Where do you shoot?
I shoot on location and use natural light. I take a more photojournalistic approach with light posing as well. I normally come out to your home for the session if it is a infant or child.
This makes it more comfortable and you have everything there you could need to help them feel relaxed. I also shoot outdoors and can recommend locations to suit your session. I am available for events such as games, dance recitals, graduations, parties, etc.
Just inquire with what you like and I can discuss price quotes.
What does the session fee cover?
It covers my time for the session. Each session type has a description on my session info page. The $150 covers most regular sessions except larger family sessions, which is $250. I sometimes include print credits in the pricing as well. I do not include images on a disc but they are available for purchase.
Do you work with models or do trade shoots?
I do work with models and I have examples in my portfolios. I do mostly paid work but will do trade shoots for ongoing projects and as I see fit for my portfolio. Feel free to ask, I do often work out deals with established models.
For beginners I offer styling and advice as well. I started out modeling in 2004 and have worked with over 50 photographers.
How does the ordering process work?
After I have taken the photos, I leave a price book with you and I work on the photos at home.
I then post them within a few days online to a secure, password protected web page. You will recieve a email link to the email(s) you provide me and you can view your finished portraits online for 90 days.
If there are custom layouts for things like cards, collages and books, I prefer to communicate via email and I will present some examples either online or when I show you your portraits in person.
Once you have decided on what you would like, I come back out to place the order normally. This ensures that the correct numbers on the images match up and also for less chance off errors.
Anything you would like me to change, you can tell me then if you had not already done so. If changes are made, I email you a low res viewing of the new image for final approval before sending it off for printing.
I take down what you would like to order, I then size the images and place the order at home. Portraits are ready within 3 days in most cases. Payment is due at the time of purchase.
Why do I not get all of the photos?
The best photos are chosen from the session to choose from. I often give more than the expected amount to choose from, editing more than just "the best." For a very basic edit I spend about 10 minutes with finishing it off, putting it in different versions (black and white, sepia, art, etc.).
On average for I spend 5-8 hours preparing images (finishing them off, sizing, uploading, etc.)
I also spend time preparing the images for viewing online. Each image is also sized for the print size that is desired for order. The photos that I give reflect my work as a professional. If I give out unfinished work, it reflects negatively on me professionally.
Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?
Check out www.professionalchildphotographer.com and it has link titled this as well as explaining about why you would want "custom photography." I find this to explain quite well why freelance photographers charge what they charge. It breaks down what a photographer goes through with their sessions and gives a clearer picture about the work envolved.