2006 was busy and a wonderful success, thank you for being a part of it! It has been a wonderful experience to meet each and every one of you. As we head into 2007 it is time to make a few changes that I want you to be aware of. You will soon be receiving a letter outlining in detail the changes forthcoming for 2007, please read through the letter carefully as it affects your archived images.

Here are the highlights…

Session Availability:

As many in our area are, my family is still dealing with the effects of Hurricane Katrina. We are in the last stages of rebuilding our home but it is still quite time consuming. For this reason, beginning in February, I will be accepting no more than 4-6 sessions per month. Sessions are available on Saturdays and Sundays only with the exception of hospital newborn and 2 week newborn sessions. It is my hope that I will not have to turn anyone away, but all sessions are on a first come, first serve basis. Please book early as these limited spaces will go fast! I am presently booked through February, March and part of April.

If you would like to schedule a session please call me to set a date. Session fees are due within 5 days of scheduling. If payment is not received within 5 days, the session will be re-opened on my calendar.

It is my hope that, as the year progresses, I will be able to offer more sessions and return to a full schedule.

Proofing:

In the past, it has been my policy to do either online proofing or in-person proofing, decided on a case-by-case basis per session. Effective January 1, 2007, all proofing will be done in-person if the session did not require a travel fee. Proofs will be ready for viewing within 10-14 days of a photo session. At that time, I will contact you to schedule an appointment to view your proofs and place your order. To provide adequate time to select the images you would like to order, contact sheets will be available through e-mail a few days prior to your appointment. At the appointment you will have the opportunity to view full resolution images either on a television or my laptop computer. I will have sizing samples, other product samples, and be available to make recommendations for wall collages or to answer any questions that you may have. Orders will be taken during the proof viewing appointment. Payment is due at the time your order is placed and you should receive your order within 10-14 days.

For those that wish to have their images uploaded into an online album, this is still an option once your order has been placed. This way you can still share with friends and family.

Pricing:

For the first few months I was in business my prices were set very low for several reasons. First, I wanted to build a client base and introduce them to my style of photography. Second, I wanted to test what works and what doesn’t. Third, I needed to get an idea of pricing in the photography marketplace. During this time, I have received excellent client feedback and have learned some valuable lessons.

As of January 1, 2007, I have moved to a new lab. The facility I have chosen has top of the line printers and excellent quality prints. I feel they will be a good fit and allow me to offer high-end photographs that you will enjoy for many years. With a new lab comes a new pricing schedule. Please take a moment to review the pricing brochure mailed to you. All new sessions booked on or after January 1, 2007 will be locked into the new pricing reflected in the brochure.

For all sessions prior to January 1, 2007, you will have until March 1, 2007 to order at the pricing originally quoted to you. After March 1st, the new pricing will be in effect, no exceptions.

New Products:

One of the biggest changes in 2007 is the addition of the “Portrait Collections”. You can now choose a plan that matches your photography needs and conveniently combines multiple sessions and select prints into one price. I have also added several print packages, albums, custom photo jewelry, designer handbags, custom storyboards, gallery wrap canvases and more. Check out the pricing brochure for more information!

Discontinued Products:

Because quality is a top concern, effective in December 2006, archival CDs of full resolution images with limited copyright release are no longer available. A hard realization is that even with the copyright release and the penalties associated with infringing on these protective measures, I still cannot actively enforce where prints are made. Photo printing, copying, and scanning is too easy these days and can be done just about anywhere. I feel that I need to protect the product that I provide for your benefit as much as mine. When inferior quality prints are made and then passed around, it can damage two things I deeply value, reputation and quality of art.

Your Image Archives:

Recently purchased, high resolution, professional imaging equipment and a growing business have placed hard drive space at a premium. I am very excited about what this new equipment brings to my business and ultimately to you the customer, but because my equipment saves images at a very high resolution I will have to start archiving the images I maintain.

Effective for any session booked in January 2007 and thereafter, all images will be kept on file for 30 days from the proof appointment. Any image not purchased at the end of this 30 day window will be removed from my system. I will keep all purchased images on file for one year from the date of your session, after which they will then be archived.

For any session occurring prior to January 1, 2007, all images will be kept on file until March 1, 2007. Images purchased anytime before March 1, 2007 will be kept on file for an additional year, after which it will then be archived. Any image never purchased from these sessions by March 1, 2007 will be removed from my system.

Referral Program:

Giggles~n~Grins Photography appreciates your business. It is always exciting when you share your photographs with others. I would like to reward you for sending referrals by offering a $25 print credit on your next order after your referral has completed their session. This is just my little way of saying THANKS!

I would like to thank you once again for taking the time to read my policy changes and for your understanding as my business grows. If you have any questions please feel free to call me.

Please know that I appreciate your business and I am honored that you value my work enough to trust me to capture your memories, it is truly an honor.

Sincerely,

Lyndsay Stradtner
Giggles~n~Grins Photography