Silver Castle Studio Photography and Education General FAQs
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Silver Castle Studio Photography & Education is open by appointment to provide personalized photography and education services. Contact Kelli to schedule your session or class at a time that best suits your needs.
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We are proudly based in The Villages, Florida, serving local residents, small businesses, and creatives seeking expert photography and education.
While we love our local community, we are available for travel to bring our artistic sessions and educational workshops to you, wherever your story, association, or business takes you. Whether you are looking to create artistic heirlooms, enhance your online visibility, or encourage artistic expression, we are ready to meet you there.
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Choosing a location is one of the most exciting steps in creating your custom artwork! We offer three curated ways to style your experience:
- Local Sessions: Discover the beauty within 20 miles of The Villages. From the nautical charm of Lake Sumter Landing to the majestic oak canopies of Fenney Nature Trail, these local gems are included with no travel fee.
- Destination Sessions: If you’re dreaming of a specific aesthetic, we can travel to premier Florida landmarks—such as the rolling hills of Ocala, the historic streets of Winter Park, or the golden sands of New Smyrna Beach. These involve a modest travel investment based on the destination.
- Boutique Studio Sessions: For a classic, high-end portrait, you are invited to my private home-based studio in The Villages. Alternatively, I can bring the professional studio experience to you, setting up professional lighting and backdrops in the comfort of your own home.
If you need inspiration, reach out and we will help you find the perfect place!Note: Clients are responsible for any specific location permit fees, parking, or tolls required for the session. -
We accept various payment options including cash, checks, and digital payments - including, Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, and PayPal, to provide convenience and flexibility for our clients.
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To book your session, you can reach out directly at 815-768-9903, email kelli@silvercastlestudio.com, or simply fill out the request form on the Contact Page.
A non-refundable retainer of $175 is required to formally book your date. This covers the photographer’s time, travel within Central, and the preparation of your gallery.
I can't wait to work with you!
What are your hours?
Where are you located?
Where do sessions take place?
What payment options do you accept?
How do I book a session?
THE PORTRAIT EXPERIENCE AND POLICIES
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Wait times for sessions and classes vary depending on demand. We recommend early booking - especially near the holidays - to secure your preferred dates and experience professional, attentive service without delay.
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We understand that life happens! While the booking retainer is non-refundable (as it guarantees your spot on our calendar and covers our initial session preparation), we offer a one-time rescheduling credit. As long as you notify us 24 hours in advance, your retainer will remain valid for a rescheduled session within the next 6 months.
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Choosing a location is one of the best parts of the process! We have three wonderful ways to style your session:
Local Sessions: We can explore local gems within 20 miles of The Villages—like the boardwalks of Lake Sumter Landing or the oak canopies of Fenney Nature Trail—with no travel fee.
Destination Sessions: If you’re dreaming of a specific vibe, we can travel to premier spots like Sholom Park in Ocala, the historic charm of Winter Park, or a sunset session at New Smyrna Beach. These involve a modest travel investment based on the distance.
In-Home Boutique Studio Sessions: For a timeless, high-end look, I can bring the studio to you.I’ll set up professional lighting and backdrops right in your home for a private and comfortable experience.If you need inspiration, reach out and we will help you find the perfect place!"Note: Clients are responsible for any specific location permit fees, parking, or tolls required for the session. -
Depending on the experience you choose, sessions can range from a 30-minutes to several hours of tailored artistry.
We will finalize your exact session time together during the booking process.
How long is the typical wait?
Do you have a cancellation policy?
Where should we do our session?
How long do sessions last?
Image Viewing and Artwork Ordering
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Image Premieres take place in-person at the studio or in the client's home within 21 days of the portrait session to ensure timely production and access to exclusive savings.
The 21-Day Premiere Window
To provide the highest level of service and ensure your hand-crafted art moves into production while the memories are fresh, we schedule all Image Premieres within 21 days of your portrait session.
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The Reward: Your exclusive Reveal Day Rewards and collection savings are available only during this 21-day window.
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Post-Window Orders: Appointments held after the 21-day mark will revert to standard A La Carte pricing.
Reveal Session Rescheduling
Your appointment is a dedicated block of time reserved exclusively for you.
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Notice Required: At least 24 hours’ notice is required to reschedule your Premiere.
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Late Cancellations:Rescheduling with less than 24 hours’ notice or "no-shows" will require a $75 Re-Scheduling Fee to secure a new time on our calendar.
Decision Makers & Finality
All financial decision-makers must be present at the Image Premiere. Because our products are custom-made to your specifications, all sales are final once the order is placed.
Payments are required in-full before production begins.
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Usage: Collection print credits must be used during your Image Premiere. They cannot be carried over, used for sales tax, or redeemed for cash.
Wall Art Credits: Designated "Wall Art Credits" are reserved for Statement Wall Art, Signature Masterpieces, or Grand Oversized Works and cannot be split into smaller gift prints.
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Payment & Custom Work Policy:
Because every item we create is a custom-tailored work of art featuring your unique pet, all orders must be paid for in-full at the time of your ordering session. This allows Silver Castle Studio Photography to immediately begin the professional retouching and boutique production process required for your artwork.
Approval & Delivery Policy:
Retouching: Standard professional retouching is included for all images in your collection. Extensive retouching or complex background changes may incur an additional fee.To ensure your artwork is perfect, all physical products and digital files require written approval before production. Once your watermarked proofs are delivered, you have 7 business days to request any adjustments. Your order includes two complimentary rounds of revisions; further requests will be quoted per project.Delivery
To provide a complete, high-quality experience, your entire collection—including digital files and physical art—will be delivered together once every item has passed our final quality inspection.Pickup/Shipping: Clients are notified when orders are ready for studio pickup. Shipping can be arranged for an additional fee based on the size and weight of the artwork.
