home | information | schedule | q&a | registration
 
 
Why Should I register for a session with Kelly Stachura Photography?
Kelly Stachura Photography was founded on the simple premise that great dance photography requires a comprehensive knowledge of both dance and photography.
Kelly Stachura has studied a variety of movement-based art forms, including classical ballet, modern, tap, jazz, acrobatics, and yoga, for over 20 years. She also earned her Bachelor's degree from the #1 ranked Photography school in the country, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
 
For over 8 years, Kelly has been able to blend her passions for dance and photography though both commercial and artistic venues. Her portfolio has been exhibited locally, nationally, and internationally and has earned her several honors, including "Curator's Choice" at the Chicago Art Open (the largest exhibit of its kind in Chicago), "Best in Show" at The Art Around Us, BAAC's "Visual Arts Award", the "Purchase Award" at William Rainey Harper College's Small Works Exhibit, and "Winner in Fiber" at the State of Illinois Collegiate Artists' Competition.
 
More important than all of the accolades, Kelly Stachura Photography is dedicated to bringing you the highest levels of quality, commitment, and customer service. We are passionate about our work, and we extend that passion through everything we do.
 
What do I need to bring to my photography Session?
Spring Recital Portrait Session: Please remember to bring all costume pieces (including tights, hats, headpieces, and any props), and make sure that your child’s dance shoes are clean.
 
Open Portrait Session: Make sure that you select dance clothing that you feel comfortable wearing. Hair should be neat and pulled back off the face. You should have an idea for what types of personal shots you would like to have or what shots you may need for auditions (arabesque, attitude, etc.) as requirements can vary.
 
Head Shots Session: You want to think about the three major components of any head shot: hair, makeup, and clothing. Hair should be clean and styled neatly. Makeup should be soft and natural, especially for black and white photographs. If you would like color images, select a color for clothing that complements and brightens your skin tones. If you would like black and white images, solid neutrals (black, white, gray) will photograph better.
 
How long does a photography Session last?
Spring Recital Portrait Sessions last approximately 5-10 minutes. Your child will be photographed in one pose, and we will use the best image for your print package.
 
Open Portrait Sessions last approximately 15-20 minutes. In this session, the dancer and photographer work together to create images that complement the dancer’s strengths. Each dancer will be photographed in a variety of different poses that will be dependent on his / her skill level.
 
Head Shots Sessions last approximately 20-30 minutes. In this session, several different angles and positions of the head are photographed to ensure the best possible final images.
 
What if my child has more than one spring recital costume?
If you would like to have your child photographed in more than one recital costume, you may sign up for multiple Spring Recital Portrait Sessions or sign up for an Open Portrait Session.
 
I have more than one child enrolled in dance clasSes this year.
Can I have one portrait taken with both dancers together?
Absolutely. We are happy to take small group pictures of siblings, cousins, friends, etc. for your Spring Recital Portrait Session. (If you would like multiple copies of the final prints or to have individual portraits taken as well, please sign up for additional portrait sessions.)
 
Can I register for more than one type of session?
Yes. We encourage older students, especially those who will be auditioning, to register for both the Open Portrait Session and Head Shots Session. Together, these sessions will provide you with all of the necessary images for your portfolio.
 
I am unhappy with my school portraits / senior portraits.
Can I use this opportunity to have new portraits taken
by Kelly Stachura Photography?
Absolutely. If you would like to have a school-type portrait taken, Please register for a Head Shots Session, and we will tailor your session to meet your individual needs. Please contact Kelly at info@kellystachura.com for more information.
 
Does my child have to be in costume?
For Spring Recital Portrait Sessions, your child should be in one of his / her recital costumes. These photographs are a great way to remember your child’s dance accomplishments, and poses will be tailored to your child’s level.
 
Older students (ages 12 and above) may opt for a professional portrait taken with typical dance clothing (such as a leotard and tights) and/or costumes and should schedule an Open Portrait Session. This session will give more time for the photographer and dancer to work together to create technically sound images. These professional portraits may be used either for personal portraits or to use for auditions in the coming year, as most workshops and companies require these photographs to apply.
 
For Head Shots Sessions, you can choose your clothing depending on your needs.
 
(For any session you choose, please view the guidelines listed above for more information on what to bring.)
 
