Northern Virginia Family Photographer Booking Process

You've visited and glanced through my pricing and galleries and have liked what you saw; now what's next.  Yay, you've decided to hire Tamieka Smith Photography to photograph your family portraits, event, or military ceremony in Northern Virginia or surrounding area.  So, what’s next; to secure your desired date?  I’ll ask you to complete two things next; sign an agreement and pay a retainer.  The retainer is paid at the time you decide to hire me to save your date. I’m unable to hold a date and time on the calendar until this payment is received. This is to ensure that you're as committed to your portrait session or event, since I will be turning away other work.   I’m sure the next question is; how do you pay? You’ll receive an invoice by email or you may submit payment securely online in the online store or via the appointment page. 
 
Here's the outline of scheduling Tamieka Smith as your NOVA family or military event photographer.
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​The Retainer includes the time we set aside for your session or event, your consultation, and your Order appointment. It is not a deposit toward prints or digital files; these may be purchased during your order/view appointment.
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1.  Consultation

This is where we first meet! The Consultation can be completed via telephone or in person at your local coffee shop.  We'll schedule a time to meet and talk before the session to customize your experience. We will talk about your likes and dislikes, look at pictures to get an idea of what you love or hate, talk about wardrobe possibilities and locations, and answer any questions you may have.  When the decision to hire is made, you’ll receive an email stating you’ve been added to the calendar.   This will give you peace of mind to have everything in writing as that you know everything.  I’ll contact you by telephone/email to confirm with 24-48 hours of our scheduled portrait session or event to determine if you have any last-minute questions.     
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2.  Session/Event Day

On the day of your portrait session or event, we will meet up at our chosen location or your event venue. My aim is to keep things relaxed and fun, but always professional! We will take as much time as we need to get the perfect lighting & shot (I understand this is important to you!) but that we also won't make it drag out until you feel uncomfortable or "cheesy" in front of the camera (that's a big one for guys!). I realize people come in different shapes, sizes, and heights, so if there is ANYTHING you are self-conscious about, let’s talk about it! You will look AMAZING in your photos, promise! 
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Who Should Come to the Session

​I’ve found, my clients, like you get much better results when the person being photographed can focus on interacting with the photographer on a more one-on-one basis, and you want the best family and event pictures possible!
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3.  Order/View (Reveal) Appointment

This is the most enjoyable part - when you get to choose what photographs you want to buy and have framed and displayed in your home.  The ordering appointment takes place a few weeks after your portrait session. This will be the time for you to view all your amazing images and to place your order. I only offer product I truly believe in to you -- including gorgeous heirloom albums and fine art prints, framed portraits for the walls, and luxurious canvas options - all which will truly do your images justice.  The heirloom albums are a popular product and are made with high quality. 
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4.  Delivering Your Order

Depending on your purchase; it will be ready for delivery within 2 weeks to 6 weeks.  Items which are handmade, for example, albums, may take a little longer - but the quality and attention to detail are well worth the wait.  I’ll will give you an approximate turnaround time when you order. When everything is in and packaged for you, I'll contact you and arrange a date time to deliver your products. 
 

Scheduling your family or military event photographer with Tamieka has never been easier.  Schedule your session today.

Schedule Consultation