for portraits
FAMILY & PET CLIENT LOUNGE
CLIENT LOUNGE FOR FAMILY & PET PORTRAITS
welcome!
Thank you for trusting me to be your memory catcher, I’m truly honoured.
My Client Lounge was built for just for you. It gives you a full overview of what to expect, how to prepare and the ever asked question “What to Wear?”
It’s my wish that the Client Lounge gives you insight into your Photography Session and adds to your overall experience and time with me.
Remember: if you have any questions, please reach out – I’m here to help!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
36 Williams Road, Tokomaru
Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri – 10am to 3pm.
Saturday & Sunday by appointment.
Cate Thomas
p: 0210 222 59613
e: cate@catethomas.co.nz
If you have an emergency on the day of your Photo Shoot and cannot make it to your appointment, please text me (Cate) on 0210 222 5913 at your earliest convenience.
If your Photo Shoot is held outdoors I will check the weather first thing in the morning. I’ll contact you via phone or text to cancel if need be and will organise to reschedule for you.
There are no rescheduling fees if cancelling due to bad weather.
If for any reason you need to reschedule please notify me as soon as possible.
Photography Sessions can be rescheduled one (1) time at no cost. Additional reschedules are charged at $90 per date change.
Rescheduling due to weather will not incur charges.
WHAT TO WEAR
“What do we wear?”
This is by far the most asked question that we get! To make the most out of this experience and get the best results from your portraits let’s chat about what to wear and how to prepare.
We want you to take your time and have fun selecting clothing for your family. Below are our top 5 tips to help you with selecting the best outfits for your session.
Our whole philosophy is based around a love of simplicity and humble elegance, so don’t stress too much.
1. YOU DO YOU
While it is nice to be dressed up for photo’s we still want you to all feel like yourselves. Don’t force yourselves to wear shirts and dresses if you feel too formal – you would just end up feeling uncomfortable instead of relaxing and being able to have fun during the session. Choose clothing that you already have in your wardrobe as that is what you know you like, pick what you feel amazing in when you have it on.
2. DON'T MATCH, CO-ORDINATE
We don’t recommend coming in matching double denim outfits. Being clones of each other will look very dated in photos and take away the chance to show your individual senses of style.
If you can all stay within the same range of tones then you will coordinate no matter what your individual styles are. For example earthy tones or pastels, then pull 3 or 4 colours from within this range to select your clothing.
When you all compliment each other it will make sure no one will distract from the overall image. This will also make your images match whatever decor you have when you hang your portrait and will never date.
Something that can help is to lay it all out on the bed. Once you have figured out what you want to wear, get everybody’s clothing and sit it all next to each other on your bed. You will get a really good idea of whether it goes or not without having to all get changed multiple times and ending up with a frustrated family.
3. THINK ABOUT WHERE & WHEN YOUR SESSION WILL BE
FOREST & FIELD: Neutral colours look amazing with the green background. Go for lighter colours with textures in the summer months, mustard and navy tones for autumn and rich, darker, layered clothing (scarves, jackets etc) make you look snug in the winter.
BEACH: When you have a session at the beach more muted colours and blue tones work well. Choosing clothing with movement can add interest and depth to your photos. This may be a dress where the skirt flows or a loose fitting blouse.
4. KNOW WHAT TO AVOID
Try to steer clear of any large checks, spots, stripes or logos as this will draw the eye away from the lovely humans in the photograph. Bright, busy, bold patterns can detract from the photo but please don’t be afraid of floral or small checkers, they can be very complimentary.
Please don’t come with tops that have written brands or logos on them. That will be the first thing anyone sees when they look at your portrait. A fail safe option for men is a plain white or grey t-shirt layered with a small checked dress shirt and matches with neutral jeans/chinos.
Also be conscious of short skirts/dresses as these sometimes show underwear/nappies in the images especially with kids being kids! Nappy covers or bike shorts under dresses work really well.
5. BE PREPARED
We recommend picking your clothing a few days before your session so there is no stress on the day. You will be all prepared for the day and it will give you time to make sure it is all clean and ironed before your session. Things like mud, dog hair, creases and food dropped down the clothing as you rush out the door do show!
If your hair is due to be recoloured, book in to have it done ahead of the session. The exception here is mens hair, the day after a cut the lines can still look quite harsh so this may be better done a week ahead if they are wanting a fresh cut. Do or prepare your nails, chipped nails will show.
It’s these small things that can make a big difference to your final outcome. Remember these images are going to last a lifetime, they will make you proud looking at them and bring back to this time in your life. A little planning can ensure you get the stunning result you are after.
COMMON COLOUR PALETTES
pastel
cool
AUTUMN
EARTHY
neutraL
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR PET
Pets are the most beautiful pieces of artwork within them selves.
