11th Hour Studios Policies and FAQ

Every portrait experience at 11th Hour Studios is thoughtfully designed to be effortless, enjoyable, and memorable. Our studio policies help ensure every client receives the highest level of service from start to finish.

Please take a moment to review the information below before your session.

Studio Policies

  • All deposits are NON REFUNDABLE.

  • Your session starts and ends promptly at the agreed time. We cannot be held responsible for delays due to factors such as your lateness, traffic, delays with transportation, makeup artist or hairstylist, etc.

  • If you are more than 50% late for your appointment, your session will be canceled. For instance, if you booked a 60-minute shoot and arrive more than 30 minutes late, your appointment will be canceled, requiring a new deposit for rescheduling.

  • **All dropbox files are deleted after 90 days, please save your pictures to your appropriate hard drives.**

FAQ

  • We are located in Columbia, Maryland, in the heart of Howard County, conveniently between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Our studio serves clients from across the DMV—Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia—including nearby areas such as Ellicott City, Laurel, Elkridge, and Silver Spring. Sessions are by appointment only, and detailed directions and parking information are provided in your confirmation email once you book.

  • We encourage clients to bring any meaningful personal items they'd like to include in their session. Our studio also offers a curated collection of chairs, stools, and elegant accessories to complement a variety of portrait styles.

    We also provide a complimentary selection of studio gowns in classic colors, including blue, pink, and black. You can browse our studio wardrobe here. If you're looking for additional styles, we recommend Mama Bump Rentals, which offers a beautiful collection of premium gowns perfect for portrait sessions.

    For infant portrait sessions, we do not provide clothing. Many families choose simple wraps, neutral outfits, or classic onesies. If you're looking for additional options, Amazon and specialty infant boutiques offer a wide selection to match your preferred style.

  • Choose clothing that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and timeless. Solid colors, clean lines, and minimal patterns photograph beautifully and help keep the focus on you.

    For clients interested in flowing gowns or elegant wardrobe options, we offer a complimentary selection of studio gowns in classic colors, including blue, pink, and black. You're also welcome to bring your own outfit if you have a specific vision for your session.

    For infant portrait sessions, we recommend simple, soft clothing such as neutral onesies, knitted rompers, or swaddle wraps. Avoid busy patterns, logos, or bright graphics so the focus remains on your baby's natural features.

    For professional portraits, tailored clothing in solid or neutral colors creates a polished, timeless look. If you'd like variety, we recommend bringing two or three outfit options to your session.

  • Most clients book 3–8 weeks in advance, especially for maternity or newborn sessions. Weekend spots and popular time frames fill quickly, so the sooner you secure your date, the better. If you’re unsure about timing, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to guide you based on your due date or schedule.

  • Photos are typically taken between 28–34 weeks, when your bump is beautifully round but you’re still comfortable moving and posing. Every pregnancy is different, so we can adjust sooner or later based on how you feel.

  • First Moments sessions are best within the first 7–21 days after birth. Babies are sleepier and easier to position during this time, resulting in soft, peaceful images. If your baby is a little older, that’s perfectly fine—we can still create beautiful portraits at any age.

  • At the end of your session, you’ll receive an email with a link to view your RAW images and choose your favorites. Once you submit your selections, the editing process takes approximately 14 days.

    If you need your photos sooner, rush editing is available for an additional fee:

    • $20 per photo for images included in your package

    • $40 per photo for images not included in your package

    You’ll receive your final edited photos via a downloadable online gallery.

  • A RAW photo is an unprocessed image captured straight from the camera. It contains all of the original data—which makes it ideal for high-quality editing—but it has not yet been corrected or enhanced.

    An EDIT is the professionally retouched version of that RAW image. Editing includes color and lighting adjustments, background cleanup, skin and body contour refinement, and removing distractions or imperfections. This process creates the polished, final images you receive in your gallery.

  • Yes. Your spouse and children are welcome to join the session at no additional cost.