Photography Services FAQ

General Photography FAQ

We specialize in senior portraits, weddings, family sessions, headshots, and professional branding. But for those looking to stand out, we offer so much more—including commercial, aerial, and real estate photography. Each session is custom-planned to reflect your story and goals, and yes—our signature GFS style applies to every type of work we do. Check out our full services to explore more.

Yes, we provide digital files optimized for social media sharing with every session. High-resolution files intended for printing or commercial use are available for an additional fee. While digital files are great for sharing online, our focus is on creating timeless, tangible artwork that tells your story for generations.

Our work is natural and editorial-inspired. We aim to capture honest, emotive moments in a refined, timeless way. Every session is carefully planned with your story in mind—no cookie-cutter posing or rushed experiences. That said, we’re also adaptable: if you have a specific vision or style in mind, we’re happy to collaborate and make it feel true to you.

Every session begins with a pre-session consultation to align on style, location, and artwork goals. Sessions include the shoot itself, a curated gallery of images, and a custom design and ordering appointment where we help turn your portraits into heirloom-quality artwork.

Most clients book 4–8 weeks in advance, though wedding and senior sessions often book out 6+ months ahead. The sooner you inquire, the more flexibility we can offer in scheduling and planning. And for returning clients, we always do our best to accommodate preferred dates and go the extra mile—because once you're part of the GFS family, you're never just another name on the calendar.

Yes! Our studio is located in The Mercantile Building in Burlington, WI—a beautifully restored space that offers charm, convenience, and a private, upscale atmosphere for your session. We’re open by appointment only so we can give each client a personalized, uninterrupted experience. When photographing in studio, you’ll be able to view images as we capture them—allowing us to collaborate in real time. Together, we’ll review and narrow down your selections during your session, so you can leave the studio confident and excited for the next step.

Absolutely. We’ll guide you through what photographs best, how to coordinate without matching, and what aligns with your goals for final artwork. We also work closely with trusted hair and makeup professionals and highly recommend them to help you look and feel your best.

Definitely—whether that’s family members, partners, or even pets. We’ll plan around your needs and make sure everyone feels included and comfortable. In fact, senior photo sessions are a perfect opportunity to update family portraits before the next big chapter.

Yes. We offer handcrafted albums, framed prints, wall galleries, and custom-designed cards and gifts through our professional lab partner. These pieces are a cornerstone of the GFS experience. Whether you're preserving a milestone or updating your home, we’ll walk you through every detail with the full attention of our studio—no rushed sessions or one-size-fits-all packages. This is one of the key ways we’re different: every product we offer is curated and designed with purpose, beauty, and legacy in mind.

Every memory begins with a conversation. It’s where you get to know us, and we get to understand who you are—so we can capture more than just how you look. Reach out through our contact page to book a consultation and start your experience.
Your Story. Your Legacy. Let’s Begin.

Senior Portrait FAQ

We recommend booking your senior session the spring or summer before your senior year. Popular dates fill quickly—especially weekends and fall colors—so the earlier you reserve, the more flexibility we can offer. That said, we’re always happy to welcome seniors who decide later in the year that they want something more meaningful than a standard yearbook photo. If you’ve had a change of heart, we’re here for you!

All senior sessions include a pre-session planning consultation, your customized photography session, professional retouching, and a guided artwork appointment where you’ll select your favorite images for albums and wall art. Our sessions are built around the design of a handcrafted heirloom album—this is the heart of the experience. If a printed legacy piece isn't part of your vision, our studio may not be the best fit.

Senior sessions typically run about 1–2 hours in total, with no more than an hour at each location. We approach every session with a clear plan—designed to make the most of your time while keeping the energy high and the experience enjoyable. Our goal is to ensure you stay relaxed, confident, and engaged throughout the shoot, because we believe the best results come from quality over quantity.

Your wardrobe is a reflection of who you are! We recommend 2–3 outfits that showcase different sides of your personality. During your consultation, we’ll walk you through what photographs best, what to avoid, and how to style your look to feel confident and timeless.

Yes! Senior portraits are a beautiful milestone—and often a great time to capture family images before graduation brings big changes. We also offer optional family add-ons for a more formal mini-session as part of your senior experience.

We partner with trusted local professionals and highly recommend adding hair and makeup for a polished, confident look that shines in front of the camera. This isn’t just for girls—professional hair styling makes a huge difference for guys too. You’re going to be on your family’s walls for decades—we want you to look and feel your best.

Yes! We’ll schedule a design and ordering appointment where you’ll view your gallery and see a fully curated album and artwork plan—created just for you based on everything we’ve learned in your consultation and session. We guide the creative process so you don’t have to feel overwhelmed, and we think you’ll love what we’ve designed. That said, if you'd like to explore your images further or make adjustments, we’ll walk through that together. It’s all about making the process easy and meaningful.