Their unique personalities and abundance of love for us, make for a wonderful addition the family album or artwork on the wall.
It’s a sad fact that many pet owners know too well – we tend to outlive them.
Pet Portraits reconnect us to our beloved pet long after they have gone. To smile, to treasure and to love.
1. COME A BIT EARLY
We encourage you to arrive for your session around at least 10 minutes early. Please let your dog have a toilet break before you come in, this makes sure they aren’t trying to hold it in and also gives them a chance to sniff around and feel a bit more relaxed in the new environment.
2. RELAX!
When you arrive I’ll take the time to introduce myself and make sure your pet is at ease. While I’m behind the camera I don’t want you to worry about what the dogs are doing. Some of the best photographs are the ones where dogs are just being dogs
I have lots of tricks up my sleeve on how to get your pet to be where I need them. I will never force them to do anything that they don’t want to do. This will be fun for everyone – and will even involve some delicious treats! Pets feed off of our energy levels and emotions, if you are relaxed they will be too.
3. PUT THEIR BEST PAW FORWARD
If you have a dog that gets groomed regularly or is overdue, book them in for a haircut a few days before their session. Nothing makes you feel more glam than a fresh cut before going out – I’m sure dogs are no different!
If they have been rolling around in the mud, please wash them before bringing them along.
One thing that does not look great in images is dirty collars. Please bring a clean collar or remove it for the session. If you would like photos with their collar on then council registration tags will need to be removed.
4. BRING YOUR PET'S FAVOURITE THINGS
Does your dog have a favourite ball or toy? Bring it along! If your pet has a favourite treat, pop some in your pocket as bribes. Please let us know if there are any allergies we need to be aware of.
If you have any outfits for your pet, coats, collars or bandanas please bring them with you. We can use them as props in some of the photos for a bit more fun.
I have amazing dog treats from Life of Riley to help ensure your pet feels welcome. These treats are 100% natural and made by a fantastic small NZ business. I have yet to meet a dog who has not fallen in love with me instantly when I bring these out!
5. CONSIDER HAVING PORTRAITS WITH YOUR PET
As your pet is part of your life it’s not only important to have photos of them to look back on but also ones of you together showing your unbreakable bond.
You are very welcome to have images taken of you and your furry bestie together.
While it is nice to be dressed up for photo’s we still want you to all feel like yourself. Don’t force yourself to wear a shirt or dress if you feel too formal – you would just end up feeling uncomfortable. Try to steer clear of any large checks, spots, stripes or logos as this will draw the eye away from the lovely moments happening in the photograph.
REMEMBER!
It’s these small things that can make a big difference to your final outcome. Remember these images are going to last a lifetime, they will make you proud looking at them and bring back to this time in your life. A little planning can ensure you get the stunning result you are after.
VIEWING YOUR PORTRAITS
YOUR REVEAL APPOINTMENT
After your portrait session, I’ll book you in for a Reveal Appointment. You’ll see all your gorgeous portraits for the first time in a cinematic slideshow. I’ll walk you through your online gallery and how it works for downloading digitals. Together we’ll design your custom artwork right away and you’ll have the opportunity to use your credit towards Wall Art.
You can choose either to come into the studio for your Reveal or I can organise a Zoom meeting for you.
IMPORTANT - ZOOM REVEALS
The preferred device for your Zoom Reveal is a computer. You’ll be able to see your images much better than on an iPad or Phone.
DID YOU KNOW?
I can show you what your artwork will look like on your very own wall!
I know, cool right?
You’ll receive an email to upload your room photos prior to your Reveal Appointment, but for now take some time to identify the walls that you’d love to have artwork on. This will ensure you’re ready for the email!
SHOWCASINg YOUR PORTRAITS
IT'S MY JOB TO MAKE BEAUTIFUL PORTraits that you will love forever.
and to help you build a package that's perfect for Your HORSE & homE
Artwork
FRAMED or canvas PRINTS
Choose your favourite Portraits to hang on the wall of your home. Professionally handcrafted in NZ, ready to hang on your wall and delivered to your doorstep!
*Price exclusive of GST
11 x 14 inch … $490
16 x 20 inch … $690
20 x 20 inch … $790
20 x 30 inch … $990
30 x 30 inch … $1,490
30 x 40 inch … $1,690
THe SToryboard
The Alondra Storyboard showcases 4 of your favourite portraits to tell a story in one Framed Print. Professionally handcrafted in NZ, ready to hang and delivered to your doorstep!
*Price exclusive of GST
20×20 inch … $1,290
30×30 inch … $1,690
THE LOTUS COLLECTiON
The Lotus Collection showcases 4 of your favourite portraits to tell a story in FOUR single Framed Prints. This Collection is professionally handcrafted in NZ, comes ready to hang and delivered to your doorstep!
