Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know

before we preserve your story.

We believe every family deserves to feel completely comfortable before stepping in front of the camera. Here are clear answers to the questions we are asked most often.

Reserve Your Portrait Experience
Child portrait by Matt and Shea Photography

Your Experience, Beautifully Guided

From reservation to finished artwork.

You do not need to arrive knowing what to wear, how to pose or which artwork belongs in your home. We guide the entire process, because families already have enough moving parts without turning portrait planning into a committee meeting.

1

Reserve Your Experience

2

Plan Your Session

3

Wardrobe & Styling

4

Portrait Session

5

Professional Editing

6

Private Reveal

7

Select Your Artwork

8

Delivery & Installation

01

Planning Your Session

Planning should feel exciting.

Not stressful.

We guide wardrobe, location, timing and the overall vision so your family can arrive prepared without turning the evening before into a domestic emergency.

How far in advance should we reserve?
We recommend reserving as early as possible, especially for weekends, fall family sessions, newborn due dates and seasonal events. Earlier reservations provide the best choice of dates and enough time for thoughtful planning.
What should we wear?
Choose coordinated colors and textures rather than identical outfits. Neutral foundations with thoughtful layers usually photograph beautifully. Once you reserve, we will help you select clothing that supports the location, season and artwork you envision.
Can we bring outfit changes?
That depends on the portrait experience you select. Some sessions include time for multiple looks, while shorter experiences are designed around one carefully planned outfit. We will confirm the best approach during planning.
How long does a typical session last?
Most full portrait experiences last approximately one hour. Newborn, senior and engagement experiences may be longer. Limited-edition sessions are shorter and scheduled within a dedicated event window.
Where do sessions take place?
Sessions may take place in our Chattanooga studio, at an outdoor location selected for the season and light, or at an approved destination. We will recommend a setting that supports your family and the finished artwork.
Can we include pets?
Absolutely. Pets are family. Tell us before the session so we can prepare the studio or choose a safe outdoor location and create a session flow that works for everyone involved, including the one who suddenly forgets every command the moment a camera appears.
Baby milestone portrait by Matt and Shea Photography

Every Age Has a Story

The in-between seasons matter, too.

From the first push-up and wobbly sit to childhood personalities that change by the week, we design each experience around the stage your family is living right now.

02

Children & Families

Children do not have to be perfect.

They only have to be themselves.

We use movement, games and patient direction instead of expecting children to behave like tiny corporate employees.

What if my child will not sit still?
That is completely normal. We build movement and play into the session and photograph connection between the structured moments. Many of the strongest portraits happen when children are allowed to relax into their real personalities.
What if my teenager hates pictures?
We keep the experience respectful, efficient and age appropriate. We avoid forced expressions and work toward portraits that feel natural, confident and true to who they are.
Can grandparents and extended family participate?
Yes. Extended-family experiences are planned specifically for larger groups and combinations. Let us know the full group size before reserving so we can recommend the correct option and location.
Can we bring snacks?
Small, clean snacks and water are helpful for young children. Avoid anything strongly colored, sticky or likely to become part of the wardrobe ten seconds before the family portrait.
What if someone becomes sick?
Contact the studio as soon as possible. Our rescheduling policy is included with your reservation details. We would rather move the session than photograph a miserable family pretending everything is delightful.
Do you work with children who have special needs?
Yes. We welcome children of all abilities and adapt the experience whenever possible. Share helpful sensory, communication or mobility information before the appointment so we can prepare thoughtfully.
03

Booking & Policies

We make the process simple.

Reserve online. We guide the rest.

Your reservation secures dedicated time on our calendar and begins the planning process for your portrait experience.