What if my child gets cold feet?
Children can sometimes be intimidated by their first portrait session. Many are not used to the lights or posing alone in front of a backdrop. Conversely, some children love the attention of getting to "be the star" in their own private photo shoot. With all sessions, we invite the parents or guardians into the room to watch and encourage the child. We take the time to help each and every child feel comfortable, and we make sure to tailor each pose to the child’s skill level.
 

Can I select my own pose?
Especially for Spring Recital Portrait Sessions, we encourage you to think about what kind of pose you'd like - whether it be sitting, full length, or a 3/4 length shot. If you have a specific pose in mind, we are happy to work with you to capture your vision. We have years of experience both as dancers and photographers, so if you are unsure of what pose you'd like or if you need assistance, we are there to help.
 
Is it safe to register online through your website?
It is absolutely safe and secure to order through our website. We use PayPal, the gold standard in secure web payments, which uses SSL encryption to process credit card information.
 
What are my payment options?
You have two options for payment. You can conveniently register through this website by completing the registration form and paying by credit card. You may also register at your dance studio by completing a registration form (available in the office during open hours or by clicking here) and paying by cash or check (made payable to Kelly Stachura Photography).
 
Are Package and/or sitting fees refundable?
No. All package and sitting fees are non-refundable.
 
What if I am unable to make my Photography Session?
If you are unable to make your photography Session due to illness or emergency, please contact Kelly at info@kellystachura.com as soon as possible to make other arrangements. Make-up sessions will only be allowed at the Photographer's discretion and must be completed within 30 days of the original portrait session date.
 

How Do I view my proofs, and How many proofs will I be able to choose from?
Spring Recital Portrait Sessions - you may select the best image during your session
Open Portrait Sessions - you can expect to view between 15-30 proofs online
Head Shots Sessions - you can expect to view between 20-40 proofs online
 
When will the open Portrait / head shot proofs be ready to view online?
Your proofs will be online within the week following your session.
 
Will anyone else be able to see my proofs on the web?
No. You will be given a unique URL and password at your photography session in order to access your proofs. No one else will be able to view the proofs online without this information.
 
How do I view my proofs online?
You will be given a unique URL and password at your portrait session along with directions for viewing and ordering your photographs online.
 
Directions: Using an internet browser, enter the URL provided in the address bar. On the page that opens, you will be prompted to enter your password. Type your password carefully (it is case sensitive) and click “sign in.” Once you sign in, you will be able to view your proofs and order professional-quality prints.
 
If you would like to see a sample page, please click here and enter the password “sample” when prompted.
 
What are my options for ordering prints?
Through Shutterfly, you will be able to order a variety of print sizes and specialty items á la carte. The following items are available for purchase:
 
wallets, 5x7, 8x10, 11x14, 16x20, and 20x30 inch photographs (available in glossy or matte finish); note cards, mouse pads, mugs, magnets, playing cards, puzzles, keepsake boxes, and desk organizers are also available.
 
How long will it take to receive my order from Shutterfly?
Shutterfly generally prints and ships orders within 24 hours. If you live in Illinois, you should receive your prints within 5-7 business days.
 
Can I order a cd of images instead of prints?
You have the option of ordering a CD of images in addition to ordering prints or purchasing a Spring Recital Package. To purchase a CD, fill out the appropriate information on your reprint order form.
 
What is the deadline for ordering prints?
Proofs will be available online for approximately 30 days after your session. Should you require more time to complete your order, you may request an extension by contacting Kelly at info@kellystachura.com with "Portrait Extension” in the subject line.
 
What if there is a problem with my order?
If you have any questions about placing your order, please contact Kelly at info@kellystachura.com with “Portrait Question” in the subject line. Should you have any problems with your completed order, you should contact Shutterfly directly. The Customer Service email address for Shutterfly is progalleryhelp@service.shutterfly.com and the phone number is (510) 266-8337. Phone hours are: 9am to 5pm PST, Monday through Friday. You will need to have your order number ready, which can be found on your Customer Transaction Report under "View Reports" or on your Order Confirmation email.
 
 
If you have a question that is not listed here, please feel free to
email us at info@kellystachura.com, and we will respond to your email within 24 hours.