Frequently Asked Questions:

• How far in advance do you book? What is the latest you will book?

Typically I can book at any point for a shoot but the date and time may change if my plans change. I recommend booking at least a month in advance for big shoots like newborn, maternity, etc. Seasonal shoots can be booked in closer proximity.

I will book shoots as late as the day before as long as all the requirements are met.

• What is the booking process? Do I need to do anything else prior to my shoot?

You are required to sign a contract in advance on my website and pay a deposit of half either in person or via Paypal to secure your shoot. I require these at least a week in advance otherwise the date and time open back up to the public. (For shoots booked in less than a week, the due date is the day before unless another client shows interest in that date/time and can fulfill the requirements. Large events have to be booked a month out.)

The client needs to talk with me about what they are desiring out of the shoot and any expectations.

• How will I receive my photos?

Digital download from my website. 

• Do prints come with my shoot?

Usually no. The only time prints are included in a shoot is if I advertised it for that particular shoot. Prints are available for purchase on my website.

• Can I have extra images from the shoot if I decide I want more during the shoot?

Yes. Most shoots the images will be between $5-$10 more a picture. Newborn shoots will be $15 more a piece. (This does not include prints)

• What happens to my shoot if an Army related issue or illness strikes last minute?

I am willing to work with the client to reschedule a shoot that has to be moved due to the Army or an illness that strikes the same day as the shoot. If any of these issues are known a day prior then the client is required to contact me that day with the information. No penalty will occur as long as the client is honest and forthcoming with any information regarding their circumstances. The deposit will be non-refundable no matter what the issue is unless the client wants to cancel more than a week in advance. Then I reserve the right to decide if the deposit will be refunded.

• Do you have props?

Yes. I have many different props for different occasions. Contact me directly to find out what I have and if there is something particular you would like to add to your shoot. You can also bring your own props.

• Do you have backdrops?

Yes. I have a variety of backdrops for every occasion from the holidays to elegant portraits. Please view my backdrops on my Facebook page.

• Is there an additional gas fee for on location shoots?

Depends. The on location shoots are already slotted for a $5 gas charge. An additional gas fee will be charged if the distance to the shoot exceeds 30 km. The price will be about $0.35 a mile and will cover any miles from 30 km out and back. (I will not charge for the first 60 km I use round trip).

• Can I use my discount on any shoot that I desire?

No. Discounts will not be included in newborn shoots, month-to-month shoots, weddings, parties, or any giant events. Some free shoots will require a gas fee if the distance goes over the 30 km one way (60 km round trip).

• What if my newborn or child doesn't cooperate during the shoot?

I am willing to add another time slot for a continuation shoot if the newborn or child is inconsolable. This only applies if the client and I have exhausted every means possible during the initial shoot to make it work. So far this hasn't been a real issue.

• What is the turnaround time for my images?

Typically the turnaround time is about 1-2 weeks. If I have a busy schedule, it can turn into 3-4 weeks. I will inform the client during the shoot what the time table will be based on my current workload.

• What kind of editing do you do for images?

As a photojournalist, I am trained to use minimal editing techniques on images to preserve the naturalness and realistic qualities of the subjects. This includes color correcting, toning, sharpening, and cropping. I do a small bit of touch-up when requested or needed (such as zits, blemishes, scars, etc) and blur out wrinkles on backdrops. Some shoots are photo illustrations where I do a great amount of Photoshop editing, but those are also requested by the client with an additional cost. I do not do any extensive editing on photojournalistic images per journalism ethics. 

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