If you're considering booking a family photo session in Kent, WA, you probably have a list of practical questions before you reach out. I have most of those questions sent to me directly every week, so I figured I'd put the answers in one place.
I'm Angelina, and I run Dappled Plum Photography out of a studio in Kent. The answers below reflect how I actually work — not what's standard across the industry. If you book with someone else, their policies will be their own.
How long is a family session?
Most family sessions run 45 to 60 minutes. That's the sweet spot for getting a real variety of photos without losing the kids' attention. Anything shorter feels rushed; anything longer and the youngest one in the family is usually done.
If you have a very young baby, a large extended family, or you want photos at two different spots, we can talk about a longer session. Most families don't need it.
How many photos will I get?
You'll receive ten polished, fully edited images per session.
I know that number sounds low compared to what some photographers advertise, and that's intentional. I'd rather hand you ten images you actually love and want to print than fifty you'll never look at twice. Every photo you receive has been individually edited — color, light, skin tones, the whole thing — not just bulk-corrected.
If you want more than ten, that conversation can happen after you see your gallery. But ten is what's included.
How do I get my photos?
Through a private online gallery on Pixieset. You'll get a link, you'll log in with your email, and you can download the high-resolution files directly. The download includes both web-sized images for sharing and print-resolution files for ordering prints anywhere you'd like.
The gallery stays up for a while, so you can come back to it when you're ready to print or share.
How long until I see the photos?
One to two weeks from your session date. I edit every image individually, so the time isn't padding — it's actual editing time.
During peak fall portrait season (mid-September through early November), turnaround can stretch slightly longer. If that's going to be the case, I'll tell you upfront when we book.
Studio or on location — which should I pick?
For most families, I recommend on-location.
The reason is light. Outdoor light in the Pacific Northwest, especially under our typical soft cloud cover, is some of the most flattering portrait light you can ask for. Combine that with the parks, water, and forests we have within twenty minutes of Seattle, and you get backgrounds that feel like the place you actually live — not a backdrop you could see anywhere.
Studio is the right pick if:
- You have a baby under six months old who'd rather not be outside in cooler weather.
- You need guaranteed predictable lighting (a corporate headshot situation, for instance).
- The weather forecast is genuinely awful and you don't want to risk it.
If you're undecided, tell me what your family is like and I'll give you my honest opinion. I have no pricing reason to push you one way or the other.
What if it rains on my session day?
We reschedule. If the day looks like steady rain, I'll reach out 24 to 48 hours ahead and we'll find a new date that works. Rescheduling is free — you don't lose your retainer, and I don't charge anything extra.
A few notes on rain:
- A drizzle or light mist isn't a reschedule. The light is often beautiful and the photos turn out gorgeous. We just bring umbrellas and pick covered spots.
- If the morning is rain and the afternoon is clearing, we'll often shift the time rather than the date.
- Sustained heavy rain or wind that would actually be uncomfortable for the kids — that's when we move the date.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes. To hold your session date, I ask for a retainer at booking. The remaining balance is due the day of your session.
The retainer is what reserves your slot on my calendar. Once you've paid it, your date is yours and I won't book anyone else into that time. If you need to reschedule (rain, sickness, life), the retainer carries over to the new date.
Can my dog come?
Yes. Always. No extra fee.
This is one of the things that makes Dappled Plum different — pets are welcome at every family session, indoor or outdoor, no extra charge. I have three dogs of my own, and I genuinely think family photos with the dog in them are some of the best ones.
A few practical things if you're bringing your dog:
- Bring high-value treats. Whatever your dog will sell their soul for.
- A second person to hold the leash off-camera helps a lot.
- Long lines (15-foot leashes) make it easier to get photos without a leash visible.
- If your dog is reactive around other dogs, tell me before we pick a location and I'll suggest a spot that's quieter.
What should we wear?
The short version: pick a coordinated palette, not a matching outfit. Think same color family, varied pieces. Earth tones, muted neutrals, and jewel tones all photograph beautifully in PNW light.
What to avoid:
- Pure white. It blows out under our bright overcast skies.
- Bright neon colors. They bounce color onto faces and overpower skin tones.
- Loud patterns or big logos. They date the photo and pull the eye away from your family.
- Heels and dress shoes for outdoor sessions. Wet grass and muddy paths are real here.
I have a longer post coming on what to wear for PNW family photos. In the meantime, if you're stuck, send me a few options and I'll give you honest feedback before the session.
How do I prep my kids?
Less than you think. The biggest mistake I see is over-prepping — telling kids "we're going to take photos and you need to smile" all morning. By the time we start, they're already sick of the idea.
Instead:
- Let them know we're going to a park to play and Angelina will take some pictures.
- Feed them something they like beforehand. Hungry kids look hungry in photos.
- Skip the nap day, or shoot well after a nap. Tired kids look tired.
- Bring a snack they actually like for in-between moments. Bribe-quality, not photogenic.
- Let them bring one comfort thing if they want — a small toy or stuffed animal. We can keep it out of the photos and use it for breaks.
The session is going to feel less like "posing" and more like a thirty-minute walk where I happen to be taking pictures. That's intentional. Kids photograph better when they're not aware they're being photographed.
What about babies?
Babies are great. They're also unpredictable. For sessions with babies under six months, I'll often suggest the studio for the first part — a controlled environment for newborn-style images — and then bring the family outside for the rest. Babies six months and up almost always do fine outdoors as long as the weather isn't extreme.
For babies and toddlers, I build in time for feeding and breaks. We don't power through.
Do you photograph extended families?
Yes. Grandparents, in-laws, cousins, the whole crew — I love a big family session. For groups over eight people, I'd suggest a slightly longer session and an outdoor location with room for everyone to spread out.
Extended family sessions take a little more direction, but the photos are usually the ones people print and frame. They don't get done often, and when they do, they matter.
Can we do photos with the dog at the studio?
Absolutely. The studio is pet-friendly. Bring your dog, bring their bed if it makes them comfortable, bring whatever you need. We'll make it work.
How far in advance do I need to book?
For most of the year, two to four weeks out is plenty. For fall portrait season (mid-September through early November), I book up four to eight weeks ahead. If you have a specific date in mind for fall photos, the answer is "reach out sooner."
Mini sessions and event days fill up faster — I usually announce those on Instagram and Facebook first, so following [@dappledplum](https://www.instagram.com/dappledplum) is the easiest way to catch them.
What happens if my photos aren't what I expected?
If you receive your gallery and something feels off — a color, an edit, an image you wish I'd included — tell me. I'd rather know than have you sit with photos you're not happy with. I can usually re-edit or pull additional images from the session.
How do I book?
Send me a message through the contact page (https://www.dappledplum.com/contact/) with:
- The kind of session you're thinking about (family, family + pets, extended family).
- A rough date or window.
- Where you'd like to shoot, if you have a preference.
- How many people will be in the photos.
I'll respond within a couple of days, usually faster, and we'll figure out the right next step from there.
If you have a question I didn't answer, ask it. I'd rather you ask than guess.