Frequently asked questions

How do I book a session with you?

To begin, please fill out the contact form on my website. I will respond within 1-2 business days to go over the specifics of your session. Once we both agree that we are a suitable fit, I will accept your booking request, provide you with a contract and request a retainer fee. Once the contract is signed and the retainer is paid, you will be officially booked with me.

How much is the retainer?

Weddings: $1,500 flat-rate non-refundable retainer due upon signed contract.

Couples/Family Session: 25% retainer due upon signed contract.

Business/Corporate Session: 50% retainer due upon signed contract.

*The retainer fee is deducted from total session cost.

Why do you charge a retainer? Is it refundable?

The retainer fee is non-refundable as it holds your spot on my calendar. I will not book any other clients during our agreed-upon session. This fee covers my time, preparation, and resources that I dedicate to your session. It also helps to mitigate any potential losses that I could experience if you need to cancel or reschedule your session.

I understand that life events can cause scheduling conflicts or present you with unforeseen events. I am happy to work with you to reschedule your session to a later date (Rescheduling can only occur once per session, if necessary). However, I cannot provide a refund for the retainer fee once it has been paid, as it has already been utilized towards the development of your photo session.

What does ‘from’ mean on your investment guide?

Starting prices are provided as a general guideline of what to expect. Each session and wedding is one-of-a-kind and therefore may require a unique set of needs.

You will be given a contract to go over before any retainer fee is paid. I like surprises, but not when it comes to not knowing how much a provided service will be. That’s why I will always be clear in my communication and easy to reach in case any questions come up at any point in the photography process.

How do we choose the location for the shoot?

My goal is to meet your vision of the photos while providing my skill & artistic edge. The location choice is yours! I am happy to offer local or general suggestions if you have not yet decided. Popular options include a park, your home, an urban setting, or we can discuss a renting studio. I am also available to travel with you to the shooting location of your dreams - be it a drive across the state or a flight across country! I will only bill for travel costs such as mileage or the plane ticket.

When is the best time to take professional photos?

For exterior shoots, early morning, golden hour and overcast days are the best time to schedule our sessions. This is because the lighting is more controlled and diffused, resulting in more even & flattering lighting on the subject. I would not recommend shooting mid-day when the sun is directly overhead, as this creates harsh lighting and unflattering shadows that I cannot change in the editing process.

For indoor shoots that capitalize on natural lighting, mid-day works great. Golden hour is also a great option for a warmer-toned shoot.

What should I wear to my session?

The most important thing to consider is what will make you feel comfortable and confident. Please avoid clothing items with bold logos or small-striped patterns. For shoots involving multiple people, coordinating colors is recommended. My best tip is to pick 2-3 colors and coordinate everyone’s outfit around that color palette. When picking these colors, consider the location we will be shooting in as well. If you can’t decide, neutral colors are a great way to go - white, gray, cream, or taupe, denim. The location and time of day/lighting can change the way clothing appears on camera. You may also consult me directly with any concerns before the shoot.

How can I best prepare for the shoot?

Preparation is key!

• Be sure to eat a decent meal beforehand. Bring extra water bottles to the shoot to stay hydrated. We may be walking a lot & burning calories! It may also be hot if we are shooting outdoors.

• Be sure to iron or steam your clothes beforehand for a clean and neat look!

• If you are booking an engagement shoot with me, keep in mind that your hands will likely be featured in the photos. A manicured hand will look amazing on camera. Bring extra lotion with you as well, especially if it’s cold outside.

I am always available to help you with any questions or concerns regarding your shoot, just ask!

What happens if it rains or there is bad weather?

We have two options - we can relocated any planned outdoor photos to a covered or indoor area OR we can embrace the rain and create some magical photos! Overcast days are not reason to reschedule, but in the event that the weather is unsafe to be out in, we will reschedule our session.

How long does a photoshoot usually last?

Most sessions are 60-90 minutes long, as this give us more time to become comfortable with one another, and you with the camera.

Do you help with posing?

My preferred shooting style involves giving you simple prompts to act out. An example of this might be, “Sneak attack your partner with a hug from behind”. This style of shooting allows for candid moments to appear that I can capture.

Expect that I will constantly be snapping photos of you doing even the most mundane things, such as walking, talking, etc. Let YOU shine through! A helpful posing tip is to never stand still; keep moving!

For those confident in posing, or would like to take the lead themselves, I will happily step back.

For those who would like posing assistance, I always come prepared with and reference binder of poses for us to try out together!

Can I provide ideas/suggestions during the shoot?

