What days are sessions?

INDOOR

~Photography sessions are flexible

~Cinematography, or Photography with Cinematography sessions are fairly flexible

OUTDOOR

~Photography sessions are flexible

~Cinematography or Cinematography combined with Photography are often planned for weekends

PROMOTIONAL FILMS schedules are part of the planning process

What time do you shoot?

INDOOR SESSIONS are scheduled in the mid-to-lateish morning or early afternoon...we're looking for the best light in your home. OUTDOOR SESSIONS (exceptions are Promotional Films) are generally planned for 1.5 to 2 hours prior to sunset (collection dependent).

Where do sessions take place?

I have locations near Annapolis, as well as on Kent Island and a private family farm. These work because I'm familiar with the lay of the land and am able to check the sun's location throughout the year with ease. After chatting with you, we’ll make the call.

For in-home sessions (Welcome Home Baby), we'll ask you to send us a few cell phone pics of the rooms we may use for your session (e.g.: nursery, master bedroom, family area) during different times of the day so we can assess the best lighting conditions.

Elopements + Promotional Films? Let's chat!

Please note:

~Public places can mean sharing spaces

~Location+parking permits and/or fees a are the responsibility of the client, as well as travel beyond the included mileage and are not reflected in the price

What to wear?!  Will you help me with my "look"?

I insist! Let me begin by saying when you see an image, especially of someone you don't know, what makes you pause and draws you in to the subject is most often the location and styling/clothing. Now, this isn't about making a consistent, color-themed Instagram feed. After all, shooting both at my preferred locations and in your home or hospital room makes that impractical, if not impossible. My brand style carries a slightly warmer edit and and clothing that is comfy, flowy, down to earth, and visually interesting (with texture along with color and pattern mixing). If you want the entire family or the kiddos matchy matchy; or if a bodcon or gala dress, stillettos and a suit is what you want to wear; or maybe your vibe is totally pastel preppy; or if you want everything to look like you fell out of sci-fi set...I'm, unfortunately, not a fit for you. During our consultation, we'll talk about possible locations and some basic concepts/colors, as well as "don't go theres" (e.g.: for me, I'll never wear a crew-neck shirt). After we have the contract and nonrefundable retainer tucked away, I'll put together an inspiration board based on our discussion to ensure everyone coordinates (not matches) and the *clothing is appropriate for the location and all the things we plan to do. If there's anything you don't like, we'll work together to get the look perfected. I welcome photos when you're out shopping, or trying on items from your closet! I insist you send images of your entire wardrobe laid out together in natural light. Starting early gives us plenty of time to tweak without feeling rushed. *Any clothing choices I recommend will come from a variety of referenced sources so not to break the bank (should you shop for your entire clan). By hiring Thuis, you agree to work with me on your wardrobe within the parameters we discuss during our consultation. Send me updates as you pull it together, which must be done NO LATER THAN 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO YOUR SESSION. This coordination allows us time to make tweaks (and there is almost always some tweaking). You must make sure your entire ensemble actually fits and alows for movement. Am I a meanie? Certainly not. I've just been there, done that, far too many times, and I KNOW how long this can take. So.Trust.Me.

How far will you travel?

As far as our passports will take us! On the local side, our fees cover from zip code 21403 or 21666 (depending on service/s hired)...

~45 round-trip miles are included in the collection fee. For outdoor portrait sessions, we stay near home (it's all about being familiar with the lay of the land and being able to easily check on the sun throughout the year...and.it.does.change). We might entertain a more distant location, but only if we have the ability to scout ahead of time (travel and time fees apply).

~Promotional Films: up to 120 round-trip miles

There is a $30 fee for every additional 50 round-trip miles, or portion thereof. For promotional films, travel beyond will incur additional reimbursements as the project dictates. Drop us a line and we'll be happy to answer your questions!

How soon should I contact you?

Right now, of course!!

For photography sessions we book 5 weeks out. We need to chat, cover the contract, location and, very importantly, give you time to coordinate your wardrobe, along with selecting a date and back up

For cinematography, 5 weeks for personal requests, and promotional films should be at least 12 weeks out...longer is even better (because you may be surprised how much time it takes you to make decisions about your project)

Always fee free to get in touch!

