Frequently Asked Questions
What is the booking process for my session? When should I book my session?
The booking process is simple. Your first contact with the website forms will let me know what kind of session you are interested in and approximately when. Once we confirm your time and date for your session, the booking will be held for 24 hours for invoice payment. Payment must be received to finalize your session. From there, we will discuss through email; location, outfits, props, products available and the rest of the finer details.
What are your business hours?
The office hours for Miaou Photography are Monday through Friday, 9am–5pm for inquiries and editing. Shoots are available to be scheduled 7 days a week at various hours. Please schedule any deliveries or pickups during office hours.
What does my non-wedding session fee cover?
Your session fee includes my time, talent, use of props, communication, planning, product ordering and editing services. Products, printed or digital, are all purchased separately unless specifically stated in your package & contract. You must pay a 50% retainer for your session within 24 hours of booking with the balance due before the session takes place. If you do not pay within the invoice time, your session slot is released and made available to the next person. We accept Cash, Interac, Square (debit tap available).
How do I receive my printed products or digital images?
You will receive an email when your products are ready for pick up at our home studio. Digital downloads will be made available at the same time. If your order includes photographs on USB, the USB you receive following your session will contain the following based on your package details: high resolution images (amount determined by package and/or contract) and a text file giving you permission to reprint the images at the location of your choice. Also included on your with your high resolution files—social media ready files which are watermarked for you to share digitally through email, personal and social networking websites. Shipping is available and will be invoiced separately if this is an option you need.
What If I Have To Reschedule?
In the event you need to reschedule your session, I require 24 hours of advance notice. Emergency rescheduling will be taken into consideration. For advance notice rescheduling, paid retainers will be applied to the new session. In the event of a no-show or less than 24 hours notice, your pre-paid retainer fee will be non-refundable.
What is your weather policy?
The Ottawa Valley, while amazing, can have some pretty fickle weather. I watch the weather for up to 8 hours before your session based on the hourly forecast. We can usually move your session in the day if there are periods of no rain forecasted. If the weather is not cooperating, we can either shoot indoors at your home or reschedule. Weather safety is very important and Miaou Photography does not shoot in extreme weather (at discretion of photographer).
Can I see my gallery online? I’m having trouble choosing my photos, can we meet in person for you to help me?
Within 48 hours of your session (weddings excluded) you will receive a password protected link to your proofing gallery. You will be able to order your products right from the website. All prints are done in house by myself and my printing guru. If you are having trouble deciding which photos to choose or what products you think would be best, I am more than happy to meet with you at your home or mine to go over your gallery and your product options. Your online proofing gallery is available for 30 calendar days. After 30 days, it is automatically archived and subject to a $25+tax un-archival fee.
Do you edit the images?
All editing is done after an order is placed. Basic retouching and editing is included in every session. This is limited to; exposure correction, white balance, black and white conversion, teeth whitening, eye brightening and minor skin blemish removal. Contouring, reshaping, tattoo removal, tan lines, wrinkled clothing, heavy acne, object removal, and other intensive Photoshop activities are not included and will incur an additional fee of $60/hour CAD. Miaou Photo has the right to refuse intensive manipulation of the session's images. All editing past the basic retouching will be discussed with the client before proceeding. The client is aware of and agrees to the photographers' style, and editing procedures.
What is included in my Birth Photography Session?
Your customized birth photography session includes an in person pre-birth consultation, my time during the stages of labour and delivery, and at least 1 hour after the birth to capture those precious first few bonding moments and post processing. The type of photographs I take for you are entirely dependent on you and will show as much or as little as you desire. Some moments during your labour and delivery that can be photographed: the journey through your labour, your child's first cry, meeting baby for the first time, weighing the baby, cutting the cord, little details like hospital bracelets, tiny fingers, tiny toes and congratulatory gifts. I promise to work in a discreet and photo-journalistic style to bring to you photographs that capture the raw emotions of your child's wondrous entry to the world.
What Should Be Worn In My Portrait Session?
Please wear something that reflects your personality and that you are comfortable in. If you feel that you need help choosing an outfit, please do not hesitate to contact me. Here are a few guidelines to help you choose your wardrobe choice(s):
- Avoid distracting numbers, letters, logos and bright patterns
- Ensure clothing is free of wrinkles, rips and stains
- If more than one person is in the photograph, complimentary or matching shades of colours work best
Who owns the copyright to the photographs taken?
The client acknowledges that copyright of all Work (as defined below) are and shall remain the sole property of Photographer or its designee(s). "Work" shall mean all product, works of authorship, improvements, modifications and derivative works; made, conceived, expressed, written or authored by the Photographer. The client agrees to not modify or edit the work unless given explicit writtern permission by the Photographer
The photographer or its designee(s) retains for life—reproduction and display rights to all Works for use in competition, promotional materials and any publication of an original manuscript or portfolio presentation for trade or other use.
I won a photography session prize at a sponsored event! How do I claim it?
Congratulations! To claim your photography session prize, please contact me with; the details of the event you won the prize at, the type of session you are looking for and when you would like to book your session. Event prizes have no "cash value" and cannot be applied towards a "package or wedding event". Event prizes also cannot be applied towards already booked sessions. All prize sessions must be redeemed by the date specified on the prize voucher (1 year redemption period) .
Can I print my own photos?
All purchased prints come with a complimentary social media file which are not suited for printing. Printing from a social media file will result in a grainy, low quality product. If you purchase a high resolution digital file, we encourage you to use our printing services for the best quality. Printing with a third party service is not guaranteed and we take no responsibility for how the product turns out.
My event takes place outside of the Ottawa Valley, are you able to photograph my special day?
Absolutely! I am able to travel to most of Ontario and select Quebec cities for the cost of travel and housing in addition to the photography package chosen. This also includes portrait sessions. Quote available upon request.
I’m a photographer too, do you offer printing services for my business and other artists?
We do! Miaou Photo now offers large format, archival-quality giclée printing for photos and artwork using our Epson SureColor P6000 printer. We offer a variety of papers and printing sizes. Please send me an email for more details and a pricing guide!
Do You Offer Scanning?
We now large-format image scanning with our WideTek25 flatbed scanner, enabling us to digitize your photographs, artwork & books up to an extraordinary 25x18.5" at resolutions up to 1200 DPI.
I have questions that are not covered here, how do I reach you?
You can reach me through my contact form. I respond to all inquiries within 48 hours.