Frequently Asked Questions About Our Portrait Experience
For more than 30 years, Michael and Lisa Carr have helped Houston families and professionals create meaningful portraits and finished artwork.
Our Michael Carr Photography FAQs answer common questions about planning, scheduling, portrait sessions, wardrobe guidance, artwork and what to expect throughout your portrait experience. For service specific questions, you can also visit the individual portrait service pages.
Michael Carr Photography
5701 Woodway Dr.
Ste 108
Houston, TX 77057
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Michael Carr Photography FAQs
Planning Your Portrait Session
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Planning your portrait session should be simple and enjoyable. Here you’ll find answers to common questions about our Houston studio, consultations, scheduling, pricing, payment policies, and what to expect before, during, and after your session.
Where is your studio located?
Our studio is conveniently located in Houston’s Tanglewood area, just minutes from the Galleria, Memorial City, and major highways, making it easily accessible from throughout the Houston area.
Michael Carr Photography
5701 Woodway Dr., Ste 108
Houston, TX 77057
Is parking available?
Yes. Complimentary visitor parking is available for all clients visiting our studio.
Visitor parking is located on the second floor of the parking garage. From there, enter through the covered awning entrance and take the elevator down to the first floor, where our studio is located.
What areas of Houston do you serve?
We proudly serve clients throughout Houston and the surrounding communities, including Memorial, River Oaks, West University, Bellaire, The Heights, Tanglewood, Memorial Villages, Katy, Sugar Land, Cypress, The Woodlands, Pearland, Friendswood, and beyond.
In addition to studio sessions, we also photograph on location throughout the Greater Houston area and are available for destination portrait sessions and corporate assignments.
I see the designation CPP after your name. What does that mean?
CPP stands for Certified Professional Photographer, a professional credential awarded by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). Michael Carr earned this designation by passing a comprehensive written examination and submitting a portfolio evaluated by a panel of experienced photographers.
The CPP credential demonstrates a commitment to technical excellence, continuing education, and maintaining high professional standards.
What days and times are available for my session?
Portrait sessions are scheduled Tuesday through Friday, with limited Saturday and evening availability by appointment.
Payment Policy/When do I pay?
We do require a retainer equal to the session fee in order to reserve your specific date/time for your session. Payment is due in full at the time services are rendered unless agreed to in writing prior to the session. In addition to cash, we accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
We also offer payment plans on orders, no interest. Please ask for details.
When do I get to see my images?
You will have the opportunity to preview a selection of images during your portrait session. In our studio, the camera is tethered to a monitor so you can review your portraits and make adjustments to details such as hair, clothing, or posing if needed. For on-location sessions, we can connect the camera to an iPad or computer for image previews.
Your private Viewing and Ordering Appointment is typically scheduled within 5–7 days after your session, when you will view your portraits and select your favorite images and artwork. All ordered portraits will include a studio signature, ensuring your images carry the Michael Carr Photography mark of quality and artistry.
Do you offer consultations?
Yes. Every portrait experience begins with a conversation about your goals and how you’d like to use or display your portraits.
Whether you’re planning a family portrait, executive headshot, personal branding session, senior portraits, or custom wall art, we’ll answer your questions, discuss wardrobe and location options, and help you choose the session that’s the best fit for your needs.
Do you offer professional hair and makeup?
Yes. Professional hair and makeup services are available for many of our portrait sessions and are recommended for a polished, camera-ready look. Our professional artists enhance your natural features while helping you look and feel your best.
If you are interested, let us know when booking your session, and we will discuss the available options. Call Michael Carr Photography at (713) 461-2862 to learn more.
How far in advance should sessions be scheduled?
We recommend scheduling your portrait session as early as possible, especially if you have a preferred date or season in mind. Many clients book several weeks or even months in advance, and appointments during the fall and holiday season fill quickly.
If you have a deadline for yearbooks, business materials, holiday gifts, or a special event, let us know when you contact us. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule.
How much is the session fee?
