FAQ:

What style of photography do you specialize in: When I started my business in January of 2012, I began with newborns and always went to clients homes to photograph them where everybody feels most comfortable. Through the years, I’ve added on family and shoot styles, but I’m getting back to where my heart is in 2023 and that is with my ‘at your home’ newborn shoots. Going forward, newborn shoots will be my focus and what I’ll center my business around, but I will also offer a limited number of family/milestone/children/etc photo shoots as well.

How long have you been in business? Tickled Blue opened it’s doors in January of 2012 in Charleston SC.

What areas do you cover? I live in West Ashley, but will travel all over Charleston including downtown, James Island, Johns Island, Ravenel, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Hanahan, & Goose Creek. If you live outside of these areas, a travel fee may be applied to your total.

Do you offer digital files? Yes, all sessions are all inclusive and come with digital files. You can view my current pricing on my ‘investment’ tab or email me: TickledBluePhotography@gmail.com.

What is your turn-around time for galleries? I always ask that you give me 2 weeks to edit your photos, though sometimes it can be less than this. During peek fall or spring season, edit time may be adjusted.

Choose your photographer based on how their photos make you feel rather than price! Years from now, the price you paid won’t matter, but the quality of photos you received along with the artistic eye of the photographer you chose, will be paramount.

There is nothing wrong with saving up for the photographer you love!

What should I wear?  Once your session fee has been paid, you will be sent the password to my ‘front porch’ section of the website where you’ll find oodles of session prep info and everything you need to know before your session.

Props: I try to stay pretty much prop free with all of my sessions. I almost always bring a quilt for outdoor sessions though sometimes it is not even used.  Props can sometimes date a photo, so I try to avoid them to stay true to my classic and timeless approach. For newborns, I bring a single white swaddle and will use if needed to settle your baby.

Can you give a break down of what to expect from my session?

The very first step is to contact me! Send me an email to TickledBluePhotography@gmail.com and you’ll hear back from me within 48 hours. Emails received on friday after 5pm are returned the following monday(I don’t have office hours, so I pretty much do emails whenever I have the time to sit and answer them. I’m a mom of 2 so this is sometimes late at night or super early in the am).  I’ll send you some forms to fill out and a link for payment.  The forms will tell me a lot about you and what you are expecting from your session so be thorough!   Remember that your space is not reserved unless you’ve paid your session retainer. This fee is non-refundable, but if you need to cancel your date, you can use it towards another date within that same year based on my availability.Once your deposit is paid and forms received, I’ll send you the password to access the ‘front porch’ area of my website for session prep and help with location, etc.

Please try to refrain from sending me your pinterest list or emailing me poses. Sessions totally just flow based on your family and how you interact.  If I’m trying to nail a pose you’ve shown me, it actually ends up throwing everything off and rather than getting some new angle that is completely unique to your own family, I’m stuck trying to mimic something you saw on pinterest and someone else’s vision. I prep before every shoot and you can rest assured that I have a vision in mind before I even arrive. When you ask for specific poses or to ‘stand by this gate’, it interrupts the flow.

During your session: This is the easy part! Plan on having fun!  I like to call my style ‘directed candid’. Sometimes a moment I capture that you see here was totally candid and I did not set up, BUT for the most part, I set up every scene and then just let you interact. You’ll always know where to stand, where to put hands, and what exactly I want you to do, but the rest IS up to you. Don’t look at the camera and go ‘where do I look’? I want you to look at your kids, your spouse, steal a kiss, etc. When I’m ready to see your eyes, I’ll tell you, but until then, enjoy your family and just be in the moment with them.

*It’s very important that all family members see my website so they understand my style! Many times the mamas are booking the photographer, and husbands are confused about why they aren’t just standing and smiling. This style is still new to many and when I ask them to sit on a curb or cross a street, they look confused. Please be sure to show them my blog. I post all of my shoots here so a quick browse should give them a good idea of what they’ll be doing on picture day.*

AFTER YOUR SESSION:

I know you’ll be anxious to see your photos and I’m always excited just after a session too so I will usually edit a few photos to post online within 48 hours of your session. You’ll get a sneak peek of your photos right here on my blog. Usually 1-4 photos as to not spoil the surprise of your gallery! Within 2 weeks of your session, you’ll receive a sharable gallery that is up for one full week where you can download, save and share with family and friends.

What social media platforms do you use: I don’t actively use any social media at this time with the exception of Pinterest. I prefer pinterest to post oufit inspiration ideas to help you get ready for shoots. I do still have a facebook business page for announcement purposes. All sneak peeks and session info can be found right here on my website.

Taxes and shipping are applied where applicable!!

I hope that about covers it, but if you have questions I haven’t answered, please contact me at TickledBluePhotography@gmail.com