Couples Session Guide
Couples Session Guide
Celebrating in Key West? Whether it’s an Engagement, Honeymoon, Anniversary, or another “Just the Two of Us” milestone, if you’re with the person you love and want photos to commemorate, this guide is for you!
THERE’S NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT TO CELEBRATE YOUR RELATIONSHIP
You’re here because you’ve planned the perfect getaway to Key West with the person you love!
A little “behind the scenes” of Karrie at work during a couples portrait session on the beach
Whether you are…
just got Engaged
are on your Honeymoon
are enjoying a special Anniversary
one of you is celebrating a milestone Birthday
or if you want to schedule a photo shoot “for the heck of it”
my Couples Sessions are fun, romantic, and help you capture this moment in your relationship, with the beauty of Key West in the backdrop
CELEBRATE IN STYLE
Besides the excitement of having a photo shoot, this is also your chance to get dressed up, see parts of the island you maybe would not have experienced otherwise, and go home with the ultimate souvenir….a series of portraits you will have forever!
Use the time together to create images you can use for a big announcement, Save-The-Date cards, holiday cards, images to post on social media or load onto a digital photo frame, and of course, have stunning framed, canvas, or acrylic wall art to hang up in your home!
Walking hand in hand: Celebrating a lifetime of love with an anniversary beach shoot!
WELCOME!
Hi! I’m Karrie.
This is me…doing what I love! I’ve been at this for almost 25 years now, with over half of those years based in Key West Florida, and I specialize in Destination Couples Photo Shoots. Whether you’re making a long drive down the Overseas Highway from South Florida, or you’ve flown in from halfway around the world, helping you take home a little slice of paradise in the form of your very own Florida Keys photo shoot is what I’m here for!
I also have a full time Assistant who helps back-of-house, a dedicated Editor who specializes in my creative style, and my longtime Retoucher who helps everyone look their best. If you haven’t already, check out my About page to learn more of my backstory, history & experience.
But enough about me. I’m excited to learn more about you and help you plan your Family Portrait Session!
Without further ado, let me walk you through my process, and go over Pricing and how we can work together!
WHAT TO EXPECT
DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS AND GUIDANCE
Photo Credit: Meli Poole
We start with a general plan but allow for some spontaneity as to exactly which spots we choose to shoot in and what poses will come together. I have visual examples of different locations, and also can help scout a new area if you have a special request that isn’t represented already in my work.
I send out a very detailed list of instructions, which includes everything from
where to park when you arrive
what to wear
what to bring
and links to my past sessions so you can get ideas and inspiration
In short, I try to do as much on the front end to set you up for success so your photo shoot day goes smoothly!
DIRECTION AND POSING
Once at the shoot, I guide you the entire way, making any adjustments to your position that are needed, fixing the lighting, and basically ensuring that you look great in your photos, removing the worries of:
I don’t know what to do
Where do I put my hands?
I’m not photogenic
Unless you’re a professional model by trade, then being “good in photos” is not your job! (It’s actually mine!)
I will guide, direct, pose, and instruct you where to stand, what angle to position, where to put your hands, where to look, and everything in between. I’m talking to you throughout the process, so much so that many sometimes say “I kinda forgot we were even taking pictures”. This natural approach leads to the most flattering angles and genuine expressions without feeling stiff or awkward.
PROFESSIONAL RETOUCHING
It’s inevitable that when you’re shooting in a public space or on a beach, there is going to be something that ends up in the shot you didn’t necessarily want. It might be a few tourists strolling far in the distance, or a life preserver stand glowing bright orange annoyingly in the corner of the frame, or a rogue flyaway hair dancing in the breeze above your head. Either way, Basic Retouching is included on any images you order from us.
For those who need more extensive edits (sunburn, tattoo removal, changing hair style, coloring in hair roots, removing complex scarring, changing shirt color, removing a cell phone from your hand or a bag from across your shoulder), these services are also available for an additional fee.