Our session fee varies depending on your needs. On a discovery call, we can understand which session type is the best fit for you. Our clients invest anywhere between $1500 to $10,000 and more, depending on taste and budget. A luxury investment demands a luxury experience, and with Michael Carr Photography, that’s exactly what you get.
What if I am running late or need to reschedule my session?
Please call Michael Carr Photography at (713) 461-2862 as soon as possible if you are running late. We will do our best to accommodate you. However, if you arrive more than 15 minutes late, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to fit your session into the remaining schedule. Arriving on time helps ensure you receive your full session and avoids possible late fees or a shortened appointment.
What is your return/exchange policy?
Because we review your portraits with you during your session and again during your private Viewing and Ordering Appointment, we do not offer returns, exchanges, or refunds on session fees or portrait orders. We work closely with you throughout the portrait process to ensure you are satisfied with your image selections before your order is finalized. All ordered portraits include the Michael Carr Photography studio signature. If you have questions about our policies before booking, call Michael Carr Photography at (713) 461-2862.
Michael Carr Photography FAQs
Family Portrait Questions
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Whether you are planning your first family portrait or updating artwork for your home, these are some of the questions we are asked most often. If you would like more information about our family portrait experience, visit our Family Portraits.
What should we wear for family portraits?
We recommend choosing classic, well-fitting clothing in solid or coordinating colors that complements your portrait location and reflects your family’s style. Avoid busy patterns, logos, and clothing that is overly trendy, as timeless choices help keep the focus on your family.
Before your session, we’ll provide personalized clothing guidance and help you coordinate outfits so everyone looks their best.
What if my children don’t cooperate?
That is completely normal. Children are not expected to sit perfectly still or smile on command. Michael works at their pace and uses gentle direction to help them relax so their expressions and interactions feel natural.
Can grandparents participate?
Absolutely. Many Houston families choose to include grandparents and multiple generations to create meaningful portraits that preserve family connection and legacy.
Do you help with posing?
Yes. Every session includes guided posing and direction designed to help families feel comfortable while creating portraits that feel natural, connected, and timeless.
Should we photograph in studio or outdoors?
The best location depends on the style of portrait you envision. Michael Carr Photography offers family portrait sessions in our Houston studio, at outdoor locations, in your home, at your vacation home, or at destinations that are meaningful to your family. Studio portraits provide a timeless, classic look with complete control over lighting, while outdoor and on-location sessions create a more personal and natural feel.
During your consultation, we will discuss your vision, where you plan to display your portraits, and recommend the setting that best fits your family.
Executive & Business Portrait Questions
Michael Carr Photography FAQs
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Professional headshots and executive portraits help create a strong first impression. Below are answers to common questions about business portraits. To learn more about our executive and business portrait services, visit our Executive Portraits page.
Can professional headshots be photographed at our office?
Yes. Michael Carr Photography provides on-location headshot sessions for businesses throughout Houston and the surrounding areas. We bring a complete portable studio with professional lighting and backgrounds, making it easy to photograph executives, employees, and new hires without disrupting your workday.
If you prefer a more environmental style, we can also create business portraits that incorporate your office or workplace to reflect your company’s brand.
How often should executive portraits be updated?
We generally recommend updating your executive portrait every two to three years, or sooner if your appearance, role, or personal brand has changed.
It’s also a good idea to schedule a new portrait after a promotion, career change, company rebrand, or significant change in hairstyle, glasses, or appearance.
Do you help with posing?
Absolutely. One of the biggest concerns people have before a portrait session is not knowing how to pose, and that’s exactly what we’re here for.
Michael Carr provides clear, natural direction throughout your session, helping you with posture, body positioning, facial expression, and hand placement to create portraits that look relaxed and authentic. You will never be expected to know what to do on your own.
Can I bring multiple outfits?
Yes. The number of outfit changes depends on the type of session you choose. We will provide wardrobe guidance before your session and help you plan the appropriate number of looks for your portrait goals.
Senior Portrait Questions
Michael Carr Photography FAQs
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Senior portraits celebrate an important milestone and should reflect your personality and accomplishments. Browse the questions below, or visit our Senior Portraits page for additional information and inspiration.