How do I pay?

A retainer of $150 per service and a signed electronic contract are required to book your session. Retainers are non refundable. The remaining balance, along with any reimbursements, are due 7 days before your session. If you wish to provide the balance the day of, please make arrangements with us at the time of your contract. (For anyone considering an Elopement, a retainer of 50% of the service, along with a signed electronic contract are required. The balance and any reimbursements are due 7 days prior to the wedding, or the day of, before we start doing our thing!) Promotional Films, a retainer of 50% of the service, along with a signed electronic contract are needed to get started! Retainers are non refundable. The remaining balance, along with any reimbursements, are due 14 days before the project begins. Thuis Studios accepts personal checks or money orders made out to "Thuis Studios." Please note, a small portion of the Collection price is subject to 6% Maryland sales+use tax.

Will I get my photographs + film...tomorrow?

Whoaaaa, slow your roll! ;) We're pretty quick, but just in case "life gets in the way" we have a "no later than 3 weeks" promise to have your films+photographs delivered to you.

Promotional films are project dependent.

How will I receive my photographs + film?

Your session will be loaded to a password protected gallery from which you’ll have 5 days to make your selections and an additional 5 days to download once your final gallery is delivered. You will receive original (high) resolution images.

Your film will be available for download from Vimeo.

Should you wish, you can share those we post on Instagram and Facebook, or others...please tag @thuisstudios.

What about audio + music for my film?

Films are set to legally licensed music from our source libraries. Special music requests, if available, may be purchased at additional cost. Proposals + Elopements will also have audio (yes, they are not part of our Collections...but feel free to ask!) Promotional films have an audio option.

Where can I print my images?

We suggest Nations Photo Lab or Mpix. Of course, you can take them anywhere you like, but be aware cropping and color discrepancies may result.

I thought you photographed+filmed weddings

We used to. And while it's not part of our advertised collections, if you're considering a fun ELOPEMENT, give us a yell. As a reminder, you can request our services independently. However, our cinematographers work exclusively with our photographer, or one other local photography team. Kindly note, due to the cinematographers' schedules, minimally 8 weeks' notice is necessary.

How long are your sessions?

~Independent photography or cinematography sessions are generally up to 90 minutes. Services hired together are generally in the up to 90-minutes to 2-hour range. ~Photography of extended families are up to 2 hrs. ~Maternity or Pregnancy Announcement cinematography filming runs up to 2 hours. Maternity or Pregnancy Announcement photography+cinematography may run up to 2.5 hours. ~Promotional films are dictated by project requirements. Of course, time may be added at $150 per team member per hour.

What's your style?

Seriously love lifestyle...real life as it happens. But we know it isn't easy for everyone to just be themselves when there's a camera pointed at them (or that we'll be there so long that things "just happen"). So we come with a plan and give you some pointers and prompts: help you figure out what to do with your hands and how to stand without looking like a soldier. We'll remind you to breathe and be snuggly. We'll help you get to that place where you can be you, and that's what we'll snap up! And if you push us to the edge, we'll tell really bad jokes and if necessary, pull out some decades old cheerleading moves (so no judging, k?) We love details...so we'll get close. Our videos are much the same altho for the sake of efficiency for some genres (e.g.: promo films) we have a scripted timeline. The captures are both real and assisted from close up to distant and from different perspectives.

Oh, and how do you say "Thuis"?

First the backstory: A lifetime ago, we lived in the Netherlands. Our Dutch friends always made us feel at home (or "thuis"). And we want everyone who works with us to experience the same. Thuis is pronounced "t-ouse" (like "house" but replace the "h" with a "t"). We get it if at first you say "thew-is"! We've even had "This is Us," which is awesome, because we love the show (who doesn't?!)...and really, what we capture for you should have you saying, "Yes, this IS us!"

How many participants can I squeeze into a session?

Hello Baby! intentions are to focus on the parents and the new little one. Littles and furbabies are welcome during the session, but please ensure another adult is available to take care of them if you think any inevitable wiggles will cause you distraction. We need parents to relax and enjoy this time...not chase after or shoot looks at their darlings or worry about their fur kids. Up to 2 additional family members (humans and/or critters) may join in. Family sessions are priced for up to 5 immediate family members (a single family unit). Additional participants are $35 per person. Just Because sessions are intended for up to 5 individuals.

