FAQs

How long are sessions?

Sessions vary by the kind of session you book, but most portrait sessions are between 30-60 minutes. Newborn sessions are longer because of the amount of time needed for selection of clothing, props, nursing and soothing. Please see the description for the type of session you are interested in.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, dogs are family, too! We won’t be able to shoot inside The Dole, but we can plan a session outside or shoot in the Hoffman Estates studio. We can shoot outside on the Dole grounds, in the Hoffman Studio or I can recommend some outdoor locations. For safety, dogs will remain on-leash at all times, but I will retouch the images you choose and remove the leash.

How do I reserve a session?

You can call the studio during normal business hours (630-564-5431), use our contact form or use our online booking site. We will contact you by phone to confirm the session type, date and time. A deposit is required to book a session.

Do you offer discounts?

We have specials all year round at various times. The best way to find out about them is to sign up for our newsletter. You’ll be the first to know about special events and have the opportunity to be the first to sign up.

Do you provide clothing for maternity?

Yes, we have a client closet filled with designer maternity gowns for you to choose from. We also have sashes, crowns and tiaras that you are welcome to incorporate into your shoot. I also have an assortment of complimentary dresses for young girls. I do not provide clothing for boys or men. To see a listing of our maternity gowns, please contact us and we will share the link.

Do you have clothing and props for newborns?

Yes we have a ton of newborn wraps, props, outfits and lovies! You really do not need to bring anything other than diapers and feeding supplies. Once you book your session, I will share a link where you can see a gallery filled with outfits, wraps, lovies, baskets, boxes and beds. If there is something specific you’re looking for, please let me know and we’ll see if we can make it happen.

My newborn has acne, should we postpone the newborn session?

Not at all! Baby acne is very common and I can remove it during the editing process, which is all part of your session. For extra retouching (color changes, head swaps, etc.) extra charges may apply.

How many pictures do I get?

The number of images you receive varies by the session you book. Please look at the session description to know how many are included. No matter what type of session you book, there is almost always the opportunity to upgrade the number of images once you see the gallery.

Can I get or do you provide the RAW images?

No. RAW images are unprocessed, stripped down images that are flat and undesirable. We do not provide or sell RAW images. Not only are they saved in a proprietary format, they are useless to the majority of people. To put it in perspective, RAW files are the equivalent of a painter giving you their tubes of paint and a blank canvas. It’s what happens after the capture that you’ll want.

What if I do not want retouching?

The proofing gallery you see will be process, but not be retouched. At that time, you can tell us if you’d like us to do our basic retouching (skin smoothing, blemish removal) or leave the images as-is.

Can I order more pictures later?

Yes you can. We can only guarantee holding images for 30 days, however. We do archive and store your images, but because data loss happens, I wouldn’t risk waiting longer.

Do you do cake smashes for children?

Yes, we LOVE doing cake smashes. Please book a month or two in advance – if you can – so we have time to coordinate a theme, background and cake. I have a fantastic bakery that makes beautifully themed cakes that match my backgrounds. Please ask me about them.

Do you photograph children?

Yes! I love working with children of all ages. I’m a big kid at heart and love playing and interacting with the kids while we shoot. I have many age-appropriate tricks and games we play during the shoot to keep them engaged.

I pre-booked my newborn session? What if my baby comes early or late?

We ask newborn clients to email, text or call within 24-48 hours of having baby. Most babies are booked for photography between 7-14 days of age – depending on weight and if baby is full term. Letting us know when you have your baby will help us reschedule for the most ideal time for you.

I missed the ideal 7-14 days newborn window. My baby is two months old now – can you still do newborn portraits?

Absolutely! We photograph babies of all ages. Your baby is technically no longer a newborn and most likely won’t be as flexible, but we will still capture some amazing images. We may not be able to do the traditional newborn poses or wraps, but we will do something very special for you. Your child will mostly likely be awake, but that just means we get to see baby’s beautiful eyes and expressions.

Want to see more images?

The images above are just a small sampling of the photography and beautiful memories I can capture for you. Want to see more images and get a better idea of what your wedding photography could look like? I have a private gallery of more images you are welcome to look at. Just send me a message and I will share the link and credentials to view it.

Have more questions?

Let’s connect! Pamela Sage is happy to answer all of your questions and is excited to learn about you and your journey. Pamela can be reached by voice or text at 630-564-5431, psage@pamelasage.com or by using our convenient contact form.

Online Scheduling!

Pamela Sage Photography offers online appointment scheduling that allows you too view, book and choose the perfect time for your session – even if it’s in the middle of the night, after hours or when you’re not available to talk. View available sessions now!

© 2000-2022 Pamela Sage. All rights reserved.

Prices subject to change without notice and reflect pricing for locations within sixty minutes of Lake in the Hills, Illinois

Pamela Sage Photography is portrait photographer specializing in newborns, families, pets and events and is a resident artist at the Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake, Illinois. If you’re looking for a photographer near you, the chances of her being in your neighborhood are pretty high. Pamela Sage frequently provides photography services throughout McHenry County, DuPage County, Cook County and Kane County. She can be spotted frequently in Lake in the Hills, Huntley, Algonquin, Crystal Lake, Marengo, Sycamore, St. Charles, Elmhurst, Lombard, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Oak Park, Chicago, Roselle, Hoffman Estates, Wisconsin, Lake Geneva, Harvard, Cary, Fox River Grove, Schaumburg, Barrington, Winfield, Lisle, Rockford and other locations throughout the Chicago Metro area. Pamela Sage also shoots on-location all over the Chicagoland area, including Lake in the Hills, Crystal Lake, Barrington and Hoffman Estates, IL. Pamela Sage Photography is a welcoming and inclusive studio that respects and honors all ethnicities, LGBTQ+, religions, abilities, sizes, identities and backgrounds. Pamela Sage Photography is located at The Dole Mansion | 401 Country Club Road Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014. Contact the studio at 630-564-5431 to learn more or contact Pamela Sage.