::From Clients::
Q: How far in advance should I book for a family/child session?
A: Typically, it is never too “early” to book. I would suggest 2-4 weeks for a weekday and 4-8 weeks for a weekend.
Q: I’m expecting and want a newborn shoot scheduled. How does that work since I do not know when he/she will be here?
A: Easy! Just send me your due date (or induction date if known). I’ll leave room in the schedule that month so that we can get him/her in within the first 10 days. Then once you return from the hospital, give me a call/email to set a specific time in stone.
Q: I live out of state (or X hours away). Do you ship your prints? Or will I have to come back for a viewing/ordering appointment?
A: I have many, many of out of area clients, so I try to make is super easy on them. You will only need to come for your session. After that, all ordering/proofing is done ONLINE and all items/prints may be SHIPPED straight to your door!
Q: I am needing a wedding/event/group photographer…do you offer this service?
A: No, I specialize in portraits only. While I may have a few engagement/bridal sessions shown, it is not my forte. I also do not shoot large groups or family reunions. I will be happy to recommend another photographer to you. My main focus is newborns and families.
::From Photographers::
I get asked some similar questions by other photographers world-wide, so here is where I can answer a few of them.
~Raye
Q: Do you shoot natural light or strobes?
A: Although, I have the skills and equipment to do both natural light and strobes inside my studio, I currently only use natural light.
Q: What kind of camera and/or equipment do you use?
A: I do upgrade my cameras often. However, at the moment I am shooting with a DSLR Nikon D3 and D700 (shooting simultaneously)
Q: What are your favorites lenses for capturing children?
A: All Nikon lenses.
For in-studio & natural light: 50 mm f1.4
Outdoors: 135mm f2
Newborn closeups: 60mm 2.8
Q: You have a style…Do you offer any workshops? Do you mentor?
A: Thank you! I may offer private online mentoring in the future. Currently, I do speak at some gatherings a couple of times a year. In 2010, I traveled to Australia to teach at InspireMe 2010 for 2 weeks for a group of 60+ photographers. If you are a photographer and are interested in hosting me, please feel free to email me.
Hello Raye! I wanted to say that your photographs are absolutely gorgeous! If you ever do consider doing the online mentoring, it would literally be the best day of my life. Can I ask what editing software you use? I have my first official photo shoot with a family this weekend and I stumbled across your “An Arkansas Fall Family Shoot” album, which took my breath away…. I use a Nikon and edit with Aperture 3 and I have been trying so hard the past few months to perfect a preset like the editing in your album and I just can’t figure it out for the life of me! Anyways, you are an inspiration! -Kayla
Hi there!!!
Huge fan of your amazing newborn work.
I am inquiring about online mentoring and/ or to see if you travel for workshops? I have a studio space near Chicago.
Thanks so much for your time!!
~Best Wishes
Laurie Baker