Do you photograph extended families?

Yes. :) Lightly posed+lifestyle of: ~The entire family ~Immediate family units ~Additional groupings (e.g.: all children together, children with grandparents, etc.). Dependent upon number of individuals, cooperation and time. (We can discuss which are most important to you during our consultation.) Sessions begin 2 hours prior to sunset. You will receive a 10-day, password-protected online gallery to select 25 beautifully edited images (5 days to select, 5 days to download final gallery). As with all other sessions, we'll help you style your look. Pricing begins at $350 (for up to 5 persons). $35 for each additional person. If you'd like more of the photographs you see in your gallery, please hop to "Can I purchase additional gallery images?" for prices.

Are my furkids welcome?

We love companion animals and welcome them to your session with the following "they must"s: ~be well behaved and social (We suggest if you pup has the wiggles, be sure to take him or her for a good walk or take some time to play to expend some of the energy prior to the session.) ~be managed on leads as the situation requires (rules of the location, safety for the dog and/or public, etc.). The lead, collar and/or harness should be in good repair and ideally coordinate with your wardrobe ~have a responsible adult to safeguard him/her when he/she is not being photographed/filmed, or for in-home sessions, placed in a room other than where we are photographing/filming ~have someone prepared to clean up any bathroom breaks ~have water available We take their safety seriously. We will not have animals left out of sight in unattended in cars. We will not have an animal on hot pavement (if it's too hot for us to keep our hand on it, it's too hot for the animal) or exposed to hot temperatures. Cats are very welcome during in-home sessions. Felines shall not be brought to an unfamiliar outdoor location.

Are you able to provide aerial footage?

Absolutely! We have a UAV (aka drone) to add that special something to your films!

Tell me more about your Promo Film approach

While we have examples of a variety of promotional films, our passion is making personal, getting-to-know-you videos. So the first thing to start your promo film is to fill out an inquiry form! Don't forget to tell us if you want: 1. music to underscore your video 2. narration to accompany your video 3. aerial footage for some epic location imagery Remember to: 1. provide your website, email and phone number (and some good date/S and time/S you are available to chat)! 2. give us an idea of the story you wish to tell. Feel free to pour your heart out with all your ideas! Send a draft script or bullet points if you want! 3. if you have a sample video or two you enjoy, include the link/s 4. the location/s (addresses) where you wish to film and, 5. how long you wish your video to be We'll look at everything you send and give you a ring to chat about it all. Once we have a feel for your vision, we'll send you a Quote. If you think we have a good understanding of your vision as reflected in the Quote, sign off on it, and we'll create a Contract followed by an Invoice. (Any changes as the production may require will be made via a Contract Amendment and additional Invoice.) Once your Contract is signed and your non-refundable retainer is received, we set to work with you to refine your script (or help you develop one based on bullet points your provide), develop a story board and production schedule. Then it's on to production, editing and delivery of your film! Please give yourself enough time for the process (it can vary greatly depending on where you are in your planning/preparation when you contact us and what our schedule looks like...so minimally 12 weeks ). We find many people expect this process to happen rather quickly only to discover they have not really settled on the story they want to tell, or have locations or people on board. This is a multifaceted and communication-intensive engagement, please don't cut your time short! And remember, we're here to help guide you. We want you to have the best experience and film!

Can I hire your services independently?

The answer is "yes, but." Because of our storytelling style, our cinematographers chose to work exclusively with the *Thuis Studios photographer. *Elopement exception. Thuis Studios' cinematographers will work with one other local photography team. Pricing and contracts are independent.

What about the weather?

Please ensure you have date flexibility before you book! For outdoor sessions, 2 consecutive days are reserved in order to have a back up in case of inclement weather. If both days are a wash, we'll work together to get our calendars to click! It's the same for indoor sessions since we are using natural window light. We'll grab a couple of dates in the event mother nature thinks about throwing some serious shade. Anyone who has ever tracked weather knows it can flip within hours or minutes of checking a forecast, so we will not squeeze in a session based on a prediction of a brief break between showers/storms and you should not make hard-set appointments (e.g.: hair/makeup) that could be adversely affected if your session is moved. Sessions will be rescheduled due to inclement weather (it's a matter of safety, especially when electrical storms and high winds are lurking). No session shall take place if the forecast predicts a *40-percent or more possibility of rain, thunderstorms or sustained winds above 15mph. *We prefer a prediction of less than 30%, and can play that by ear. Clients are expected to hold both days open. Should the client make plans on one of the two reserved dates which results in the inability to carry out the session, the client will be charged an full session fee for new dates.

