The Studio FAQ’s
FAQs
“HOW DO I GET THERE?”
Our address is West 12 Ranch, 3434 West Highway 12, Lodi, CA 95242.
If you’re using GPS, INCLUDE “West 12 Ranch” or West 12 Ranch Studio” not just 3434 W Hwy 12, Lodi, CA 95242 otherwise Apple maps may try to autocorrect you to West Peltier, about 5 miles north. We don’t know why it happens and we’ve asked them to fix it multiple times but it’s an on-going issue.
From Lodi: Our driveway is immediately west of the railroad tracks just past DeVries on W Highway 12/W Kettleman heading toward I-5/Flag City. If you start turning left on the tracks you’ll curve into our driveway.
From Stockton/I-5: Go past Michael David toward the railroad tracks. Look for the right turn lane as you start passing horse pastures and turn right down the driveway just after the mailbox and immediately before the railroad tracks.
For Rates: https://west12ranch.com/studio-rates
FAQ’s For Photographers
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“WHAT IS A SINGLE SESSION?”
A single session permits you to roam the ranch with ONE client or client family/couple for up to 90 minutes Jan-Sept or up to 60 minutes Oct-Dec. The rate is per client, even if you don’t use the time. For instance, if you spend 60 minutes photographing a senior, then 30 minutes on a maternity shoot, those are two unique single sessions – unless they’re in the same family.
“WHAT IS A MINI-SESSION?”
Mini-sessions are in one reserved location on the ranch, paid by the hour (two hour minimum), with up to three client sessions each hour. We will make a sign to direct clients to your chosen area and we can arrange special parking for distant locations like the hay barn.
“WHERE CAN I HOLD MY MINI-SESSION?”
The Aspen Room, Birch Room, Haybarn, Redwood Lawn, Frontier Scene, Pepper Tree Pasture and the Front Pasture are available for mini-sessions.
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“HOW DO I BOOK?”
Text Barb at 209-479-3220 after reading through the FAQs. It is helpful to start the text by letting her know you read through the FAQs and rate sheet. Somebody in your group, either you or the person taking your photos, has to have and pay for the official tour. This is like a onetime membership fee. If you are using a photographer who’s already had the official tour, their name will be in her contact list. Let Barb know that name since the responsible person for your session will be that photographer.
Note, people may have shot here before, but it does not mean they have paid for the membership to use the facility. Their client may have paid for their own membership, so it was that client who was the official contact, not the photographer. That photographer still needs the official tour/pay for membership so they can book their own session, or it can be you.
“CAN I BOOK MORE THAN THREE CLIENTS PER HOUR FOR MY MINIS?”
No. After several years experience, we have learned that 20 minutes is the optimal number for client overlap, allowing everyone to flow smoothly in and out of the ranch, and get the most from their session.
“HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO BOOK?”
Generally, weekend sessions book up one week in advance. The months before Christmas and Easter fill quickly - three to four weeks in advance. However, we do accept same day appointments if we have availability. Most weekdays, it’s easy to book within a few days (or hours) of your session – it never hurts to ask!
“WHAT IF IT RAINS?”
We have several locations that are indoors or otherwise sheltered from wind and weather. However, sometimes these locations have been already reserved. Check with Barb for availability. Because we understand that many people come to West 12 Ranch specifically for the outdoor vistas and natural light, there is no charge to cancel your session due to inclement weather.
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“DO I HAVE TO PAY SEPARATELY FOR THE PROPS?”
No, with some exceptions. Most props are included in your session. We must charge separately for the lemonade stand and carriage, to move a truck, and for our unicorn and horse sessions. CLICK HERE for details.
“WOULD YOU EVER TRADE SESSIONS FOR PROPS?”
Absolutely!
“CAN I RESERVE PROPS?”
Yes, within reason. Please tell Barb when you book if you’re interested in specific props for your shoot. We just ask that you use the reserved props first during your session, so that they can be made available again for other photographers as soon as possible.
“DO I NEED TO RESERVE THE TRUCKS? WHERE ARE THE TRUCKS?”
Typically, yes. If you stumble upon a truck (or any other vehicle) that is not in use, you are welcome to use it in your photo. If you would like to reserve a truck in a specific location, please let us know when you book you session, or before you arrive. CLICK HERE for details.
“CAN I BRING MY OWN PROPS?”
Absolutely! But please remember to take them all with you when you go. We don’t have a formal lost and found, so stray props get added to the collection.
“CAN I USE CONFETTI/GLITTER/ETC?”
PLEASE DON’T!!! It is dangerous to our animals and impossible to clean - even if you take precautions.
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“CAN I SIT ON OR RIDE A HORSE OR UNICORN?”
No. Our insurance company will not cover that.
