SESSION Q&A

 

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WITH MY PHOTO SESSION & WHAT IS THE PROCESS?

We will be working through three stages for your shoot. How extensive we get with each depends on what you are wanting to do and what your budget is. While this may sound complex, it really isn’t at all for most scheduled sessions. By breaking the session down we can bring greater attention and quality to your final images.

 

PRE-PRODUCTION: 

This is the phase where we discuss your shoot, the images you want, and plan. Obviously, this includes discussing such things as number of final images and exactly what you are looking for. Once that is covered, we discuss details about where, when and how that will occur.

Thus, if your session is an outdoor one, it will include planning the perfect location(s). Even if it is indoor but on-location, we’ll discuss the space needed, the lighting there and so forth. We might also discuss “staging” the scene’s setting for a great outcome. Likewise, often there’s a need to discuss and plan wardrobe and hair & makeup. If applicable, props and gathering necessary things as needed are arranged.

In summary, this stage is the “blueprint” stage where we discuss, think about, and “design” your photo session. That way, surprises are minimized and we both have a clear and agreed-upon understanding of what you are wanting for your images. Ultimately the idea is that the more we plan and focus, usually the better the outcome! Our mutual goal is to develop a solid schedule and plan to successfully execute your session. On very simple shoots, this phase is very minimal and can be done over the phone, via text messages, or by social media. However, on more complex and elaborate shoots, this might require several meetings, scouting trips, and gathering of necessary components.

 

PRODUCTION: 

Once we’ve planned and done all of the designing and preparation, then we shoot in-camera and perform the actual image captures! This stage is known as production. Moreover, sometimes it consists of extensive and elaborate sessions on multiple locations with several wardrobe changes. However, at other times it may be a simple studio headshot session with just one “look” but with a few different poses. However extensive this phase is comes down to simply what it is you need and want. Once we have the shots done in-camera, they will need editing as well as retouching. This leads us to stage three.

 

POST-PRODUCTION: 

EDITING is simply selecting the shots you like. Editing is a culling process that leaves only the best number of shots you want to move forward with. The ones chosen are known appropriately as “selects.” Once that is done, then I perform RETOUCHING in software apps such as Photoshop or Capture One. Once the retouching is done they then become known as “final selects” and are ready for delivery. Post-production, as in the above stages, can be complex or simple depending upon the need. On simple images such as headshots, it may be that I simply edit the best images myself without much input from you at all. In other packages, I may deliver “proofs” either via an Internet platform for you to review privately, or perhaps we might have a meeting where we go over the images together while viewing them on a laptop. 

 

SUMMARY:

As you might expect, all three phases are critical to getting good results and each is important. This is dependent upon the nature of your imaging needs as again, packages vary in how much time is really necessary for each phase.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR & WHERE WILL MY SESSION TAKE PLACE?
This depends upon what you are going for. As an example, if you are wanting a professional portrait showing you in your working environment, then of course we will need to take the photos on-location where you work. Or, if you are needing a traditional portrait or headshot, that can be done virtually anywhere. As to what to wear, I can guide you on what is best for you to accomplish what you are going for, and things to look out for to avoid possible issues. Sometimes, what might seem “normal” or acceptable outside of camera does not work so well in camera. Examples might include certain color combinations or an unflattering mixing of patterns, and things of that nature. It is entirely up to you where we shoot your portraits. I can certainly offer suggestions and guidance once I know what you are wanting as to the “look” or “feel” of your photographs. If we shoot in studio, we can discuss what kind of backdrop is best for you. If we shoot on location – whether indoors or outdoors – we will need to discuss what angle is best, what to show in the background, and how best to arrange or manipulate the space if necessary. I may need to scout the location to make sure I have proper space, or things such as looking for any problems with the lighting conditions or other possible distracting elements. If you don’t have a clue about any of that – then that’s okay too! That’s what I’m here for. I will discuss what I think would work best and give you options to choose from. Or if you really don’t have any suggestions, I’ll take care of all of it.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I EXPECT TO PAY?
As you might imagine, prices vary widely for sessions depending upon the amount of time I spend in the three phases I mentioned above. It basically involves my time, my equipment, my costs, any assistants, and if for any reason some special gear is required or if I’m required to travel. But to give you a basic idea … a simple professional headshot session done in-studio with 5  finished edits can be as low as $125 … whereas basic wedding ceremony packages that cover the venue, getting ready, the ceremony itself, the wedding party, and the reception with 100 finished edits start at $1,750. More elaborate wedding with video packages are higher. There are all manner of types and styles of sessions, packages, and pricing between those ranges (such as family portraits, traditional full-length portraits, senior portraits, creative portraiture, environmental portraits, and so on … ), and there are add-on options for each as well. So, once we discuss your needs and I understand more clearly what type of images you are wanting, as well as how many people are to be in the photographs (family portraits and group sessions are a bit higher than individual portraits due to the number of faces I must retouch), then I can give you a precise quote on what your session will cost and exactly what you will be getting for that price. Or, if you have a budget, then we can discuss what I can produce for you in that budget range.
WHAT GOES INTO SETTING YOUR PRICES?

