Q&A

have other questions about commissions, my process, policies or the like?

Q: How does this work?

The best way to start is to contact me and express your interest at a booking.

From there, we can spend some time talking about what you are trying to capture, express or otherwise document and we agree on a time frame to make it happen.  When things are set, you pay a booking fee to guarantee your spot on my calendar.

Then we meet-up and I work my, ahem, magic.  

After the shoot I send a web gallery of select images from the shoot and you can order them (prints, canvases etc.) securely online. I make sure you're happy with the images you get out of the deal and you think the world of me.

Q: Where do you usually take pictures?

A:  Anywhere.  I love shooting on location - in your home, at the park, in some exotic location (given travel budget) or in a studio situation.  The location is open to your needs and what you are trying to convey with the images. I do not charge for travel expenses up to 100 miles round trip from my home in Seattle, Washington – beyond that we better chat.

Q: Do you do extensive retouching?

A: Yes, to a point. Few people have perfect skin, so I do retouch the most obvious problems. But i want to capture you as you are, as this isn’t a make-over session or glamour shot experience.

Often I try to have people send me a recent photo or two so i can begin the planning process.

Q: What are you rates? What other services/prodcuts do you offer?

Please refer to my pricing page...

Q: Once you have scheduled a shoot, how do you prepare?

A: Good question. First you should realize that you don't need to look perfect and you don't need to get all crazy with the make up and hair. The best photographs are made when you are yourself, and often when you are in your environment. You certainly can run to the spa before hand, but it shouldn't be some crazy thing you never do as you'll feel awkward and it will show in the photographs.

You certainly can focus on making your self look the best you can. Watch for issue areas like oily or problematic skin, hair and fingernails. Do you have one eye bigger than the other? That is normal - just let me know of any issues you think I may want to plan for.

Send me a photograph or two (email or mail is fine) so I can prepare.

Get lots of sleep the days leading up to your shoot. Avoid alcohol. Don't get sunburned. Avoid scheduling during stressful times. Give yourself enough time before the shoot to get there and some time after to mentally debrief.

Just come comfortable with yourself and you'll do fine. I shoot people all the time who are not used to being in front of a camera and i'll do my best to put you at ease.

Q: What should you expect during the shoot?

First off, lets turn off that phone. And lets try to get anyone not necessary out of the picture (figuratively as well as literally). Pets are fine, and often fit well in documentary shoots (they are part of your life, right?) - just let me know about them before hand.

During the shoot, I'll take some time to ready my equipment and we'll chat about the usual stuff. I'll try to let you know what things are for. You can change clothes and you should feel free to make suggestions and take initiative. I’ll reel you in if you go to far and start looking like a pop star over the edge...

Q: What happens after the shoot?

Relax. Go on with your life.

You'll hear from me shortly and soon you'll be looking at a web gallery of the select images online.

Keep in mind that not every image is a winner - everyone blinks periodically - so i'll make the initial cut thru the images and present you with the best within 3 days of the shoot. I guarantee that you'll like what you see. you'll have a few days to make your selections and send me a list of the images and formats you'd like, plus any extras you've elected to consider. yes, there are many wonderful things you can do with great photography, so i'd encourage you to think about all our extended offerings - books, screen-savers, calendars etc. these all make great gifts and can serve as delightful mementos for yourself as well as others.

Q: What are your Terms?

Payment, Rescheduling and Cancellations

1. Payment - a deposit ($250) + travel expenses (if applicable) + third party expenses (i.e. makeup) is payable when you book a commission. the balance (including any extra products or services) are due on the day of the photo session. Additional items are payable on order.
2. Lead times - I provide a web gallery within 5 working days of the photo session. you should allow at least 10 working days for prints and digital files to be delivered. rush jobs are extra and should be cleared first.
3. Rescheduling - i realize that sometimes things come up, but you must understand that I schedule my time efficiently and have many clients seeking their own booking sessions. if you cancel or want to reschedule on short notice (less than 5 days prior to the session) i will charge you a $75 fee and times will be schedule dependent.
4. Cancellations - commissions may be cancelled up to a week before the session for an administrative fee of $50. less than a week and you will be charged an administrative fee of $100. Unfortunately, cancel with less than two days prior and you'll forfeit the balance of your booking fee.

Photo Usage Rights

1. photographs from our session may be used freely for personal, private use. this includes display in your home, on your personal website (if you purchase the digital print option) and in family albums etc.
2. images may not be used for any commercial purpose (in any form) without express written consent and and the payment of an appropriate fee.
3. you may not reproduce, publish, sell or trade the photos in any other manner. the copyright always remains with the photographer and all permitted usage of said imagery should be done with full credit to the photographer.
4. all other usage questions can be directed to me and we can come to an agreement
5. generally photographers will use images they make for self-promotion. this includes publishing on websites, in competitions, and in exhibitions. however, if you have any concerns about this, my first priority is to you, so if you have concerns my usage of the photographs please bring it up and i'll honor your wishes.
6. i will never sell your photographs to anyone else without prior consent from you, in writing.
7. i maintain a code of strict confidentiality for all my dealings. i will not use any personal information provided beyond my own normal record keeping procedures, except by prior clearance with you. i will not publish client lists. i will not sell or share personal data.

Any other questions? contact me directly and ask away...