TANGIBLE KEEPSAKES
Gone are the days when we just accept the fact that our current imaging technologies will someday be rendered obsolete by modern advancements and our digital existences will be lost to time forever. No! Your family portraits are - I would espouse - some of the most valuable things you have in this world… from the connection they create during family gatherings (no one wants to sit around the sofa and log in to a “URL”)….to the significance they take on when our loved ones move on from this life (when my grandmother passed, thumbing through the pages of her family photo albums was everything)….to the sheer everyday joy they add to a room when you walk in, glance at the wall, and see your favorite people there smiling back at you. This is why I have tangible, touchable, feel-able, physical, actual printed heirlooms in my full-service offerings. These include:
Wall Art
Great for adorning the walls of your home and relive the smiles and laughs of this trip! Hang them in your foyer, above the fireplace, in the hallway, or anywhere else you want to be reminded of this day!
Available in a variety of sizes & finishes.
Matted Sets
Great for smaller spaces, creating multi-image wall collages, and tabletop displays.
They also make great gifts for everyone on the trip, or a unique keepsake you can pull out to enjoy during get-togethers.
Retouched Prints
If you’re a tactile “flip through photos” kind of person, you’ll love these traditional print sizes, with luxurious silk, clay-coated matte, or linen luster finish.
Printed on thick silver halide photographic paper that is made to last.
Custom Albums
These Albums are a memorable way to tell the story of your session, as you flip through the laughs, poses, and heartfelt moments.
Upgrade to an Acrylic Cover and let that serve as its own unique art piece on the shelf of coffee table.
Oh, and did I mention?
Everything we Print for you INCLUDES the Digital Copy at no additional charge.
Best of both worlds. Easy peasy!
Which…speaking of digitals… you’re also getting a SUPERIOR DIGITAL DELIVERY EXPERIENCE
Unless you’re a digital creative by trade, it’s likely that terms like “DPI”, “Pixels”, and “Color Space” are not part of your everyday conversations. This is why I make the delivery of your digital proofs and retouched digital files part of the overall experience. After a brief walkthrough, you’ll have access to a feature-packed online gallery where you can View, Hide, Share, Favorite, and Label photos…without the headache of compatibility issues, operating system updates, folder structures, or other “tech specs”.
FEATURE-PACKED ONLINE GALLERY
IMAGES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS WITH YOUR OWN APP
Just think of it as “DIGITAL DIVERSIFICATION”
As with any asset, having your beloved images in more than one place is key to keeping them safe.
After ordering your images—whether as a printed product with free digital files or as digital purchases—they arrive in a neat Zip folder for easy saving straight to your computer. You can put a copy in the cloud by sending them to Google Photos if you have an account.
Additionally, they will be archived in your Mobile App, ensuring they remain accessible without being affected by your phone's storage limitations.
HOW IT WORKS
1) Your SESSION FEE includes CREDIT toward the photos of your choice
Instead of pre-set packages where you’re limited on how you can enjoy your photos, my sessions instead include a Credit/Gift Card toward the photos of your choice after the shoot. You decide the Size, Format, and Quantity for the images YOU love.
The credit can be used like a gift card off a larger order, or you can simply redeem the credit as is. Ultimately, what you choose is COMPLETELY up to you!
2) Your GALLERY delivers your entire session to View, Share & Select images
You’ll receive the entire session of edited digital images in your Online Proof Gallery where you will be able to:
Scroll through your Key West memories
Use the built in features to Share, Hide, and Label images
Compare Side-by-Side to narrow down expression and pose
Share the link with Friends and Family to get their input
Select a set of Favorites that are your top keepers
3) Your ORDER is placed using your included Credit toward the final total
We’ll discuss your favorites and options that fit your decor, lifestyle, and preferences. You’ll then use your Credit / Gift Card toward your final selections.
If you’re simply redeeming your Credit as-is, we’ll get the images Retouched, the digital copies sent to you, and the products shipped out.
If you’re using your Credit toward a larger order, we’ll invoice for the difference and proceed once that’s paid.
READY TO GET STARTED?
FIRST THINGS FIRST…LET’S TALK LOCATIONS
WHAT KIND OF LOCATION DO YOU ENVISION FOR YOUR PHOTOS?
BEACH / NATURAL AREA
If you know you want to take in the natural beauty of Key West, from the big leaves of the Sea Grape tree to the long blades of beach grasses, from the blue skies and gentle waves of the ocean to the epic pink and orange sunsets the island is known for, I have a list of locations that will suit this style perfectly.
PROS -
The most “true Key West” experience in natural island splendor!
These are the best locations to incorporate sunset, if that’s something you want to include.
Lots of flexibility with where we shoot and when.
Very classic locations that are timeless and look great on the walls years later and can go with any type of home decor.
