Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the questions I get asked most. If you don't see what you're looking for, my inbox is always open — reach out at catrina@studiojoki.com & I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
BOOKING & PAYMENT
How do I officially book & secure my date?
Once we've nailed down the date & location I'll send over an email with all the details. It will contain a booking link which includes a contract, questionnaire, and payment link. To lock everything in I need both a signed contract & a retainer — usually 50% of the total session cost. Your date is not held until both are received.
Do you have different price packages?
Not exactly. Pricing is based on a lot of factors — the type of session, location, number of people, & any associated fees like studio rentals or park permits. A 30 minute shoot in your backyard is going to cost less than a studio session or a public park with a permit. I take in all the details about your shoot & give you a custom quote so you're only paying for what your session actually requires.
What's included in the session fee?
The session itself, my full culling & editing process, & any studio rental fees or location permits — those are always built into your quote. If a surprise permit pops up that I wasn't aware of when I quoted you, I absorb the cost. That's not fair to put on you last minute. What's not included: printed products & for mini sessions, photos beyond what's included in your package. For minis you'll receive your included images & have the option to purchase additional ones at an extra cost per photo. For all sessions, prints are not included but every gallery comes with access to my print store through Miller's Professional Lab. You're also completely welcome to print anywhere you'd like.
THE SESSION
What happens if it rains?
I keep a close eye on the forecast leading up to your session & I'll stay in constant communication with you if things look iffy. Light showers don't always mean we reschedule — a rainy engagement session can be genuinely dreamy, & some kids absolutely LOVE jumping in muddy puddles (Peppa Pig fans, you know who you are 😅). But if we're talking torrential downpour, lightning, or tornado warnings — yes, we're moving it. I'll do everything I can to find a new date & time that works for both of us.
Do you help with posing or is it more candid?
Both, & honestly it's my favorite part. I love a good posing prompt — but not the stiff, hand-on-hip kind. More like: spin in a circle, play freeze tag, sing me the Itsy Bitsy Spider (yes, I ask adults to do this too). I orchestrate moments that look completely natural & it almost always ends up being fun for everyone involved.
What should I wear?
I'm not super strict about this. I always give suggestions when asked & I'll catch things right before we start shooting — did you want those sunglasses on your head? Are you okay with the Apple Watch in the photos? But ultimately I'd much rather you wear something you love & feel comfortable in than something I've picked that you hate, because that shows up on camera every time. I have a client I photograph regularly who loves to wear black — not typically recommended for portraits, but it's HER & it works. Wear what feels like you.
Do you work well with kids?
I'd like to think so. 😂 I have two boys of my own — a five year old & a baby who isn't quite one yet. I've worked with kids in some capacity basically my whole life — assistant dance teacher in high school for ages 2 to 14, language arts tutor in college for 1st through 3rd grade, & I've been photographing kids for years. But honestly having my own changed everything. I know all the Spidey songs. I know all the Bluey songs. I talk like Ms. Rachel when I have to. I will do whatever it takes to get that kid to smile.
YOUR PHOTOS
How many photos will I receive?
I get this question all the time & I'll be honest — there's no exact number. For mini sessions it's locked in based on the package. For everything else I promise a minimum so you know your investment is worthwhile, but I almost always send well over. I don't put a cap on my editing. If I edited it, it's yours. A 30 minute session might say 35 photos in the contract but I'll probably send 50. An hour session usually lands somewhere between 80 & 100. That said — sometimes it's less, & I'll never apologize for that. If I'm shooting a kid who doesn't want to be there, I'd rather spend 10 minutes playing & get 30 incredible shots than blast through 200 frames of a grumpy toddler. Quality over quantity, always.
When will I receive my photos?
For portrait sessions, images are delivered via online gallery within two weeks of your session date. For wedding sessions, the timeline is within 4 weeks. I like to deliver much earlier than this! But I give these time frames, just in case something comes up that pushes my delivery date a little. If I am ever experiencing delays, I will communicate those updates with you.
Do I get the RAW files?
RAW files are not something I share or deliver. What you're receiving are your professionally edited final images & those are yours to keep & print forever.
How long will my gallery be available online?
Your gallery will be available for the foreseeable future but when the time comes to take it down I'll always give you at least two weeks notice by email so you have plenty of time to save everything. I'd still recommend downloading your images sooner rather than later & saving them somewhere you love — Google Photos, an external drive, or both.
What does your editing process look like?
Every photo goes through my hands personally from start to finish. I cull & select every image myself (no auto selection tools). Every single image I keep gets imported into Lightroom where I apply custom presets I've built myself over years of shooting. From there I go photo by photo, adjusting each one individually to match the lighting & feel of your specific session. No two sessions are edited the same way. From there it's color grading, exposure adjustments, cropping, & fine tuning until every image feels cohesive & true to the moment.
For select images I'll also bring things into Photoshop for a little extra attention to things like:
- Skin blemishes (like pimples. Those go bye bye, your freckles and moles, those stay)
- Background distractions (ugly signs, extra people)
- Some photoshop magic composites (everyone smiling, but one person is blinking? I'll take their eyeballs from another photo and pop them into the smiling photo).
The tools I use to achieve these edits are all in photoshop and include (but are not limited to) denoise, healing brush, clone stamp, generative AI removal and replacement, liquify, dodge/burn, and blur filters.
Can I see more of your work?
PRICING
What does a session cost?
Every session is custom quoted based on the type of shoot, location, & any associated fees. Average investments are listed on my services page as a starting point. Reach out & I'll put together a quote specific to what you're looking for.
Do you offer mini sessions?
Yes! I offer outdoor mini sessions & studio mini sessions periodically throughout the year. Mini sessions are announced via my newsletter & social media. Follow along or join my email list to be the first to know when they're available.
Do you offer payment plans?
Reach out & let's talk. I'm always happy to have that conversation!
ABOUT STUDIO JOKI
What is your photography style?
Dreamy, warm, & full of delight. I love images that feel romantic & real at the same time — not overly posed, but intentional. My clients have described sessions with me as comfortable & fun, which is exactly what I'm going for! I want you to look back at these photos & remember how good it felt to be there.
How long have you been photographing?
I've been shooting since middle school & have been photographing professionally in various capacities for over a decade — product photography for national catalogs, commercial & event work for agency clients, & portrait & wedding photography for individuals & families. Studio Joki launched in 2026 as the official home for all of it.
Do you travel outside of Central Massachusetts?
My standard service area is within approximately 10 miles of Millbury, MA. For sessions outside that area travel fees may apply. Reach out & let's figure it out! I'm always open to a conversation.
Can you tag me on social media when you share my photos?
I would love to! Just share your Instagram & Facebook handles when you fill out your questionnaire & I'll make sure to tag you when I post. 🤍
Still have a question I didn't answer?
I'd love to hear from you. Reach out directly & I'll get back to you as soon as I can.