What makes a beautiful photograph?

Easy question! ~Connection/emotions ~Clothing ~Lighting ~Connection/emotions. Share the joy, the silliness, the love with the people your with! You may (or may not) remember the little song: This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine... Don't hold back, be a shiny, joyful, silly, lovey little light! ~Clothing. ~~Always complementary with contrast and dashes of visual interest. You should never be (gasp) matchy matchy or blendy blendy! Clothing can help make the photo wowzer! ~~Comfy. Do a test for full movement and no wardrobe malfunctions. Clothes should allow you to sit without constant tugging and modest arm holes/necklines so you can twirl and bend without showing off your undergarments. ~~Works with the location. You need to stand out from the background. Greens and blacks in a forest, no no no. Mustards, creams, burnt oranges and heathery pinks...you get the idea (and we'll help). ~~Is this a session where you may print to hang in your home? Will your clothing choice complement your decor? ~Lighting. Which is why, for indoor sessions, we'll ask you to send us pics of your rooms at different times of the day, AND for outdoor sessions, we shoot in places based on light location and when it's at its prettiest (near/during golden hour).

Can I purchase additional gallery images?

Sure can! $15 each $60 for 5 (1 free) $120 for 10 (2 free) $165 for 15 (4 free) $225 for 20 (5 free) $300 for entire gallery Please note, digitial images are subject to 6% Maryland sales+use tax which is not reflected in the prices above.

Can I insist on my own shot list?

To provide you with a variety of photographs, I come with a fluid plan, which will flow based on the number of participants, their abilities/cooperation, and time. You are welcome to share with me up to four take-aways you'd like from a session (e.g. everyone together, the kiddos together, mom+dad together, the kiddos with the dog). In case you're wondering, no, I shall not recreate a Pinterest list of poses.

How do you handle rambunctious kids and sullen spouses?

I'm no magician, but I come with a good attitude, pretty lame humor, and sometimes pull out my decrepit version of cheerleading jumps (like so decrepit you might want to have 911 on speed dial). I'm going to do my best with the kiddos, but in the end, I won't sacrifice your session time because little Joey refuses to engage with the family. As long as he's not an apparent danger to himself or others, I'll just include him as best I can. This also means mom and dad shouldn't be fussing about him. Just.carry.on. and have a good time (you can get after him when you get home). Now to the sullen spouse. I'll engage, I'll tease, I'll cajole. And like with little Joey, I'll do the best I can and put it out to the universe that I hope he (sexist assumption....I apologize) will realize this time is to be enjoyed with his family!

How should I prepare?

Wardrobe is the biggest effort on your part...do NOT procrastinate...do NOT expect it to come together in a few days. After you you sign on the dotted line and I am in receipt of your non-refundable retainer, based on our chat, you'll receive a wardrobe inspiration board. Ready, set, go! Let me know what you think and then when it's a "go", start assembling your look so IT'S READY 2 WEEKS PRIOR to our session date (I'm not kidding, but don't worry, I'm here to help!). And try the clothes on! Make sure they fit! We don't want straining buttons, too-long hems on dresses or trousers, or stretched out shirt necklines and sleeves (just looks sloppy). Make sure everyone can move, bend, stretch, sit, lie down without wardrobe malfunctions or unintended exposure of body bits. Iron them and use a lint roller if necessary...make sure they are in good repair. And speaking of clothing, don't forget your kiddo will soon outgrow these clothes so please don't fret about the littles getting a bit dirty or wet during the session. If you carry on about it, we will miss out on some beautiful, sweet, fun and authentic opportunities. For sessions with littles, have no-stain drinks and little snacks. A *rested, full-bellied and recently pottied kiddo is a happy kiddo. Small rewards are good, too. For sessions with big people, rested, full-bellied and recently pottied adults are happy adults. Don't forget to bring a drink (especially if it's hot). For everyone, if we are in a grassy area...bug deterrent. If we might end up in a little water play, have a change of clothes. I won't go on and on here...pop over to Info, Ready to Book and hit on the Incredibly Witty Notes document link! *Sessions are 1.5 to 2 hrs prior to sunset. If this lands just before or during bedtime, work in a pre-session nap or consider scheduling during a season when the sun sets earlier than bedtime.

