but when you let the child/pet do what they want they'll be happier and show much more personality. if after the session/images viewing and you aren't happy with any of them, I will offer one re-shoot. to ensure you're happy the first time, plan sessions around your child's nap times.

Can we bring props, and do some of our ideas?
yes and yes! if you plan on bringing props, let me know ahead of time as I may have somethings to go with your session as well. and I welcome your ideas!