FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I have several packages depending on your needs. I am currently shifting my pricing system for thumbtack... more to be posted soon. Until then, please feel free to contact me and we will discuss it.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
First, I like to have a chat over coffee if possible to get a feel for you, your wants and hopes for the shoot. At the very least have a good discussion over the phone. After establishing our goals and setting up a basic plan, I send an email making sure I have all the facts in order and that we both agree on the terms, location, amounts and other shoot details. Then I will usually have another small talk with you the day before just to make sure all the fine details are lined up for both of us and to give you a few reassurances to ease your mind. On the day of the shoot, I arrive before you and make sure my gear and other moving parts of the shoot, like props, location, Make Up Artist are all prepared. Upon arrival, you will put your stuff down, exchange a few smiles and laughs with me and the team, sign the paperwork and get settled in for wardrobe and makeup. During the shoot, I will show some of the photos to you as we go just to ease your mind that I am capturing what we agreed on, but for efficiency, I will usually keep this to a minimum. If you are model looking to start your career off, I often give pointers and coach you through some things that will help you in your career. If you are not interested in a professional career as a model, I have a ton of relaxed methods to relax you, direct your poses and bring out your best sides. If we have other team members, I will be organizing them before hand and managing them during the shoot. Im pretty easy going, but firm in my organization. There are only positive and smiling members on my teams. Everyone is on location to ensure you are enjoying yourself and that the images turn out even better than you are expecting. After the shoot, I double check our shot list to be sure we didnt forget anything, then we take some selfies for social media purposes and so you dont forget me. When you are packed up and heading out the door, tipping is acceptable, but not expected. We will share a hug or a handshake and deliver your photos promptly either way. The day after the shoot I usually send an email updating quickly on the status and the timeline for delivery or to set up our meeting to go through the photos (depending on our prior arrangement). I try to get photos back to you in under a week. When photos are delivered, we either meet up and discuss or, at the very least, we get on a call and discuss the final product. If there are any issues or concerns, I will fix it. If you are working or aspiring model, I can give you pointers and tips based on the final product so you can see what is really working and understand why. After all transactions are done, it is very much appreciated if you are able to post a few of your photos with #DamonJTaylorPhotography and or links to my website or other social media outlets. And word of mouth is the bread and butter of my business. Please, spread the love.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been doing film and digital photography my whole life. I had accumulated a collection of my own before I graduated high school. As I traveled the world working on films, I honed my craft by internet educating and experimentation. Once I finally went to film school at Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, I understood my passion for photos and visual storytelling. I did not formally study photography, but through my BA in film, camera work and storytelling, I found my style and tightened my grip on the technical skills. Since graduating, I have shot with many models, kids, pets and on film sets which further sharpened my direction, lighting and editing skills. Being a filmmaker, I understand the power of working collaboratively with a team. I have my strengths and understand my shortcomings. I have built a network of talented artists that I can hire to do the things, such as high end editing, make up, hair or fashion design.