Below are some of the commonly asked questions I get from my clients.
What should I wear for portraits?
For neutral family photos I usually suggest you go with a softer color palette. Don’t worry about making the entire family match. Mix and match colors. Blues, whites, pinks, tans and greys all look very good together. Keep in mind that skin tone plays an important role in the color that you choose as does the time of year/theme of your shoot. When in doubt, send me an email or give me a call. I’m more than happy to help you out with clothing choices.
How does your portrait process go?
Sessions typically last 30-90 minutes depending on the package you have chosen. Right after your session I get to work on your images. All of my images are double backed up to ensure that I never lose client images. I generally release my client proof galleries within 1 week of your session. You will receive your proofs in the form of a secure online gallery. From there you can select the images that you like. Turnaround from the time you select your favorites to the time you receive your final gallery is usually 24-48 hours.
How will I receive my photos?
All portrait packages include digital download of your images. You will be sent an online gallery with your final images. From there you will be able to download your images, resolution of your images depends on the package selected. You will also be able to order your prints through this gallery.
Weddings and very large events will receive a gallery of small web sized images for immediate download, as well as print ordering. Larger images will be delivered to clients on a USB flash drive. Portrait sessions that wish to have a flash or CD can purchase those for an additional fee.
Does my package include prints?
The majority of my portrait packages now include a select number of prints. Additional prints can easily be ordered through your download gallery. Prints take 7-14 days for delivery and are printed through a professional lab that I contract with using giclée techniques on archival museum quality paper.
What is your turnaround time for Weddings?
My wedding turnaround time is 2 weeks for your final gallery. I only schedule up to 2 weddings a month to give me plenty of time to work on your wedding photos and avoid crowding out my schedule. Your wedding fees allow me to clear out my schedule to work solely on your portraits to return the highest quality images.
Have you worked with special needs clients?
Yes! If you happen to have someone that is special needs or disabled, please let me know before your session to I can make accommodations for you. For instance, I won’t recommend a location with rocky terrain for someone with a wheelchair. If you happen to have a child that may not like certain noises, animals or being touched, please let me know beforehand! I always do my best to make sure everyone is having a good time during their session, so please help me make that possible.
Do you have any tips for young children?
If you are bringing young children to a session, please let me know. I bring special props and gear to sessions with young children. Remember to bring your child’s favorite treat (preferably something not super messy), toy or video to the session. Bribes work! I always do my best to get your kids to smile and feel comfortable with me. If they have a favorite action hero or movie, let me know. Kids LOVE to talk about this stuff. In the event that your child will not cooperate, I will do my absolute best to capture something. Sometimes the photos of them throwing a fit or putting on a pouty face turn out to be my favorite.
When are Almond Blossom sessions?
Almond Blossoms bloom in mid February. This is the only time of year you can get blossom sessions around the Central Valley. I begin booking Almond Blossom sessions after the 1st of the year.
Do you travel?
Yes! I offer local destination sessions to places like Yosemite, Calaveras Big Trees, San Francisco, Half Moon Bay, Morro Bay, Cambria, Monterey, Napa and the coastal Redwoods. I do also offer travel to other areas both in and out of state. Travel fees depend on the distance, entry fees and when applicable charges for overnight stays for locations outside of 3 hours travel.
Do you offer a second photographer for weddings and events?
Yes. I have worked with many local photographers and am more than happy to book out a second photographer for very large events and weddings.
Do you do videography?
No. Videography is an entirely different skill set and requires different gear and equipment. I have a list of recommended videographers in the area if you need one. The closest thing to a video clients receive from me is a slideshow of images taken at their wedding, event or portrait session. For weddings, my slideshows tend to be 10-12 minutes long, composed in a way that will tell the story of your day, put to romantic music.