FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where are you located?
McAllen, Texas! The beautiful valley closest to Mexico around 15 miles is where I’ve always called home.
How long have you been a photographer?
I have been photographing as a love and hobby since I was about 17 years old. For 13 years now, I began my photography business in 2010, back in the day when I met a wildlife photographer. I remember being fascinated by photographs of nature. That's how began the path that has led me to become the photographer I am today. I didn't choose to be a photographer, photography truly chose me. It is my love and passion- I am the luckiest ever to call this my job.
What sessions do you offer?
I specialize in motherhood portraiture (maternity, breastfeeding, momma + me), newborns, families, and children! Also couples.
What is your style? Why should we hire you? Do you direct us?
Artistic, candid, and emotional. You love my photographic style. I do, many times my favorite images from a session is when the clients are playing -- excited faces, goofy, tender touches, & soft kisses with each other with no direction from me! However, I also mix in poses and directed moments. If you are looking for very formal, traditional images, I may not be the photographer for you.
What is your process of booking?
I’ll get to know your specific needs and what session/s you’re interested in when you contact me at the bottom of this page! To book, we'll narrow down a date, you'll pay your retainer, and sign your contract. After booking I'll send you my session guide and questionnaire, then we'll begin planning your session location, you’ll schedule a fitting if you’re interested in my client wardrobe, and much more! The balance is due one week prior to your session.
Do you travel for sessions?
Heck yes I love traveling!!! I am a HUGE traveler in Big Texas and adore getting to visit new place and people. So whether you’re near or far like Dallas, Austin, New Braunfels, and everything in between. I’m coming for you! Travel fee applies if session location is 50 miles outside of Rio Grande Valley.
Do you have a studio?
No, I really wish. I am natural light photographer who is in love with the beauty of great outdoors.
Location, location, location?
Can we choose? Of course you can! We can shoot in the comfort of your home. This is always extra special with newborns. Also I truly love shooting outdoors, we are so blessed with choice from beach, beautiful hills to climb, wild flowers, dense greenery. So lets get out an explore!
What is the best time of day for our session?
For outdoor sessions the best natural light is generally during the morning or evening hours. “GOLDEN HOUR” ( My personal favorite time for time for sessions!) is usually within two hours before sunset because of the soft ethereal light that shapes my subjects.
What should we wear for our session?
This is one of my favorite parts about planning your session! Your session is an investment, so naturally you want to look your best. I offer styling and curated pieces in my client wardrobe for mothers, newborns, and children milestone sessions! After booking, I send more “what to wear” information in my welcome guide! Neutral, warm or earth tones always looks stunning and timeless! I have created a Pinterest board: click here to check it out!
We love colored and black and white photos. we will get two versions of each photo?
You will get each of your pictures individual - in black and white or in colour - and it depends of my opinion which style will suit the moment at it's best.
What if we need to cancel/reschedule our shoot or wedding?
If you’ve already put a deposit down on a date then have to move/cancel it, the deposit is legally non-refundable and a new deposit will have to be made in order to hold your new date.
Do you deliver every image from our shoot?
I go through all the photos I took during our session, select the ones I feel best represent you and my style of photography, apply edits, and send them in your online gallery. If you chose a package with a limited amount of images, you get to choose your images from that online gallery and purchase extras if wanted.
How long will it take to receive my photos?
Our portraits will normally be ready within 1-2 weeks. If you need your order prepared sooner, I do offer a Rush Fee option ($50) in which you would have your portraits in after session by midnight-24 hours. Wedding shoots, on average, take no longer than 8-16 weeks. Once complete, your masterpiece will be delivered via Pixieset link. Package Box Mail is consistently shipped directly to the client's home within 6 weeks (unless it coincided with a particularly hectic schedule — depends on how much I shoot , how busy I am, my travel schedule, and the holidays.). In the latter case, you could still expect to receive it within a few months. I humbly ask for your patience in return. I have not forgotten about you, your photos will be delivered & you will be updated once I have begun working on your package box! Please bare in mind that each album is hand crafted with the utmost quality. Rest assured, the wait is well worth it! If you have a special deadline, please do let me know in advance if possible.
How many photos will we get back for a session?
Depends on the session type. 10-30 and wedding 200-400
What payment do you take?
Yes I do! Can be done through Cash App, Venmo, Zelle, PayPal or with Cash. I do not accept checks at this time.
Payment Plans?
The answer is YES!! Money can be tight, I hear you loud and clear! I want every single on of you to feel like family photos aren’t out of reach! Contact me and we can set up a payment plan to suit you.
Do you photoshop?
Yes I do! I want you to LOVE your photos so I am here to get out any distractions that would get in the way of that!! Acne, fly hairs, people in the background, stains, you name it!! I will do my best to get all those distractions out!
We love you! How do we book!?
To book your wedding day, engagement, or couples session, please send me a detailed email with the date that you are inquiring about. If I’m available for your wedding date (fingers crossed!) $50 any sessions and $400 wedding deposit are required to hold the date and the remaining amount is due at least two weeks before your big day. You will be emailed a contract and payment online upon booking!
How far in advance should I book a session?
The sooner the better! Weekends fill up SUPER fast, so if you know that you want to get a session in during a certain time, its better to get you on the books and start planning our time together! Plus having the extra time really allows us to get your outfits perfect and get to know each other even more before our shoot!
What if we’re awkward in front of the camera!?
I’m a firm believer that NO couple is too “awkward” or “unphotogenic”! All you need is love for each other & I will handle the rest!! I tell you what to do the whole time we are shooting & I love getting to know you guys throughout our time together too! I promise we have FUN! & I consider all my clients my friends so I will be here for you every step of the way!!
Should we bring anything?
If you have any props in mind; a blanket, a picnic, a change of clothes, please do so. You’re welcome to let me know prior too. For babies and children; think about brining some neutral toy, teether, snacks, anything that may bring a sense of comfort for them but you’re happy to end up in images. If you want to bring something to encourage children to take part I recommend mini marshmallows, they’re clean, quick to eat and not brightly colored. Chocolate seems like a good idea until its all around their mouths and clothes.
Would you want to meet for coffee? or tea? or pie?
Yes. To all of the above. I love making new friends! Just shoot me an email and we can coordinate schedules.
Can we print our own images? Do you have recommendations on where to print our photos?
YESSS! I want you to print them as much as you like and because they are all high resolution images you will be able to print them as BIG as you like! To print, share, love. I provide every client with a print release at no additional fee so you may print your photos wherever you choose. If ever you want to print the pictures, I highly suggest you download them on your computer/laptop as they will download as high resolution file. Then transfer to a USB if you want to print locally. If you download the pics on your cell that’s totally okey. They automatically download at a low resolution for social media and your phone. Feel free to the share your photos. If you do, please don’t forget to tag me in the caption FB at @crystalpaezphotographyy and IG at @crystalpaezphotography
Can we post the photos on facebook/social media?
Yes! Please do! I love when people share their images online with friends and family! However, if you do share them, make sure to give me photo credit @crystal paez photography And please don’t apply any additional filters to alter or change them in any way.