For the littlest of littles, "topping off" or a pacifier might be necessary. Look for neutral or coordinating pacifiers (e.g.: Ryan& Rose, BumiBebe, Evenflo, BIBS, etc.). For older babies, we have smooth wooden rings, should you wish to have one.

What about Covid19?

We, since the start of this craziness, have been well. Never any symptons. We both, along with our spouses, completed the vaccination series as of the end of April 2021. We have worn and may continue to wear masks per guidelines and/or as a situation dictates. We have distanced ourselves during sessions, which is completely contrary to the way we normally shoot. We can discuss your comfort level during our consultation, and if you would like us to keep a goodly space, we will ask you to help us toe that line if we start creeping a little too closely. We will consider indoor sessions based on the light (that's always the case) and space and with the assurance you've been behaving yourself. Outdoor sessions, no problem. We expect clients to share the same concern and not engage in activities or practices that may unduly expose themselves to Covid19. (Saying it: anti-maskers/hoax believers need not inquire.) Should any client, or one of us, suspect exposure to or have symptoms of Covid19, rescheduling shall be mandatory.

What drives us crazy? (so please don't...):

~tell us you don't want us to share your images or film on social media...that's how you found us ~pressure us to twist our brand into something it isn't. If you don't love what you see here, or on social media, by all means, find the someone just right for you. We know we're not always going to be a fit, and that's ok ~pingpong or expect us to hold dates without a contract and nonrefundable retainer. Honestly, after our communications, you surely know if you want the services we provide, how and where we do so, or you don't. Please don't come and go and come and go and come and go. The universe knows we try to always be oh so helpful and pleasant, but some days....dear ones...it can be very hard ~tell us you have your wardrobe in mind, yet it's completely the opposite of what is reflected in our work. We want you to feel good about what you're wearing, but we also will remain true to ourselves ~not acknowledge us or ghost us. Not interested after our initial communications? That's really ok, just say so. We've confirmed with you a date/time to chat? Do be there. We've worked our schedule around yours. Please, we respect your time, and we ask that you respect ours ~not follow the contract parameters to which you agreed. Just as you expect us to be true to our commitment, we expect the same from you. If, as you review our agreement, you can't, or won't respect the responsibilities therein, kindly don't engage our services ~not be present during our services. We come ready to work for the agreed-upon time. So, eat before we arrive, put away the phone and stay in the immediate area. Sure, you may not be in the spotlight at all times, but we may add you in for a few and if you're off wandering about, you're not ready to roll when needed ~tell us how much time and how we need to create your films ~expect us to do hours of pre-production so you can decide if you want to hire us or not. That can be anything from reviewing the wardrobe you have in mind, or trying to figure out a story you want to tell. We're so happy to have a lengthy consultation, but we shall not exchange multiple communications until you trust and commit to us ~denigrate what we do and the amount of effort and time we put into making your photographs and films by asking us to waive or discount our prices or any applicable fees. We know we're priced extremely competitvely for the quality of work and services we provide

Why you?

We do what we do because we enjoy it! Whether we're working independently, and especially together, we love the interaction and the Thuis "feeling at home" vibes we have with you. Our happy place involves engaging only a few photography sessions every month, along with one, maybe two video gigs. Sounds counter intuitive in a business? Yeah, sure, but we feel this way for ardent and practical reasons: ~We want you to feel at home with us. And that means giving you and your session the time and attention you deserve. A former bride (from our wedding past) said we made her feel as if she and her wedding were the only things that mattered...and isn't it nice to feel that way?! ~We always want to feel excited about engaging with new families and old friends! ~We have other things going on. From our animals to our full- (and part-) time jobs to just doing life...you get it, right?