Yes! In addition to albums and wall art, we offer beautifully designed print products through our professional lab partner WHCC. This includes custom graduation announcements, party invitations, thank-you cards, and more—crafted using your portraits and designed to stand out. These pieces are stunningly done and simply must be seen to be appreciated; we’ll go over them with you during your planning consultation so you can see exactly what’s possible.

Social media-ready digital files are included with your artwork selections. Our focus is on creating tangible legacy artwork—albums and prints designed to be enjoyed for generations—not just digital images that disappear in a feed.

Reach out through our contact page to schedule your consultation. We’ll get to know you, learn what makes your senior story special, and plan a session that captures who you are—not just what you look like.
This Is More Than a Yearbook Photo

Wedding Photography FAQ

We recommend booking as early as possible—typically 12–18 months in advance—to ensure availability, especially for peak season dates. The earlier we connect, the more time we have to design a photography experience that reflects your day.

Yes! We offer cinematic highlight reels as an optional add-on to any photography package. These short films are designed to capture the feeling and energy of your day—perfect for sharing on social media and reliving the experience for years to come. We believe these are the kinds of videos couples truly cherish—alongside the moments captured by your guests. If you're looking for full-length, traditional video coverage, we can either bring in one of our trusted videographer partners for an additional fee or refer you directly to a specialist depending on your preferences.

We offer a range of photography coverage options—from intimate elopements to full-day weddings. Our most popular package, The Eight, includes 8 hours of photography and all the creative guidance you need to relive your day through lasting artwork. We're not focused on delivering hundreds of files for you to sort through—we're here to help you preserve the story of your wedding in heirloom albums and printed art. If you're looking for something more meaningful than a wooden box of digital files, you're in the right place.

Rather than overwhelm you with hundreds of images, we focus on curating a meaningful collection that tells the story of your day with clarity and emotion. Our goal is to preserve the moments that matter most—not to hand over a hard drive of files you'll never revisit. If you value timeless artwork over file count, you're in the right place.

We provide a curated selection of images optimized for social media sharing, included with your artwork. Our focus is on crafting printed heirloom pieces—albums, announcements, thank-you cards, and wall art—that tell your story beautifully. If you're simply looking for a folder of digital files to print at a big box store, we may not be the right fit. We believe your memories deserve more than that.

Absolutely. We specialize in heirloom-quality albums and printed artwork designed to preserve the story of your wedding day. This is our stock in trade. After a visit to our studio, we think you’ll be genuinely moved by what real photographic art looks and feels like—but not as moved as you’ll be when your own custom artwork is delivered. We’ll guide you through selecting your favorite images and curate a finished piece that will become part of your family’s legacy.

Yes! We offer flexible coverage and thoughtful upgrade options including second photographers, engagement sessions, heirloom albums, and cinematic highlight videos. Every wedding is different, and the real customization happens in the artwork itself. We’ll guide you in choosing the right pieces for the right people—whether it’s a luxe album for you, a layflat book for your parents, or framed wall art for your home. With a stunning array of options at a range of price points, we’ll help you build a collection that’s as meaningful and personal as the day itself.

Our wedding photography is timeless and editorial-inspired, focused on capturing natural moments, quiet glances, and beautiful details. We blend direction with documentary-style storytelling for images that feel authentic and artful. We’re not the right fit if you’re looking for heavy special effects, background replacements, cheesy poses, or overly staged images—we stay true to our craft. We’re crafting timeless art that’s meant to live in your home, hang on your walls, and be passed down through generations—not something that will feel cringe-worthy as trends fade. That said, we love offering creative color grading, film emulation, and especially black and white treatments to bring mood and style to your images. We’ll craft something beautiful that still feels like you.

We don’t typically include second photographers, and here’s why: our work is personal, intentional, and crafted around a singular vision—one that reflects our values, style, and experience. It’s not something easily replicated by bringing in another photographer just for coverage. We know what we want to create, and more cameras don’t always mean better storytelling. Your guests will have their phones, and they’ll capture all kinds of fun, candid extras. What we’re here to deliver is art. For exceptionally large or logistically complex weddings, we can bring in a trusted second shooter for an additional fee—but in most cases, one artist is all that’s needed to tell your story beautifully.

Yes! We don’t believe in nickel-and-diming our clients with travel fees for local weddings. When you book with us, you’re booking a boutique, full-service experience—so travel within our region is simply part of the service. For destination weddings or truly exceptional circumstances, we’re happy to quote custom travel if needed.

Ready to create something lasting?

We don’t do volume.
We don’t do trends.
We craft legacy.

Let’s start a conversation about telling your story—through artwork that deserves to be passed down.

