Keep in mind that weekend appointments always fill up first and are on limited availability at this time. We are closing in on the warm weather months! Call Marianne to book your appointment: 815.603.8450. Spring and Summer sessions often fill up quickly. Childhood fades away and all that is left are your memories and the moments forever captured in a photograph. Photographic art is a decorative investment , portraits of this caliber are meant to be an affirmation of the present & an investment in the future. Portrait art will be cherished for much longer than that print purchased the local linen store and even your sofa will fall out of favor way before photographic art of your most cherished people in the world will. A favorite statement made by a client of mine summed it up perfectly: "Second to a college education, fine portraiture of my kids is my most important investment, there is no better way to capture my children as they really are!" STYLE When booking a photographer for your family portraits it is imperative that their style matches your own. Marianne’s style is relaxed and fun. Marianne strives to make your session as enjoyable as possible. Traditional portraits, forced say "cheese" smiles and stiff clothing are not her style, keep that in mind as you book your portrait session. Marianne is open to ideas and suggestions offered up by parents, sometimes the most cherished of photos is inspired by a parent's idea coupled with Marianne's artistic execution of the image. Also, allow your children to have some input on what they want to wear, what they want to bring, they will feel a sense of pride and be much more comfortable in front of the camera knowing that they had a say so in the execution of their session. The most common denominator for clients that contact Marmalade Photography to have is the desire for unique, fun, sweet, true to their child memories and the strong urge to capture the true nature of who their child is. Marmalade Photography approaches photography in an non-traditional manner by keeping our hearts and minds open to what our clients want out of their session and keeping our finger on the pulse of the session. Sessions unfold individually, no two sessions are EVER alike. We like it that way. Our sessions tend to be fun, spontaneous and relaxed. We wouldn't have it any other way, really. There are two session types, both are outlined a bit in the investment section of our site. Marmalade Location Sessions are outdoor, seasonally available sessions. These sessions take advantage of the various surroundings and are perfect for children that are over nine or so months of age to the child of 100 years of age. On Location Sesseions available at any time of the year, at any location you choose (your home, a grandparents home, a retreat of sorts, wherever YOU decide...within reason). Deciding what you want out of your session can be sometimes overwhelming and we will be more than happy to help you every step of the way. Call us and we'll get through this early decision process. How To Schedule Your Session: We offer collections and gift print a la carte options, specialty products such as Day In the Life coffee table books, gorgeous canvas Gallery Wrap artwork and other fun options. We accept all major credit cards. Have your card ready to reserve your session appointment. At that time, Marianne will discuss with you your expectations and do a little Q&A session for your session expectations and to get to know you & your children a bit better. We know this time in your lives is fleeting, the hugs, kisses and tantrums are many and all of it is so precious. We look forward to capturing the love, grace & beauty in your lives. We're excited to be working with you and would like to thank you for entrusting Marmalade Photography with your memories. Many clients become friends as there is a certain degree of intimacy involved in relationship/lifestyle photography. You allow the photographer to take a look into your life, a glimpse of just moments of your lives allows for memories to be made that truly reflect your real life. JUST THE FAQ'S, Please... WHAT KIND OF SERVICES DOES MY SESSION INCLUDE? Your session fee includes pre session telephone consultation as well as well as 1-2 hour session at a pre-determined location (we determine location during your pre session phone call). Marianne can and will assist you with clothing selection if you desire. This session fee is for time only and does not include prints. You will be shown 25-30 images from your photo session. Additional locations would be charged at $50 per location. WHAT WILL MY PROOFS LOOK LIKE? The utmost of care in preparing your photographs for viewing is taken, all proofs are processed by Marianne’s exacting standards of artistry. Many viewed proofs are post processed showing you almost exactly how the finished product will appear. It's important to pay attention to the expression visible in the photograph and less to the finishing technique as expressions can not be changed but a finishing technique is easily altered. I NEED TO CANCEL MY APPOINTMENT, IS MY SESSION FEE REFUNDABLE? Session fees are not refundable, however you may be able to reschedule at no additional cost if >24 hours notice is given. Remember the full session fee is payable at the time of initial consultation. WHAT SHOULD I/WE WEAR TO THE SESSION? Individual style is considered in clothing selection. Marianne strives for a timeless yet fun look to her work. For individual photographs Marianne encourages to bring a variety of clothing to the session so she can assist you in your clothing choices. Bright, colorful clothing & accessories are terrific for portions of the session that are catered to the individual being photographed. Marianne suggests that solid colors (coordinating) clothing are worn for group photographs and if you have any question feel free to bring several outfits to the session for her decision. Marianne believes there is beauty in the little messes of childhood, dirty feet, windblown hair, crooked smiles, pouts, laughter and tears...all these are part of your world, why not memorialize some of these moments in a photograph? If your child prefers a tattered pair of jeans to those khakis that you selected, consider bringing them to your session. The goal of our session together is to capture YOUR child and who he is today. Forced smiles and stiff clothing aside, your child is unique and the vision of Marmalade Photography is to capture your child as he/she really is, today. Sessions have been done indoors in pajamas (always fun!), in bathtubs (highlighing bath tub fun!)...there is no right or wrong way to showcase you & your child in our eyes. ARE YOU AVAILABLE FOR EVENTS or DO YOU TRAVEL OUT OF STATE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS? Yes, on a case by case basis. Children's event coverage starts at $1400. A limited number of wedding commissions are accepted yearly, our rates begin at $6200 for weddings. Out of state travel is quoted on a case by case basis. I WANT ONE OF EVERY PICTURE! HOW DO I GET THAT? There are collections available that include a majority of the proofs you view. If you want them all you can purchase a 30 image session album or our fantastic Day In The Life Album, a unique experience allowing for Marianne to capture many aspects of your life and memorialize it within an exquisite hard bound, artwork coffee table book. DO YOU GIVE AWAY THE RIGHTS TO A PHOTOGRAPH AFTER I PURCHASE IT? No. Marmalade Photography/Marianne Drenthe retain the copyrights to all photographs taken. Reprints of ordered images are available at any time within 1 year of your session. Unordered images are only guaranteed available for 30 days after your ordering appointment.