What is the get-to-know-you consultation all about?
Once you fill out the Senior Contact Form I will contact you to schedule a consultation. We can Skype, FaceTime, or talk over the phone. We can even meet at Colin’s Coffee, or wherever is convenient for you. We will talk about you and what makes you unique. Should you decide to book your session, a $100 non-refundable fee is due to reserve your time. I will send you and your parents a contract to sign and return. We will set up the details of your shoot such as outfits, hair/makeup, locations and any other thing that might come up.
What will I wear or bring?
For Basic; One “base outfit” plus accessories to change up the looks. For instance, jeans and a white T-shirt or tank top can be up-styled with a flannel shirt, a blouse, and a jacket or scarf. For Intermediate; 2-3 outfits and accessories. For Advanced, as many outfit looks as you would like, but probably 3-4 with accessories.
Remember, the ultimate goal is attention to your face, so simple clothing choices work best. Solid colors, darker shades, and simple patterns work well, but make sure you are comfortable in your clothes. You probably have some favorite outfits for a reason.
Girls, bring your heels, but make sure you bring another pair of comfortable shoes.
Bring any pets or props, uniform parts, musical instruments, etc. that help tell your story.
What about tanning, hair, makeup, etc?
Avoid tanning or sun exposure before your session. Photoshop can do a lot, but it can’t rescue the boiled lobster look from overexposure to UV rays. Guys, get a haircut a week before. Makeup for photography is quite different than makeup for “going out.” There are a number of resources online, but the keywords you should search are “Natural Look Makeup.”
What can I expect during the session?
We will meet at the location(s) we have discussed. Depending on what level you choose, your session will last from 45 minutes to 3 hours. It will be a time where we continue our collaborative effort and with some effort and patience, we will make great images together.
Do I need to have someone with me?
If you are a minor, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you, they will be able to assist in making your experience the best it can be. If you are 18, you should still have someone accompany you for the same reason.
What about the weather?
Your safety is of the utmost importance. That said, if you are okay with a little rain, and taking into consideration that rain and electronic circuitry are not BFFs, we can work to accommodate that. If weather conditions are too severe, we will reschedule your session for the next best day.
What about photographing indoors?
Though I am primarily a location photographer, my studio lighting equipment is portable, so we can work something out if you know of an indoor location. There is also local studio rental space available for a reasonable fee. Availability will determine your session date.
Can I share my photos on social media?
Yes. My proofing and ordering system is built around social media sharing through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+, but you are free to share them on any social media. Because I still hold the copyright to the images, the only stipulation for sharing is giving me credit and linking back to my website. You are even licensed to print your own images up to 8×10 at a printer of your choosing and I will provide you with the appropriate licensing agreement.
If I can download my images, why should I print them or even purchase prints from my session?
Your pictures are made to be printed. When properly done and kept, they will last longer than the technology you have to store them in your phone. While you are licensed to print them anywhere, I can offer you prints and wall art from the top professional photo labs in the nation, the quality of which will surpass any consumer-grade printing services.
What are “finished images” and do I receive proofs?
Finished images have gone through the entire editing and, if necessary, retouching process. Editing is applying corrections for exposure, color balance, and “signature” touches that equate the hallmark of a traditional, darkroom-printed image. Retouching is the removal of blemishes, brightening teeth and eyes, smoothing skin. Before that, I have meticulously culled all of the photos we made to determine the best of the “take,” which are the proof images from which you have selected the “best of the best” which are your finished images. Historically, proof images were prints made from un-retouched negatives as retouching was and is a separate step in the process. Your proofs will have basic exposure and color corrections applied and may include a watermark.
How much retouching do you do?
My philosophy on retouching: “Less is more.” My goal is to make you look like you, with a little bit of polish to enhance your natural features. We can do that with Natural Look Makeup and photo editing software.
When will I receive my images?
Please allow 1-2 weeks for your proofs to be ready. I will send you a link to a password protected gallery. From there it’s as easy as clicking a “favorite” button to select the images you would like for me to further edit and retouch. Your proof gallery will be live for 2-weeks. Once your final selections are made I will begin the final editing process, which will take an additional 1-2 weeks. After which I will send you another link to your final images. From there you may download them or order prints from the gallery store.