
Frequently asked questions.
What types of portrait photography do you specialize in?
MJ Photography specializes in wedding photography, couples photography, engagement photography, surprise proposal photography, modeling or editorial photography, and senior portrait photography. We offer these services in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and also offer wedding packages for destination travel or outside the Dallas area.
Check out our Session Pricing for more info.
Do you require a deposit to book a session? Is it refundable?
Yes, a $50 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking for all photography sessions.
This deposit ensures your date and time are reserved exclusively for you. The remaining balance of your session fee is due three days prior to your shoot.
What should I wear to my portrait session?
This is one of the most common questions I get, and the short answer is to wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable!
For a classic and timeless look, I recommend focusing on a few key things:
Choose solid, neutral colors. Colors like cream, gray, beige, and soft pastels look fantastic in photos. They help keep the focus on you and your emotions, not your clothes.
Layer and accessorize. Adding layers like a jacket, scarf, or vest can create visual interest and allow for different looks throughout the session.
Think about texture. Fabrics like denim, linen, and chunky knits can add a beautiful tactile quality to your images.
Coordinate, but don't match. For group photos (like couples/engagement sessions), it's best to choose a color palette and have everyone wear colors from that palette rather than everyone wearing the exact same outfit. This creates a cohesive, natural look.
Avoid busy patterns and logos. These can be very distracting and take the focus away from you.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my session?
We'll be keeping a close eye on the forecast together. If the weather is not cooperating (e.g., heavy rain, high winds, or a storm), we will happily reschedule your session for a better day at no extra charge. Your comfort and the quality of your photos are my top priorities.
Do you help with posing? I'm not very comfortable in front of a camera.
Yes, absolutely! It's completely normal to feel a little unsure in front of a camera, especially if you haven't done a professional shoot before. My job is to be your guide and make sure you feel relaxed and confident throughout the entire session.
I'll provide you with gentle, natural direction and posing guidance to help you feel comfortable. Instead of stiff, traditional poses, I focus on creating authentic moments and capturing genuine emotions. I'll guide you into positions that feel natural and flattering, so you can simply relax and be yourself. By the end of the session, you'll be a pro!
How long does a portrait session typically last?
A standard portrait session with me typically lasts one hour. I've found this is the perfect amount of time to capture a variety of looks and poses without feeling rushed, while also ensuring everyone stays energized and engaged. This time frame allows us to get the shots we need while keeping the experience fun and relaxed.
How many photos will I receive, and how long does it take to get them?
The number of final, edited photos you will receive is detailed in our pricing guide for your specific session. This number is a guaranteed minimum, and I often include extra images that I feel are a great addition to your gallery!
My typical turnaround time is a maximum of two weeks from your session date. This allows me to carefully select and edit each photo to ensure the highest quality. However, the exact timing can sometimes vary depending on my current workload, but I will always keep you updated on the progress of your gallery.
Do you offer digital images and/or prints?
Yes, you will receive a beautiful online gallery through a service called Pic-Time. This gallery is where you can easily view, share, and download your final, high-resolution digital images. The high-resolution files are perfect for printing and are yours to keep.
For those who would like professional, high-quality prints and other photo goods, you have a couple of options:
Print Directly from Your Gallery: You can purchase a wide variety of professionally printed products—from prints and albums to wall art—directly from your Pic-Time gallery.
Print on Your Own: You are free to get your photos printed with any company you choose. For the highest quality results, I highly recommend our printing partner, Artifact Uprising. They are a Colorado-based company that offers beautiful, high-quality printed goods. You can learn more about our partnership and even save 15% off your order by visiting our "Print Your Photos" tab on our website.