Absolutely! A shoot is a collaborative effort by both parties and I will do my best to incorporate your desired elements into the final product. Based on my level of experience shooting in various conditions, a client’s idea may not always result in the best outcome. If this is the case, I will explain why and provide an alternative idea we can go over together. My hope is that you chose to book with me because you saw something in my portfolio that resonated with you. I appreciate your support and trust to provide you with truly candid and remarkable photos.

What sets my approach/direction apart from other photographers?

I believe it’s important to build a relationship with each other that allows both parties to feel comfortable asking questions. This allows for a more pleasant shoot when you are more relaxed for the camera. I tend to check the photos as I shoot, and show you a few images as well! This way I can confirm with you that we are capturing the desired look and feel of the photos.

How would you describe your photography style?

I enjoy capturing candid moments that showcase your true emotions and happiness. I also am influenced by the editorial, magazine style which uses elements of flash, fine art style posing.

What is included in the editing stage?

Each delivered photo will undergo various levels of cropping and color correction/grading, and where necessary, teeth whitening and blemish removing. I prefer to edit my photos a bit on the warmer side, but occasionally, some photos may be on the cooler side.

I do not offer photoshopping or body modification in the editing process, as this goes against my naturalistic approach. If this is the type of photography you are looking for, we may not be the best fit (and that’s okay)! Everyone deserves to find the photographer they are looking for.

How do you choose which photos are edited?

The first stage in the editing process is called ‘culling’. This is the act of removing any duplicate or unusable shots (such as eyes closed, blurry, etc). From there, all successful images are typically delivered in your gallery*.

*Mini sessions only are limited to a set number of images delivered.

Will every photo look exactly the same as other photos represented in your portfolio?

Every photo is unique due to location (interior vs exterior), time of day, clothing, etc. While my editing style reflected on my portfolio is how I will edit your session, not every photo is guaranteed to look the same for the above differences & because YOU are unique!

How do you deliver your images?

I deliver my photos through Pic-Time, an online gallery platform that provides secure photo delivery. Each client will receive an email link to their special gallery once ready. Pic-Time allows you to download the entire gallery with the click of a button. You can also order prints directly through Pic-Time, if desired, and invite family & friends to view your gallery.

• It is recommended to download all photos once your gallery is delivered & save in a safe place. This ensures you have at least one full copy of the session. Your gallery will expire & go offline after 90 days.

Do I have to order prints through you?

No! Once your online gallery is delivered, you may order prints through whomever you wish. Pic-Time itself will allow you to order prints directly within your gallery! This method is recommended, as through Pic-Time, you have access to trusted, professional print labs where your prints will be more color-accurate and of high quality.

Do you deliver RAW or unedited photos?

I will not deliver unedited/Raw photos to the client as not every photo taken during a session is a usable photo nor do they accurately/fully represent me as an artist.

My photos go through multiple editing stages, the first being the culling process - the act of eliminating the undesirable photos such as duplicates, low-quality, or improper focus shots. Second, they are colored to my style that will be consistent with the style seen in my portfolio. It is assumed upon contract that the client, in addition to my photo-style, is also booking me for my editing-style.

What’s the turnaround time?

The turnaround time for photos varies by session type. Your specific delivery timeframe will be detailed within your contract so you'll know exactly when to expect your photos!

• Couples, family, portrait & engagement sessions are typically delivered within 3 weeks.

• Weddings & elopements are delivered between 4-6 weeks, but up to 8 weeks during peak season.

Can I upgrade to a faster delivery time?

Yes! If requested, you can upgrade to faster delivery for an additional fee.

Payment Policies

In order to consider your session booked and reserved on my calendar, a signed contract and non-refundable retainer fee must be submitted. The retainer fee is due at the time of signature.

Payment Methods

I accept the following forms of payment:

• Credit/Debit via Client Portal within Dubsado

Rescheduling

Please give at least a 48-hour notice in the event of needing to reschedule. I understand that life changes quickly and things come up, so please let me know in advance so I may potentially fill your session with another client.

In extreme cases, such as family emergency, hospitalization, etc., I am more flexible in rescheduling.

Cancellations

If you need to cancel your session, please let me know a minimum of 24 hours beforehand. Retainer is non-refundable.

Late Arrivals

If you are going to be late to your session, please let me know at least two hours beforehand so I can adjust accordingly. Late arrivals more than 20 minutes late with no notice will result in a cancellation. I will attempt to make contact with you, but I reserve the right to cancel the remainder of your session. No refunds will be given.