What sessions do you offer? Do you do Weddings/Boudoir/Events?

Currently I do not shoot weddings, boudoir or provide event coverage.

How do I book an appointment?

You can contact me to reserve a session, get availability, request more session info and/or get my rates by:

• Phone: 512-983-2450
• Email: info at deborahlykins.com
• Website: Contact Form

or waving me down in person if you see me out and about. I will get back to you usually within 24-48 hours.

Where will my session take place?

Depends on the type of session. Most of my sessions are at a location of your choosing. If you don’t have any place in mind, I have a number of spots that I love around Austin and Champaign and can help you decide on a location that best suits your needs. You can tell me the look/feeling you are wanting and I can suggest possibilities.

I do have a studio location that is available in a limited way. If you are interested in doing a studio shoot let me know and we can get that worked out too.

What should I wear?

This is a BIG question. Entire websites could be dedicated to answering this question. Certainly whole Pinterest Boards have been, of which I have a few. Be sure to check them out to get some more tips and ideas. Generally though, there are a couple rules to follow.

• Avoid lots of pattern and especially small patterns. It gets to be too busy and can be very distracting.
• If you are uncomfortable or self conscious in your clothes it will translate into the photos. Make sure that those skinny jeans you are wearing do not prevent you from moving and bending easily.
• Lay all the clothing options together on your bed or the floor. Do they seem to go together? Is anything jumping out and way too different? If so switch it out for something that blends better.
• Sleeves are good, as are pants (as opposed to shorts.) This of course can be tricky in the summer in Texas and is by no means a hard and fast rule… especially if you have some way cut upper arms, then by all means strut your buff self!
• Pick approximately 3 colors and base all your outfits around those colors. You don’t have to match the outfits item for item. Just make sure they are coming from similar palettes.
• Layering and accessorizing helps create depth to your outfits and can be a lot of fun!

All in all just try not to get too overwhelmed by the process of choosing outfits.  I am available to consult with you on your options. I can video chat with you or exchange photos of possible outfits. Just send me a message and I will be more than happy to help you out.

Can I bring more than one outfit?

Yes, for a full session, there is generally time to change outfits.

How do I prepare my kids?

For pre-k children and older:

Do present it to them as an adventure.  Tell them how we are going to go to downtown/ the park/ other location and run around and play and we’ll get to make silly faces and have some time to all hang out together having fun.

Don’t rehearse smiles.

Do make sure they are rested, fed and bring snacks and water.

Don’t get too tense about how well they are behaving (or aren’t behaving.) I have 3 children of my own and have picked up a few tricks over the years to get kids engaged and involved in the portrait process. I am very good at following them around and making portraits as they happen. Some of the best photos come from unexpected and unposed moments. I invite you to relax and have fun with them and let me worry about how they look.

For Babies:

Do try to schedule sessions when baby seems happiest, perhaps in the morning right after a nap.

Do feed/nurse/change baby right before session.

Do make lots of silly faces and sounds and generally act as goofy as possible during session to get those baby giggles going.

Do bring anything that you know makes the baby laugh.

Can I bring my mother/sister/brother/friend to the session?

You are more than welcome to bring someone to the session to watch and/or baby wrangle. They will not be included in the photographs unless previous arrangements have been made and the extra person fee (if applicable) has been paid.

What if someone gets sick?

Please let me know as soon as possible so that we can reschedule your session for a later date.

What is the weather is crummy?

It sort of depends on your definition of crummy. Overcast weather is actually a fantastic time to make outdoor photographs. The soft light is perfect for portraits. However a lightning storm is probably not so good. And I for one don’t want to be outside carrying large metal equipment when lightning is around. I will be in close contact with you the few days leading up to your session if the weather looks like it may be uncooperative. We can establish a back up plan and should the need arise, we will reschedule.

What is needed to secure my session reservation?

There is a non-refundable $100 deposit required to book your session. One week before your portrait, your session fee is due in full.  After your shoot the $100 deposit becomes a credit that you can apply to your print/product purchase.

Do you take cash/checks/credit cards?

Yes.

How long are the sessions?

Most full sessions are from 1 to 2 hours. Newborn Portrait Sessions are around 4 hours and Birth Sessions take as long as it takes.

How much can I expect to invest in my photos?

I find that most people spend from $850-$2000 on the complete purchase including creative fees, prints and products.

When should I schedule a Maternity Portrait Shoot?

You should contact me early on in your pregnancy to make sure you can secure your preferred time. We will schedule your session for sometime after you are 30 weeks along. 32-36 weeks is the optimal time for your session. Your baby is nice and big, providing you a perfect full, round, beautiful tummy and yet you aren’t so far along that you are uncomfortable (hopefully 😉 ).

When should I schedule a Newborn Portrait Shoot?

While you are still pregnant and in your second trimester. Book early to guarantee a spot and then relax, safe in the knowledge that it’s done. Newborn sessions are best done within the first two weeks after birth. So when you book your session while pregnant we will pencil in your due date and I will keep space available in the couple weeks around that date. After you give birth, contact me and we will get your session date solidified.

If you have any further questions that are not answered here, please use the contact form to ask me your questions.