Solid Memories: What to Know Before Booking a Session Photographer

What Solid Memories Does and Who Runs It

Solid Memories is a session photography business based in South Carolina that specializes in capturing life moments through portraits and event photography. The business works directly with clients to plan shoots that match what they want to remember—whether that's a family portrait, a milestone celebration, an engagement session, or a special event.

When you book with Solid Memories, you're working with a photographer who understands South Carolina's landscapes and venues. The business handles the technical side of photography—lighting, composition, editing—so you can focus on being present during your session. Most session photographers, including Solid Memories, deliver edited digital files or prints after the shoot, depending on what you've arranged.

Key Takeaways

• Solid Memories offers session photography for portraits, events, and milestones, with edited images delivered after your shoot.
• You should discuss your vision, budget, and timeline with the photographer before booking to make sure your needs match their style and availability.
• Session photography typically costs more than a quick snapshot but less than full-day event coverage, with prices varying by shoot length and deliverables.
• Bring ideas to your session—reference photos, outfit choices, and location preferences—so the photographer understands what you're hoping to capture.
• Most session photographers deliver files within two to four weeks, so plan accordingly if you need images for a specific date.

How to Prepare for Your Session

Before your shoot date, talk directly with Solid Memories about what you want. This means sharing your vision: the mood you're going for, the people or moments that matter most, and any specific locations or backdrops you have in mind. Bring reference images if you have them—photos from other sessions, Pinterest boards, or magazine clippings that show the style you like.

Coordinate practical details with your photographer. Discuss outfit choices (solid colors often photograph better than busy patterns), how many outfit changes you want, and whether you're bringing props or pets. If you're shooting outdoors, talk about the time of day—golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) usually gives the best natural light. If weather is a concern, ask about the photographer's rain policy or rescheduling options.

Arrive early on shoot day if possible. This gives you time to settle in, adjust your outfit or hair, and let any nervousness fade. Session photographers are used to people feeling awkward in front of the camera—that's normal, and a good photographer knows how to help you relax and look natural.

Understanding Session Photography Costs

Session photography pricing depends on how long you book the photographer, what's included in the package, and how many edited images you receive. A one-hour portrait session typically costs less than a two-hour session or a half-day event shoot. Some photographers charge a flat rate; others charge by the hour.

When you're comparing prices, ask what's included: Do you get all the edited images, or a selected number? Are prints included, or just digital files? Do you own the copyright to use the images however you want, or are there restrictions? Some photographers include a certain number of prints or a photo album; others charge extra for those items. Understanding what you're paying for helps you decide whether the investment fits your budget.

Many session photographers offer package deals—for example, a discounted rate if you book multiple sessions in a year, or a bundle that includes prints along with digital files. Ask about these options when you first contact them.

Choosing the Right Location for Your Shoot

South Carolina offers diverse backdrops for session photography: beaches in Charleston and Myrtle Beach, historic downtown areas with brick and Spanish moss, state parks with natural forests, and gardens in bloom during spring. Your photographer may have favorite locations they know well, or you can suggest a place that's meaningful to you.

If you're choosing the location, think about what matters in the background. A busy street or crowded park might distract from your portraits, while a quiet garden or scenic overlook keeps focus on you. Ask your photographer whether the location requires a permit (some parks do) and whether they've shot there before. If you're booking a private venue—a family home, a garden, or an event space—make sure you have permission from the owner and that the photographer knows any access restrictions.

Weather and lighting matter too. A shaded spot under trees works well on a bright sunny day, while an open field is better on an overcast day when the light is soft and even. Your photographer can advise on the best time of day and conditions for your chosen location.

What to Expect After Your Session

After your shoot, Solid Memories will edit your images and deliver them to you. The timeline varies—most session photographers deliver edited files within two to four weeks, though some are faster. Ask about the delivery method: will you get a digital download link, files on a USB drive, or printed photos mailed to you?

When you receive your images, you'll typically get them in a digital format (usually JPEG) that you can print, share, or store. Some photographers include a print release that lets you print images yourself; others require you to order prints through them. If you want large prints or a photo album, discuss those options and costs upfront so there are no surprises.

Keep your edited files backed up in more than one place—cloud storage, an external hard drive, and possibly printed copies. Digital files can be lost if a device fails, so redundancy protects your memories.

Questions to Ask Before You Book

Contact Solid Memories with these questions to make sure the photographer is the right fit for what you need:

• What is included in your session package, and what costs extra?
• How many edited images will I receive?
• When will I get my images, and in what format?
• Do I own the copyright to the images, or can I only use them for personal use?
• What is your policy if I need to reschedule due to weather or illness?
• Have you shot at my chosen location before, or do you have recommendations?
• Do you offer any package deals or discounts for multiple sessions?

Getting clear answers to these questions before you book prevents misunderstandings later and helps you know exactly what to expect from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a typical session last?

Most session photography runs between one and three hours, depending on what you're capturing and how many outfit changes or locations you want. A simple family portrait might be one hour; an engagement session with multiple locations could be two to three hours. Discuss your needs with the photographer so they can recommend the right length for what you want to capture.

Can I bring my kids or pets to my session?

Yes, many session photographers welcome children and pets. Let your photographer know in advance so they can plan for extra time and bring any props or techniques that help keep kids and animals calm and engaged. Young children and pets can be unpredictable, so a longer session gives more time to capture good moments.

What if I don't like how I look in the photos?

Talk to your photographer about your concerns. Most will do some retouching—smoothing skin, adjusting lighting, or removing small blemishes—as part of their editing. If you have larger concerns about poses or expressions, some photographers will reshoot a portion of your session at no extra cost, though this varies by photographer. Discuss their retouching and reshoot policies before you book.

Can I use my session photos on social media or for business purposes?

This depends on your agreement with the photographer. Some include full copyright transfer, meaning you can use images however you want. Others restrict use to personal, non-commercial purposes. A few ask permission before you post on social media or may request credit. Clarify this when you book so you know what you're allowed to do with your images.

What should I wear to my session?

Wear colors and styles that make you feel confident and comfortable. Solid colors photograph better than busy patterns, and clothes that fit well and move naturally look more relaxed than stiff or overly formal outfits. Avoid large logos or bright neon unless that's part of your personal style. If you're unsure, ask your photographer for suggestions—they can recommend colors that work well with your skin tone and the location you've chosen.