FAQ'S | ARB Imagery

Frequently Asked Questions – ARB Imagery

Whether you're booking an engagement session, celebrating a milestone with ARB Forty, or capturing a maternity journey, we want you to feel confident, informed, and excited. Below are answers to the most common questions about our portrait experience.

Booking & Session Info

What is the session fee and what does it include?
Our standard session fee is $300 (non-refundable) and includes:

A pre-session consultation with style and location guidance
A fully guided 60-minute portrait session
One professionally retouched 8x10 fine art matted print with its matching high-resolution digital file
Private Zoom reveal & ordering appointment

Additional images and products are purchased separately.

What types of sessions do you offer?

We currently photograph:

Engagement Portraits
Maternity Sessions
ARB Forty: A Portrait Experience for Women 40+

Do you offer styling help or outfit planning?

Yes! We offer light wardrobe styling and personalized guidance to help you look your best. We’ll also help you choose the right location and look based on the tone you want to capture.

Can we shoot at a special or meaningful location?

Absolutely. Whether it’s a downtown rooftop, a trail, or your backyard, we want the setting to reflect you. Any required permits or entry fees will be the client’s responsibility.

Do you travel for sessions?

es. Travel within 40 miles of Raleigh, NC is included. For sessions beyond 45 miles, a travel fee applies. Overnight or long-distance sessions (4+ hrs) may also include lodging costs.

Can I gift a session to someone else?

Yes — our portrait experiences make meaningful gifts. Just let us know, and we’ll create a customized gifting experience.

The Reveal & Ordering Experience

How will I view and choose my images?

You’ll be invited to a private Zoom ordering session 2–3 weeks after your portrait session. We’ll walk through your fully retouched gallery and guide you through selecting your favorite images and artwork.

Do I have to purchase more images?

No. Your session includes one image. All upgrades are optional — you only purchase what you love.

What if I want digital images only?

No problem. You may purchase individual digitals or the All Images Digital Collection (30–40 images, $3,200) which includes a $250 print credit.

Delivery & Turnaround

When will I receive my images?

Your reveal session takes place within 2–3 weeks after your portrait session
Digital-only orders are delivered within 7–14 days after selections are made
Handcrafted printed products (e.g. folio boxes, albums, acrylic wall art) are custom made and typically arrive within 4–6 weeks after ordering

Delivery times may vary based on product type, vendor processing, and availability.

Products & Pricing

Do you offer printed artwork?

Yes. We specialize in museum-quality heirloom products including:

Handcrafted Folio Boxes
Triplex Albums
Stacked Acrylic Wall Art
Fine Art Prints & Legacy Books

These can be purchased individually or bundled during your ordering session.

Why are digital images priced the way they are?

Each retouched digital image is crafted with care and delivered at full resolution. You're not just buying a photo — you’re investing in professionally produced, high-end artwork you can share, archive, and print however you choose.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes. Payment plans are available for purchases over $750. We’re happy to customize something that works for you.

Policies & Rescheduling

What happens if I need to reschedule?

What if I cancel or don’t show up?

Session fees are non-refundable. Cancellations with less than 72 hours’ notice will result in forfeiture unless rescheduled within 30 days. No-shows will require full payment for any future bookings.

Can I request a rush turnaround?

Yes. Rush delivery options are available for digital orders:

7-Day Rush – +$200
3-Day Rush – +$350

Based on availability and must be requested at booking.

Additional Client Questions

What is ARB Forty?

ARB Forty is a signature portrait experience designed to celebrate and honor women aged 40 and over. It’s not just a photo shoot — it’s a legacy session. Whether you're embracing a new chapter, rediscovering your confidence, or simply taking time to invest in yourself, this experience is about being seen, celebrated, and remembered.

Each session includes intentional styling guidance, a relaxed editorial shoot, and heirloom-quality printed artwork designed to last for generations.

I just spoke with a photographer who’s charging me $300 for a shoot and giving me 30+ images. Why should I book with you?

That’s a fair question — and one we welcome.

ARB Imagery is not a volume-based studio — we focus on quality, intentionality, and legacy. Every session is handcrafted to deliver magazine-worthy imagery, guided posing, expert retouching, and custom-designed artwork.

Rather than deliver 30+ quick edits you’ll scroll past, we create a handful of powerful, timeless portraits that you’ll want to frame, pass down, and never forget.

It’s the difference between a transaction and an experience.

Why don’t I get to see all the unedited photos from my session?

We believe in quality over quantity. As a full-service studio, we carefully curate the best images from your session and retouch them to perfection. You’ll only see the portraits that meet our highest standards — so you never have to sort through duplicates, blinks, or test shots.

Can I purchase the RAW or unedited files?

We do not offer RAW or unedited images. Our work reflects a full artistic process — from lighting to final retouching. What you receive is finished artwork that aligns with our vision, quality, and brand.

What if I want to do my own hair or makeup?

That’s absolutely fine! While we recommend professional hair and makeup to elevate the final look, you're welcome to come styled your way. We can also provide guidance or referrals if you want help creating a polished finish.

Can I just get digital images without any prints?

Yes — although we believe in the power of printed legacy artwork, we understand that some clients may prefer digital-only options. You can purchase individual digital images or invest in our full gallery collection, which includes a complimentary print credit.

Can I order more artwork after the session?

Absolutely. You’ll have access to your gallery and product menu after your reveal session. Additional products can be ordered at any time — whether it's next week or next year.

What happens if I don’t love any of the images

That’s incredibly rare — but if you’re not happy with your portraits, we’ll work with you to find a solution. Our process includes detailed pre-session planning and professional retouching to ensure you love what you see. Your satisfaction is always our priority.