“CAN I BRING MY PET?”
Yes! Please let us know when you schedule your session, so we can put our ranch dog in the house. Pets must be on leash at all times, and you must PICK UP AFTER YOUR PET!!! Please bring your own baggies, and there are trash cans all over the ranch. If this continues to be an issue we may have to change to a no-pet policy, and that would be sad!
“I HEARD YOU HAVE A UNICORN…”
Yes, we have seen unicorns roaming around the property – reclusive but friendly. Just ask Barb if you’re interested and she can check their schedule. Do be aware that they are unavailable during the rainy season though, as they love to take full advantage of the mud baths. CLICK HERE for pricing details.
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“CAN I DO A BOUDOIR SHOOT?”
No. While we’ve seen some very tastefully done boudoir shots, at this time we choose not to host those on the ranch. However, a man with his shirt off (but pants zipped AND buttoned) and/or a pregnant woman showing her belly are okay.
“WHAT ABOUT A BREASTFEEDING SESSION?”
Yes. Please let us know so we can alert any other photographers on property at the same time. We want everyone to feel comfortable and respected during their session at West 12 Ranch Studio.
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“WHAT TYPE OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?”
We accept cash, Venmo or checks made out to West 12 Ranch, Inc. Sorry, we do not accept credit cards.
“WHAT IF I HAVE TO CANCEL?”
There is no charge for cancellations made more than 48 hours in advance, or due to inclement weather. If you cancel 48 hours or less before your appointment date with expected good weather, you are responsible for the full charge for that cancelled session/mini-session hour.
FAQ’s For Clients
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DO I NEED TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT?
Yes. Direct your photographer to our website or Facebook Page.
WILL YOU PROVIDE A PHOTOGRAPHER IF I NEED ONE?
No. We are a photography location and do not specifically contract with or endorse any specific photographers. If you are new to the area and looking for a local photographer, you are welcome to browse our Facebook Page – we attempt to post and share photos from a wide variety of our photographers. CLICK HERE FOR OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.
CAN I JUST COME TAKE PICTURES ON MY OWN?
Yes. We welcome all professional and amateur photographers. However, you must follow the same process as all other photographers to do so.
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“DO I HAVE TO MAKE ANY ARRANGEMENTS TO USE PROPS?”
Have your photographer coordinate with Barb for any props, animals, trucks, etc you would like to use. CLICK HERE for details.
“CAN I BRING MY OWN PROPS?”
Absolutely! But please remember to take them all with you when you go. We don’t have a formal lost and found, so stray props get added to the collection.
“CAN I USE CONFETTI/GLITTER/ETC?”
PLEASE DON’T!!! It is dangerous to our animals and impossible to clean - even if you take precautions.
“CAN I DO A BOUDOIR SHOOT?”
No. While we’ve seen some very tastefully done boudoir shots, at this time we choose not to host those on the ranch. However, a man with his shirt off (but pants zipped AND buttoned) and/or a pregnant woman showing her belly are okay.
“WHAT ABOUT A BREASTFEEDING SESSION?”
Yes. Please let us know so we can alert any other photographers on property at the same time. We want everyone to feel comfortable and respected during their session at West 12 Ranch Studio.
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“WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?”
For colors and styles and coordinating a family, talk to your photographer – they can tell you what will be flattering on camera. That said, our location is largely outdoors and the inside locations are not heated/air-conditioned. If you wear sleeveless in November, or scarves in July, don’t say you weren’t warned. The ground is NOT level, and the grasses are left tall so they look pretty in pictures but can be an adventure in heels. One of the barns has concrete floors, but the others and the lanes are straw, dirt, and/or gravel. There will be mud and wet grass after rain, and it’s not uncommon to have a breeze come up at any time. Any of these can add a lovely effect to your photo – if you dress for success!
“CAN I CHANGE MY CLOTHES?”
Yes, we have two or three areas on the ranch where you can change your clothes.
“WHAT IF IT RAINS?”
We have several locations that are indoors or otherwise sheltered from wind and weather. Bring shoes you don’t mind getting muddy for the walk from your car. However, indoor locations are sometimes already reserved. Because we understand that many people come to West 12 Ranch specifically for the outdoor vistas and natural light, there is no charge to cancel your session due to inclement weather.
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“HOW DO I PAY?”
Coordinate with your photographer.
“WHAT IF I HAVE TO CANCEL?”
There is no charge for cancellations made more than 48 hours in advance, or due to inclement weather. If you cancel 48 hours or less before your appointment date with expected good weather, you are responsible for the full charge for that cancelled time.
REMEMBER – This is YOUR studio. Please help us keep it beautiful and safe! If you see someone doing something they shouldn’t please say something, or text Barb.