How do I reserve a portrait experience?
Select the experience that fits your needs and complete the online reservation process. Once your reservation is confirmed, we will send preparation information and contact you regarding the next planning steps.
What is the reservation fee?
The reservation fee removes your selected time from our calendar and confirms the studio's commitment to your session. It is non-refundable and is handled according to the terms listed for the experience you select.
Can we reschedule?
Yes, within the terms provided at booking. Advance notice is required. Repeated rescheduling or late notice may result in forfeiting the reservation fee because calendars, annoyingly, remain governed by time.
What happens if the weather is poor?
For outdoor sessions, we monitor rain, humidity and conditions that could affect safety or image quality. If rescheduling is necessary, the studio will contact you and coordinate a new date.
Do you offer payment plans?
Payment options may be available for qualifying artwork and collections. Ask during your consultation or private ordering appointment so we can explain the current choices clearly.
Do you travel for portrait sessions?
Yes. Travel is available for approved locations. A separate travel fee is added to the reservation fee based on the destination and the needs of the session. That travel fee does not apply toward your portrait collection or artwork purchase.

Destination Portrait Experiences

Your story does not have to stay inside Chattanooga.

We will travel.

For families, couples, seniors and events with a meaningful destination in mind, we can discuss creating the experience on location. Travel availability depends on the date, distance, session type and production needs.

Travel-fee policy: The quoted travel fee is added to the reservation fee as a separate charge. It is not credited toward, deducted from or otherwise applied to your portrait collection or finished artwork.
Engagement portrait by Matt and Shea Photography
04

Images & Artwork

Your portraits deserve better than a phone.

They should be seen, held and passed down.

We offer professionally finished digital collections, prints, albums and wall artwork designed to become part of your home.

Do you offer digital images?
Yes. Digital collections are available for purchase and are delivered through a private online gallery. The exact number and resolution depend on the collection selected.
What types of artwork do you offer?
Our artwork options may include professional prints, print boxes, linen albums, luxury acrylic albums, gallery canvas wraps, metal wall artwork and heritage wood wall artwork.
What is the Professional Print Promise?
Qualifying digital collections include professionally produced prints of the selected images according to the collection terms. This gives you both the convenience of digital files and a tangible record of your family's story.
Can you help us select wall-art sizes?
Yes. During the ordering appointment we help you compare sizes, groupings and finishes so the artwork fits the intended space instead of becoming a tiny rectangle floating nervously above a very large sofa.
How long does artwork production take?
Production time depends on the item ordered. Prints are generally completed faster than handcrafted albums and custom wall artwork. We will provide an estimated delivery window when your order is placed.

Designed Around Your Season

Every experience begins with listening.

The people participating, the timing, the location and what you hope to preserve all shape the session. The inquiry form below changes its questions based on the experience you select, sparing everyone the ritual of answering twelve irrelevant questions.

Maternity portrait by Matt and Shea Photography
Newborn portrait by Matt and Shea Photography

The Private Reveal

The lights dim. Your story fills the screen.

This is where it becomes real.

You will return for a private viewing and ordering appointment where we present your finished portraits and guide you through selecting the images and artwork that matter most.

How long is the ordering appointment?
Most appointments last approximately one to two hours depending on the session and number of participants.
Should both decision-makers attend?
Yes. Anyone involved in selecting images, products or budget should attend so decisions can be made together.
When is payment due?
Payment is generally due when the order is placed unless an approved payment option has been arranged.

Why Matt & Shea Photography

Experience matters when the moment cannot be repeated.

We combine professional guidance, established craftsmanship and genuine care for the families who trust us with their stories.

20+Years of Experience
12International Awards
593Client Reviews
1Complete Guided Experience
StudioDedicated Chattanooga Location
CertifiedNewborn Safety & Education
ArtworkAlbums, Prints & Wall Pieces
FamilyOwned and Operated

Still Wondering?

Let us help you choose the right portrait experience.

Tell us what you are planning.

Call, reserve or text the studio now. For more detailed help, complete the form below and it will automatically ask the questions that fit the session you select.

Call the Studio
423-521-7427 Reserve Your Experience Text the Studio
423-903-6680

Portrait Experience Inquiry

What are you hoping to preserve?

Fields marked with an asterisk are required. We will review your answers and contact you using your preferred method.

By submitting, you are asking Matt & Shea Photography to contact you about portrait services. Your information is used only to respond to your inquiry.