Start Your Experience

Family Portrait FAQ

We offer full-length family portrait sessions designed to create meaningful heirloom artwork, as well as seasonal mini sessions for returning clients. Whether it’s a milestone, a holiday, or simply time to refresh your walls, our focus is always on capturing connection, not perfection. Family portraits include everything from traditional family groupings to maternity, newborn, and milestone baby sessions. We also love including your pets—they’re part of the family too! Whether it’s a milestone, a holiday, or simply time to refresh your walls, our focus is always on capturing connection, not perfection.

Absolutely—just let us know in advance so we can plan the right location and timing. Multi-generational portraits make incredible legacy pieces and can be tailored to include a variety of groupings.

Family sessions are held either in our studio at The Mercantile Building or on location in the Burlington/Lake Geneva area. We’ll help you choose the setting that best reflects your family’s personality and artwork goals.

Each session includes a planning consultation, your photography session, professional retouching, and an artwork design appointment. The final result? Legacy albums, wall galleries, and printed pieces designed for your home—not just a handful of images on a screen.

We recommend updating your family portraits every 1–2 years. Kids grow fast, and life changes quickly. Building a visual legacy over time creates a powerful and lasting record of your family’s story. Besides, what truly makes it your home? Generic art from a big-box store—or timeless portraits of the people you love most, displayed with purpose and pride? Family art isn’t just personal—it’s impressive.

We include social media-optimized digital images with your artwork selections. These are perfect for sharing your session with friends and family—and we deliver them right away so you can announce and celebrate what's to come. Our sessions are designed around creating custom art for your home—not bulk digital delivery.

We’ll guide you through wardrobe styling during your consultation. Neutrals and classic tones tend to photograph beautifully, and we’ll help coordinate outfits without over-matching. Our goal is to create timeless images that feel elevated, not trendy.

Of course! Pets are absolutely part of the family, and we love when they’re included in sessions. Just let us know ahead of time so we can plan the setting and timing accordingly. We also include this option under the broader family portrait umbrella—along with maternity, newborn, and milestone baby sessions.
Let’s Tell Your Family’s Story

Headshots & Branding FAQ

We offer professional headshots for individuals, teams, business owners, and actors—ranging from traditional studio headshots to more creative, on-location branding sessions. Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile, building a personal brand, or creating standout images for your acting portfolio, we’ll tailor the session to your goals.

Yes! We’ve been providing on-location headshots for businesses and organizations for decades—it’s one of our specialties. Whether it’s a team of five or fifty, we’re experts at creating consistent, polished headshots that reflect your brand and professionalism. Sessions can take place in our studio or at your location. It’s also a perfect time to update your location or real estate imagery—we offer those services as well, all with the same attention to quality and detail.

Absolutely. Every session includes a brief consultation where we’ll guide you through wardrobe, styling, and what to expect. We’ll help you feel confident and prepared so your portraits feel like you—at your best.

Hair and makeup is available upon request and highly recommended for branding sessions or anyone wanting a polished, camera-ready look. We work with talented local professionals who understand what photographs best.

All headshot and branding sessions include a set number of retouched final images based on the package you select. Additional images can be purchased after your session if you'd like a broader variety. And for teams, professionally printed and framed headshots displayed in your office entry or hallway make a bold, lasting impression on clients and visitors alike—they instantly communicate professionalism and pride in your people.

Turnaround time is typically 5–7 business days. If you need something sooner, rush delivery is available for an additional fee.

Yes—all final headshot and branding images are delivered digitally in both high-resolution and web-optimized formats, prepared for both print and digital display. Each package includes a perpetual limited-use license, which covers most standard applications like websites, social media, internal marketing, and digital profiles. If you need broader usage rights—such as for advertising, commercial print campaigns, or media buys—we offer upgraded licensing options. Full image ownership is also available upon request and is priced accordingly. Please note: full ownership requires a perpetual royalty-free license granted back to us for promotional use.

Definitely. If you have brand guidelines or a visual aesthetic you'd like us to match, just share those in your consultation. We’ll make sure the look and feel of your images align with your professional identity.

Headshots are typically more formal, close-up portraits used for professional bios and profiles. Branding sessions are more comprehensive—they may include multiple outfits, locations, and a mix of posed and lifestyle images to showcase your personality, profession, or creative work.

 

That said, we’re not the right fit if you're simply looking for cookie-cutter corporate headshots on a gray background. We work with difference makers, movers and shakers—those looking to lead, not blend in. Our goal is to create images that capture who you are, not just follow a tired aesthetic. Looking to stand out? You came to the right place.

Yes! We’re experienced in creating headshots for actors, theater professionals, and performers with industry-specific requirements. Whether you need 8x10 prints, your résumé printed or mounted on the back, or files tailored to casting submissions, we’ve got you covered. We partner with a state-of-the-art lab to produce high-quality, professional headshots that stand out from the pack—and help you get the part.

Reach out through our contact page to schedule your session or consultation. Whether it’s just you or your whole team, we’ll help you create professional imagery that communicates credibility, confidence, and connection.

 
Stand Out With Confidence