Question 1

How do I book a session?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way is to reach out through our contact page at dreamlife9.com/contact or call us at (860) 399-6613. We'll talk through your goals, confirm availability, and send over a simple booking agreement. A 25% retainer holds your date — the balance is due one week before your session.

Question 2

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major credit cards, Venmo, Zelle, and personal checks. Payment details are included in your booking agreement.

Question 3

What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?

Accepted Answer

Sessions cancelled or rescheduled with at least 72 hours' notice can be moved to a new date at no charge. Your retainer is non-refundable but always transferable to a future session. For weddings, your signed contract has the full terms.

Question 4

Do you travel outside of Westbrook or Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We serve clients throughout Connecticut — New Haven, Hartford, Old Saybrook, and beyond — at no extra charge. For sessions outside Connecticut or destination weddings, travel expenses (mileage, lodging where applicable) are billed at cost.

Question 5

I'm not comfortable in front of a camera. Is that a problem?

Accepted Answer

Not at all — it's the most common thing we hear. Our sessions are relaxed, conversational, and fully guided. We'll walk you through every pose and expression so you always know what to do. Most clients are surprised at how quickly they loosen up. Posing is our job — you just have to show up.

Question 6

How long does a typical session take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the package. Headshot sessions run 30–90 minutes. Family portrait sessions are typically 30–90 minutes. Wedding coverage is booked by the hour — most couples choose 6–10 hours. We always build in breathing room. Great photos are never rushed.

Question 7

Do you shoot in a studio, on location, or both?

Accepted Answer

Both — and we love each for different reasons. Our studio is conveniently located just off I-95 in Westbrook, CT and gives us full control over lighting. On-location sessions bring Connecticut's landscapes into your images. Many clients choose a combination.

Question 8

What happens if the weather is bad for my outdoor session?

Accepted Answer

We keep a close eye on the forecast. Overcast skies are actually ideal for portraits — soft, even light with no harsh shadows. For severe weather, we'll reschedule at no charge with at least 24 hours' notice. A little rain can make for beautiful, atmospheric images too.

Question 9

How long until I receive my photos?

Accepted Answer

Headshots and portrait sessions are delivered within 7–10 business days. Wedding galleries are delivered within 4–6 weeks. You'll receive a private online gallery link via email. Rush delivery is available as an add-on.

Question 10

How many photos will I receive?

Accepted Answer

Each package includes a set number of professionally edited images. We never deliver quantity over quality. Every image in your gallery has been individually reviewed and edited for color, exposure, and retouching.

Question 11

Can I request a specific editing style?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we love knowing your preferences upfront. If you have a look in mind (light and airy, moody, film-inspired, clean and crisp), share some reference images during your booking call. Minor retouching is included in all packages; advanced retouching can be requested for an additional fee.

Question 12

Do you offer fine art prints or physical products?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dream Life Photo offers fine art prints through our curated professional print labs — the highest quality available. Framed prints, canvases, and custom albums are all available. Pricing is available on request.

Question 13

How far in advance should we book wedding photography?

Accepted Answer

We recommend 9–12 months in advance, especially for popular Connecticut dates (June, September, October). We do occasionally have last-minute availability. Dates are held on a first-come, first-served basis once the retainer is received.

Question 14

Do you offer wedding videography as well?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Dream Life is a full-service photography and video studio. We offer wedding videography as a standalone service or bundled with photography for a seamless experience with one creative team.

Question 15

Will you travel to our venue if it's outside Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We've documented weddings throughout New England and beyond. Travel costs are agreed upon during booking. Destination weddings are something we genuinely love — a new place paired with the joy of your day makes for extraordinary images.

Question 16

How does commercial photography pricing work?

Accepted Answer

Commercial work is scoped and priced per project — every brand's needs are different. We'll discuss your goals, intended usage, timeline, and creative vision, then provide a detailed quote. Most commercial projects begin with a no-charge discovery call.

Question 17

What types of commercial photography do you specialize in?

Accepted Answer

Product photography, corporate and team headshots, event and conference coverage, restaurant and food photography, brand lifestyle imagery, and short-form social video. Recent clients include Paramount+'s Frasier relaunch, MOOV Health, La Joya Fresh Mexican, and Comomango.