Corey Flint Photography FAQs

About My Work, featured

If you’re here, you’re probably Googling things like “how much do photos cost” or “what do I wear for a session” with approximately 37 tabs open.

Maybe you’re wondering if your kids will cooperate, or if you’ll look awkward, or if this whole thing will just feel like another item on an already overwhelming to-do list.

Good news: you don’t have to have it all figured out.

These answers are here to help you feel prepared without spiraling. And if you want to go deeper on any of this, I’ve written guides, newsletters, and stories about the whole experience—not just the logistics, but what it actually feels like to show up with your people and let the chaos be part of the beauty.

Quick Answers

Are those llamas or alpacas?

They’re alpacas. Most people call them llamas, and I always cringe a little when I can tell the alpacas have overheard it. It’s kind of like a slur in the world of camelids (not that there’s anything wrong with llamas). Anyway, they’re alpacas. Their names are Harriet, and Louise, and you can read more about them here. Meet the whole farm team →

How far in advance should I book?

For weekend sessions during peak season (June through November), I recommend booking 4-8 weeks out. Weekday sessions usually have more availability and are $150 less expensive. If you’re flexible on timing or looking at off-season dates, sometimes I can fit you in with just a few weeks’ notice.

What time of day works best for photos?

Sessions usually happen about two hours before sunset, when the light is at its most golden. That said, I’m not as tied to light as some photographers who will only shoot during golden hour. Through knowing how to work with different kinds of light and using off-camera lighting, I can be flexible.

Honestly, it’s more important that everyone is well-rested and in a good headspace than it is for the light to be perfect. So if your family does better at 10am than 6pm, let’s do 10am. We’ll make it work.

How long does a typical session last?

For full-length family sessions, there’s no official time limit. We move at your pace, take breaks when needed, and keep things relaxed. Most sessions last somewhere between 60-90 minutes, but we’re not watching the clock. We’re done when we’re done (when your kids have had enough, when the light shifts, or when it just feels complete). The goal isn’t to rush through it. It’s to actually be together.

(Mini sessions and shorter session types have their own timing and structure, which you can read about if/when I’m offering them.)

Can we bring grandparents? What about pets?

Absolutely! Extended family and pets are always welcome. The more the merrier, though with larger groups, I recommend adding a bit of extra time to make sure everyone gets their moment.

If you’re planning a multi-generational session with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc., check out the Extended Family Sessions page for more details on how those work.

For pets: if the session is at the farm, we do have to take special precautions with dogs in certain parts of the farm, but there are areas that are totally safe for everybody. Just let me know during our planning call so I can factor them into the session.

Do you photograph weddings? Newborns? Seniors?

Short answer: yes, I photograph almost everything. Newborns, seniors, corporate events, milestone birthday parties, weddings, headshots, branding sessions, pets, sports, even wildlife and macro work. The only thing I don’t do is boudoir photography, and that’s just not my jam.

The reason I focus most of my marketing on family sessions, headshots, and events is simple: if I tried to write about everything I’m capable of shooting, it would look like I don’t specialize in anything. And family sessions on the farm are kind of my special thing. But I have experience with all of the above, and I’m genuinely good at it.

So if you’re wondering whether I shoot [insert thing here], the answer is probably yes. Just reach out and ask.

My Photography Philosophy & Style

How would you describe your photography style?

I shoot lifestyle photography, which means people are camera-aware (we’re not pretending I’m not there), but we’re also having fun and letting things unfold naturally. We might do some traditional posed portraits, but there’s also a lot of spontaneity mixed in.

I’m there to prompt you when it’s needed (suggest a spot with better light, give you something to do that gets everyone laughing, help position you in a way that’s flattering). But I also step back and let things happen when they don’t need my input.

In terms of the photos themselves, I try to keep colors true to life, vibrant yet organic. I like detail in both the background and the subject, which is why I use off-camera lighting when appropriate. That way I can get detail in the clouds and sky while making you pop against the background, instead of you being a silhouette or the sky being blown out.

