Welcome to Melinda Tuttle Photography!

I am an on-location, natural light, portrait photographer who is located in Elma, Washington. I specialize in natural, outdoor images of Seniors, Family, Maternity and Newborn. I provide a unique, boutique experience that includes extended session times, extreme attention to detail of images, one-on-one proofing, and gorgeous presentation of prints. To give you my complete attention I only take one session per week as I also stay home with my son full time.

My Style: Fun, Fresh, Creative, Natural.
I love outdoor photography.  I tend to get up close and focus on the eyes. I love natural images where it looks as though the person photographed did not even realize it was happening.

My Rates: (subject to change without notice)
Flat Session fee retainer of $150 for Newborns, Seniors, Children, Family (up to 5 people, $25 per additional).
This retainer is due when booking the session to hold your spot. I accept Paypal or Check.

A minimum order of $250 is required.
Most clients spend between $300-$1000 on custom photography.
8x10 is $40 a la carte
Collections Start at $300

Your Session fee includes a custom photography session at a location of choice, up to 40 enhanced images in an online gallery, and special care when it comes to ordering prints along with boutique packaging. Basic prints can be ordered through the online gallery.  Any image larger than 8x10 is mounted to styrene for durability and includes luster coating and texture.

My Collections will be changing as of May 10th to add Session Albums, Flip Books, and Digital Images.

Gallery Wraps, Stand Outs, Canvas, Coffee Table Books, Albums, and Storyboards are also available but must be ordered in person.

An in-person ordering session is also available to order specialty items and collections.
More information on specialty items and collections can be found here.
A travel fee of $25 will be added to the Session Fee if the location is more than 15 miles from Elma.

How to Book a Session:
Contact Melinda Tuttle through the contact section of this website. Discuss an appropriate date and time. A signed Session Agreement, Model Release, and non-refundable retainer fee  is due to secure your session date. 48 hours notice is needed when rescheduling a session.

Location:
An appropriate location will be determined after discussion of your needs.  Newborns can be photographed at my home in front of my large windows using soft natural light. I prefer outdoor sessions for Family, Children, Maternity and Seniors.

What To Wear:

Families:
Late Spring through Early Fall is the best time to schedule an outdoor Family Session. The best weather seems to be July through September.
For multiple people in the same image colors in the same "family" work best. You do not have to completely match. (You do not all have to wear the same color shirt and pants.) Jewel tone colors look great when shooting outdoors. Little girls look fun in leggings and frilly dresses. I would suggest no large logos or busy prints.
Please do not wear baseball hats or glasses.

Newborns:
To get that curly look it is best to photograph newborns before they are 12 days old. The older they get the more "awake" they are and can tend to want to only be held by momma.
Newborns photograph best in as little clothing as possible.
Bring any headbands, blankets, props, and extra clothes you want to the session and I can help you choose.

Seniors:
Seniors should book their session late Summer through Early Fall. Late Spring also can be a great time, but the weather seems to be less predictable making a real time crunch before graduation announcements go out.
Seniors, it is up to you whether you want to do multiple clothing changes. I would bring one outfit your family really likes, one you really like, and one that is "dressy". Also bring any props that would express your hobbies/personality, like a snowboard, baseball bat, etc.

Maternity:
Maternity sessions are usually booked between the 30th and 36th week. I would prefer before 36 weeks in case momma goes into labor early. We don't want to miss photographing that cute bump!
Anything that shows your bump. Tight T-shirts, Tank Tops, jeans that can be unzipped and rolled down on top, shirts that can easily be pulled up to expose the belly. Soft flowing dresses are also fun to shoot outdoors. Dress comfortable. I may have you sitting or standing.

What your session will be like:
Your sessions will last 1-2 hours. Newborns tend to last even longer to account for feeding, rocking, and changing. I try to make the session as fun and relaxing as possible. With children I love to get them doing something active and following them around catching their cute expressions.

How long until I get to see my proofs?
Depending on how busy I am your proofs will be ready from one to three weeks from the date of the session.

How long until I receive my pictures?
From the date of the order expect one to two weeks for delivery of the prints. Specialty items may take a little longer.

What if I want to purchase one digital file?
A minimum order of $250 in prints is required before purchasing a single file that can be used to print from. Digital File Collections are available if you are interested in more than one single file.
Single digital files are $100 each, or $50 if you have already purchased that pose in print. 
You will receive rights to print up to 8x10 but the copyright still belongs to Melinda Tuttle Photography. This means you cannot sell the image, enter the image in a contest, or change the file in anyway except to resize for printing or emailing.


Please check my blog for even more detailed information, updates and announcements, and for viewing my current work.

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