What to Expect: Akoma Studios Photoshoots

A long time ago…

We would meet you at said location and said time and take pictures. We might know your general purpose of the photos but beyond that we didn’t know anything. We wouldn’t know why you wanted the pictures, what you wanted to accomplish… who you were.

… and it stunk. The pictures were not great. We were not satisfied and we almost quit photography all together.

So we changed 2 BIG things

  1. Have you every wondered how magazine pictures turn out so well? Just like anything else that turns out well… it is generally because you plan it. We updated our process to include planning and customization of your photoshoot.

  2. Have you ever put off having your picture taken? Having your picture taken can be stressful, a huge confidence boost and everything in between. We have since changed how we plan the shoot and get to know you- and then bring out the best you in your session.

The process details…

Please note this is a basic process that may be adjusted slightly based on the specific services you choose.

  • You did it! You decided you want a photoshoot and something about us is of interest.

    Amazing. Love it.

    Don’t stop here… head on over to our contact page to fill out the design my shoot form.

    Once I receive your form I will send you more details of the services we offer and pricing options. You will have an opportunity to schedule a quick 20 minute meeting to get any questions answered, get to know us more and decide if you want to move forward with as session.

  • Will we or won’t we? Okay… so this is not a movie and we are not a couple that is meeting for the first time. But… we are two groups meeting at the beginning of something fabulous.

    On this call we will discuss what services you are looking for, what I can offer, more detailed pricing and if you want to move forward.

    When you decide to move forward (hopefully on this call!) 50% of your session fee as a retainer is required to book your shoot and 50% is due by the day of the shoot. We will also schedule your consultation (photoshoot planning sesion) at that time.

  • Once you confirm you would like to move forward with the session we will schedule your planning session… or meeting of the minds.

    Prior to this meeting I will have sent you some questions to complete and an assignment of some visuals to gather. Please do not feel like you will get stuck here… just answer things with your gut … and maybe a little bit of fulfilling that unwritten wish you have (i.e. wearing that amazing dress) and we will review everything at the planning session.

    At the session we will review your homework and several other visuals to plan your shoot. No worries about noting anything or making lists to prepare- we have several guides that will make preparing for your photoshoot a breeze.. We will discuss outfits, hair and make up, backdrop/location and any props needed. The awesome thing about this is on the day of your shoot you can arrive rested and ready to have fun because we have already planned everything with you.

    We invite you during this entire process to text us with outfit ideas or any other questions. We want you to know that you are in good hands and we are ready to walk you through this amazing experience.

  • Get as much sleep as you can and drink lots of water leading up to this. It helps your skin, seriously.

    This is where all the magic we have been working for comes in to play. You get to show up knowing I am ready to support you however you need whether that be posing you from head to toe or infusing some fun and energy. As you know we already have everything planned so you don’t have a thing to worry about.

    Please plan on 30-60 minutes for a headshot session, 90-120 minutes for other portrait sessions and add at least 90 additional minutes for hair and make up. We are happy to discuss if a shorter time frame is needed. Please note that this will not change the current fee structure but may affect the number of photos shown at your reveal.

  • After your shoot we are going to review all of the photos we created together and pick out your best ones. We will put these through our retouch process based on preferences we discussed in the consultation. We want everything to be amazing when you see it.

  • This is a celebration. Of you. Of your story. Of leaving a legacy. This is your opportunity to join us back at the studio or online to review and select your retouched portraits. Your session fee may have already included some items. You are welcome to upgrade or add items from the ala carte menu or keep your original purchase. We are so grateful to have your client and only wish that your purchase what you love.

    Depending on your requested product and additional edits your digital files may be available on this day.

  • I like to call this ‘the proof’ because this experience is amazing. You are long overdue to give yourself a minute to feel pampered and special. Or maybe being in front of the camera will be a big challenge. Having these photos is a reminder, proof of just that. You are worth taking the time to pamper yourself for the day. You can challenge yourself to do hard things. Having this proof can help you in hard times and also help give you the courage for other challenges in life.

    I have had clients tell me they have looked back at their photos to remember what a great day they had, what it felt like to be in confidence or to remind themselves they can do big things. And beyond that photos are our legacy. For most of us that will be all that is left after we are gone and make no mistake- they will mean alot to your future.

    Your physical photos should be ready 4-10 weeks after ordering… depending on what you order. We will iron out those details at the Premiere and keep you apprised of any changes. We can’t wait for you to see yourself in a new way. Who knows what else this may change for your future? We can’t wait to see.

Design My Shoot