Frequently Asked Questions

Pricing structure and investment information

Portrait investments range vastly depending on the needs and desires of the individual. I've designed my pricing structure in a way that allows for complete customization of the investment to ensure you will never pay for anything you don't want.

On average, individual portrait clients invest $600. Families typically invest around $750.

You are able to choose between:

1. Building your own investment by purchasing the session and the images separately from one another

2. Purchasing a pre-determined set collection, which includes the session fee and a set number of images

*Contact me for detailed session and investment info

1. Before the session: consultation, location scouting, planning, styling assistance
2. During the session: "Time and talent of Photographer" means you get me (specialist/artist/technician) and the use of my expertise and equipment for the time of the session
3. After the session: Culling, light editing, and proofing of images for selection purposes

*Contact me for detailed session and investment info

Images are available for purchase individually, or in discounted packages of 10, 20, and 30. Additional images ordered past the allotment for a given package are priced at the same rate as the packaged images.

Pricing for images accounts for the editing and post-production time that is necessary to achieve the aesthetic and quality that is promised in my work. The price also includes perpetual digital usage.

*Contact me for detailed session and investment info

Payment plans are available for up to 6 months, HOWEVER finalized images will not be delivered until payment is received in full. 

Pre-payment plans are highly suggested.

Finalized images are delivered within 10 days of payment. 

*Contact me for detailed session and investment info

General information regarding post-process practices, editing, and workflow

For every hour of session time, at least 10 hours of behind the scenes work is required in pre- and post-production. Some of the behind the scenes work includes location scouting, logistical planning, business management, consultation, continued guidance, culling, proofing. The activity that accounts for the majority of the BTS work is editing, by far.

It's worth it. The separation is in the preparation!

For quality control and branding purposes, I can't release images until they have been fully edited and finalized. Photographers don't sell raw/unedited images for the same reason chef's don't serve raw chicken. The raw image may be the main ingredient of the final product, but it needs some finessing to be suitable for public consumption. 

I cull in Photomechanic, then I perform global and batch edits in Lightroom. After those steps, I spend the majority of my editing time in Photoshop making local edits.

*See: "How do you edit portraits?" for more detailed information.

I perform a multitude of tiny corrections to create a clean image that is polished and distraction-free, while still looking natural. The final product is clean, focused and beautiful, without looking unnatural or overly filtered.

Generally speaking, I do whatever is necessary complement and enhance your natural beauty. I direct the focus of the viewer to you by using photographic principles (light, composition, color, depth of field, etc.), as well as by removing any distractions and imperfections that may catch the viewers' eye.

If something is not expected to last more that 2-3 weeks (bruise, blemish, etc.), it is removed. Upon specific request, I can remove other marks such as scars and birthmarks. 

The following editing techniques are applied to all clients, unless requested otherwise: remove blemishes, soften skin, whiten eyes, enhance iris, whiten teeth, clean up flyaway hairs, sharpen key features, and apply any other enhancements and adjustments that would improve the image. At times, I may change the sky, remove major objects, expand the frame, swap people, and various other corrections as necessary. 

Timelines and processes for portrait clients

1. Photoshoot

2. Delivery of proof images for you to select your favorites from within 72 hours

3. Delivery of your chosen finalized images within 10 days of payment

You: send inquiry

Me: send info and booking link

You: book date

Me: send contract and session fee invoice

You: complete contract, pay invoice

Me: send questionnaire, link to book consultation

You: book consultation

Us: consult, plan

Me: location scout, map route, problem-solve, prep

Us: PHOTOSHOOT

Me: cull, light edit, proof images. Send you link with proof images for selection within 72 hours of our session

You: select favorite images, purchase individually or package of images

Me: send invoice for images

You: pay image invoice

Me: edit and finalize images, deliver link with finalized images within 10 days of payment

You: tell me if you have requests

Me: do anything to make sure you love your images

You: love your images

Us: happy clams :)

Regulations and information regarding printing practices

The gamut for prints and wall art is wide and vast. The best printing enhances the image, while the worst can destroy it. 

Rule of thumb: if the print is going on the wall or in a frame, then it should be the best quality possible. The artwork should complement the image, and last a lifetime!

I've spent a small fortune on trial and error with different printers, seeking the best quality and value. I don't want you to have to do the same. 

For these reasons, printing through me is the recommended method. Managing the printing process allows me to ensure quality final products.

If you purchase a Copyright Release for Printing ($10/image) you may legally print your own images through a pre-approved professional printer.

Holiday cards and announcements, as well as photographic prints smaller than 5x7, do not require a print release, as they are more disposable in nature.

You may use any printer you like to print holiday cards and announcements, as well as photographic prints smaller than 5x7. My professional printers also provide these services if you'd prefer, of course.

Overall rule: if the print is meant to last and be displayed, then it needs to be professionally printed to ensure the best quality. Cards, announcements, and wallet-sized prints are more disposable in nature.