The goal is to create space where presence comes easily, then catch what shows up. Sometimes that’s a perfectly lit family portrait. Sometimes it’s your toddler sprinting away while you laugh at the absurdity. Both matter.

What’s your approach to working with kids who are shy, high-energy, or neurodivergent?

Every kid is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why I use the pre-session questionnaire to learn about your kids beforehand (what they’re interested in, what makes them laugh, what helps them feel comfortable).

I have a background as a social worker, so I’ve not only worked with kids across many different types of neurodivergence, but I’ve also learned that the most effective way to work with anyone is to look beyond any diagnosis or even beyond behavior and see the person. When behavior seems challenging or difficult, I can be curious about what they might need. That shifts the whole dynamic.

If your youngest is hesitant in new situations but loves animals, we might start at the alpaca pen and let them warm up naturally. If your kid is high-energy and can’t sit still, we lean into that (let them run, explore, climb on tractors, chase butterflies). The best photos often come from following their lead instead of fighting their nature.

My goal is always to meet them where they are, not force them into something that doesn’t fit who they are. And I treat every child as an individual. I want to get to know them before I start photographing, and I’ll always prioritize their happiness over trying to coerce them into anything.

Do you guide families through sessions, or let things unfold naturally?

Both. It’s a balance.

I’ll guide you when it’s helpful (“Let’s move over here where the light’s better,” or “Can you two just look at each other for a second?” or “Why don’t you guys just play for a bit while I catch what happens?”). But I’m not directing every moment like a film shoot.

The best sessions happen when families forget they’re being photographed and just exist together. My job is to create the conditions where that’s more likely to happen (good light, a comfortable setting, gentle prompts that bring out connection instead of performance).

Think of it as creating space for presence, then stepping back when the magic shows up.

What kinds of moments are you trying to capture?

Here’s my hot take: professional family photography isn’t actually about capturing moments. Moments are the things that happen, what we look like on the outside. And whether it’s posed or totally documentary, a moment in and of itself isn’t that interesting.

I don’t see my job as preserving a specific memory or moment. My job is to bring out something eternal: joy, love, total presence (where your mind and body and heart are all in the same place at the same time), and capture a reflection of that.

So the actual photograph isn’t so much a window into the past (even though it still is and can be). A really good photograph captures something timeless that serves as a reminder of the thing that’s always there, that never changes.

I’ve written about this in a newsletter called “What Doesn’t Decompose” [link to newsletter or blog post].

How do you help families feel relaxed and comfortable?

A few things:
I meet you before the session. Whether it’s a phone call, Zoom, or an in-person farm visit, getting to know each other beforehand makes the actual session feel less like meeting a stranger and more like hanging out with someone who already gets you.
I use the pre-session questionnaire strategically. It’s not just about logistics. It helps me understand what your kids love, what makes them feel safe, and what you’re worried about. Then I can tailor the session to fit who you actually are instead of forcing you into some generic mold.
I don’t rush. There’s no time limit on full sessions. If someone needs a break, we take a break. If things are flowing and we want to keep going, we keep going. The goal is connection, not efficiency.
I give you things to do. Instead of “stand here and smile,” I’ll suggest prompts that create real moments (walk together, whisper something funny to your kid, just play). It shifts the focus away from performing and toward actually being together.
I stay calm and flexible. Kids melt down. Weather changes. Life happens. I’ve photographed enough families to know that forcing anything never works. We adapt, we pivot, and we find the magic wherever it shows up.

What camera and equipment do you use?

