Points To Consider:
Images from sessions that you see or love do not happen spontaneously. A lot of forethought goes into creating them.
What are your expectations? What is the purpose of the session? What do you want to get out of it? Is there a theme? What to wear? Who is there? Who are the images for? When? Where? Am I/we going to look good?
Just as a good movie needs a good script, so does a good photo session. A good session begins with getting together and discussing your needs beforehand.
What Style Of Session Do You Want?
A classic studio session, in home or rented studio? Environmental, surrounded by your best keepsakes? Free style? Black background? White background? Coloured background? Around your house? Cottage? Hotel room? Lakefront? Outdoors? Sunrise? What are your ideas?
How do you want yourself or everyone to look?
Let’s discuss the possibilities.
Where Would You Like A Session?
I have done sessions in front rooms, basements, backyards, parks, photo studios, dance studios, hotel lobbies, hotel rooms, condos, streets and pretty much anywhere you can set up.
Live in a condo? See if you can book the party room.
How Would you Like To Look (Make-Up and Wardrobe)?
We can discuss your make-up and wardrobe requirements. There are lots of videos on the web and we can review what you might want to wear. Do you want some props to go with that?
I suggest using a make-up artist. If you do not have one, I can refer some to you.
What About My Equipment?
For any session I bring the right equipment for the job. I make use of natural light, camera flash or studio strobes, whichever the situation calls for.
What Is The Process?
First, we connect over the phone to introduce each other and go over details such as who, how many, where and about when. Then we touch on which style of photography you are interested in. I can give you an estimate at that time or arrange a quote for you.
Booking the session requires a retainer (not a deposit) or be paid in full.
I will forward a contract for your review and signature, plus a price list. You will be asked to sign the contract.
Once the retainer and/or payment has been received, and if needed, we get into finer details by an in person meeting or Zoom meeting (preferred), narrowing down location details, finalizing the number of attendees, make-up and what to wear.
Don’t worry about not knowing how to “pose”. During the session, I try to guide everyone into the best positions. I will photograph everyone there, in the main group, sub-groups and individually as required.
After the session, I process the images as digital proofs and we review them either in a personal meeting or via a Zoom call. At this point, images are selected for purchase and identified for further work. Please make sure that everyone who is associated with the purchase is present.
After final sign-off;
-For Portraits:
Depending on size, I either print them myself on a professional printer or have the images processed professionally. The prints are delivered to you by mail or in person. A digital negative of the purchased print is also supplied.
-For Portfolios:
Digital images sufficiently sized for social media are provided as per contract.
What Is The Turn-around Time?
Quick. Usually within a week, or sooner, for the proofing, then a few days later for the product. I will give you an estimate at the time of review.
Do You Do Creative Images?
Yes, I can create a special image for you by substituting backgrounds, adding overlays, special effects, text. Please ask for an estimate.
What Is Your Pricing?
I have low overhead so that is not part of my session pricing structure. I believe I provide a reasonable price for my service, product and personal attention to you. I am not the cheapest, a budget, nor the highest priced photographer.
If you like the images you see, please call for pricing as each session is different.
What Are You Responsible For?
Studio rental, paid locations and permits. I will help with the process of booking. (This process is for the very rare occasion of cancellations or re-scheduling.)
What Are Some Of The Things I Don’t Do?
Babies. Newborns. Corporate Events that need prints on site or last longer than an hour or two. Weddings with more than twenty people. Great big huge events and stuff that it takes large teams of other people to do. Santa Clause photos. Snapshots. Fads. Selfie style images. Real Cheese. Cliches.
If you’re still reading this, we should talk about your adventure so give me a call or a text.