Frequently asked questions about sessions

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What should I expect when I book a photo session with Heidi Timmons Photography?     

When booking with Heidi Timmons Photography, you can expect a one of a kind session that captures you and your family with both posed and lifestyle images. Either in your home or on location, we will work together to capture the beauty of your family’s personality.

Is there a deposit to secure my session?

Yes, I do require a 30% retainer and that can be paid via an online invoice. This retainer fee is applied to your full session amount and is non-refundable. If there is an emergency or sickness please stay in communication with me and we can reschedule. I allow one reschedule at no-charge with 48 hours notice. Should you need to reschedule your session a second time, a $40 fee will apply.

When is the rest of my payment due?

The remainder of the session fee is due two weeks prior to your session. The remaining payment invoice will be sent out to you via an online invoice.

What if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

If we get rained out we will always reschedule for the next best date that works for both of us.  We are in Oregon,  so we will shoot in most any weather…other than a downpour. Overcast days are great, sunny days are great.  The rain, extreme heat, illness, injury and family emergency are the only reasons I reschedule. 

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Will I receive all of the images from our photo session?

It depends on what package you decide to book.  Some offer a set number of digitals and some offer all the best images taken from the session.  Images are hand edited in custom color and custom black and white and delivered to you via an online gallery. I take a lot of photos during our time together.  After our session I go through the images and curate the best session possible for you!

When will I get my photos? How will I receive them? In what form?

Typical turn around time of a portrait session is about 3 to 4 weeks.  During the busy season it can be up to 6 weeks.  You also have the option to purchase premium delivery which gives you your session images within 7 days. 

Can I have more than one outfit?

A full session, classic session, story telling session or a senior portrait session allows for an outfit change.  If you book a mini session, no outfit changes are allowed.

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Can we do more than one location?

Absolutely, I love giving variety.  However, there will be a $25.00 relocation fee.  And the location must be within 10 miles of the first location.

What do I wear during a session?

This is the most frequently asked question that I get!  I suggest checking out this blog post and scrolling through past blog entries for multiple Outfit Inspiration blog posts complete with shopping links.  My aesthetic as your photographer is flowy dresses that catch the light and wind, I love textures and layers.  Choosing outfits is such an important part of a session since photos are aesthetic.  I highly encourage you to send me photos of what you are wearing and I am happy to help you choose an outfit.  We can facetime or I can come over and help you if we live locally.

What kinds of props do you provide?

I provide minimal props for your session.  Usually it's a quilt or blanket that compliments your outfits and sometimes a small crate or chair if I feel like it might be right for your session.  If you want a more stylized session, please just ask.  I have many styled setups available to my clients, you can find examples posted on social media.

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Do you charge travel fees?

Anything within a 45 minute drive from St. Helens, Oregon is included in your session fee. Anything beyond that distance will need to be discussed in person and a personalized travel fee quote will be given.

How should I prepare my family/kids for a session with Heidi Timmons Photography?

It is my hope that your photo session with me is an enjoyable experience for everyone involved! 

I've put together a list of tips for a great session, check out this blog post for more info!

I'm worried that my child(ren) won't behave for a session.  What do we do?

I am a mom.  Trust me when I tell you that I know what it's like when your child goes rogue at a session, because mine have done it.  But also trust that I have a lot of experience and tricks up my sleeve should this happen. 

How long have you been in business?

I started my business in 2010.  And I am so proud to be a woman in business so many years later.  I am so blessed by all of you who choose me!

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What do you primarily photograph?

I mainly photograph families and tell their stories.  I love it so, so much.  I also photograph babies and senior portraits.

Do I have to order prints and product from you?

Nope, but I highly encourage you to order professional quality product.  You've made an investment in getting a great quality session, keep it going with great quality products.  I have a print store through your gallery that gives you access to professional prints at a discounted price.  I really want you to order professional prints after our session.  I can't guarantee quality when you use places like Walgreens, Costco, or Walmart to print.

A little about me

I am the wife to a really wonderful and handsome man and blessed to be called mama by two amazing girls, Ada and Clarke.  I want you to know how grateful I am to have this opportunity to work with you and to capture you and your loved ones. This is my only job and I don’t take my work or performance lightly.  I work diligently to make this a one of a kind experience. I truly understand this is an investment and I want you to love and cherish it forever.  I am constantly upgrading my equipment, taking online workshop courses, and trying to better myself so that you get the best quality of work from me. Our time together is important and means the world to me that you chose me.  I really look forward to creating something beautiful with you.

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Tips for preparing for your session

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After 10 years of being a photographer, I have found the following to be really helpful in setting us up for the best session possible.

1. Feed your kiddos prior to our session....full bellies are happy bellies!

2. Change into your photo clothes once you arrive at the session location to avoid any wrinkles or travel mishaps.

3. Make sure you and your family stay hydrated in the days and hours leading up to your session.

4. Try to have a low key restful day prior to our session. (Example: a long, fun day at the zoo and then photos in the evening is a little too much for kiddos.)

5. Make sure everyone is bathed and all tidy before your session - this includes checking chipped nail polish, clean faces, and brushed teeth, remove fake tattoos.