I shoot with professional-grade Nikon cameras and lenses (currently a Nikon Z system), and I use off-camera lighting setups for outdoor sessions. I have a lot of very expensive equipment. Too much, some might say. It can be borderline problematic for someone like me. There’s always this narrative lingering that buying new toys is a tax write-off, and the idea that you have to spend money to make money. I’ve been much better at the first part of that colloquialism than the second half, historically. I’ve written about being a sucker for deals here →

All that being said, having professional-level gear helps me end up with more keepers, so I can pick from the best ones. I have cameras that can autofocus and lock onto someone’s eyes to make sure they’re in focus. When the photos are technically good and the camera does some of that lifting for you, it frees up my brain to be more present with the moment and the people.
The off-camera lighting gear (like my 600-watt light) allows me to get photos that you wouldn’t be able to get with a 200-watt light, because it can actually overpower the light of the sun. As an example.
So yeah, the whole “it’s the photographer, not the gear” thing is true up to a point. But professional-level gear makes some things possible that wouldn’t be otherwise, and it allows the photographer to dedicate less attention to the gear and settings and more attention to the people.

Won’t off-camera lighting look unnatural or flashy?

Only if it’s done poorly. When off-camera lighting is done well, you shouldn’t notice it in the final images. You just notice that everyone looks amazing and the whole image has this rich, dimensional quality.
The goal isn’t to make it look like a studio shoot. It’s to enhance what’s already there (bring out detail in faces, add depth to the background, balance the light so nobody’s squinting or disappearing into shadow). Done right, it just looks like perfect natural light in the photos, even when it’s not.
I’ve been using off-camera lighting for years. Most clients see me setting up during the session, but when they see the final images, they’re surprised by how natural the light looks.

The Session Experience

Do you offer a pre-session consultation or questionnaire?

Yes, both actually, and they’re both standard parts of my workflow.

After you book, you’ll get a detailed questionnaire that helps me understand your family (what your kids are into, any concerns you have, what matters most to you about the session). This isn’t just logistics. It’s how I learn how to work with your family instead of trying to force a generic approach onto people I’ve never met.

We’ll also hop on a quick phone call (or longer if you want) before your session so I can walk you through the process, answer questions, and make sure you feel 100% ready. I really believe taking a small amount of time for the questionnaire and the pre-shoot meeting makes a huge difference in how much the family ends up enjoying the session and how good the photos come out. Because we don’t just have a better plan logistically, and I don’t just have more information. It gives us the beginnings of an actual relationship. The less it feels like showing up to meet a stranger somewhere, the better.

What’s a session on the farm like?

You show up, meet the animals, and we start with play instead of “say cheese.” Because you filled out a questionnaire beforehand, I already know what your kids love (tractors, cats, bubbles, whatever), so we can jump right into the fun stuff. The camera comes out, but it’s not the main event. Somewhere in the middle of it all, you forget you’re being photographed, and that’s when the magic happens.

Why shoot at the farm instead of a park?

The farm is closed to the public, full of variety (tractors, animals, forest, fields), and I know every inch of it, which means I can focus on you instead of troubleshooting lighting or distracting backgrounds. That said, if there’s a place that’s special to you or a logistical reason your home or a local park works best, I absolutely love shooting in new places too.

Is the farm safe, clean, and comfortable?

It depends on your definition of these words, but I make every effort to help make it as much of all three as possible. It is a working farm, so there are hazards in the environment that I’m always sure to point out before entering a new area as well as during the pre-shoot consultation. (For instance, alpacas make a whining, Chewbacca-esque sound right before they spit.)

During our consultation, we’ll cover how to prepare so that hygiene and comfort don’t create a distraction during the shoot. I recommend comfortable, water-resistant footwear in case anyone steps in a cow patty or has to walk through wet grass. I also suggest extra layers, an emergency change of shirt/pants, etc., and I provide a comfort kit upon arrival with things like hand sanitizer, bug spray, water, and snacks.

What happens if weather is bad on our session day?

New England weather is notoriously unpredictable, so we’ll stay in close contact leading up to your session. Light rain or overcast skies can actually create beautiful, moody photos (and I come prepared with off-camera lighting so we’re not dependent on sunshine). If we’re looking at truly miserable weather (torrential rain, lightning, polar vortex, volcanic eruption), we’ll reschedule to a backup date at no extra charge. My goal is for you to actually enjoy the experience, not just survive it.

