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FAQ

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+ How much does it cost to Particpate in the 40 over 40 Project?

The participation fee is $395. The fee holds your date and allows us to book in the hair and makeup artist for your shoot. Additionally, it covers the consultation, photoshoot, one image of your choice and a ticket to the 40 Over 40 Portrait Exhibition & Celebration.

+ What does the $395 include?

The $395 participation fee includes:

CONSULTATION - to discuss your vision for how you want to be photographed and coach you on what to bring and wear for your photoshoot

HAIR & MAKE UP - professional hair & makeup at your photoshoot

ACCESS TO STUDIO WARDROBE - you have complete access to our studio closet of gorgeous gowns and pretty accessories if you choose to wear them for your shoot

PHOTOSHOOT - a 3.5 hour photoshoot with Lavona

IMAGE VIEWING & ORDER SESSION - an in person session (at our studio or online via video conferencing software) to look at the 20-25 images we have created for you. At this session you can choose the one complimentary image in your $395 package, or if you want to order more images you can certainly do that

PORTRAIT CELEBRATION + Exhibition - upon completion of the project there will be a celebration and exhibition to showcase the portraits of all 40 women. You will have one ticket to this event

VIP FACEBOOK GROUP - be a part of a community of women all participating in this project. Share your experience and cheer each other on

FEATURED ON OUR BLOG and/or SOCIAL MEDIA - your images and story will be featured on our social media blog and possibly youtube

+ What if I want more than one image?

Of course! When you see the 20-25 stunning images we have created for you, it's very likely that you are going to want more than one! Extra images (including the digital and 5x7 print on 8x10 mat) are $200 each. Or, if you opt to go for one of our larger packages with 6 or more images, we will give you a $200 print credit/discount towards that larger package. Our packages with 6 images start at $1200 + tax and go up from there. We do take credit cards and offer payment plans as well.

+ Where does the shoot take place?

At my home studio in Woodland, California, unless during your pre-consultation we decide on an environmental location such as beach, mountain meadow, a boutique hotel in the wine country, etc. Additional fees may apply for on-location shoots.

+ What days do you have available for this shoot?

Shoot days are Mondays, and Fridays at 10:00am Availability is first come first served. On your phone chat with Lavona she will share next available dates and make sure to find an opening that works for you.

If you are SUPER EXCITED to particpate but just can't possibly make a Monday or Friday work, let's chat about your availability. I want to be as inclusive as possible for this project but I am working around my hair & makeup artist's schedule too. I will do my best to accomodate you.

+ Tell me about the Portrait Exhibition + Celebration?

One of the most special parts of this project is to celebrate all 40 of our participants and share your images and stories with the community. Because we are still booking our 40 women that are participating, we don't have full details figured out yet.

But, there definitely will be a final celebration featuring all 40 women's portraits on display once this project is complete. Date & Location are TBD.

As a participant you will have one ticket. It is possible that extra tickets will have some cost associated to cover the location fee and any food & beverage we may need to serve.

+ Why are you passionate about this project?

Many years ago when I started my portrait photography journey I was obsessed with an art book called Wise Women by the photographer and artist Joyce Tenneson. She inspired me to explore my creativity through portraiture and to share the stories of the women I photograph. As a mature woman who is decades past 40 and still full of life and ambition, I want to show through portraiture that like a fine wine women just get better with time, and along the way empower women to own their unique beauty. There is no age limit on being a happy, fabulous, vibrant, creative, fulfilled woman and there is so much life to be lived and enjoyed beyond the age of 20 or 30 something. There aren’t many platforms for women over 40 to share their story, wisdom and beauty and I am hoping that in some small way this project will inspire more conversation about the value and beauty of older and wiser women in our community and society in general.

+ I'm not photogenic though! Is that ok?

Stop! You are beautiful. I don't think "photogenic" is a thing some people have and others don't. It's my job as the photographer to make you look and feel amazing! And lucky for you I excel at making women of all ages, shapes and sizes look amazing in photographs.

+ What will I wear?

We will coach you on what to wear. You can wear up to 4 different outfits in your photoshoot. You can be casual in jeans and a black or white shirt. You can wear a sun dress. You can wear a fancy cocktail dress or jumpsuit. You can wear yoga clothes. You could even wear lingerie or your birthday suit. There's no rules. This is up to you! I want to photograph you based on YOUR UNIQUE VISION.

+ What if I'd like to include my children, partner, pet or family?

Certainly! You can definitely include loved ones in your shoot! Extra hair and make up is $175 per person (if needed). Part of your story is the people (and furry pets) you love. So if you want to include your loved ones, the more the merrier. And you also have total permission to make this photoshoot just about YOU!

+ Can I refer a friend over 40 to also be a part of this project?

Yes! I would love to also have your friends be a part of this project! Please spread the word.

+ What if I booked my date & paid $395 and then have to reschedule?

I totally understand that life happens! I do book in my hair & makeup artist's time to be at your photoshoot. Therefore, you are allowed one reschedule more than 7 days out from the shoot at no charge. If we have less than 7 days notice (or this is the second time you need to reschedule) we do charge a $100 rescheduling fee. This goes to compensate the hair & makeup artist for lost work. That said, hopefully this won't be an issue at all.

+ How are you choosing who participates?

We aren't "choosing" anyone. Every woman's story is inspiring. Every woman is beautiful. So we aren't going to exclude anyone who wants to be involved. Basically, this project is first come, first served. If you are willing to connect with Lavona for a "get to know you" call, pay your $395 participation fee, book your date, are over 40 (or turning 40 this year)then you can be a part of the shoot! YAY!

The other limit is that we only have 40 spots available.

+ I tried to book a call on your calendar but it didn't work! Help?

I'm so sorry! Technology can be both helpful and so annoying, right?! It seems our calendar/call booking system is working for some of you and not others. And I am just as annoyed about that as you are! Please email lavonag@yahoo.com and send us specific 4 dates and times that work for you to chat (25 minutes) in the next week or so and we will respond to confirm the one that works

+ Honestly,I am just SO IN and ready to book my date! What is my next step?

Or call or text Lavona directly here >> 530-304-5813

Or Email us here >> lavonag@yahoo.com