Deborah Grooms

Collect Memories, Not Things

girl at beach, catching wave, Florida creative family children photography Miami Sarasota Tampa Atlanta

FAQ

Can you make me look 10 pounds lighter?

Yes.  Everyone wants to look their best. No one wants 6 chins.  I’ll make sure you are standing or sitting in a flattering way so you look amazing. Clothing and lighting are super important here. Lighting separates the soccer mom’s with a camera from the professional. Great lighting is worth at least 10 pounds!  Rest assured, I know all the tricks. 

Can you make my kids and hubby not complain about us doing this?

Yes.  I’ll ask you lots of questions about their personalities ahead of time so I know how to relate to them and make them feel comfortable.  Boys and husbands end up being my biggest fans. They’ll have a good time, I promise. 

Before our session I suggest you show them this website so they see the portraits will be fun and light hearted, not the posed and stiff images they are dreading.  It will help them be more relaxed ahead of time.  I’m all about making this easy on the moms.

Can you help me with what to wear?

Absolutely.  We’ll discuss this in our complimentary planning call.  You’ll be all set here.  You can also text me piles of clothes as you start making selections. I get them from everywhere, even stores from longtime clients.  Happy to help. 

Are you organized or flighty like our last photographer?

Oh the stories I’ve heard in thirty years.  Nightmare scenarios.  Lost images.  Money spent and nothing delivered. Months long turn around times. Phone calls never returned. Photographer never showing up. Insulted family members. No patience.  No creativity or direction during session. 

The compliments I hear the most are related to how easy it was to work with me.  You’ll be helped every step of the way before the session and you’ll get weekly progress updates after your order is placed.  Organization is my secret sauce. You are in good hands. 

I bid on your work at a charity event. What percentage of what I paid goes to the charity?

100%. Over thirty years I’ve donated north of 2.3 million dollars of work to children’s related charities.  Private and public schools, Make a Wish, Ronald McDonald and special charities close to my clients hearts.  If it can help a child, I’m in.

What happens if I don’t like anything you took?

It’s never happened in thirty years and thousands of clients. Most people have too many they like and I have to help them narrow them down. Also, all the finished work is 100% guaranteed. If you don’t LOVE it, you don’t pay for it. No risk to you. Full stop.

Will you help me decide where to do this?

Yes.  We will discuss in our planning call. I can make anywhere work. It just needs to be special to you at this stage of your life.   This way when you are looking at them on your walls, they make you smile bigger.

What if the weather isn’t good?

Because I only book sessions in spring and fall now, the weather is perfect.  If we get a cloudy day, celebrate. Clouds aren’t bad.  Your blue eyed family members will love them as they have a harder time with bright light. I bring lighting, unlike 95% of photographers, so unless it’s pouring down rain, we are good. 

Our kids have blemishes, will you take care of those?

Absolutely.  Anything that is temporary goes away.  Blemishes, bruises, and bonks. Also, five years of too much camera detail is taken off of all adult faces.  You are welcome. 

How much will this cost?

Your investment level is totally up to you. I have no preset anything you have to do.  You can get what you love in the scale that is best for your home. Wall work starts at $535 and desk work is $220. You’ll get discounts for multiple portraits and duplicates.  You’ll get all the fees ahead of time. No surprises.  I’ll bring samples of all the options to your selection appointment in your home. It’s easy.

Do I get all my images digitally?

Yes. Everyone wants to share and use these for holiday cards. You’ll get copies of all the work you order after it’s retouched and perfect. I don’t give away un-retouched images. It’s not why you hired a professional in the first place. Less is more.