What equipment do you use?
We use Canon Digital Professional gear. We have a variety of high end lenses and 21 Mega pixel cameras. We are continually investing in new and innovative equipment, to give our clients remarkable image quality.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes, and this is done with your best interests in mind. Once I have accepted your booking fee and signed contract, I am no longer available to anyone else for that date. As it is likely I will have to turn down others for your date, the booking fee is non-refundable.
How do your portrait sessions work?
Once you have paid your non-refundable booking fee to save your date, we'll arrange a time and place to take some casual&fun or formal photos. The session will be done at one location of your choice in the San Diego area.
Do you have a studio? Do you use props and backdrops?
As my portfolio will reflect, I do not specialize in traditional studio photography. I shoot primarily by available light, and while I may be inspired to incorporate found objects in a particular shooting environment (and am always happy to incorporate objects that have special meaning to the subjects and/or reflect who they are), and I incorporate plain backdrops for occasional high-key and low-key images. I do not recommend my services to clients who are looking for conventional studio portraiture. Before booking a session, its important to establish that my clients' expectations and desires align with the kind of work I do.
Do you photograph pets?
I am happy to photograph domesticated, legally-owned and licensed pets, either individually or with their owners.
Do you charge extra for retouching? and What are your final photos?
One of things setting me apart from most other portrait and event photographers is that every final proof image is post-processed for maximum quality. Sometimes you need a little extra help to look your best or may be you want to create a look for your photos that's as unique as you are. Special touch ups/effects price is usually $75 or more per photograph, but it's included in your package. Touch up can include skin tone improvement, blemish removal, aging reduction, stray hair correction, and color tones change. I include a mix of color, black and white, as well as toned/textured images.
How many images will I get?
The final batch for a one hour session is 20 images and 450 images for a wedding. Again, each photo is completely post-processed - no further finishing or enhancements are needed to be made to reprints. I always strive to "wow" my clients with a set that reflects the best of the session with range and variety.
Is every image available in options like B&W, Sepia, etc.?
Because we photograph with digital equipment, in a RAW format, our images are initially captured in colour. We convert them into various tones that suits each individual image. The final photos are shown "as is" and are not available in alternative processes or tones.
Can I get my photos in digital format?
Yes, your package includes a DVD containing all the images retouched and in high resolution. We give you the license to reproduce your images. Please do keep in mind that clients invest in my time and talent because of the distinctive quality of my work. My professional labs produce high-quality prints based on the color space I work in during processing, and these prints meet my high standards and represent my photography in a way that upholds my artistic integrity and professional image. Raw, unprocessed digital files are not available to clients.
Can I show you a photo I like and have you replicate it for me?
Although it may be true that there are few to no ideas that are purely original, deliberately recreating a specific photograph is problematic. Clients who make such requests are expecting something that really can't be done. Even if a shot is recreated to exact specifications, the subject is not the same... the moment is not the same... the photo is not the same. I can't transform a client into someone else, and I wouldn't want to. Having stated this, I do welcome client input in terms of style. If there's a spread in a magazine or individual and/or bodies of works of other photographers that the client admires, while I will not agree to produce "knockoffs" per se, I can get a definite feel for the client's tastes and use that to inform my approach to their individual session.
Do you contract with professional hair and makeup artists?
Clients are responsible for making such arrangements with their stylist(s) of choice prior to the session. Clients are also welcome to have a professional stylist or team of stylists accompany them to the session if they so desire.
How soon will I see my photos? What is the turnaround on print orders
All of your images are posted on a personal password protected online gallery after 2 weeks for a one hour session and 2 months after a wedding/event. This gallery can be shared with friends and family across the globe. This unique service allows you the freedom to view your files in the comfort of your own home when ever you choose. This personal gallery will stay online for 3 months time. If your gallery needs to be extended, there will be a $100 fee for additional time. Turnaround time on print orders varies depending on the quantity, size and types of prints ordered, as well as the time of year at which the order is placed. Clients can expect most standard print orders to be fulfilled within four to six weeks.
Is there a time limit to order prints from the session? How long do you keep the image files?
Files are kept for three years from the date of the session and reprints may be ordered at any time during that period, at whatever pricing is current at the time the order is placed.