TWO 11 x 14 inch
ONE 16 x 20 inch
ONE 20 x 30 inch
*Price exclusive of GST
$2,365
THE ALONDRA COLLECTiON
The Alondra Collection showcases 3 of your favourite portraits to tell a story in THREE single Framed Prints. This Collection is professionally handcrafted in NZ, comes ready to hang and delivered to your doorstep!
TWO 16 x 20 inch
ONE 20 x 20 inch
*Price exclusive of GST
$2,115
THE ASTORIA COLLECTiON
The Astoria Collection showcases 2 of your favourite portraits to tell a story in TWO single Framed Prints. This Collection is professionally handcrafted in NZ, comes ready to hang and delivered to your doorstep!
TWO 20 x 20 inch
*Price exclusive of GST
$1,535
Album
THE STORYBOOK
The Storybook is elegant, stunning and timeless. Your portraits are printed on the most iconic Amalfi paper. Handmade in Amalfi, Italy according to a medieval heritage of family-driven tiny paper mills. The deckled edges, unique to each sheet, have a rich texture and organic look. Handcrafted in Italy and delivered to your doorstep!
*Price exclusive of GST
8 x 12 inch, 16 pages … $1,990
Digitals
6 DIGITALS
6 High Resolution Digital Images
Download via Online Gallery
$100 Credit towards Wall Art
$790 +gst
11 DIGITALS
11 High Resolution Digital Images
Download via Online Gallery
$150 Credit towards Wall Art
$990 +gst
16 DIGITALS
16 High Resolution Digital Images
Download via Online Gallery
$200 Credit towards Wall Art
$1,190 +gst
*All Digital Files $3,290 +gst (includes a BONUS 16×20 inch Wall Portrait)
your PAYMENT OPTIONS
PAY IN FULL
If you wish to pay in full for your images, you're more than welcome to do so. Payment can be made via bank transfer or card payment at your Reveal Appointment. You'll receive a receipt from us for your banking/financial purposes.
LAYBY
I offer interest free layby for orders under $1,000. Lay-By applications are completed during your Reveal Appointment. An invoice is created and a 10% deposit payment is required at that time. I do ask that you sign a contract for the layby option.
PRE-PAY
Pre-Payment Plans allow you to pre-pay for your photography experience and artwork so it’s all paid off by the time your Portrait Session rolls around! This is the most popular option if you're booking in 3-12 months in advance. Interest free, no fees.
FEE FUNDERS
For orders over $1,000. Fee Funders pay 100% of your invoice on your behalf straight away whilst you can spread payment over a 3, 6, 9 or 12 month period via monthly Direct Debit. For more information, please visit; www.feefunders.co.nz
FAQ's
You can read our full Terms and Conditions below
All Portrait Photo Shoots require the full Sitting Fee of $290 to be paid at the time of booking.
Sitting Fee does NOT include Artwork or Digitals. These are sold separately.
After your photo shoot you’ll receive an email to book your Reveal Appointment which can be up to 2 weeks after your session.
You’ll get to see all your images up close and personal in a cinematic slideshow and we can design artwork for you at that time.
I’m here to help you! I have a fun and unique way of helping you sort through your gorgeous images to find exactly what works for you! (but I know you’ll love them all!)
Cancellation
Photo Shoots may be cancelled for any reason with more than 14 days notice and the Booking Fee will be refunded.
In the case of cancellation within 14 days or failure to attend a Photography Session, all Booking Fees and Deposits will be forfeited.
In the event Cate Thomas | Photographer cancels and an alternative date/time cannot be agreed upon, the Sitting Fee or Deposit will be refunded in full.
Rescheduling
Cate Thomas | Horse Photographer will endeavour to accommodate all reasonable requests to reschedule the time/date of a Photo Shoot and transfer Sitting Fees and/or Deposits.
Photo Shoots can be rescheduled one (1) time at no cost. Additional reschedules are charged at $90 per date change.
Rescheduling due to weather will not incur charges.
If you have a Gift Card or a credit towards artwork that you received from a prize/giveaway/competition or special offer, this needs to be used at your Reveal Appointment. If you book and pay for a second Reveal Appointment you can still use it.
If gift cards or credits towards artwork purchases are not used in the Reveal Appointment, they become null and void.
Your Cate Thomas Portrait Experience includes 1 (one) Reveal Appointment. If you feel you can’t decide on your order at that time, we are happy to book you in for a second appointment. The fee for an additional Reveal Appointment is $90 and payment is required at the time of booking.
We ask that ALL decision makers are present at the Reveal Appointment so decisions can be made on the day. This also saves on having to book an extra Reveal Appointment which has a fee of $90.
Yes, you certainly can! However, it is important to remember your prints and products from Cate Thomas | Horse Photographer are professionally produced to achieve optimum colour and archival quality.