CONS -
We are reliant on Mother Nature in terms of waves washing seaweed up onto the sand, how strong the wind will be and what direction it will be blowing from, what color the water will be, and how the sky will look.
If we’re at a public park or beach, it’s hard to know ahead of time how busy it will be. There may be moments we have to pause as kids run by, or we have to wait our turn to get a photo on a rock jetty or jockey for position at sunset.
DOWNTOWN / HISTORIC AREA
If you’re driving down the cobblestone side streets, staring up at the weathered wood from old shipwrecks, and delighting in the vibrant colors, quirky shops, and lively atmosphere of the Old Town area, then a downtown photo shoot will be just the thing to bring the island to life in the background of your photos.
PROS -
The most lively and energy-filled experience of the three!
Often incorporates iconic Key West landmarks, signage, and areas that would never be mistaken for another destination.
Offers the widest range of locations, from museums to boutiques to restaurants to side streets…literally endless options!
No two shoots are the same, so photos will be 100% unique!
CONS -
People, traffic, and other distractions. I (of course) try to avoid them, but there are inevitably going to be some photos with groups of tourists, street warning signs, and scooters zooming by in the background.
Certain stops may be less accessible at different times of the day, either due to harsh lighting, crowd control, hours of operation, or other logistical and aesthetic concerns.
RESORT / PRIVATE HOME or RENTAL
If you’re looking for something a little more private, upscale, or the convenience of a place you’re staying with top service and exclusivity, we can plan the session at your Hotel, Resort, or Rental. Site fees may apply which are not covered in the photography rates, and availability at certain resorts is limited.
PROS -
The options with the best service, most pristine locations, and controlled environments!
Enjoy beautiful architecture and the calm atmosphere.
You can incorporate other services like designer decor, colorful florals, champagne service, valet parking, and even a custom sand sculpture!
And of course, no distractions to worry about in your photos
CONS -
Availability can be more limited depending on the time of year, and some locations will limit the use of the space to certain times or days of the week…a possible issue if you’ve already booked your hotel for your trip.
A fee to rent or use the space is almost always required, so you will need to budget more for your shoot overall.
Rescheduling options can be much more restrictive if it rains or you run into travel delays prior to your shoot, so it’s good to have one other location as a backup.
Exploring unconventional spots off the beaten path: Couples shoot using the St Mary’s grotto for interesting texture and foreground elements
TIME TO CHOOSE YOUR SESSION:
THE FRANGIPANI
Simple Session
Max # Outfits: 1
Max # Locations: 1
Downtown: Truman Annex
Beach/Nature: Higgs Beach
INCLUDES:
Session Confirmation & Location Guide
Fun Photo Shoot with Karrie
Posing and Direction to help you look and feel confident in front of the camera!
Primary focus on portraits with a few candids (about 2 to 3 areas around the location)
Professional Editing of All Images
Light Retouching of Your Ordered Photos
Password-Protected Gallery to view and share photos for 3 Months
Approx 20-30 images for review
$450 Credit toward the Prints/Digitals of your choice
$650
Available Mon-Thu -
Mid-Morning to Midday**
THE BANYAN
Standard Session
Max #Outfits: 1
Max # Locations: 1
Downtown: Truman Annex or the Bight
Beach/Nature: Smathers or Higgs
Resort: Margaritaville, the Reach*, or SoMo
INCLUDES:
Session Planning, Tips, and Timeline
Fun Photo Shoot with Karrie
Posing and Direction to help you look and feel confident in front of the camera!
Primary focus on portraits with some candids/unscripted action shots
(about 2 to 4 areas around the location)Professional Editing of All Images
Light Retouching of Your Ordered Photos
Password-Protected Gallery to view and share photos for 6 Months
Approx 40-60 images for review
$650 Credit toward the Prints/Digitals of your choice
$950
Available Mon-Thu -
Morning to Early-Afternoon**
THE ROYAL PALM
Deluxe Session
Max # Outfits: 2
Max # Locations: 2
Downtown: Truman, Bight or Bahama Village
Beach/Nature: Smathers, Higgs or Fort Zach
Resort: Margaritaville, the Reach*, SoMo, Hyatt, or Private Vacation Rental
INCLUDES:
Session Planning, Tips, and Timeline
Fun Photo Shoot with Karrie
Posing and Direction to help you look and feel confident in front of the camera!
