Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book a session?: So glad you asked! If you click the "Book Now" button on this website you will be directed to a link where you can view the studio calendar. This will allow you to choose your session type and find a date and time that work best for you.

Session fees are paid prior to your session at the time of your booking. Payments online can be made with any major credit card. This fee is non-refundable. But should you need to reschedule you may.

When choosing a time of day please consider a few things:

Daylight. If you'd like an outdoor location this is important. The best time of day is early morning or late afternoon. Of course we know how to make anytime of day work but these times will provide the "sweet light" that we so love.

Nap Time. When booking a session for young children please consider their nap times. What time of the day are they usually their happiest? This should be the time you schedule a session.

Plan ahead. If you know you'll need your pictures by a certain date try to book your session 1 month before then so you'll have ample time to place an order and have items delivered.

Newborn Session? If you have a due date then we like to book as close to that date as possible. However should you deliver early or late we reserve days during the week for newborns and will reschedule you. This allows us the flexibility to shoot newborns within the first 10 days after birth which is ideal.
How do I decide studio or location?: Luckily you don't have to choose one or the other. We can do both at our Minneapolis studio location. Within one photo session you can get some studio pictures, some urban city looks or take a short drive to the Mississippi River for a natural setting. We do NOT charge travel fees as long as you live within 20 miles of the twin cities so feel free to take us up on this offer and have us travel to you at your home or a location of your choice.

We are also happy to make location suggestions if you'd like to chat about what style you like. Consider having us come to your home for newborn pictures. This is very convenient for Mom as she may need to take it easy after birth, and will allow us to capture your baby in their new environment.
What if my child has a bruise or scratch?: What child doesn’t? Please don’t cancel due to these minor injuries. If it looks like a biggie feel free to email us a pic of the boo boo and we’ll let you know if it would be too difficult to retouch and thus be better to reschedule.
Can I bring my own props to my shoot?: Newborn Portraits: Feel free. Although the studio is well stocked with newborn props your pictures will be more sentimental and unique to you if we can use some personal belongings too. Think of heirloom objects like blankets, jewelry, toys….or something made special for your baby. Simple things are best because we want baby to remain the star in all the images.

Young Children: Sure. While toys and props can sometimes be a distraction it is also important to show what is valuable to your child at their current age. Even a gnarly favorite blankie can be a precious memory in years to come. I try to shoot images with and without props to get the full personality range for little ones.

Families: I find it better to be prop free and focus on the interactions of family members. After all aren’t parents and siblings the best play things anyways?
We have some ideas of our own. Can we try them?: You betcha! I want your images to be as unique as you are so bring on the suggestions. I send a questionnaire prior to your session and this is a good place to throw out ideas. I’ll follow up with you if any requests will require special planning. If I can find a way to accommodate you I will!
What do I wear and bring?: After your appointment is set we will email an information packet to help you prepare for your session as well as a style guide for wardrobe selection.

A final clothing consultation will take place at the beginning of your session. If you are still feeling unsure about how to look your best we've got you covered. We work with all the best makeup and wardrobe stylists in town! Just let us know and we'll book one for you!

A Makeup/Hair Stylist can be added to your session for $150.

A Wardrobe Stylist can be added for $125 + expenses.
I wear glasses, is that a problem?: Hopefully your lenses are anti-glare as retouching glare can be a problem. If they are not anti-glare your optometrist may be able to pop the lenses out for you prior to your scheduled shoot- problem solved.
What if I need to reschedule?: As long as you do this with at least 24 hours notice you may change your appointment without a rescheduling fee. Just visit our online booking site to view all available time slots and email us with a requested new day and time. We will make the change for you and send you confirmation of the adjustment.
When do I get to see my pictures?: All images will be available for viewing on a private online gallery within 1 week of your session. We will email you a passcode once the gallery is ready. Before loading your gallery we will edit and retouch all images so you can see how they will appear once printed. You can expect to see the best 40+ images in your gallery.
Do I own the images?: Only if you want to. Sweet Light Studio maintains the copyright to all images as protected under photography copyright laws. However when you purchase any of our digital Image Collections we include a Print Reproduction and Use License Agreement which grants you the right to print purchased image files for your own personal use.
How do I order prints and products?: You will find all our prices and products listed within the "Buy" tab on your private web gallery. Credit cards are accepted when you place an order through the online gallery.
Is there a minimum purchase required?: No. Order only what you want and love what you buy.
When will I get my order?: When you purchase Digital Image Collections they will be available immediately for download. All print orders will be delivered within 1 week and custom products such as fine art gallery wraps and photo albums will be delivered within 2 weeks.
Do you ever offer discounts?: YES. There are some sweet deals we offer for growing families.. get the details at the bottom of our PRICING PAGE.

Also...We partner with other Companies and Non-Profits to host photo mini session events where all sessions are discounted. We announce these events on our blog and Facebook. Follow along so you are the first to know!

Do you own a business or know one that might want to partner up? Let us know!