Preparing for Your Session

Worried about how the session will actually go? The questions below come up a lot. I’ve also written a full guide that covers all of this in much more depth: How to Prepare for a Family Photo Session →

What should we wear?

The short answer: wear what’s comfortable and lets you move freely. Coordinated colors work better than perfectly matching outfits (please, no white-shirts-and-jeans Gap ad from 2003). Skip logos, neon colors, and anything itchy or restrictive. Choose shoes for comfort, not style (you’ll be walking, squatting, and chasing kids around).

I offer a complimentary wardrobe consultation as part of every full session where we can go through your closet together and figure out what will photograph best. Read the full clothing guide →

My kids are total chaos. Can you really get good photos?

Yes, and the secret is relinquishing control. The more the session is about your kids having fun and being exactly who they are (rather than performing for the camera), the better things turn out. I’ve photographed enough chaotic kids to know that fighting their nature never works. Leaning into it almost always does.

I really don’t like getting my picture taken. What can I do?

You’re in good company. Almost nobody loves having their picture taken, and there’s actually biology behind that. The good news is that the best photos never come from forcing it anyway. They come from the moments when you forget the camera is there entirely.

What if someone has a meltdown during the session?

Then we pause, take a break, offer snacks, and give everyone space to reset. Meltdowns are part of childhood, and honestly, some of the best photos come after the big feelings have passed and everyone’s settled back into themselves. We’ll follow your family’s rhythm, not some imaginary timeline.

After Your Session

How does the slideshow and ordering process work?

About three weeks after your session, you’ll receive a private slideshow of your fully edited images set to music. You’ll have 24 hours to watch it as many times as you like before choosing a collection, no sales call, no pressure. From there, ordering prints and digitals is simple, with a video walkthrough and support if you need it.

Full details on pricing and process →

How long until my photos are ready?

About three weeks from your session date, you’ll receive your slideshow reveal. Once you’ve chosen your collection, you’ll have immediate access to your full gallery for downloading digital files and ordering prints. Physical products (albums, framed prints, canvas, etc.) typically ship within 2-3 weeks after you place your order, depending on what you choose.

How many images will we receive?

It depends on which collection you choose:

Winnie Collection ($890): 8 digital images + $125 print credit
Louise Collection ($1,190): 16 digital images + $250 print credit
Hattie Collection ($1,490): All digital images + $500 print credit

Most full sessions produce somewhere between 75-150 fully edited images, which is why most families end up choosing the Hattie Collection. But you won’t choose your collection until after you’ve seen your slideshow, so you’ll know exactly what you’re working with before you decide.

Do you help families figure out what to do with their photos after the session?

Yes, and this is one of the things I think sets me apart.

I don’t just hand you digital files and wish you luck. Every collection includes a print credit that you use in an online store I’ve designed to be simple and intuitive (museum-grade products, a personalized video walkthrough showing you how everything works, and live chat support if you get stuck).

If you want more hands-on help (like figuring out what size prints would work best in your space, designing a wall gallery, or even installing artwork), I offer those services as add-ons. And the Legacy Collection includes all of that automatically: custom gallery design, album design, artwork delivery and installation, the whole thing.

My goal isn’t just to give you beautiful images. It’s to help you actually get them into your home where you’ll see them every day. Because the photos don’t do their job if they’re just sitting on a hard drive.

Why use this kind of system instead of just giving me all the files?

I’ve tried the all-inclusive model (you get all the files, good luck figuring out what to do with them) and the in-person sales model (you see your photos and have to decide right then what to order). Both have their strengths, but also big drawbacks.

All-inclusive is easy upfront, but a year later most families still haven’t printed anything. In-person sales definitely get artwork on the walls, but they can feel like a high-stakes test when you’re emotional, surprised by how much you love the photos, and trying to make big decisions with someone watching.

This system takes the best of both: You see your photos in a curated slideshow with no pressure. You get 24 hours to take it in before making any decisions. Every collection includes digitals and a print credit, so something tangible always comes out of it. The ordering system is simple, with support from me if you want it. It’s easy, flexible, and designed to make sure your photos don’t just sit on a hard drive (they actually become part of your daily life).

