Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for considering SmithRileyPhotography! I want every client to feel comfortable and know exactly what to expect before booking. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about sessions, editing, weather, equipment, images, and more.
How many photos are included?
There is no additional cost to purchase individual photos. All of the edited images from your session are included in the session fee.
What kind of editing is included?
Every gallery is fully edited in my photography style.
Editing may include:
Color and lighting adjustments
Filters and overall image enhancement
Basic retouching
Removing hair frizz
Removing distracting or unwanted objects from the background
Occasional face touch-ups when requested
If I accidentally miss something during editing, I’m happy to correct it at no additional cost.
More extensive edits or major alterations may require an additional fee, depending on what is requested.
📷 What gear do you use?
I currently shoot with two cameras, giving me a backup body and flexibility during sessions:
Canon EOS R6 Mark II
Canon 7D
My current lenses include:
24–70mm
70–200mm
50mm
70–300mm
You may also see me using some additional gear during your session, especially when creating behind-the-scenes or social media content. This can include a phone holder for social media creation and Meta smart glasses.
I love being able to capture not only the final photographs but also some of the experience behind the scenes!
🌧️ What happens if the weather is bad?
Because I primarily photograph outdoors, weather can play a big role in scheduling. Michigan weather can change quickly, so I try to remain as flexible as possible.
I generally make the final decision the day of the session based on current conditions and the forecast.
Cloudy weather alone will not cause me to cancel. I primarily reschedule when there is rain, severe weather, storms, or another condition that could make the session unsafe or significantly affect the experience.
🔄 How many times can my session be rescheduled because of weather?
There is no set limit on weather-related rescheduling.
If the weather continues to make an outdoor session unsafe or impractical, we can continue working together to find a date with better conditions.
My goal is to make sure you get the session and photos you were looking forward to rather than rushing a session in unsafe or poor conditions.
🚨 What happens if you have to cancel my session?
On a very rare occasion I need to cancel because of an emergency or unsafe weather, the session can be rescheduled.
If an equipment problem occurs, I will do my best to fix it or find another solution. If an equipment issue cannot be reasonably fixed and prevents me from completing the session, your retainer will be returned.
💰 Is the retainer refundable?
The standard 25% retainer is non-refundable when a client cancels or does not show up.
The retainer is used to reserve your date and time and take that appointment off my booking calendar.
If I need to cancel because of an emergency or an equipment issue that prevents the session from taking place, the applicable rescheduling or refund options described above will apply.
⏰ What happens if I'm running late?
If you're going to be more than 15 minutes late, please communicate with me as soon as possible.
If you have an understandable reason, such as traffic, a family emergency, or another situation outside of your control, I'm happy to work with you.
If the session needs to be rescheduled because of the delay, your existing retainer will remain applied to the rescheduled session, and you will not need to pay another retainer.
❌ What happens if I don't show up?
A no-call/no-show results in the loss of your retainer.
If you would like to schedule another session following a no-call/no-show, a new retainer will be required to reserve the new date.
📱 Do I have to allow my photos to be used on social media?
Absolutely not!
I love being able to share my work on social media, my portfolio, and in advertising, but I completely understand that not everyone is comfortable with their images being shared.
If you do not want your photos—or your child's photos—used for social media, advertising, portfolio, or promotional purposes, simply let me know before your session.
Your decision will be respected.
🖨️ Can I print my photos?
Yes!
Your delivered high-resolution images can be printed wherever you choose for personal use.
You are welcome to use a professional print lab, pharmacy, photo retailer, or another printing service of your choice.
📲 Can I share my photos on social media?
Yes!
You are welcome to share your delivered images on your personal social media accounts.
I simply ask that you do not alter, heavily filter, or otherwise edit the images.
Tagging SmithRileyPhotography is always appreciated! 📸
🎨 Can I edit or filter my photos?
Your images are delivered fully edited and finished in my photography style.
You may share your images for personal use, but significant alterations, filters, or edits are not permitted.
If you would like a different edit or have something specific you'd like changed, please reach out to me. I'm happy to discuss what I can do.
🐴 Do you photograph horses and other animals?
Yes!
Animals are a huge part of my life, and I especially enjoy incorporating horses and other animals into photography sessions.
Because animals can be unpredictable, safety is always a priority during sessions involving horses, livestock, or other animals.
Clients are responsible for following safety instructions and maintaining appropriate control of their animals when applicable.
📷 What type of photography do you currently offer?
I currently focus primarily on outdoor photography.
I do not currently have my own studio, so sessions are held outdoors at an agreed-upon location.
Outdoor sessions allow me to work with natural light and create authentic, natural-looking images.
📍 Where do you photograph?
I primarily serve Oakland County, Genesee County, and surrounding areas in Michigan.
If you have a specific location in mind, feel free to ask! I'm always happy to discuss possible locations and determine whether they will work well for your session.
💳 When is my session officially booked?
A 25% retainer is required to reserve your date and time.
The remaining balance is due 24 hours before your scheduled session.
Your session is not officially confirmed until the retainer has been received.
💌 Still have questions?
If you have a question that isn't answered here, please don't hesitate to reach out!
I want you to feel comfortable, informed, and excited about your session.
SmithRileyPhotography
📸 Capturing the moments you'll want to remember.