40 over 40 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

+ HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PARTICPATE IN THE 40 OVER 40 PROJECT?

The participation fee is $399. The fee not only holds your date and allows us to book in the hair and makeup artist for your shoot, it also covers the consultation, photoshoot, one gorgeous matted print of your choice and inclusion the 40 Over 40 Portrait Exhibition.

+ WHAT DOES THE $395 INCLUDE?

  • CONSULTATION - to discuss your vision for how you want to be photographed and coach you on what to wear/styling _

  • HAIR & MAKEUP - A professional makeover on your photoshoot date

  • PHOTOSHOOT - a 1.5 - 2 hour photoshoot with Michelle

  • REVEAL & ORDER SESSION - an in person session (at my studio or online via video conferencing software) to look at the 30-40 images I have created for you. At this session you can choose the one complimentary image in your $399 package, and place your order for more images. A la carte portraits are $175 and my collections of six or more start at $950. The more photographs you purchase, the more you save.

  • PORTRAIT CELEBRATION + EXHIBITION - upon completion of the project there will be a celebration and exhibition to showcase the portraits of all 40 women. Your photograph will be included in this event

  • FEATURED ON OUR BLOG + SOCIAL MEDIA - your images and story may be featured on my social media, and blog.

+ WHAT IF I WANT MORE THAN ONE PHOTOGRAPH?

Absolutely! When you see the 30-40 stunning images we have created for you, you'll probably want them all! Extra photographs (including the digital and 5x7 print on 8x10 mat) are $175 each, but the more you buy, the more you save. You can save by purchasing collections. The more you buy, the cost goes down. My packages with 6 images start at $950 and go up from there. I do take credit cards and offer payment plans as well.

  • TELL ME ABOUT YOUR PRODUCTS FOR SALE - I offer beautiful products to store and display your new photographs, including matted prints, albums, folio boxes and wall art. My most popular item is a glass-front eco-leather box, hand crafted in Italy, which sits on your mantel or bookshelf to show off your new matted prints. It's like a living frame, where you may swap out the photo in the front at any time.

+ WHERE DOES THE SHOOT TAKE PLACE?

My portrait studio is in downtown La Mesa conveniently located off of the 8 or 94 freeways in San Diego.

+ WHAT DAYS DO YOU HAVE AVAILABLE FOR THIS SHOOT?

I have timeslots available for shoots during weekday afternoons by appointment. Availability is first come first served. On our phone chat I will share next available dates and make sure to find an opening that works for you. If you are SUPER EXCITED to participate but just can't possibly make those times 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 our best to accommodate you.

+ TELL ME ABOUT THE PORTRAIT EXHIBITION + CELEBRATION?

One of the most exciting parts of this project is to celebrate all 40 of our participants and share your images and stories with the community. There will also be a final celebration featuring all 40 women's portraits on display once this project is complete. Our venue will be announced as we get closer.

+ WHY ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS PROJECT?

I will be 50 this year and I can relate with all my 40+ sisters of the feelings we have about aging and how we are underrepresented in the media. There's no expiration date on being a fabulous, happy, fulfilled, and vibrant woman. Women inspire me. Women’s stories inspires me. Women show me and our society the truth-- that a woman just gets better with time, like a fine wine! I am a huge believer in women's empowerment. There aren't enough platforms for women over 40 to share their story and their beauty.

+ I'M NOT PHOTOGENIC THOUGH! IS THAT OK?

Whoa, stop right there! I simply don't believe in "photogenic." It's my job as the photographer to make you look and feel amazing! And lucky for you I am a trained master at making women of all ages, shapes and sizes look amazing in photographs. Also, when someone says this to me I take it on as a personal challenge to prove them wrong. I can almost guarantee we will create beautiful images that you will love and feel proud of.

+ WHAT WILL I WEAR?

You can wear up to 5 different outfits in your photoshoot.. There's no rules, except that you must feel comfortable in whatever you choose to wear. If you’re not comfortable it will show in your pictures. I want to photograph you based on your unique vision and personality. This is up to you!

+ 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 $150 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 $399 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) I do charge a $150 rescheduling fee.

+ 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 me for a "get to know you" call pay your $399 participation fee book your date are over 40 (or turning 40 this year) you can be a part of the shoot! The other limit is that we only have 40 spots available. Once we hit 40 women, we will create a waitlist of interested women.

+ THIS IS AMAZING, COUNT ME IN! I'M READY TO BOOK MY DATE! WHAT'S NEXT?

Either schedule a phone chat >> HERE Or call or text Michelle directly >> 347-684-1088 Or Email: info@michellehayesstudio.com.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Michelle