Pricing & Investment

How much does a session cost?

For full-length portrait sessions (families, seniors, maternity, newborn, pets):

The session fee is $390 for weekend sessions during peak season (June-November), or $240 for weekday and off-season sessions. This covers everything leading up to and including your session itself (no time limit, any location).

After your session, you’ll choose from collections ranging from $890 to $2,490. Most families end up spending between $1,200–$3,000 total, depending on which collection they choose and any additional products they order.

Weekend sessions (June-Nov): $390 session fee
Weekday & off-season: $240 session fee (save $150!)

(For headshots, branding, and events, see below)

What does the session fee cover?

The $390 session fee (or $240 for weekday and off-season sessions) covers everything leading up to and including your session: a phone consultation to make sure you know exactly what to expect, a detailed prep guide, an optional in-person farm visit or Zoom call so it feels familiar before the big day, my time photographing your family with no stopwatch running, and my help with planning, questions, and weather-related rescheduling if needed.

The session fee secures your spot on my calendar. Artwork and digital files are purchased separately afterward through collections.

What’s included in the collections?

Each collection includes high-resolution digital files and a print credit to use in your own online gallery store. The store is simple to navigate, stocked with museum-grade products, and everything comes with a lifetime quality guarantee. You’ll also receive a personalized video walkthrough so ordering feels easy and tailored to your family’s style.

Collections are named after our three alpacas (naturally):

Winnie: 8 digital images + $125 print credit — $890
Louise: 16 digital images + $250 print credit — $1,190
Hattie: All digital images + $500 print credit — $1,490

For families who want more hands-on support, I also offer a Legacy Collection by request, which includes the full gallery, a large print credit, custom album design, and optional help with wall gallery planning and installation.

Why is this so expensive?

I totally understand the sticker shock. And honestly, if all you’re getting is someone with a nice camera pushing buttons, you shouldn’t pay a lot for it. You can do that with your phone.

But professional photography isn’t just a service. It’s an art form. What a really good photograph can do is give you a window into something timeless – not just reliving a moment, but remembering who you are, your belonging, your love. For some people, that’s priceless. For others, not so much.

I’ve written more about this here: Why professional photography costs what it does →

Do you offer mini-sessions or cheaper options?

Sometimes, but only on special occasions, and always with specific restrictions. If and when I do offer shorter sessions (like half sessions or After Dinner Sessions), they’re usually last-minute and announced exclusively through my newsletter.

That said, if you’ve already worked with me: Every year I open up a certain number of spots for repeat clients through my Loyalty Rewards Program. Members pay a recurring annual fee (or split into monthly payments) and get significant discounts on both package pricing and prints, first dibs on booking, exclusive mini sessions on demand, and other perks.

For most families doing their first session, a full session is the best fit. But if you’re looking for something quick and meaningful, keep an eye on the newsletter. Sign up for the newsletter →

I just want digital files, no prints. Can I get a discount?

No, because the collection prices are what the digital files cost. The print credit is actually a gift included on top of that.

So when you see “16 digitals + $250 print credit for $1,190,” the $1,190 is the cost of the digitals. The $250 credit is a bonus that makes it easier for you to actually get something printed and in your home (you can order right from your gallery without hunting down a print lab or worrying about quality).

It’s a structure that works better for everyone. You get more value for your investment, and your photos don’t just sit on a hard drive forever.

I don’t have wall space / I’m moving soon / I don’t like big portraits. Aren’t digital files better?

The idea of a 40×60″ canvas with a tight shot of your baby’s face is unappealing to many, and it should be, because it’s weird. So first of all, I will never try to sell you something that doesn’t fit your needs and preferences.