Pretty even split between focusing on portraits and creating “lifestyle” type action type shots with some candids/unscripted moments mixed in
(about 2 to 4 areas PER location)Professional Editing of All Images
Full Retouching of Your Ordered Photos
Password-Protected Gallery to view and share photos for 9 Months
Approx 60-80 images for review
$950 Credit toward the Prints/Digitals of your choice
$1350
Available Mon-Fri** -
Morning to Sunset
THE POINCIANA
Extended Session
Max # Outfits: 3
Max # Locations: 3
Downtown: Any downtown locations
Beach/Nature: Smathers, Higgs or Fort Zach
Resort: Margaritaville, the Reach*, SoMo, Hyatt, Casa Marina*, Sunset Key*, or Rental
INCLUDES:
Session Planning, Tips, and Timeline
Fun Shoot with Karrie
Posing and Direction to help you look and feel confident in front of the camera!
Lots of variety between portraits and “lifestyle” type action type shots with some candids/unscripted moments mixed in as well (about 2 to 4 areas PER location)
Professional Editing of All Images
Full Retouching of Your Ordered Photos
Password-Protected Gallery to view and share photos for 3 Years
Approx 80-100 images for review
$1650 Credit toward the Prints/Digitals of your choice
$2250
BONUS: Priority Turnaround Included!
Available Sun-Fri**
Morning to Sunset
How many images can I get?
Short Answer? As many as you wish! 😉 But in all seriousness, I designed the packages so that the credit would cover a number of images commensurate with the scope of the session, or could be used toward more photos, if desired. That’s the beauty of not being constrained to pre-designed packages: you have full flexibility to order as many or as few as you like.
Individual images start at $75 each (includes both print and digital) and go up from there depending on size.
Collection images (purchased in sets of 8, 16, 24, etc) will range anywhere from $50-$80 depending on quantity.
Wall Art starts at $350 (includes choice of framed, metal, acrylic, or canvas) with Wall Collections (multiple pieces) starting at $750.
Special discounts apply when combining collections AND wall art.
And again, all rates include the digital, as well as Retouching.
After the shoot, use your Image Credit toward:
BOXED PRINT SETS (+ DIGITALS):
Avaialble in sets of 8, 16, or 20 images
Retouched Print with Digital File included.
Includes choice of Flush-Mounted or Matted finishing.
Includes keepsake box for easy storing or gifting.
HEIRLOOM ALBUMS (+ DIGITALS):
Available for 16 images or more
Retouched Album Images with Digital Copies included.
Includes choice of Cover Styles (Leather, Linen, Silk, Metal)
Includes presentation box for protection and safekeeping.
CAPTIVATING WALL ART:
Available in range of sizes, configurations, and finishes.
Retouched Wall Images with Digital Copies included.
Choice of Finishes (Luster, Matte, Metal, Acrylic) and hanging options (framed, flush, grommet, standout, etc)
(and yes, of course, the digital copies too)
TO FINE TUNE YOUR SESSION:
To add more people:
You can add additional people to any session for $75 each. This includes an additional $35 added to your Print/Image Credit, and accounts for the additional session and post-production time.
To shoot at additional locations:
You can add an additional location on Key West proper for $125 each. This includes an additional $65 added to your Print/Image Credit, and accounts for the additional session and travel time.
For locations not in Key West proper (Sunset Key, Little Palm, Hawk’s Cay, Sombrero Beach, etc):
Rates are all based on Key West locations that do not require additional waiting/staging, ferry, or travel time off island. If your desired location falls outside of this, there’s just an additional travel fee (see Travel below).
* If scheduling your session at your resort:
* Site Fees charged by private venues/resorts are not included in the session fee and are payable directly to the venue. Resort sessions are scheduled through their respective Events teams and may be based on their availability.
** To upgrade to a Day or Time that isn’t included in your selected session:
If your itinerary while you’re in Key West is flexible, and you don’t mind waiting until closer to the date (24-48 hours) to confirm the time, then I’m happy to upgrade you to Sunset (or move you to another day of the week) with no additional investment, in the event the time slot is not booked.
If you need to guarantee your time slot at sunset, or ensure you have a specific day of the week, in order to work around other plans, you can simply upgrade your package with additional Print/Image credit to meet the minimum investment for your desired date/time (which you then of course get to use toward your favorite photos afterward ; win win!).
