FAQ

Before You Book:

What camera do you use?

Currently, I shoot with a gorgeous Canon 5D Mark II. It’s perfect. I love it. With all my heart.

How would you describe your style?

I feel like I’m a guerrilla family photographer. I’m not so interested in photos with everyone smiling and looking at the camera (although, no worries- I WILL get at least one of those). I’m much more interested in documenting your relationships, in showing who you really are at this exact moment. I’m interested in having a whole lot of fun. I’ll be down in the trenches, on my belly, standing on chairs. I’ll be goofy, I’ll be quiet. I’ll do what it takes to get the real you to come out on camera.

Photo Sessions:

How long do portrait sessions take?

Portrait sessions take as long as you’d like them to take. They usually require 2 hours. This ensures you and your family get comfortable in front of the camera. It allows the real you to come through.

How can I prepare?

• You can prepare for the session by making sure everyone is well-fed, well-rested and as happy as possible. Happy subjects make for a happy session.
• If the session is to take place at your house, think about where the best light can be found in your house. You can also scope out fun locations nearby, so we can venture outside, weather permitting.
• Think about props you want to include in your session- toys, books, food, instruments, pets- whatever reflects you and your family.
• Pack extra clothes for accidents or a mid-session costume change.
• Remember bribes for kids to keep them their sweet, silly selves throughout the session- sweets work remarkably well!
• Most of all, relax before the session! It’ll be fun! I promise! And you’ll get wonderful photos of you and your family! And absolutely no stress! Really!

Ordering:

Are there any…more?

During the session, I take a lot of photos, but I only edit the best ones. So, yes- there are MORE photos than those I have posted, but for whatever reason (bad light, missing a head, eyes are shut, etc.) they weren’t good enough to show you. My standards are high. I’ve chosen the photos that show you and your family in the best light. Trust me.

What should I order?

I always think of my sessions as story- so I suggest ordering from your session so that the story is told. I’m a huge advocate of ordering the slideshow, albums, and storyboards as they’ll tell the story better than a single print. These are only suggestions, of course! Order as you want!

Can we get these in black and white? Or vice versa?

You can ask me to convert any color photo to BW, but I don’t recommend converting BW photos to color. The BW photo will be counted as a separate proof from the color photo with regards to ordering and invoicing.

How many proofs will I get?

A typical portrait session delivers 40-50 proofs, a party 80-100, and a wedding 500-600.

What is a minimum order?

A minimum order is least amount of product you have to order for your particular session. Portrait sessions, events, and weddings have different minimum orders. Please see the price list for more information. Minimum orders from different sessions may not be combined. Each session is an individual project- credit from one cannot be used for another session.

How do I order?

You can order two ways- directly from the proof website or by sending me a list of what you’d like to order via email (sarah(at)pikkuarkki.com). If you’re ordering digital files, storyboards, or photo albums, I suggest emailing me so we can discuss what you’d like specifically.

How do I pay?

You can pay via either bank transfer or PayPal. Indicate the way in which you’d like to be invoiced, and I’ll invoice you accordingly. If you are ordering directly through the website, you can only pay via PayPal.

After Your Order:

Can I edit the digital proofs (jpeg’s) I’ve ordered?

Although you’ve purchased the right to make private copies of the photo, I still own the copyright on all my images. That means images cannot be altered. This includes BW conversion.

Where are the best frames?

I swear by Ikea’s frames, especially their Ribba selection, which are pre-matted. All of the sizes on my price list have corresponding Ikea frames. Ikea also sells square frames if you’d like a different size print. No, this is not a paid advertisement. I just love them.

Where should I get prints?

If you’ve bought a digital proof, you can print a thousand photos and not need to pay me an extra cent. Heck, you can print a thousand and one. But you’ll want to print them somewhere that shows off their quality. There is a difference!

Americans should consider using mpix.com, Finns can look into ifolor.fi, and Brits might like DSCL.  Good luck!