Portrait Photography FAQ
Can we have our portrait taken outside?
Absolutely! It's my specialty.
By doing the portraits at your home or your favorite park, the settings are casual, not intimidating, and fun for the kids and adults. We can spend hours with you to create a masterpiece, instead of rushing you through like the strip-mall studios.
We create both traditional portraits along with candid, natural and interactive photographs that are fun and show everyone’s personality.
Which session should we book?
All sessions are applicable for individual families, children, high school seniors, maternity and engagements.
One hour at one location is works for most people. It's plenty of time to get comfortable and get some great photographs.
If you want to go to multiple locations, and have time for clothing changes, the 1.75-hour or 2.5-hour sessions are more appropriate.
Large families, with multiple smaller families, may want more than an hour and will need to pay an additional $25 per person after the first 5 people.
Does one location mean all the photos are done in the same spot?
No... We can walk around and photograph many different areas of the location. We can even drive to multiple locations in the same park if it's a larger park like Eden Park, or Mt. Airy Forest.
But, it counts as multiple locations if we have to drive outside of the 'park', on a road to get to a different location.
Does driving time count towards our time?
Yes and no. Driving to and from the session does not count. Once we meet up and begin, walking and driving does count towards the time limit.
Can you suggest locations?
Yes. Let me know what you what type of location you are envisioning, and I can suggest some areas.
How many poses do I get?
You get as many 'poses' as we can do, as we flow from one to another to create incredible images that capture your spirit and personality.
Of course there are also the playful fun photographs which are not posed at all.
How many clothing changes do I get?
As many outfits as you can bring. However, changing time does count towards your session time.
Are pets allowed?
Yes. I've done a lot of dogs and a few cats.
As long as animals are allowed at the location we are going to, we can include them. We can even do pet portraits of the animals alone.
If Fido isn't going to be in all the photos, I recommend bringing a 'dog handler' to take the pooch after we do a few photos with them.
Can we reschedule for bad weather?
Yes, we will reschedule for bad weather. We canpostpone day(s) in advance if the forecast is really bad. For a slightchance of rain, I prefer to wait until that day to decide, because it usuallyworks out. You can let me know if you have a hair or makeup appointmentthat you’d need to cancel in advance so we can decide early.
Do I receive the digital images and can I make my own prints?
Yes, You receive the digital image files. They are high-resolution, retouched, contain no stamp or watermark, and are ready to print. You are free to make copies of the digital files, post online, and make prints.
Are the photos retouched / edited / enhanced?
Global retouching such as color balance, brightness / contrast adjustment, and sharpening is included on every image.
Complex digital work, such as opening eyes, swapping faces, removing blemishes, removing stray hair, whitening teeth, removing objects, photo composites, etc. incurs an additional fee. The fee varies by the complexity of the request.
How long will I wait for the images?
Anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Fall is always extremely busy and may be a little longer.
Will the images be displayed in an online gallery?
Yes. You can see the photographs in an online gallery as soon as they are ready. You may send the gallery link to friends and family so they may see the photos also. You are able to order prints from the galley if you'd like.
Note: You do not download the image files from the gallery. You will download the images files from another site that enables you to download them all at once.
Do you have "print packages"?
No. You receive the digital image files, so you can have prints made yourself, at a much lower cost.
Where should I order prints?
In addition to ordering from the online gallery, I recommend ordering prints from these online photo labs:
Mpix
Printique
Nations Photo Lab
(Avoid Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, Amazon, Google Photos, Shutterfly, and Snapfish... they are very low quality.)
What should we wear?
COORDINATING
Families, and couples whose clothing blends harmoniously create a visually pleasing photograph where no one person stands out, and the viewer's eye goes directly to the faces.
Everyone should choose simple garments within the same color tonal ranges.
Don't mix light and bold tones. This creates visual confusion and makes certain people stand out.
I do not recommend that everyone match. You don't want to look like you all work at Best Buy.
STYLE
The couple or group's outfits should be the same style... dressy, smart casual, or casual.
The style should fit each other, the location and the season... Dressy or smart casual in urban settings, and smart casual to casual in woodsy park settings.
Assume your thighs, knees, and ankles will be visible in some photographs. Cover any parts you don't want seen.
Slacks, skirt, or a dress are all fine as long as the outfit is simple.
Footwear and socks will be visible in some photographs.
Guys: Socks should match the slacks, even with jeans.
Unless you want to make the statement that you have no fashion sense... please forget gym shoes.
COLORS
Avoid bold or bright colors. A solid purple sweater is going to dominate the photo.
Colors that approximate skin tones, like peach, pink, and coral are distracting.
With other colors like red, blue, and green, just consider the shade...
Brick red and rust work well, while bright red is overpowering.
What is the payment schedule?
$95 retainer books your session date.
The final balance due by the session date.
You can make payments by cash, check, or credit card.
I take all major credit cards, and there is no credit card fee.
Contact Jeff TODAY with questions, availability, or to schedule... CLICK HERE.