First, just like any business, there are real costs involved just to be in business. Obviously, this includes rent, utilities, insurance, office supplies, camera gear, and so forth. Second, there’s the computer, software, internet services, and technical equipment that are used to edit your photos. Finally, there’s my labor, skill, professional expertise, experience, and creative ability that goes into making your images for you.

Ultimately, you are hiring me as a professional image-maker to get the special images that you are wanting. I have pricing tables that I use that guide me in costing out session packages. Moreover, they can be adapted or combined with other packages to create a hybrid type of session that meets your specific need. I take enormous effort to get you the professional level, high-quality images that you need while holding costs down as low as I can.

WILL I NEED TO PAY ANYTHING UP FRONT?

Presently. how your session and visuals are paid for depends upon the scale and timeline of your project. Lower cost / shorter time-frame projects are paid on the production date (the day of the session).

Mid-sized photo projects are often done on a split payment basis. Accordingly, 75% of the cost is paid on the day of the session. The balance is then paid upon delivery of the final images.

Larger projects (such as weddings), require a deposit which must be paid in advance. Presently, that is 4 months before the wedding date in order to book the date and retain me for that time. You will be given a specific date where your deposit can no longer be refunded. This is due to the fact that you are reserving the date and that date is not available to other potential clients wanting to book me for that time. This is a standard practice in the industry. Contact me for details if you need further clarification.

HOW SOON CAN I EXPECT MY FINAL IMAGES TO BE READY?

Turnaround times from Production to Post-Production and Delivery vary. Headshots and Portraits can be ready usually in a couple of days. However, wedding sessions can take 4 to 6 weeks due to the volume of images. Check with me if a need to rush your images for a specific deadline is needed. I will do my best to accommodate your needs. 

WHAT ABOUT CONTRACTS, RELEASES, AND LICENSING?

CONTRACTS & MODEL RELEASES

Depending upon the scale of your individual or family project, a contract may be required. Currently, contracts are always required on wedding sessions. Moreover, contracts are a standard operating procedure for all business and corporate work that I perform.

The need for a Model / Property release varies, and depends upon the potential for commercial usage of the image(s). Therefore, it simply depends upon the nature of the shoot and usage of the images. Model / property releases are, of course, required for all commercial work.

 

LICENSING IMAGES

Licensing will be outlined in your contract, and is normally non-exclusive. I reserve the full rights to all of the images that I create and produce. Therefore, images may not be used in any form without my expressed, written permission. Exclusive licensing of your images may be arranged if you wish, for an additional fee (per image). Images may also be purchased for commercial usage, and will be licensed specifically as to derivative, display, distribution and reproduction allowances. As this is a rather technical area and can be confusing, feel free to discuss with me the options and what is available to you with regards to how my images are used.

 

Engagement & Senior Portrait Photographer

Natchez, MS & Vidalia, LA

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me and I’ll be happy to answer!

 

Image Services Offered in Photography and Videography!

For the Individual, Family, or Business 

Engagement & Senior Portrait Photographer

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