People get so excited about my work and have oodles of questions. Here are my most commonly asked questions…
Can I just have the digitals? Absolutely! The Archive Collection is just for you! You not only get ALL of your amazing image but your slideshow as well. I really want you to enjoy your images and see them displayed throughout your home or office/dorm room! Oftentimes, I see clients purchase the digitals, and then never print them! This is why I include a set of 5x7s in a Custom Designer Box so you will know how they will look printed and offer heirloom quality products, so your images will not be set aside in a drawer.
I don’t want to spend very much on senior pictures. Budgeting is so hard! I understand this can be quite a strain on your finances. Let’s work together to see if we are a good fit. What kind of budget are you working within?
Can I see all the pictures you took? I’m so excited that you want to see all your pictures. However, one thing that I’m really proud of is that I take the time to view all the images that were taken at your session and narrow it down to show you the very best. Was there a particular image that you were thinking of? I’m happy to share a sneak peek of the back of my camera while we are shooting.
Why are the digitals so expensive? I realize that custom portraits are an investment. I pride myself in being a boutique photographer who offers a custom lux experience for my clients. The digitals are your masterpiece, and an heirloom to cherish for generations to come. I take time to tailor each session to you, and you’re paying for the best!
Can I order online? I want my clients to get the ultimate in customer service experience, so I work with you at the outset to make sure your choices are perfect for your needs. YES, after your reveal and ordering session, if you selected a package that includes digital negatives, you are more than welcome to order additional gift prints online. I will upload your gallery and you’ll have two weeks to place any additional orders for people you may have forgotten during your ordering appointment. In addition, the online gallery will be set to retail pricing, which is higher than the premiere pricing that is available at your ordering session only.
Can I order at a later date? I understand this is a very big, important (and often overwhelming) decision. I am here every step of the way to help guide your decision, and find what is best for you and your family. However, I only offer the initial, premiere pricing for one night. If finances are a large concern for you, we can discuss the payment plan options that may be available for you.
I can’t afford your packages. Custom portraiture is a large investment. Please make sure we are a good fit before booking with me, by asking about our payment plans and our pricing. You are getting what you pay for, with quality service and custom portraiture.
I’m paying for my own session (not parents) and I can’t afford it – Wow! What a responsible action you are taking. Good for you! Let’s chat to see if we are a good fit for each other. What is your budget?
I didn’t realize how expensive you were. Custom portraits are a true investment. I really want my clients to feel that they are receiving the very best from me. Each session is unique, and thus requires my time my vision and my creativity to make it a one-of-a-kind experience. A lot goes into creating a portrait experience, and I know I’m not for everyone. If our services are too high for you, I hope you can find a great photographer to meet your needs!
Uncle Bob (or my friend) has the nicest camera from Costco! That’s great! When you purchase a custom photo package, you are getting much more than a few snapshots. You are getting the time, experience, and education of a veteran photographer! Do you want to leave your once-in-a-lifetime photoshoot in the hands of an amateur?
Can’t you just tell me the locations you use? I have spent several years honing my craft, and I have several unique locations that bring out your personality! To avoid my special locations becoming publicised and over crowed, these locations are exclusively known to my clients who have already booked with me. I am more than happy to discuss these with you after your booking!
Am I going to have to wait a long time to get these back? My current turnaround rate is typically 2-4 weeks, but I’m so glad you’re excited to see your images! A lot goes into preparing the gallery for you to see. I take my time and hand-edit each image to make sure it’s the very best and shows your personality and beauty.
Can you do a “mini” session? I don’t need a full session, just a few snapshots- I currently don’t offer a mini session except prom and caps & gowns. I realize you only need a few snapshots, but my clients are here for an amazing experience. I think you’ll love having a variety of images instead of just a few! A full session is the best way for me to ensure a quality shoot that captures all of your personality.
Wait, your creative (session) fee doesn’t include any prints or digitals?! The session fee is used to reserve your date, your consultation, and reveal ordering appointment. I understand it might be easier for you to see a flat fee, but that wouldn’t help me customize each offering to your individual needs. We have collections of products that will meet any need and a la carte options for discerning individuals.
I just don’t know what I’d do with all those pictures. – It may seem like a lot of images, but please know there are lots of options for your gorgeous photos. Plus, your gallery tells a story, your story. You can turn your gallery into an album to showcase them all at once, you can display a collage of them on your walls, and you can create custom photo prints and products for your loved ones.
But why do I have to pay you for her (daughter) to model for you? My SpokesModel program is not any other modeling program. It is an unique way for young women to meet each other, come together in our community, and form lasting, authentic friendships and build skills and resumes for the future. It is not just about modeling, it is about providing the exclusive senior experience. My SpokesModels are my best clients not because they pay more(they dont) but because of the relationship we build and the memories we create.
It’s hard to justify your prices when I know 2 photographers that only charge $250 for a digital session – Customized portraiture is a large investment, but you’re also receiving my time, expertise, and educational background. This is my livelihood. Remember, if someone is charging much less, statistically, the quality is likely not as good as well. Every client that chooses me knows they can get pictures taken cheaper but they do so because they want more from their portrait experience. Every photographer is different, but when you book with me, you’re truly paying for the best!
I want a huge picture for over the couch! How much for an 8×10?– I’m so excited that you want to hang a huge portrait over your couch, I bet it will look awesome. An 8×10 is what we call a gift print, which would be appropriate for friends and family, but would be quite small over a couch. If you want your portrait to make a statement, I can show you more options when we meet!
Can you hold a date for me, I can pay the session fee next week?– Yay! I’m so excited to work with you. However, the session fee is an important piece used to reserve the date when processed. I have many people asking for dates in the fall and spring, and it would be unfair to hold a a time without guaranteeing the spot. Can I process your session fee on a credit card instead?
What is required to book a session? A session fee and signed contract is required to book your session with me. The session fee is $185. I can accept cash, check, and credit cards at this time.
Are you willing to travel and if so, how far? Yes, I love to travel. This past year, I photographed in Oregon, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida and West Virginia. Where did you have in mind? I typically charge a travel fee which covers expenses like gas, plane or hotel if necessary.
Do you offer payment plans? Yes, I do offer payment plans. I require a 50% deposit and the remaining balance due within two weeks. However, if you need something different, please let me know. I do have a $50 handling fee to set up a payment plan.
Can I have a refund? I currently do not offer refunds because of the unique nature and custom artwork of my services.
I am scared my photos will look the same as So and So’s senior photos! This is a common concern, but I plan every senior shoot individually to ensure that each one is unique. Because every client is different, I try to incorporate each senior’s personality and desires, which means none of them look identical!
