FAQ’s

Here are the answers to commonly asked questions about your session, scheduling, payment, images, dress…and other things that have come up

Q.  Why do I have to pay up front and sign a contract?

A.  This protects all parties involved.  It allows me to schedule your photo shoot, and to count on you being there at the previously agreed-upon time.  It gives you reassurance that I have reserved your time, and am completely committed to your session.  The contract allows both parties to be in agreement and fully aware of what is expected of them.

Q.  What if I’m late?

A.  I will generally wait for around 15 minutes, if you know you are running late, please have the courtesy to call text me and let me know. Unfortunately, I cannot extend your shooting time if you do arrive late and/or unprepared.

Q.  Where do you take photos?

A.  I offer a variety of options…we can choose from lots of beautiful locations outside; locations that are special to you, or a small studio set-up.  If you are booking a boudoir session there are several lovely hotels locally we can use.  The fun thing about booking a hotel, is that you get to stay in the room for the night.  That means after you’re looking all smokin’ hot for your session, you can go out on the town with your friends or partner, and head back to the hotel for a relaxing evening!

Q.  Do you travel?

A.  Yes.  I include the Boise/Meridian/Kuna area in my coverage, but will travel with an additional mileage fee (as calculated by the current year IRS allowance).

Q.  How do I book & pay for my session?

A.  I accept cash, checks and credit/debit card payments. Please call, or email me to set up your session date & time.  You can use my contact form here as well.

Q.  What is included in my session?

A.  Most sessions include a minimum of 1 hour shooting.  Seniors and Boudoir generally last 1-2 hours, depending on location(s) and other factors.  This will all be discussed and agreed upon, and included in your contract.

Weddings are scheduled at a minimum of 2 hours.

Q.  How should I/we dress?

A.  You should wear clothes that you are comfortable in.  If your shirt is too tight, too low, etc. you will not be comfortable and it will show in your photos.  I want this to be a pleasant experience for you, and part of that is being comfortable in your clothing.  Try to avoid heavily patterned or small-striped clothing (large stripes are ok, in moderation).  I am available to help you with clothing/outfit selections.  Please make sure everyone has clean clothing on, that is free of wrinkles and avoid big logos/pictures on the front of shirts

Q.  What do you expect of me?
A.  I expect you to be on time.  Early is preferable, as there is always hair to fix, makeup to touch up …etc.  An extra 15 minutes at the beginning, before the session starts, can help to make your session a memorable and fun one, instead of being rushed and stressed out.  I expect you to be a willing participant in your session.  I can only work with what you’re giving me.  If you are mad/grumpy/sad…it will show in your pictures.

Q.  Do you offer reshoots?

A.  As a general rule, no.

Q.  Do you allow rescheduling?

A.  Under certain circumstances.  Please see my contract for my full rescheduling policy.

Q.  How soon will I be able to see my images?

A.  Your proofs will be available approximately 10 days after your shoot.  There may be one ‘sneak peek’ posted to my blog or facebook within 1-2 days after your shoot.

Q.  Why does it take so long?

A.  Just like film, I have to ‘develop’ your images…but instead of using physical darkroom, I use a digital darkroom.  Preparing beautiful images for you takes time.

Q.  What is a gift print, and why does it cost the same for a 4×6 as it does for an 8×12?

A.  Gift prints are considered sizes that you would give for a gift.  8×12 and smaller.  Custom photography is just that, custom.  It takes me the same amount of time to develop and edit a 4×6 as it does an 8×12, so I charge the same price for them.

Q.  Do you sell digital images?

A.  Yes.   I also provide web-sized, watermarked files of images you ordered  for facebook/myspace/email sharing with your family and friends.  These images are designed to be used on social networking, and sharing with your family/friends via email.  You may not crop out my logo, or alter the photo in any way (including changing to black & white, sepia or any other edits).  You also may not use these images to submit to contests, without express, written permission from me.

Q.  Can my family order?

A.  Yes.  I will provide an online link after you have placed your order that will be valid for 48 hours.  You may give the link to your family, and they can enjoy a 15% a la carte discount if they order within the first 24 hours.

Q.  Can I have more photos added to my gallery?

A.  No.  I choose the best of the best images to show you.  During our shoot, there are generally lots of closed eyes, funny faces, turned heads, etc….all images that don’t meet my criteria are immediately deleted.

Q.  Can I see and/or purchase unedited images?

A.  No.  As I stated above, I ‘develop’ your images…I am your photographer and you hired me for my artistic vision….please trust that I am making your images spectacular just for you.

Q.  Will you make me skinny in Photoshop (or fix other major flaws/wrinkles/bags, etc)?

A.   It is important to capture you as you are.  If you are not happy with the way you look, adjusting it in Photoshop is not the answer, and probably wouldn’t be convincing anyway.  I’m good…but I can’t make a new mom have the body of a supermodel *wink*.  I do some light retouching to minimize certain things, but I cannot give you a ‘photoshop diet’ or make you 20 years younger.

Q.  What is a Model Release, and why is it required?

A.  If you are receiving special pricing for a ‘casting call’ or ‘model session’ you are essentially being a model for me.  In order for me to use your images on my blog/facebook/advertising, I must have a signed model release from you.  This allows me to use the images I’ve taken of you for my business, and releases me from having to compensate you (beyond the specially priced session) for use of these images.

Q.  What if I don’t sign a Model Release?

A.  I will be unable to book you at the ‘casting call’ pricing.  You can choose to book a regular-price session with me.  I do not require Model Releases for my regular sessions.

Q.  I just bought a new DSLR camera, will you teach me how to use it?

A.  Sure!  I charge $75/hr for private mentoring.  If you have a group of friends who also have ‘nice cameras’ and want to take good pictures of their kids, I can offer you a group rate.  I have spent countless hours pouring over books, forums, and practicing to learn my craft…I am happy to pass on some of my knowledge to other moms & dads.

Q.  Are you legal & why does it matter?

A.  Yes!  I am registered with the Secretary of State as Life. Captured. Photography by Crystal, LLC., and I have my federal tax id#.  I also am insured as a business.  Being legal means that I am abiding by state and federal laws and paying my taxes.  It also means that I take my business seriously, as well as the welfare of my clients.

If you have any other questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.