Optional Upgrades
Rush Delivery
Need your photos back faster than our standard turnaround?
$200 - 10-12 Day Priority
$300* - 5 Day Expedited Guarantee
$400* - 48 Hour Rush Guarantee
* Book this service before your session to enjoy reduced package rates
Video of Your Session
$750 - Video captured throughout the shoot, includes lifestyle-type candid and directed moments and B-roll of the locations throughout the session, creating a mini “movie” of your vacation memories!
Includes additional session time sufficient to allow for video capture, light video editing over royalty-free background music, with mixture of ambient / natural sounds. Capture is done with a combination of DSLR and Mobile 4K equipment.
Delivery is downloadable MP4 video file suitable for digital sharing*.
*Optional Video Play Book available for an additional $495, which gives you a tangible handheld way to enjoy your video; using the included USB cord, it also doubles as a backup SSD hard drive with the digital images of your session.
Travel/Non-Shooting Time
$125 Per Travel/Non-Shooting Hour - For time spent getting to and from a location outside of Key West, including drive, ferry, plane, and other transportation, or for time spent between activities (wait time).
Sunset Key: $250
Bahia Honda State Park: $250
Marathon/Duck Key, Little Palm Island or Boca Grande: $375
Upper Keys (Islamorada/Key Largo): $435
Fort Jefferson: $500 if on Half Day Trip (plus cost of 2 sea plane tickets)
Printed Proof Book
$250 - 8x12 with every image of the session - if you prefer to review and make your selections using actual printed proofs, this comes with all your images tiled 9 to 12 per page, allowing you to flip through the session completely screen-free.
Package and Booking F.A.Q.
What if it rains?
Well first let me say that in Key West, it pretty much says that it’s going to rain nearly every day, so don’t let the forecast scare you too much. Our tiny patch of island in the big vast ocean means that it can be raining only a few miles away, but we will get none of it. Second, when it does rain, it generally does not rain the entire day like in mainland locations. When this happens, we usually aim to avoid the time of day we know it will be worse, and just shift the time. Third, I always try to plan the shoot on a day that gives us a buffer afterward before you head home, so that if the weather is terrible, we can scoot it back by a day.
What if we are not super photogenic or comfortable in front of the camera?
In 24 years I’ve only ever had one session in which one of the clients was a professional model. So, you’re in good company. It is not your job to “be photogenic”…leave that to me. I will capture a variety of poses, compositions, and angles throughout the shoot. Some moments will be more posed/directed with lots of instruction and tips to look your best, and others are going to be more free-flowing with minimal direction, so you’ll have both to choose from.
That said, if you’re generally a more quiet, reserved, shy, stoic, or unexuberant couple, then I’m going to keep the images more subdued in line with your personality. On the other hand, if you’re generally more the boisterous, enthusiastic, energetic, and gregarious type, then your images will undboubtedly reflect more of that personality instead. I can’t make you look like someone you’re not, but I will feed off your natural energy and mold that to help you appear as the best version of the “real you” as possible.
Can I reduce my Image Credit / Product Gift Card to reduce my Session Fee?
The session pricing is a Minimum Investment for the group, location, and date of your choice. The Image/Product credit is offered to provide you as the Client the flexibility to choose the sizes and quantities of photos that you would like, in an amount sufficient to provide a respectable quantity of images from the session, but with the option to add on more later if desired. So the credit is not a separate item that can be removed independently.
Am I allowed to make my own prints from the images?
Yes! The digital files included with your package (quantity varies by package booked) are unwatermarked and have license for printing. While we do make the case in THIS ARTICLE on the subject of printing your own VS having us print them for you (free retouching, anyone?), ultimately you are welcome to print those included files at the lab of your choice.
Any additional digital images visible in your gallery, but not purchased/included in the package, are available for social media sharing and screen-viewing only.
Is it possible to include a special prop/activity/sign etc into some of the images?
Absolutely! I love adding in creative elements that are special to you. Whether it’s a fun sign with your family name on it, maybe a fun set of items you’ve gathered along your trip, an activity or inside joke that your family finds memorable, or a sentimental item that represents a long lost family member, I’m happy to include it!
All this sounds great! What is required to book?
Let me know which package and options look like the right fit for you, and I’ll send you an online contract with your package selections.
Once that is signed and we receive your 50% retainer to hold the date, you’ll be officially booked!