Frequently asked questions about portraits, sessions, and pricing.
Pricing & Prints
- What are your rates, and what does that include?
Portrait sitting fees are $275. This includes on-location fee, sitting fee, outfit changes, a high-resolution CD or DVD of at least 25 images (usually more), and an online gallery with print ordering.
Small Event coverage (birthday parties, bridal/baby showers, etc.) includes all of the above, plus an on-site portrait session, up to 3 hours coverage of the event, and a guarantee of 45 images. Small event coverage begins at $400.
- Do you shoot weddings?
We currently do not shoot weddings. I specialize in portraits of all kinds: engagement & couples portraits, bridal portraits, family & childrens’ portraits, senior portraits, or headshots. We are happy to shoot Small Events like bridal & baby showers, rehearsal dinners, or birthday parties.
- What are my rights for the DVD? Can I print them myself, or share them with friends?
Image discs are given with shared copyrights. You are welcome to print them or email them to friends. You can post them on a personal website like Facebook or a personal blog, as long as the photographer is credited. You may not use them for commercial use without prior written approval, which I happily extend to other event professionals like florists, musicians, and event coordinators.
If you choose to take the prints to a commercial retailer such as Costco or Walmart, please be aware that they may refuse to print images taken by a professional photographer. If this is the case, ask for the Photographer’s Release form, and I can sign it and fax it to you. As a convenience, print ordering is always available through the gallery and is competitively priced.
- Why should I hire a professional photographer? I have a digital camera at home!
A professional photographer provides many advantages that self-photography cannot. We have access to the latest photography and lighting equipment, and prints ordered from us are much higher quality. We also have the expertise and skill required to help you look your best!
Shooting & Equipment
- What’s your shooting style?
Most of the time, people who’ve hired me receive their shots and say, “I had no idea you got that shot!” or, “I didn’t think I would look this good!” I tend to be extremely observant and quiet, noticing interactions between people and focusing on their relationships: an embrace, the look on a loved one’s face, a parent watching a child. When people forget they are being watched, they are their most natural and most honest. These are the emotions I capture.
- My shooting style is a combination of journalistic photography and formal portraiture. Most people look their best in a natural setting, when they are unaware of the camera. However, many occasions call for posed, formal shots. Most of my assignments include a combination of these two, although you can request either of these to be used exclusively.
- What equipment do you use?
I exclusively use Nikon cameras and equipment. I’m generally a “prime shooter,” which means I favor very fast lenses and don’t use a lot of zooms. This style lends itself to shooting in natural light or low light conditions, and helps me to capture moments that go by in less than a split second!
- What happens if your equipment fails?
I carry backups of all equipment: lenses, cameras, batteries, etc., so the likelihood of this is very rare. In extreme circumstances (fire, flood, terrorists) clients are entitled to a full refund.
Sessions
- What happens during a portrait photo session?
During a photo session, we’ll be on location - either your home or a location of your choice, and I can do a few “posed” photos for you, and then we’ll most likely do a few candids (unposed, natural shots).For candid shots, you can be having coffee, letting the kids play in the park, playing board games, anything that makes you & your family comfortable. Most clients eventually forget I am there and just have fun! These circumstances make for the best and most relaxed shots.
- What should I wear to a session?
Please avoid brightly colored patterns (although block colors are o.k.). Wear a color that makes you feel your best. Details disappear with black, and white shirts are more difficult to photograph. You and your family don’t need to wear the same color (unless you want to!), but choose colors that complement each other.If you want to look slimmer, avoid light colors and anything tight–it’s okay to buy a bigger size just this once! Wearing monochromatic clothes might help, too. - You should wear something you are comfortable in. Many people think great fashion, hair & makeup are the key to great shots, but they aren’t–first and foremost, a comfortable and happy subject is most important. If you choose something that’s a little too tight, or a style of dress/shirt that requires constant adjusting, you’ll be uncomfortable, and it will show in the photos.
- How long will it last?
Sessions are generally from one to three hours, depending on other factors (number of family members, clothing changes, locations, etc.).
- What if no one is smiling in our candid shots? Can we get a refund?
Unfortunately, photojournalistic photography is subject to many conditions, including the disposition of the subjects. Information on this is available on my downloadable contract.