6. If you have a child with long hair please have their hair pulled back from their face, and if your child is wearing a dress please have a pair of bloomers or fitted shorts underneath so no diapers or underwear are showing. 

7. Please arrive about 10 to 15 minutes early to your session to go potty, change clothes, clean hands and faces, and brush hair or touch up makeup. Make sure to remove all items from pockets, including cell phones, keys, wallets, etc. and leave them in your car or with me.

8. Most importantly, TALK to your kiddos about our session! Tell them how important it is to be good listeners, and how much fun its going to be. Tell them that the photos are important to you and that you are really excited about getting pretty photos of everyone to hang on your walls and give to grandmas, etc. The more you talk to your kiddos and pre-frame them for a great session the better our odds are!
9.  Look through my social medias and blog posts so that you can get an idea of what we will be doing during a session together.  Tell me if there is any special shot that you are hoping for.During our session we will have fun! I will ask you and your family to do many things like walk, hold hands, snuggle, tickle, kiss, etc. so that we can create really fun and beautiful images for you. I have a goal of getting both posed and lifestyle photos. If you have a small baby that is unable to sit up on their own I ask that parents be in the photos and holding their small baby.


Outfit Inspiration, Part 7 (Summer / Fall tones)

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This is a great August and early September outfit for sessions.  This could work at any location.  I love the neutrals and warm tones that the navy and olive pull.  You could also add rust or mustard to this for more of a Fall vibe.


Dress for Mom: https://amzn.to/329K4CV

Sandals for Mom: https://amzn.to/2CvvU4d

Shape wear for Mom: https://amzn.to/2AWGwcg

How to style: Pair with your favorite dangle earrings and bangles.


Outfit for toddler boy: https://amzn.to/3gQ01lP

How to style: Wear with or without a white onesie or shirt underneath, bare feet.


Shirt for Dad: https://amzn.to/2Zjfx3P

Jeans for Dad: https://amzn.to/3ejV9nC

Shoes for Dad: https://amzn.to/2WdUZrx

How to style: Wear a belt and dark socks.


Shirt for Older Boy: https://amzn.to/2ZlrBlf

Shorts for Older Boy: https://amzn.to/3gSc81M

Shoes for Older Boy: https://amzn.to/3etTig9


{Portraits} Wilson Family

I’m #sorrynotsorry for oversharing one of my favorite locations, but I just can’t get enough of this dreamy open field in golden hour, with pretty girls in pretty dresses! It doesn’t get much better than this! This location is so great for running and dancing and snuggling and creating picture perfect family memories. Shoot me a message HERE to get set up with your own dreamy field session!

Outfit Inspiration, Part 6 (Feeling Beachy)

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Finding outfits for an all boys family can be tough, but I took on the challenge.  We are shooting at a beach-like location and since we are in the sand, no shoes are needed.  I am going with a navy, rust, and grey color pallet.  I love the rust against the colors or the water and navy and grey are classic neutrals.


Mom's Outfit:

Navy Maxi Dress (I have this dress in multiple colors and I LOVE it!  It's comfy and cute!): https://amzn.to/30kn4Ak

Denim Jacket: https://amzn.to/2YbnQwZ

Long Necklace: https://amzn.to/2A7jjUm

How to wear it:
Maxi dress, denim jacket, and a long necklace or statement earrings.  Barefeet.


Dad's outfit:

Men's dark khaki: https://amzn.to/2XKAZ0V

Dark grey shirt: https://amzn.to/3cDmEHS

How to wear it:
Push sleeves up a bit, be sure to wear a belt and a fitted under shirt.  Bare feet.


Teen Dude Outfit One:

Dark men's jean: https://amzn.to/2UkWCCI

Plaid shirt: https://amzn.to/2XKvSh2

How to wear it:
Roll the sleeves of the plaid button up, wear a white or gray shirt underneath.  Because we are on the beach everyone can be barefoot.


Teen Dude Outfit Two:

Ocean blue shirt: https://amzn.to/3cK3Wyi

Dark khaki shorts: https://amzn.to/3eXIAPi

How to wear it:
Push sleeves up a bit, be sure to wear a belt and a fitted under shirt.  Bare feet.


Tween Boy:

Dark Denim: https://amzn.to/3dJjvYt

Shirt: https://amzn.to/2BMy1R1

How to wear it:
Shirt and jeans, be sure to wear a belt and a tight fitting under shirt.  Bare feet.


Youngest boy:

Chambray button down: https://amzn.to/2Yb1M5u

Rust t shirt: https://amzn.to/3dWwzdb

Boys khaki shorts: https://amzn.to/2YcTPg9

How to wear it:
Wear the chambray button down shirt open over the rust t shirt, khaki shorts, and bare feet.

Elopement {Martin Family}

While I’m so heart broken for all the couples who had to postpone or cancel their 2020 wedding, I am excited to be part of all the elopements that people are doing, instead! There is just something so magical and sweet about a small, intimate gathering of your closest people, to honor and celebrate your union. I was blessed to spend this time with Francois and Keo, at St. Johns Bridge to capture their big day. I’ve created a special elopement package just for 2020, so if you are planning something similar, reach out and lets get you all set up!