CAN I COME EARLY TO FINISH MY MAKEUP/HAIR/FRESHEN UP?
I always give each client enough time to do this anyway starting from their appointment time. I have clients stacked typically, so I'd prefer you to come right at your schedule time. That being said, I do expect you to come fairly camera ready for your first look, except for freshening up (unless you've hired one of my makeup artist, which in that case, come with clean skin and dry hair).
HOW SOON DO I SEE MY PROOFS AFTER THE SHOOT?
Typically 10-12 business days. Why the wait? Some photographers simply hand over photos without looking at them. I am not one of those photographers. I take great pride in my work and I pay attention to detail. I also do all my work myself, I have no post production employees. I like having this personal interaction with all my clients, so those who want to work with me are willing to wait for quality. I also do other photography work other than headshots, so I always have a queue of shoots I'm working on.
When I proof photos, I do a number of things:
- delete any blinks, half expressions, exposure tests, and anything else you just don’t need to see.
- go through each individual shot for perfect focus on the eyes. Sometimes cameras back-focus on an ear or an eyebrow instead of directly on your eye. I delete those so you’re not tempted to use them.
- anything can be cropped closer when we go into the retouching phase. I usually shoot a little wide to give us options. While I’m proofing, if I think something needs to be cropped a bit, I’ll do it.
- Basic exposure/contrast/color balance edits. In case the sun was dipping in and out of the clouds during our shoot and there are a few photos that need adjustments, I’ll even things out. Keep in mind any “fine-tuning” of skin tones, background tones, etc. will happen in the retouching phase if needed.
ARE PROOFS HIGH-RESOLUTION?
Yes, up to about 8x12 in size, jpg format. I keep the raw images on file. You'll receive the proofs in an online proof gallery to share with your reps and help you narrow your photos down. You can also download directly from this proof gallery, so you can save them for future use, in case there is anything you want to use that doesn't need retouching.
WHAT IS CONSIDERED "A LOOK"?
Typically every change in outfit is a look. That being said, if you want to shoot with and without a blazer, for example, that could be one look. Basically everything in reason. I will know if a client is trying to sneak in a bunch of looks and not pay for them, and I will be honest with you before we start shooting so there aren't surprises for either of us.
HOW MANY PROOFS CAN I EXPECT PER LOOK?
It ranges per client, but typically no less than 70 per look. Most of the time between 85-120 per look. If we're really snapping through the expressions, you may even get more, but I try not to overshoot unless we're really getting different options for you with every click.
WHERE DO I GET PRINTS DONE?
Needing prints is rare these days, but if you do need a few: It's up to you. There are plenty of headshot labs in LA.
That being said, I like: www.rockyourheadshot.com
Don't choose glossy (lustre or matte is great) and I always recommend choosing photographic prints (instead of litho). Also, say no to cheesy fonts and borders. Go simple.
CAN I ORDER MORE RETOUCHED PHOTOS THAN WHAT COMES WITH MY SESSION?
Yes. I have your photos on file for a few years, so if you need extra photos retouched, it’s $40/photo. Please always back your photos up, however, in case you or I have a harddrive malfunction and the images are lost.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM RETOUCHING?
All the images in my galleries have been retouched by me. Each client and how much retouching is done is handled case by case. Some request heavier retouching, although I do my best to keep it as minimal as possible on the face (removing blemishes, even skin tones, whitening eyes within reason, reducing fine lines/wrinkles again within reason).
Everything in moderation. The majority of what I like to do in retouching is to balance the overall photo between the individual and the background (removing anything distracting, perfecting skin tones and background colors, etc). I will also fix anything with wardrobe that we can't fix on-the-day (debulking suit jackets, etc).
That being said, if you want to use your images without retouching, feel free.
CAN YOU HELP ME CHOOSE MY PHOTOS?
Due to my schedule, I'm no longer able to help clients narrow their images down. Thanks for understanding!
DO YOU ONLY SHOOT HEADSHOTS AT YOUR STUDIO IN LA?
Typically, yes. We shoot most everything in Loft 1923 or a short walking distance outside.
Unless you want to pay for my travel and a studio rental elsewhere.
A FRIEND OF MINE WANTS TO SHOOT THE SAME DAY AS I DO. IS THERE A DISCOUNT?
Nope. I spend the same amount of time and energy per person whether you come on the same day or separate days. It’s important to me that everyone gets the same experience. Please don't ask to share a session. Prices are carefully considered for the amount of time and images per person.
DO YOU OFFER CONSULTATIONS?
I’m more than willing to do a free consultation at the studio with you if you're flexible with scheduling one (I have limited consultation times per month). Or, I can chat with you on the phone. Keep in mind, during every shoot, I will chat with you about wardrobe, what you need out of the session, and also just about yourself so I can get to know you and help you feel comfortable. My sessions are super relaxed, so be prepared!
DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTS?
Returning clients receive $30 off their session.
HOW DO I PAY FOR MY SESSION?
Deposits can be made with check, Venmo, Zelle, or invoiced electronically (3.5% fee on invoices).
On the day of the shoot, you will pay the remaining balance. I can take cash on the day of the shoot or the already mentioned payment methods. Credit/debit cards swiped in person have a 3.5% fee.
WHAT ARE YOUR STUDIO HOURS? DO YOU WORK ON WEEKENDS?
My shooting schedule varies every week. I do shoot on weekends as needed. My office hours also vary. If there's a delay in response, I'm probably on a shoot or out of town.
Catching me on the phone can be tough due to my schedule. I can schedule a phone call chat with you if you'd like, but I'll also always want a paper trail via email as well. I prefer you reach out to me via email initially.
DO I OWN COPYRIGHT ON MY IMAGES or DOES THE PHOTOGRAPHER?
No, you don't own copyright. I'm not charging you a copyright transfer fee, so what you're getting are usage rights. Which means I'm giving you the right to reprint, post, and use your images for your personal use. You can't sell them for profit, however.
If you do have your images published on a blog or in a magazine, you must include photographer credit.
You can't use these for music album art or book covers or anything that is merchandise. You'll need to work up an additional agreement for that type of usage.
If you post on social media: tag your photographer (unless you've put a horrible filter on it... and then maybe think twice about that horrible filter before tagging your photographer). Basically: give credit where credit is due!