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milestone Portrait

 Welcome Guide

Hi! I'm Valerie

I'm so happy you're here and I can't wait to meet your family! I'm a wife and mom of three (including twins) and I'm obsessed with the Montana sky and mountains!

LIGHT. COLOR. 
MOMENTS. CONNECTION

These are the elements that inspire me as an artist. I like to imagine stepping into a painting, where the skies burst to life with color and you can almost feel the warmth of the summer sun. This is what I try to convey through photos. However, I hope you will find that this is a safe space, where art is not about perfection, but rather creativity and connection.

When you book a session with me, I want you to get lost in the moment...stand in awe of the mountains, feel small beneath the big sky, or simply gaze at the innocence of your newborn baby. 

Let's make something magical together. 

Hello & Welcome!

If we haven't worked together before, thank you so much for considering me for your child's Milestone session. I know how precious these moments are and I would be honored to capture them for you. 

This Welcome Guide has some important information about the Milestone photography experience, as well as pricing details, and tips to help you prepare and plan for your session. If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Studio Location: 615 Foys Canyon Rd. Kalispell, MT 59901
Contact: hello@valerieclementphotography.com or 208.739.5637

what to expect

When you arrive at my studio, I will have everything ready to go for your Milestone session. If you're using my wardrobe, I will have a few outfits for you to choose from.

With full sitter sessions, I include up to 3 outfits. With full one year sessions, I include one outfit that we will use for portraits and a second for cake smash photos. 

If you have added family photos, I will have a backdrop setup for these at the beginning and you may use an additional outfit. 

when to book

My schedule does fill quickly so I suggest booking at least 2 months in advance, when possible, which also allows time for planning your session. Also, keep in mind that editing takes about 2-3 weeks so if you need photos by a certain date, you'll want to allow enough time for processing after your session. 

Studio sessions are generally scheduled Tuesday - Friday from 10am to 1pm (start time). Weekends may on occasion be available so let's chat about what you're looking for. If you are adding family photos to your Milestone session, please keep this in mind when booking. 

Milestone sessions are generally 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the type of session booked. 

As we get closer to your session date, I will be in touch to confirm your session and all the details.   

props & more

I provide props, backdrops, outfits, cake stands, etc., so there is nothing you need to worry about. The only exception is for cake smash sessions, I do not provide the cake for potential allergy concerns. My advice is to avoid red, black, or brown frosting (a little detail is ok but I would avoid doing a lot of these colors), naked cakes are a great choice as they photograph beautifully and have less frosting for babies that may be intimidated or bothered by sticky frosting on their hands. :) 

I have multiple session types from mini to full to elaborate. With 3, 6, 9 month milestones, I usually do fairly simple setups with more focus on baby versus props. When it comes to cake smashes, most commonly, I do general themes such as florals, outdoors, camping, color schemes, etc. If you are looking for something very specific and more elaborate (specific characters, cartoons, etc.), I offer a specific cake smash session to accommodate more elaborate props and themes so be sure to keep this in mind when booking your session.

3, 6, 9 Month $225

Perfect for those looking for a simple setup to beautifully document their little one's milestones! 
- 30 minute studio session time for baby only
- Includes one outfit/setup from studio
- 5 Digital Images of your choice with print release
- Add $100 for twins + 5 additional images
- Additional $25/image or $150 full gallery upgrade
- Mini sessions do not include themes

Mini Milestone

3, 6, 9 Month $425

- 1.5 hour studio session time for baby only
- Includes up to 3 outfits/set-ups
- Use of professional props, outfits, and accessories
- Setups are typically fairly simple, minimal props as this is all about capturing milestones like tummy time, first smiles, & sitting on their own!
- All Edited Digital Images with print release (typically around 30+ images but dependent on baby)
- Add $100 for twins (generally includes more images)

Full Milestone

One Year Milestone $225

- 30 minute studio session time for baby only
- Includes one outfit for portraits and one for cake smash (may be borrowed from studio)
- 5 Digital Images of your choice
- Add $100 for twins + 5 additional images
- Additional images may be purchased upon delivery for $25/image or $150 full gallery upgrade
- Cake not included for potential allergy concerns
- Mini sessions do not include themes. Includes a white floor and backdrop as pictured and your choice of balloon color and/or a simple banner or garland (balloon garlands are not included in mini sessions).

Mini Cake Smash

Full One Year Milestone $425

- Up to 1.5 hour studio session time for baby only
- Includes one outfit for portraits, one outfit for cake smash photos, & bubble bath or milk bath photos
- A second outfit for portraits may be substituted in lieu of bubble/milk bath, if preferred
- Use of professional backdrops, props, outfits, and accessories (cake not included)
- Includes more general themes and less props, such as certain colors, simple balloon garlands, or themes like "floral", "outdoors", etc. 
- Includes all Edited Digital images with print release (typically 40+ images but this is dependent on baby)
- Add $100 for twins (generally includes more images)

Simple Smash & Splash

-This includes everything that my general smash and splash includes: portraits, cake smash, bubble or milk bath, props, outfits, cake stand, etc. (cake not included)
- This session accommodates for those who want very specific themes or elaborate setups with lots of props such as specific characters, cartoons, etc. that I will need to create or acquire for the session (generally requires a little more advanced booking)
- Includes all Edited Digital images with print release (typically around 40+ images)
- Add $100 for twins (generally includes more images)

Themed Smash & Splash

Elaborate Themed Full One Year Milestone $425

Perfect for documenting your child each year or book a studio session in lieu of school photos. 
- Up to one hour session for children 2 & older
- Studio outfits available, sizes are limited above 2T
- Does not include cake smashes and is not themed
- Includes all Edited Digital images with print release (approximately 10 images, varies with each session)
- Add $100/child for a sibling session (generally includes more images with individual photos of each child)
- Newborn portraits not available with this session

Child Portrait Session

Studio Session $225

30 minute Mini Family session may be added to any Milestone Session and will include your choice of a solid backdrop, lifestyle portraits using studio couch, or images outside of the studio, as well as an additional outfit for baby (either from home or studio). Includes photos of baby and family and baby with each parent and siblings (if applicable). Limit 6 people max (including baby) due to studio size. 

*Please keep in mind that milestone studio hours are Tuesday - Friday from 10am to 1pm (start time). Family photos are usually taken at the beginning so if needed the other parent/children may leave once those photos are complete.

Family Add-On

$200 Family, 5 Images of Your Choice
$25 /Additional Image or $150 Full Family Upgrade

Thank you for taking the time to read through my Milestone Session Welcome Guide! I would be honored to be your photographer and I look forward to the opportunity to meet you and your family. 


email: hello@valerieclementphotography.com
phone: 208-739-5637
facebook & instagram: @valerieclementphoto




Thank You So Much!

Let's Connect!