Frequently Asked Questions

Booking & Policies

How do I officially book my session or event?
To secure your date on my calendar, I require a signed photography contract and a non-refundable deposit (retainer). Once those are squared away, your date is officially locked in! The remaining balance is simply due on or before the day of our shoot. I will walk you through the whole easy process when you reach out for a quote.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I want to make the booking process as seamless as possible. I accept all major credit and debit cards through a secure online invoicing system, which you will receive along with your contract. I also accept payments via Zelle or direct bank transfer. Your initial retainer is due upon signing to lock in your date, and the final balance is typically due a few days before our shoot.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
To officially secure your date and block it off on my calendar, a non-refundable retainer is required at the time of booking. Because I turn away other inquiries for your reserved time, this retainer cannot be refunded if you cancel. However, life happens! If you need to reschedule due to an emergency or severe weather, I am always happy to transfer your retainer to a new, mutually available date. Any additional payments made beyond the initial retainer are fully refundable if you cancel at least 14 days before our scheduled session.
Are you fully insured? Can you provide proof of insurance for my venue?
Yes, absolutely! Lighting Moments Photography is a fully registered and insured LLC. I carry comprehensive professional liability insurance. If your wedding or event venue requires a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before the big day, just let me know and I will gladly email it directly to your venue coordinator.
Do you offer any discounts or promotions?
I occasionally run seasonal promotions or offer discounts for certain types of sessions. The best way to stay in the loop on any upcoming deals is to follow me on social media. I also offer a referral program where you can earn discounts on future sessions by referring friends and family who book with me!

Planning Your Session

What if I don't have a location in mind?
No problem at all! Chicago is full of incredible backdrops, and I love helping clients find the perfect spot to match their vibe. To help you get inspired, I've put together a Location Guide featuring some of my absolute favorite spots around the city for beautiful natural light.
What happens if it rains or the weather is bad?
Since my sessions rely on beautiful natural light and outdoor locations, weather plays a big role in how your photos turn out! If there is heavy rain, severe storms, or extreme Chicago cold in the forecast, we will happily reschedule your session to the next available date at no extra cost. I keep a close eye on the radar and typically make the call to reschedule 12 to 24 hours in advance.
What is your travel radius? Is there a fee if we live further away?
All of my standard portrait and event packages include travel to locations within 10 miles of Chicago, IL. If your desired location or venue is outside of that 10-mile radius, I am still thrilled to come to you! A standard travel fee will be applied to your final quote to cover the additional time and mileage.
What should we wear to our portrait session?
Comfort is key! Earth tones, soft neutrals, and coordinated (but not perfectly matching) colors look incredible on camera. Avoid clothing with large logos, neon colors, or incredibly busy patterns, as they can distract from the main focus—you!

Editing & Delivery

How long does it take to get our photos?
For standard portrait and family sessions, your fully edited gallery will be ready within 2 weeks. For events or the Timeless Moments Collection, the turnaround time is typically 3 to 4 weeks. Bonus: I always aim to send 2 or 3 'sneak peeks' within 48 hours of our shoot!
Do you retouch or edit the photos?
Yes! Every photo you receive is carefully reviewed. Standard packages include color correction, lighting adjustments, and cropping. Higher-tier collections and event packages include high-end retouching, which covers detailed blemish removal, skin smoothing, and object removal.
How do we receive our final images?
Your photos will be delivered via a private online gallery hosted by Pixieset. Once your gallery is ready, you will receive an email containing a direct link, a secure password, and a unique PIN code. You can use these credentials to safely view your images, share the link with family and friends, and securely download the high-resolution digital files to your computer or phone.
Can we get prints or albums of our photos?
Yes! I deliver all of your final photos through a beautiful, private online gallery hosted by Pixieset. Not only can you view and download your images there, but Pixieset also features a built-in professional print lab. You can easily order high-quality fine art prints, canvases, and framed photos directly from your gallery with just a few clicks, and they will be shipped directly to your door.

Ready to Capture Your Moments?

If you're excited to get started or have any further questions, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to help you every step of the way!

Let's Plan Your Shoot