These concerns are pretty common reasons that folks shy away from printing their photos, but that’s usually because they’re not aware of how many options there are for turning images into works of art that fit your lifestyle. There are a huge number of ways to display photos in your home that don’t involve large pieces or taking up big chunks of wall. For instance, archival albums, memory boxes, and other heirlooms can store dozens of images in a small space that can easily travel and be enjoyed on demand.

If these concerns apply to you, that’s something I can learn in the pre-shoot consultation, at which point I can show you samples of the more compact options and help you end up with the perfect way to showcase your images. Read more: How to display family photos without being tacky →

Can you help with designing a wall gallery, album, or hanging things up?

Yes, though these services aren’t included in the standard collections (they’re available as add-ons for an extra fee). I can create custom mockups of your walls so you can see how artwork will look before you order, design an album for you if the idea of choosing layouts makes your head spin, or even come by to help hang finished pieces. (Full disclosure: I’m more of a “clumsyboy” than a handyman, and my wife makes all the actual design decisions in our own house.)

If you’d rather not add these a la carte, the Legacy Collection includes them automatically, along with a $1,000 print credit, artwork delivery and installation, accident protection, and custom gallery/album design. It’s the white-glove option for families who want everything handled start to finish.

About Corey & My Philosophy

Are you really a stay-at-home dad AND a photographer?

Yep! I’m a full-time caretaker to my kids, a business owner, and a farmer (sort of). My life is gloriously tumultuous and full of blessings that stress me out sometimes. My wife Sue works outside the home, which means during the week I’m on kid duty (diaper changes, meal prep, bedtime routines, the whole beautiful chaos).

This is also why weekday sessions are $150 less expensive. Weekends are the only real family time I get with Sue, and as long as I’ve been a photographer, sessions have always cut into that space. During the week when she’s home in the evening, most of our family time looks like chores and cleanup. So weekday sessions help me keep that balance (and save you money). It’s a win-win.

I’ve written about what it’s like trying to be present with my kids while also running a business (the pull toward productivity, the fear of losing control, the moments when everything clicks into place). Read more →

What do you love most about photographing families?

At first, I loved the challenge of photographing kids (it felt like a natural transition from wildlife photography – same presence and patience required, same unpredictability). But recently, I’ve come to appreciate how this work has actually made me a better parent and person.

To do photography well means intentionally looking at things differently. My job is to look for beauty, to look for connection, and to create a space where it can happen. And when you practice that regularly, it becomes a working part of your mind in a way it wasn’t before. That’s been a tremendous, unexpected gift.

The practice of this work is really a practice in: how can I see through the veil of judgment, control, needing things to be a certain way, my own baggage, and just be with people and help them to do the same with each other?

I’ve written about this here: [PLACEHOLDER-for-presence-newsletter-or-blog]

What do you do differently than most photographers?

A few things:

Access to a private farm. Most photographers shoot at public parks where you’re dealing with crowds, distractions, and unpredictable conditions. The farm is closed to the public, full of variety (animals, tractors, fields, forest), and I know every inch of it. Read more about why the farm works so well →

I use off-camera lighting outdoors. I’m one of the only photographers in this area who does this, and it makes a huge difference (everyone is evenly and flatteringly lit regardless of the time of day or weather). Good lighting should be invisible. You shouldn’t notice it, you should just notice that everyone looks amazing.

No high-pressure sales. You see your photos in a private slideshow with 24 hours to decide, no sales meeting, no pressure to make big decisions on the spot. The system is designed to make ordering easy without feeling like you’re being sold to. Read more about how this works →

I’m a dad who gets it. Most family photographers are women, and I think having a male perspective matters. A lot of male partners come into sessions resistant or reluctant, and I tend to break through that pretty quickly because I get it. I’m living it. That shifts the whole dynamic.

Ready to Book?

Whether you’re 100% ready or just curious if this could be a fit, the next step is simple: Let’s talk.

I’ll walk you through the process, answer any questions, and help you decide what feels right for your family.

Book a Discovery Call →

Still Have Questions?

If your question isn’t answered here, reach out! I’m always happy to chat and help you figure out if we’re a good fit for your family.

Contact Corey →