Generic labs typically do not use archival quality inks and paper however at Cate Thomas | Horse Photographer, I ensure you have the highest of quality.
Of course! You’re welcome to use your portraits on any social media platforms. Be sure to share the love and mention Cate Thomas | Photographer when sharing!
Yes, absolutely! I keep the portraits that you purchase on file for 1 year in case you’d like to order more or larger pieces of artwork.
Unfortunately I cannot keep portraits that you don’t order so please make sure that you order the what you love during your Reveal Appointment.
For your convenience, I offer payment in full via Credit Card or Bank Transfer. I also offer Payment Plan with Fee Funders or Interest Free Lay-By.
All my artwork orders are completed and payment taken at your Reveal Appointment.
However, if you feel you can’t decide on your order at that time, we’re happy to book you in for a second appointment. The fee for an additional Reveal & Ordering Appointment is $90 and payment is required at the time of booking.
Artwork orders are placed and paid for at your Reveal Appointment.
Payment can be made at the time of ordering via Credit Card, Bank Transfer, Payment Plan with Fee Funders or Interest Free Lay-By.
I ask that you allow 4-6 weeks for your artwork to arrive in to your door step. Due to Covid-19 this may take slightly longer, but I’ll let you know each step of the way!
Yes absolutely! I guarantee my artwork for 100 years.
Our products come with Cate Thomas | Horse Photographer Care Guides so that you can keep your artwork in perfect condition.
If at any stage you are concerned about your artwork, please contact me immediately.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Booking Fee – Portraits
The Booking Fee must be paid in full at the time of booking your photo shoot. Artwork & Digitals are sold separately.
Booking Deposit – Stud & Sales and Brand Story
A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due on the day after your photo shoot. Digital Files cannot be released to the client until all payments due are paid in full.
Cancellation
Photo Shoots may be cancelled for any reason with more than 14 days notice and the Booking Fee will be refunded.
In the case of cancellation within 14 days or failure to attend a Photo Shoot, all Booking Fees and Deposits will be forfeited.
In the event Cate Thomas Horse Photographer cancels and an alternative date/time cannot be agreed upon, the Booking Fee or Deposit will be refunded in full.
Rescheduling
Cate Thomas Horse Photographer will endeavour to accommodate all reasonable requests to reschedule the time/date of a Photo Shoot and transfer Booking Fees and/or Deposits.
Photo Shoots can be rescheduled one (1) time at no cost. Additional reschedules are charged at $90 per date change. To reschedule, notification must be given to Cate Thomas Horse Photographer later than 72 hours prior to the Photo Shoot.
Rescheduling due to weather will not incur charges.
“No Show”
Client’s will be considered a “no show” if fifteen (15) minutes late to a Photography Session. The Session will be cancelled and Booking Fees/Deposits will be forfeited.
Gift Cards
Cate Thomas Horse Photographer Gift Cards expire 12 months after the date of purchase. They can be used for all types of Photography Experiences and/or artwork orders.
Special Promotions
Cate Thomas Horse Photographer reserves the right to cancel any prize giveaway, gift cards or business-gifted cards (from third party businesses/fundraisers) at any time, for any reason. If at any time prior to the photo shoot booking the studio feels that we are not a good fit for the client or are unable to meet the client requests or expectations, the studio reserves the right to cancel the session, and is not obliged to honour the gift card for any reason. Any monies paid will be refunded.
The Cate Thomas Horse Photographer Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy (as above) applies.
Pricing
Although steps are taken to ensure fairness, Cate Thomas Horse Photographer reserves the right to update the Pricing and Product offering without notice.
Payment for Artwork
Payment for Artwork is due at the conclusion of the Complimentary Artwork Consultation OR through the client Online Gallery. No photographic products or artwork will be ordered, or digital files released, until all payments due have been paid in full. Unpaid accounts will incur late payment fees and collection costs.
Laybys
All in-house Laybys and payment plans are subject to accepting and signing a contract. A 10% deposit is required to be paid at the time of application.
Privacy and Personal Information
Cate Thomas Horse Photographer abides by the Privacy Act 1993 and acts to take all practical steps to achieve privacy protection. All electronic data (including photography) held by Cate Thomas Horse Photographer is encrypted, password protected and accessed by authorised persons only.
Cate Thomas Horse Photographer may collect personal information from you, including;
- Your name
- Your contact information
- Information about you that will help us provide your photographic service
- Details of your photographic services required
- Communication between you and Cate Thomas Horse Photographer
- Billing and/or purchase information
Personal information is collected in order to;
- Provide photographic services
- Deliver photographic products
- Advertise & promote Cate Thomas Horse Photographer
You have the right to ask for a copy of any personal information we hold about you, and to ask for it to be corrected if you think it is wrong. If you’d like to ask for a copy of your information, or to have it corrected, please contact us.
