portrait FAQ

Experience

How many portrait sessions have you photographed?
Far too many to count, to be honest… I’d say hundreds…

How many do you typically shoot each year?
I book a max of about 20 each year. This allows me to provide my couples with the dedication, attention, and creative energy they deserve, as well as maintain a healthy balance between work and home life.

How would you describe your style?
I prefer to be quiet and unobtrusive when photographing, as not to disturb the moment, but I can also sense when some natural direction and posing guidance is needed. It’s important for my clients to feel comfortable and free to just relax and be themselves during our time together. And in terms of editing the images, it’s important to me to keep the look pretty true to life, while adding a bit of contrast, warmth, and a little touch of grit.

Booking

How much is due up front?

Session fees are due in full upon booking in order to officially reserve your date and time.

Do you charge travel fees for certain locations?

Destinations located outside of a 50-mile radius from downtown Hanover, PA are subject to a $2.00 per mile travel reimbursement. Locations over 2 hours or 140 miles outside of downtown Hanover, PA will be charged an additional lodging and travel reimbursement fee. Charges for locations over 3 hours will be negotiated based on details and logistics.

Day of the Session

What do you bring along with you?
I travel simply, two cameras and a few lenses. Sometimes a flash or two if needed, but most often I use available natural light.

What if we have bad weather?
If we’re photographing indoors, we will still proceed as planned. However, I usually like to reschedule outdoor sessions, even if it’s only drizzling, so we can make the most out of the session with optional conditions. We’ll touch base, usually via text, about 4 hours prior to the session start-time about whether or not to move forward, switch up the location, or reschedule for the next available date and time. In the case of inclement weather, rescheduling most often takes place on the following Wednesday after our initially scheduled session.

Post-Processing

Do you edit each photo yourself?
Yes, I do all of my post-processing.

Do you retouch them too?
I do not offer additional retouching or photoshopping because I believe in preserving the authenticity of what I am capturing. However, if you wake up with a pimple that day, I will absolutely remove that for you in every photo. :)

What is the difference between editing and retouching?

Editing alters the raw image with broad enhancements like color and exposure correction, contrast adjustment, sharpening, and some basic spot removal. Retouching requires more in-depth alteration such as removal of background elements.

What am I allowed to do with my images?
They are yours to enjoy! You are welcome to make prints and share them to social media as often as you’d like. You just can’t sell, edit, or alter them in any way.