Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where are you located?

I live in Chicago, Lakeview area and I’m proud to call this city my home! My studio is located at 1655 S Blue Island Ave, in artsy Pilsen area.

How would you describe your photography style?

I try and keep my photography very natural, capturing the action as it happens, so it's lots of fun and not too much posing. I feel this will bring out the true character of your family members and will also make the session more enjoyable.

Does your studio do headshots, individual and family portraits, commercial photography, or other types of photography?

Yes, I have experience in many fields of photography. Feel free to contact us.

Do you shoot Quinceaneras, Debutants, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Corporate Events?

Yes. These are all considered ‘event photography. and we would love to cover all your celebrations. For more information please visit events rates.

Do you shoot (Large/Small) Indian, Persian, Jewish, Christian, Gay, No-Religious weddings?

Yes, of course! It would be my pleasure to document your celebration of any faith, non-faith, or orientation. For more information please visit events rates.

I only need few images. Do you offer mini-sessions?

I believe that photography should not be a rushed experience — I want you to truly enjoy our time together and leave with some amazing memories. The difference in expressions between the beginning and end of the session is truly remarkable. I find that when parents and kids have time to settle into the session and get used to the camera and me, we’re able to create more authentic portraits. For these reasons, I don’t offer mini-sessions.

However, I do offer special events from time to time, and the best way to find out about those is by signing up for Laimis Urbonas Photography newsletter.

I found exactly what I want on Pinterest, can you recreate that for me?

Um, well, no. sorry. We can work together on recreating the general idea, but every day brings different light, weather, attitudes, etc. Pinterest can be a great source for ideas, but every photo really comes from a unique moment. Let's try to make your own moments unique as well.

I love your photos, but I'd like to either edit them myself or ask you to use a different editing style. Is this an option?

I'm sorry, but no. The way in which I edit is part of my business. I totally understand if you don't like the tones or contrast I use, but in that case we're probably not a good fit & I suggest looking for another photographer (there are A LOT of great ones out there!!)

Do you have liability insurance?

Yes. Many venues require the photographer to have Liability Insurance. So before hiring a photographer, make sure he’s covered.

Do you deliver every image you shoot?

No, I do not. I eliminate duplicate images, test shots, missed focused shots, shots with bad expressions and other images that may dilute the overall product delivery. I don’t expect you to have the expertise or the time to zoom into each image to select the one with the sharpest focus, so I spend hours doing that on my end. For example, candid laughs and emotional tears are some of the best images from the day. Unfortunately, they can also yield some unflattering facial expressions. I might snap a few extras of any of these moments to make sure I have a great shot with the ideal expression for the moment. With my expertise of processing thousands of images each year, I may eliminate ones that I feel are duplicates and only deliver the best one.

What rights do I have to the digital prints?

You have the right to reprint images whenever you want. However, you may not sell your images for profit or publish your images without the written consent of Laimis Urbonas Photography.

Can I keep the images from my session private?

All clients sign an optional model release before the session. If you would prefer to keep your images private, you may indicate your request at that time. For clients who choose to decline the model release, I absolutely respect your decision and will keep your images under lock and key.

Can we bring along the family pet?

Sure! Pets are totally family members! Let’s just make sure they’re groomed, well behaved, and on a leash. Bring plenty of treats and a few chew toys, to be safe.

What should we wear?

First and foremost, you should be comfortable! As a guide simple clothes tend to work best and avoiding logos and stripes is preferable. Layering works really well for creating different looks and a change of outfit can be a good idea for very little ones

What time do the outdoor sessions take place?

The ideal time is in the morning, as early as possible. This is for a few reasons: the early morning light is lovely, children can often be at their best after a good night's sleep and also if we go to a park or beach it tends to be less busy. If mornings don't work for you I'm happy to find a time that suits your family.

How do I view the photos after the session?

A week or two after the shoot your edited images will be available for viewing in a private online gallery. We can also arrange to meet in my Pilsen studio where you can see the range of products that I offer.

What is your cancellation policy?

I know how life works. Kids get sick. Weather ruins the day. And I want to make things as easy as possible for you. I require a $100 deposit to save the date, but if anyone gets sick or if it rains the photoshoot can be rescheduled anytime within 6 months (subject to availability - please don't wait until the last minute to reschedule!) as long as I have 48 hours notice of the cancellation. If you cancel within a 48 hour window than deposit is non-refundable and the photoshoot will not be rescheduled. (The 48 hour cancellation period does not apply if the cancellation is weather related AND we have been in contact about the possibility of rescheduling due to weather).

Further, if your photoshoot was subject to a seasonal promotion and you need to reschedule to a time outside the promotional window, than a higher rate may apply. (If Laimis Urbonas Photography is the party that needs to reschedule, the original rate is locked in).

What happens if we get rained out?

I keep a number of backup dates open each month in case of bad weather, and there is no fee to reschedule to a new date if it’s raining or overcast. Chicago weather is notoriously unpredictable & change very quickly, so I typically wait to call off a session until that morning (or the night before sunrise sessions). If you want to follow along with me, I find that the app Dark Sky has the most reliable forecast. My advice, it’s definitely worth waiting for a beautiful day!

What is your travel fees?

▪ Loop/Downtown (incl. Parking): $50

▪ Up to 10 miles: $25

▪ 11-25 miles: $35

▪ 26-50 miles: $50

▪ 51-100 miles: $75

▪ 101-150 miles: $100

▪ 151-200 miles: $125 + Hotel + Expenses

▪ 201-250 miles: $150 + Hotel + Expenses

▪ More than 250 miles: Ticket + Hotel + Expenses

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Do you offer payment options?

I offer two payment options for wedding or event collections. The 50/50 option: 50% due at the time of scheduling, 50% due 30 days prior to your wedding or event. Pay in full option: 100% due at the time of scheduling. With this option, we give you a $250 credit that can be used toward any product or service I offer. All payments can be processed online. We accept Visa, Master Card, Discover, and American Express. Also Zelle, Venmo, PayPal or Cash.

OK, we are ready to book! What is next?

I can’t wait to work with you! Please send me a message here, and we’ll come up with a game plan for your session. After that, you’ll be able to sign your contract and submit your session deposit online. $100 is due upon booking to reserve your date, and the remainder is due on the day of your session.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)