FAQ
If your question is not here, or you have any other questions please feel free to e-mail me using the form on the contact page.
1. Where are the photographs taken?
All images are taken in your home or anywhere else that you will feel comfortable. Other locations might include your office, an outdoor location such as a city park or lake, or anywhere else where you feel comfortable and will not feel rushed. Your home is often a good location because you have access to all of your things. Should a creative spark occur during the session. We do not maintain a studio so a location must be decided on before the photography session can be placed on the calendar.
2. Do you have a session fee?
Yes. Many hours of preparation go into your session from planning to order delivery. The fee includes your consultation, equipment, photography, and editing/retouching the images and preparing them for viewing and ordering. It does not include any prints, digital files, or a print credit. A 1 hour session at an area close to us is $60.00. An on-location session (if I travel out to your special place) is $80.00. The session fee includes the photographer's time & talent to photograph you & your family. Most of our specials are photographed on-location. We have certain places that work really well for photographs or we can also travel to special locations; your home, the place you got engaged, etc. The additional charge for an on-location shoot covers additional driving time & gas, etc.
3. When Will The Photographs Be Taken?
We usually schedule a portrait session two weeks in the future. We strive to be flexible so that we fit the session into your busy schedule. Two weeks usually provides ample time for both of us to prepare for the session. If you have other needs or a specific occasion or event to commemorate, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. We are not miracle workers, but we are responsive to customer needs.
4. Who will be present?
The only people who will be present are you, myself and my assistant, and anyone else included in the portrait. We ask that you consider the amount of space available for the photo session and ensure there is enough room for you, your guests, any props or furnishing that will appear in the photos, the photographer, and the photo equipment.
5. What Should I Wear?
What you want to convey in your portraits will largely dictate what you will wear and how you will dress. For the best results, it is always a good idea to have all individuals present in the photographs to dress in a similar manner. For example, don't have Dad in a suit and tie and the kids in tank tops,cutoff jeans and dirty sneakers. This, however, is entirely up to you in the end.
During the portrait session you may wear one or more different outfits. Try to keep this in mind so that all wardrobe changes are laid out and ready for everyone to minimize the amount of time taken away from the portrait process itself.
6. Do you provide hair & make-up for portraits?
Since you want to look your absolute best you should either plan some significant time to do your hair and make-up, or have it done professionally. Having these services performed professionally takes the worry and anxiety out of the process, but it does add cost to the overall portrait session. We have a wonderful partnership with several very talented stylists. If you prefer to use one of our stylists, please advise us at the time your appointment is booked to allow us time to contact one of our stylists. Either the stylist who will be handling your services or myself will contact you as soon as possible with the information regarding what time & where you will be going for hair & make-up. *Please allow an hour or more before for hair & make-up*
7. Is there a limit to the number of photographs you take?
NO. I take an unlimited number of images. For all events the total number of images or photographs is dependent on a number of factors but, how long you've booked me for is the primary factor.
8. Do you retouch the photos?
I am an accomplished retoucher so rest assured that I will do everything possible to alleviate any flaws such as scars, blemishes, or other noticeable imperfections I can at your request. Most retouching is included at no additional charge. I will do all of my retouching prior to posting your proofs on the website for viewing. Any additional requests for retouching will be an additional cost.
9. Who Will See The Proofs?
Once your portrait series has been completed we will post the images in a private, password protected gallery on our web site. You, and only you, will be given the gallery password to view these images online. So, you have absolute control over who will see the proofs. You may give the password to anyone you wish, or you may keep it strictly to yourself. The private galleries on our web site are intended to make it easier for you to review your images. They allow you to review the images at a time and place of your choosing and to control who can see the images (it is easy for a friend or family member in another state to review the images, for example). Please keep in mind that all galleries have an expiration date & will only be available for 3 weeks for viewing and ordering before it will be removed from our website.
10. I noticed your website states "Photo hosting by SmugMug". What is SmugMug?
SmugMug is a service provided to photographers on the web from where photographs can be posted and purchased. All of the ordering of my prints is done through SmugMug, where they handle the transaction, printing and shipping.
11. Are you going to be taking the photos?
Yes. I am the owner and primary photographer. You are dealing directly with me, and only me! I will be there every step of the way! For packages that come with a second photographer, I have a list of photographers that I trust and have worked with in the past that I choose from.
12. Will you be open to any ideas I may have for photos?
Absolutely! I welcome it. Let me know what ideas you have in mind and we will work it all out!
13. How soon can I see the proofs?
I usually am able to get some “sneak peek” shots up online in 2 to 3 days. Proofs are usually available online in 2 to 3 weeks. I will contact you & let you know when "sneak peeks" & proofs are posted for viewing.
14. Who Owns the Images?
As is customary with professional photography, we retain copyright ownership and possession of the original images. You may not copy, modify or reproduce the images without our consent. Likewise, we may not use, display, sell, give away, or distribute your images without your consent. Your images will appear in only three possible places: 1) in our files - in case you want to order prints in the future, 2) on our web site during your review or on proof sheets or posted in the portfolio section, and 3) on any prints you order from us.