Magical Mini Sessions in Raleigh

Here are some  details about my magical mini sessions in Raleigh.

Some of my magical mini sessions will be priced exactly like other mini sessions. Those similarly priced will be ones that do not require a lot of additional set up, break down or animal handlers.  My Bunny Magic sessions are ones that cost the same as the regular mini sessions.

Because of the extensive additional editing (editing out a handler in some cases)  and using a second party horse handler, the horse magic sessions  require small but additional fees. There is a fee  paid directly to the horse owner by the client.  The fee covers her time grooming, transporting and handling the horse. All horses are handled in one way or another through out any session with a child. This is for the safety of your child. Tara’s fee is $60. This is paid directly to Tara in cash the day of the session. Please remember to pay her as we get super busy during the session and it’s easy to forget.

  Additionally, I charge $400 that goes directly to my studio. I send two invoices the day we book.  The first is for $150 (retainer) and is due the day you are placed on the calendar to hold your spot.  Your second invoice is for $250 and is sent at the same time but not due until the morning of your session.  Please note: the full payment is due prior to shooting. Should you child be afraid of the horses we will shoot with them in the back ground. This is necessary since we have booked a date and have the handler already there.  Thank you for understanding.    Full cost for 2020 is $460.  For that  $460 you receive 30 to 45 minutes with Lola, a true unicorn experience for your child.  You may choose a gown from my collection.  You get so much for your money at this fantastic session.   I edit 10 images from which you pick 7.  You may purchase the additional 3 images at my normal rate of $45 an image. Please read this so you understand how these sessions work and how they are shot.  I proof 10 instead of sending you all the unedited proofs.  Please read this article to understand how they are shot and why I do not send unedited proofs…  Children and animal portraits

Fortunately I have a working relations with Tara Needham. Tara owns the miniature horses from  Stampede of Love.  Stampede of love is small  Raleigh North Carolina based, non profit, animal assisted therapy group.  These animals are used to being in crowds and around children. This makes the experience safer for your child.  Again, Tara’s fee is $60 beginning January 1, 2020. It’s a small fee and the images are priceless. Her miniature horses are available for weekend sessions and are on a first come first serve basis.  They are tiny and can be photographed right here at the near or at my studio. If I offer a session on Facebook it will book fast because we will only schedule two in a day. This is in the best interest of the animals. They love attention but do not love to stand all day and be a photo prop. 

I prefer to photograph children up to about age 7 or 8 with the miniature horses. My studio is currently only offering Horse Magic sessions with the miniature horses. I do however photograph many children with their own horses. As a horse owner I can’t imagine not having portraits taken with them.

If you are a horse owner and want your portrait taken with your horse contact Michelle for details. Check out this LINK and browse the gallery. The horse world can be a small one; maybe there is someone there you know.

Please check out the galleries to see the images that Michelle has taken with beautiful children and sweet animals. Galleries are separated by theme and can be seen by hovering over the Magical Mini Sessions tab above.  Michelle was featured in the News and Observer for her portraits with Lola the magical little unicorn.

Michelle Studios owns  the copy rights for all images taken during a photo session.  Images may be used for advertising, publications, social media and printing.   Clients who purchase copy rights may print images but may not alter in any way or enter in photography contests.

Michelle Studios will not be held liable for accidents that may occur during photo shoots.  Precautions are taken with every shoot, particularly outdoor shoots with animals.  There is always risk of insect bites and/ or allergic reactions.   Animals that we use are screened for child safety, adults will be next to the children but animals have teeth and could nibble.  Animals handlers will be there when needed to assist with the animals.  Parents will be close to make sure that children are touching the animals gently. In conclusion if you happen to be interested in magical mini sessions in Raleigh I would love for you to check out my galleries.