What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
All pricing is based on the work needed to give you the highest quality photos possible. This includes, but not limited to:
Session/Event Length
Photo Processing Time* (approx. 2+ hours per every hour shot)
Fast Turn Around Time (varies on season, but typically 1-2 weeks)
Server Space for photo storage (1 year)
Access to all finished/processed photos.
Travel expenses may be added, depending on the location (typically airfare, ferries, hotels when necessary).
Additional Services like photo printing, albums, etc. are available through 3rd party services which can be found on a link included with your gallery.
*RAW (unprocessed or unfinished photos) are NOT included.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Regardless of the job, I try to stay consistent with my process, but I will try to address any variables in my list below:
1. Initial Contact: Assuming we have found a date and time that works for you and I, we proceed to a consult.
2. Hopefully most of the necessary information has been established ahead of time via the Thumbtack or my online contact contact form (if it was used).
However, some clients want to discuss 'ideal clothing options' or other details that have come up between initial contact and the day of the shoot.
If this is a bigger event, or if it is takes place in an unfamiliar area (for me), I may request to see the space ahead of time. It is also important that we have permission to shoot in the location you want.
3. Meet for the shoot: I will arrive at the designated location 15-30 minutes prior to the shoot. Depending on the location, we may be moving around to take advantage of the best lighting. It is important that you arrive at least a few minutes early so we can start on time.
Please note: I do have other clients and planned travel time to make sure I stay on schedule throughout my day. If you arrive late, it will eat into your camera time.
4. After the shoot, I will go home and begin processing your photos. For every hour of photography, you can expect me to be spending 3 to 4 hours of processing.
Please note: I still typically work an 8+ hour day, and I do have other photo shoots throughout the week. So although more than “3 to 4 hours” may have passed from the time of the shoot, I am typically always processing photos from previous shoots. I process/edit them in the order in which I take them.
5. Once the photos have been processed, I will send you a link to your images, which are password and pin protected. At that point, you can download, print, or share any photos you like.
Your online gallery is also linked to a very high-end 3rd party printing service, which you can choose to print your images, create albums, books, etc., but obviously you can use any printing service you want.
6. Your photos will stay on the secure server for up to 1 year. After 1 year, your photos may be removed from the server.
If you have any other questions, do not hesitate to ask. You can also see my FAQ section on my website.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
We are pretty lucky to live in a time where education is available everywhere for little to no cost. As a person with a Masters degree in education, I can tell you that if you look hard enough, you can learn anything on your own.
That being said, I was initially a self taught photographer until I got more involved in the photography industry, where I have met and had the opportunity to work with some incredible mentors. I study other photography and find myself reading any book or blog I can find on becoming a better photographer. Like a musician, I am always practicing my craft. I take photos every day, even when I do not have clients. In addition to practicing photography, I spend an unbelievable amount of time practicing my processing/editing skills, sometimes revisiting the same photos dozens of times to try and create different moods.