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Fine art takes time to craft and inspect. Please note that all turnaround times begin once final written approval is received.
- Gift Prints:Approximately 2 weeks.
- Wall Art & Albums:Approximately 4–6 weeks.
- Digital Files:High-resolution files are delivered via digital download simultaneously with your physical products to ensure a complete, high-quality experience.
Please note: Turnaround times may extend during peak holiday seasons.
Expedited Delivery: Standard production begins after final approval. If you require your items by a specific date, Expedited Delivery may be available for an additional fee. Please inquire at the time of your ordering session for a custom quote and timeline.
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Your images are produced using museum-grade materials designed to last for generations. To ensure their longevity:
- Display Environment: To prevent fading or warping, do not display artwork in direct sunlight or areas of high humidity (such as bathrooms).
- The Master’s Custom Framing: We use exclusively acid-free, archival materials to protect your investment. Using third-party "big box" frames can lead to chemical damage and discoloration of the print over time.
- Album Care: Handle your boutique albums with clean, dry hands. To maintain the integrity of the binding and prevent pages from warping, always store your albums flat in a climate-controlled environment.
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Deletion Policy: Any images not selected for a collection or A La Carte purchase will be cleared from our active servers 30 days after your appointment.
Archival Extension: To move your full gallery into our secure long-term archive for one year, a $150 Archival Fee is required. $75 of this fee will be credited toward any future product order placed within that year. This extension must be requested and paid within 14 days of your Image Premiere.
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Silver Castle Studio Photography and Education retains the copyright to all images. Purchased digital files include a Personal Use License, allowing you to print and share for non-commercial purposes. We ask that you do not apply filters or edits (e.g., Instagram filters, AI edits) to the images to maintain the integrity of our work.
Social Sharing: When sharing your "Social Media Files" online, we appreciate (but do not require) a tag or credit to Silver Castle Studio Photography and Education.
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Florida Law: As required by the state of Florida, sales tax (current local rate) will be added to all product orders.
How will I view my images?
Print Credits & Incentives
Studio Policies & Delivery
Production Timelines
Care & Maintenance
What happens to my images after the Image Premiere?
Copyright & Usage
Sales Tax
Pet Portrait Session FAQs
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Absolutely! Our sessions are entirely pet-led and low-stress. We don't need "stately" behavior to capture a soulful portrait; we often find the most beautiful moments happen during natural play or quiet curiosity. We have plenty of tricks—from unique sounds to high-value treats—to capture their attention.
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We recommend a "coordinate, don't match" approach. Choose a cohesive color palette—like soft neutrals, earthy tones, or muted blues—that complements your pet's fur. Avoid loud patterns or large logos that might distract from your genuine expressions. Most importantly, wear something you feel comfortable and confident in, as that ease will shine through in your portraits.
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While we love the beauty of Florida’s natural light, safety and quality are our priorities. If inclement weather is forecasted for your outdoor session, we will coordinate a reschedule date at no additional cost to ensure your portraits are perfect.
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Safety is paramount, especially for outdoor sessions. If your pet needs to stay on a leash for security, we can professionally remove the leash in post-processing so it doesn't distract from the final piece of art.
My pet isn’t "perfectly" trained. Can we still do a session?
If we are in the photos with our pet, what should we wear for our session?
What happens if it rains?
Can you edit out leashes or collars?
Artwork & Prints FAQs
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Yes. We believe your portraits deserve to live on your walls, not just your hard drive. We specialize in creating Aryistic Canvases and Hand-Crafted Framed Art that serve as timeless centerpieces in your home. From the texture of the fine art paper to the quality of the archival inks, every piece is designed to last for generations.
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Absolutely. We offer complimentary design consultations to help you choose the perfect size and finish for your space. Whether you are looking for a single statement piece or a curated gallery wall, we will guide you in selecting the finishes that best complement your home’s decor.
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We believe in giving you the best of both worlds. Prints, canvases, albums, and digital files are available in packages and a la carte.
While digital files are convenient for sharing, there is an unmatched joy in walking past a beautifully framed portrait of your companion every day. We handle the entire process—from session to delivery—to ensure you receive a finished piece of art that brings a smile to your face for years to come.
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Unlike standard lab prints that can fade over time, our heirlooms are produced using archival materials and professional color-calibration. This ensures that the deep shadows, subtle highlights, and vibrant colors of your session are preserved exactly as intended for decades to come.
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Yes, our Signature Heirloom Albums are one of our most popular ways to tell a complete story. These are not standard photo books; they feature lay-flat binding, ultra-thick archival pages, and luxury cover materials like Italian leather or European linen.
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We make it effortless for you. Once you select your favorite images, we will create a custom layout that flows beautifully. You’ll have the opportunity to review the design and make adjustments before it is sent to our professional bindery.
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Certainly! You can choose from various colors and textures, and we offer custom embossing to add your pet’s name or a significant date to the cover in gold, silver, or blind debossing.
Do you offer physical products like prints and canvases?
Can you help me decide how to display my portraits?
Is digital artwork included with my print order?
What makes your "Artistic Heirlooms" different from standard prints?
Do you offer custom photo albums?
How does the album design process work?
Can I customize the cover of my album?
Education and Workshop FAQs
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Not at all. Our goal is to empower creators at every level. Whether you are mastering your smartphone's capabilities or learning the manual settings of a high-end DSLR, our education is designed to help you see light and composition in a whole new way.
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Yes! We keep our learning experiences broad and accessible. We break down complex technical concepts into simple, actionable steps so you can move from "taking pictures" to "creating art" with confidence.