First, here's what I am out to change . . . You will not be waiting for hours for your appointment. In fact, in most cases I am so early that if you look out your window I am probably already there getting my stuff together! You will not be limited to a few poses.  I will keep shooting until we all get tired.  You will not be pressured into purchasing any packages. I offer just a few packages for our most popular types of sittings, but the "A La Carte" selections are offered so you choose what works for you. Your order will not be "batch processed" like some hit-and-run photography studios.  I process every single image one at a time, usually spending 10-15 minutes per image (much longer with the color tinting)!  And finally, you will not be waiting for your baby's one-month portraits when they're turning a year old! I start working on preparing your images the night of your shoot.

Here's what I am all about . . . I have a passion to capture your most precious moments in a way that makes them art for your home, not just photos for an album. I am determined to make every sitting special - I will bring with me an energy that allows you to feel at ease so that only the true personality of you and your family is captured. Although some portrait styles look great in a posed manner with a pure background, I will  turn those every day moments into images that you will cherish. Because all images are captured digitally, the possibilities are endless . . . 

I can't wait to get working with you and your family!

Infants: For your newest little one, Alison brings her camera closer than most standard photographers to capture those long eyelashes, wrinkled toes, and dimpled cheeks. Babies are photographed best without clothing. We have several sized white beautiful cloth diapers that we can put on top of baby's disposable diapers for an elegant appearance, but completely bare is also quite adorable with infants.  Prime times to document baby's first few years are as follows:

Newborn Stage: 0-6 weeks
Baby Stages:  3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year
Toddler Stages:  18 months and 24 months

Please limit this sitting to just your infant.  We want as much "prime" happy baby time as possible to get some great images of your little one alone.  

Pregnancy: As with baby pictures, the pregnant form is so much more vivid and artistic with bare skin - we can experiment with whatever combinations of cloth fabrics, your own clothing, and bare skin you feel most comfortable with. For this sitting, partners are encouraged to participate.
Click here to sample this type of photo shoot.

Children: As a mother of two, Alison knows that children are most comfortable in their own environment. Because of that, all sittings are done on location - wherever you (or your little ones) feel most comfortable - home, the park, the beach, the backyard. The surroundings don't matter nearly as much as the comfort level of your children. The background will never be a focal point in the picture. Children should wear clothing without busy patterns or brand logos. 

Because 1-2 hours is a long time for children, let's make the sitting fun! I will do my part by bringing enthusiasm and energy to the shoot. I ask that parents please have snacks and favorite toys available for your children.
Click here to sample this type of photo shoot.

Families: Family portraits should be done at a separate sitting. I often get asked if the family sitting can be combined with another sitting, and because of the length of time and patience on everyone's part, it must be scheduled separately. Families should wear the same themed clothing. Examples of this include - white oxford shirts, jeans, and barefoot - or black turtlenecks, khakis, and black shoes. The outfits should not be distracting and should complement each other.

Senior Year: Because these photos will be given to everyone close to you, we want to make sure you get everything you are looking for in a senior sitting. We will hand touch your photos to diminish blemishes and imperfections at your request. Based on the package you choose, you are allowed up to 30 poses and 3 outfit changes. Think about what best depicts who you are - whether that means being photographed in front of your car, wearing your Varsity letter jacket, or just hanging out in your favorite spot. These sittings are typically 1 ½ hours.
Click here to sample this type of photo shoot.


YOUR PRINTS

Your proofs will be available in a print format in 7 business days. However, if you would like sooner access to your images, you may opt to have web proofing. Web proofs can be available for viewing and selection 3 days after your photo shoot. After you place your order, your prints will follow within 10 days. You may set up a time for your prints to be picked up or for an additional fee, your prints can be sent directly to you. Rush prints available - please discuss with photographer for exact arrangements.

All pictures are printed on an e-surface paper and prints are sent to a state-of-the-art laboratory for processing. There are several options for paper choice and mounting options. Please inquire for the different pre-production options available.

If you opt for Fine Art Prints on canvas, please allow 3-6 weeks for delivery.

REFERRAL REWARDS

Because this business thrives on word-of-mouth referrals, for each and every person you tell about Alison Gertonson Photography that ends up booking a sitting, you may receive one free 5x7 print.  Your referred client must mention your name when booking their appointment. You may choose to either obtain a 5x7 of a previous sitting, or obtain a coupon for a free 5x7 for a future sitting.  If you choose a 5x7 from a previous sitting, your print will be processed when the referred client places their order for prints.

(Free prints do not include digitally enhanced prints [i.e., color tinting, tonal balancing}.)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

When you book your appointment and the deposit is cleared, you will receive a packet of information with some details about the session.  

All original images are property of Alison Gertonson Photography and will be kept on file for 8 weeks after the session date. All ordered portraits will be archived for one year in the event you would like future reprints or enlargements. 

Alison Gertonson Photography reserves the right to reproduce, publish, and copyright each image. All images are protected by federal copyright laws.

A Minnesota Sales tax in the amount of 6.5% will be added to every order. Alison Gertonson Photography accepts cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Please make checks payable to Alison Gertonson Photography.  Payment in full (minus the deposit) is required to place your order.  

Alison Gertonson Photography proudly supports the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation.   
*  2% of the annual gross proceeds from Alison Gertonson Photography will be donated to the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, a non-profit organization that was founded in 1982 to improve the care, quality of life and survival rate of children with pediatric cancers.  To learn more about this foundation, or to make a donation, please click here.