Q: Where do you shoot?
I work strictly under natural light. That usually means outside and in nature, but I can work wherever there is sunlight! There are some practical and philosophical reasons for this but, most importantly, it keeps costs low! Beyond that, I can do anything as long as the weather is fair. Let me know what ideas you have, whether it's a vibe or a specific location, and I will work with what I'm given! I can always pick a spot and run it by you. If you select a location that I'm unfamiliar with, I may respond with some questions regarding conditions/lighting.
Q: How many outfits am I allowed?
I've never personally understood the limit on outfits imposed by some photographers. I only ask that you be aware of time-constraints, and that if you bring a slew of outfits, some may not make the cut (depending on how many photos you've ordered). If you have specific requests, just let me know!
Q: When can I expect my photos?
On average, I give myself a deadline of about 5 business days following our shoot. That may be more or less depending on how booked I am. If your situation is more urgent, please communicate with me! I can always try to work something out with you (like one photo early, so you don't miss the yearbook).
Q: Is Pricing Flexible?
I try to keep my rates as affordable as possible, because I understand that professional photos are often needed (for applications, special occasions, invitations, yearbooks, and all that fun stuff) but can be expensive and, dare I say it, unaffordable. However, I realize that even my options aren't accessible to everyone. Believe me, I've been there. If you are in a bind and need to work something out, shoot me a message and I'll see what I can do!
Q: Why don't you offer more services?
Frankly, if I don't feel confident in my ability to deliver on a project, I will not offer it as a service. As I continue to build experience (both in photography and customer service) I may begin to branch out into family, pet, or wedding photography.
Q: Can I request a service that isn't offered?
If you like my photos and wish I offered more, please let me know! If I'm feeling up to your challenge, I might even cut you a deal :) I just don't feel right charging someone for something that doesn't meet my standards, or worse yet, jeopardizing a special moment due to nerves and inexperience.
Q: What factors into your pricing? What am I paying for?
I have one DSLR, two lenses, some batteries, and a camera stand. That's a big reason I don't feel right about charging over $200, as others do. However, I DO still have some sense for the technical aspects of photography. Remember, what you're paying for is a work of art, similar to how one might commission a hand-paint portrait in the days before photography. If what you want is a high-res digital image, there's no reason not to just use your phone! But then why would people hire the likes of John Singer Sargent, and not just buy the paints/materials to paint their own portrait? Contrast, composition, form, color, motion, focus/blur... All of these elements define a photo, and a good photo is one in which those elements are consciously accounted for. When we're working together, ask me what I'm doing! I'll be more than happy to explain what's going on behind the lens :)
Q: TL;DR, what does my money go towards?
Besides the artistic aspects of photography, there is also the material cost of shooting a camera and owning, purchasing, and maintaining equipment. Plus, time. Time, time, time. Let's take my cheapest package, for example: $75 for one hour. While that may seem like a high hourly wage, the shoot is only just the first step. While I may only deliver back to you 5 photos, it's likely that I'll have taken a couple hundred. Time has to be spent combing through everything for the best results. And then I get to edit them. For me, I like to treat whatever I work on with the same amount of passion and regard (whether it's your photos, or my own projects). Each photo is its own work, and that means I can spend up to 2 hours per image (and sometimes more)! That might not be the case for everyone, but it is for me, because I'm just that meticulous.
Q: Do you offer retouching or blemish removal?
Yes! However, you must specifically request for it. Unless it's something minor/untimely (like acne), I will not assume that you want something removed. Moles, scars, beauty marks, and so on do not fall under the umbrella of "blemish" to me. I have plenty of my own that I quite like! so please let me know if there is something you don't want, and I will do what I can to take care of it (free of charge).