FAQs
Ask away! We work hard to make sure you and your family have an exceptional experience at Bluebird Portraits. We're proud to offer extraordinary images that you'll treasure for years to come. We've created a one-of-a-kind photography studio dedicated to capturing the joy, wonder and innocence of childhood. A lot of planning and preparation goes into ensuring your experience with us is unparalleled. Here are some common questions we answer often:
Can you tell me about your company?
Bluebird Portraits is a magical photography studio that captures the joy and imagination of children and provides families timeless artwork to love and cherish for generations to come. We were founded 20 years ago by a husband and wife portrait photography team in Detroit, MI. In raising their own family, they learned that capturing images of children expressing happiness and joy and displaying those images in their home helped establish a sense of family and self-esteem and self-confidence in their kids. Bluebird Portraits is the reflection of their mission to help families do the same for their children.
Can you tell me about your weekly giveaway drawing or contest?
Each week we choose a select number of families as winners of our weekly fairytale photography session. Families enter our weekly drawings via multiple sources including social media. Winners of our drawings are offered a free studio photography session in our magical forest and a complimentary 8x10 portrait of their favorite image that we capture during the session. The studio session and the 8x10 portrait has a retail value of over $1000!
Why do I need to pay a reservation fee to secure my studio appointment?
Photography sessions in our magical forest are in very high demand. When you book an appointment with us you reserve a spot that many other families would also like to book. Therefore, we ask families to secure there session with a nominal reservation fee. Reservation fees are fully refundable upon completion of your studio session and review of your images.
How do I schedule an appointment for a studio session in the magical forest?
To book your studio session, you can book online via our website, or you can call us and we will be happy to help you.
Can I walk in to the studio or do I need an appointment?
All of our studio photography sessions are appointment only. Walk-ins are not available, as we reserve our magical forest exclusively for only one family at a time.
How much does a studio session cost?
Our studio sessions have a retail value of $500.
How much do your portraits cost?
The cost of portraits, memory books and digital images depends on what options you choose and how many images you would like to preserve and display. We work with you to choose a package that fits with almost any budget. In addition, we offer many options to pay for your package including unique financing programs like Affirm as well as a pay over time layaway program.
What makes your portraits special?
There are three things that make our portraits extraordinary:
1. Our Magical Forest: We find that the magical forest puts children at ease and creates a sense of magic and wonder. This combination allows us to capture pure unfiltered emotions with the kids. This is why our images are unlike any other in capturing the wonder, innocence, and joy of childhood.
2. Our Artistry: Our photographers and artists are highly trained professionals that focus on creating one of a kind works of art with every image and individual we work with. Each and every image we capture is edited by hand to create a work of art that is timeless and extraordinary.
3. The Quality of our Portraits: The ink and materials we use to create our portraits are of the highest quality available in the world. Our portraits and frames are designed to last generations with fading or degradation. In addition, you will always receive the digital master of the image with every portrait.
How many people win your weekly giveaway drawing?
We select families at random based on the number of entrants and the available studio appointment slots that are reserved for drawing winners each week. The number of winners vary from week to week.
What do I need to bring to a studio session?
Just you and your child or family! We provide everything for you, including fairytale or fisherman outfits for your children to choose and wear during the photo session. There will be several options for them to choose from in every size. That way they can dress in an outfit that speaks to them and brings out even more joy in their eyes.
What happens after the photography session is completed?
After your session is completed, you will be given the opportunity to book a virtual viewing session to review the images we captured. Virtual viewing sessions are done over a video call from the comfort of your home or office. Most families choose to schedule the virtual viewings where the entire family can participate, even Grandma and Grandpa! It truly is a lot of fun for the family and your child feels truly special while it is happening.
Will you shoot pictures outside of the studio, on location or at my home?
We are strictly focused on photography sessions at our studio. Unfortunately it is nearly impossible for us to bring our magical forest to your location.
Do you take photographs of anything other than children?
We know that pets are children for a lot of families, but currently we are only focused on photographing humans.
Can I book an appointment for my grandchildren?
Absolutely! We love it when grandparents get involved. Most of the time we see that grandparents appreciate how fast childhood passes, even more so than their adult kids. Please call us or visit our website to book a studio session. You can book the session for your grandchildren and even purchase a gift certificate for portraits that they might want to preserve forever.
Are you a legitimate business? Is this a scam?
We are definitely a legitimate business with a history of over 20 years of helping families capture the joy and wonder of childhood. Have hundreds and hundreds of 5 star reviews and have helped thousands of families capture time. We are proud of our heritage and are happy to connect you with some of our former customers if you would like us to.
How long does it take to get images that I ordered?
Our portraits are typically shipped within 6-12 weeks, sometimes sooner.
How long does it take to get a studio appointment scheduled?
Most of the time, we are able to get families scheduled in our studios within one to two weeks.
Can you tell me what to expect during the photo shoot?
When you arrive at our studio, you will be greeted by our Fairy Godmother. She will show you and your child to the Magical Forest and give you the opportunity to select from the many outfits we have for them to choose from. From there she will work with your child to go through a series of approximately 20 different timeless poses, including reading books, tea parties, sail boats, and interacting with characters in the forest. It truly is an experience full of wonder and joy.
How can I pay for my portraits?
We offer multiple payment options to all of our customers should they choose to preserve and display some of the images we capture. Our payment options include credit card, cash, Affirm® and even pay-over-time layaway options.
How much do families typically spend on portraits?
Most families spend somewhere between $500 and $5000 with us. It all depends on how many images they would like to preserve and how they would like to display the artwork. Winners of our weekly drawings are not obligated to spend anything with us, but many choose to.
If I am a winner of the weekly giveaway, is there any additional cost to me?
No! Most people that go through this special experience do find they fall in love with our work and wish to purchase more. However, you are not obligated to do so. If you do decide you’d like to invest in our work, we can apply your reservation deposit toward
your order.
Why do you offer a weekly giveaway?
As a business with a proud heritage of over 20 years, we understand how important it is to celebrate our own children through portraiture, and we want to encourage other families to do the same. Our weekly drawing gives us the opportunity to offer hundreds of families the opportunity to capture the joy and wonder of childhood that might not have had the opportunity otherwise.
Can I just have one of my children or grandchildren photographed?
As a timeless heirloom portrait that you will have for the rest of your life, we strongly encourage you to have all your children participate. In the case of our magical forest, the saying “the more the merrier” is absolutely true!
Can I enter your weekly giveaway drawing for someone else?
Winners of our giveaways are non-transferrable. The way to manage this situation is to encourage your friend/relative to enter the drawing on their own. We would love to help them!
Do you have a price list?
We work very hard to give our customers the absolute lowest prices we can. Therefore, we don’t have a published price list because our cost structure is ever changing. However, it is very safe to say that most customers spend between $500 and $5000 with us depending on how many images they would like to preserve and how they would like to display the artwork. Winners of our weekly drawings are not obligated to spend anything with us, but many choose to.
Do you guys photography newborns or babies?
Unfortunately, we don’t. Our magical forest is designed to create joy and wonder with children, but they need to be at least 12 months old before they can appreciate their surroundings. We are happy to book appointments for your new baby into the future at a time when they are ready to enjoy it all!
What if my children are in school and our work schedules conflict with your appointment times?
Many of our customers take their children out of school for the appointment, because this is such a special experience. Making a family day of the experience brings back beautiful memories as the years go by every time you look at your images.
