Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Questions about portrait photography
What is your style of photography?
I use a journalistic approach for family photography. I never ask kids to pose or ask them to show their teeth. I simply give some direction to the kids as well as Mom and Dad. For me, photography is all about observing and capturing a moment that lets you read your family story behind the image.
Outdoors or in your studio?
I definitely prefer the outdoors for family photography! Not only because of natural light but it also provides a more relaxed environment for the kids. I let them run around and have an awesome time. That will give me the opportunity to capture your kids as they are. Yes, I do give directions, but only to make you as a family feel comfortable in front of my camera and to make you feel special. That day your family is my focus and very special to me! My goal is to have a fun filled family day.
What do we wear?
You don't have to buy new clothes for your session. If you're a jeans and t-shirt family, go for that. Above all, "keep it simple" is definitely my advice. It's not about being fancy; it's about you as a family. I suggest plain colored clothes in tones that complement one-another like off-white/beige/brown, or brown/grey/black for a winter session. No text, no patterns, no stripes. It will only date the image and distract from the main subject: your family as you are.
Is the session limited to one hour?
No. We take our time, especially with smaller kids. Sometimes they need a break, have a snack and some juice. And some locations offer so many photo opportunities it just takes longer. There are no extra charges beyond the session fee.
What is the right location?
That is totally up to you. It really depends on what style you prefer. Classic (I think of the beach or Balboa Park), urban (I know great locations downtown), country (how about Carlsbad Leo Carrillo Ranch or a beautiful field or a nature trail)?
Or are we talking about a family with teenagers? I have a great location in mind with graffiti, brick walls, old warehouse doors, train tracks ...
Give me a call to find out what style fits best with your family and the kids' ages.
Do you travel?
For family photography up to 30 minutes travel by car is included in the session fee. If traveling takes longer we will arrange a different session fee to accommodate you.
What time of the day do we book our session?
For studio photography that is not an issue because it is a light measured and controlled environment.
Natural light, however, is tricky. An overcast day is perfect as natural, even light and we can go anywhere. We won't have to look for shade. On sunny days, however, natural light is best when the sun is low to capture warm light. So in spring, summer and fall I suggest sessions early in the morning, late afternoon or even early evenings. Of course we can always look for shade.
What is the investment?
The session fee is $99.00 for a one hour and $175.00 for a two hour studio session or on location. That covers the time and talent of the photographer only. Look up package pricing for high resolution, professionally edited digital images in the pricing section. Ask me for rates of prints, canvasses and acrylic wall art.
When and how are my family photos available?
Expect it to take one week to preview the images and one more week to professionally edit every single image. All of the images will be available on-line. You will get a password to your personal image files. You can also place your order on-line, whether it is for prints, canvasses, an album or ordering all the images for download.
Questions for wedding photography
I prefer a mix of the journalistic style of photography and of the traditional approach. To me, photographing a wedding is telling the story in images of the most important day of your life. It won't just be about the formal side of the day. It's about capturing those emotional, warm or even hilarious moments and details as well. For me, journalistic photography is THE tool to accomplish this. But don't worry - I will give some posing directions as well.
When do I book my wedding photography?
I recommend to book as soon as possible after your engagement. Perhaps it's not the first thing you will be thinking of, but most photographers are booked nine months to a year before the wedding. Please contact me to avoid the mutual disappointment of me not being available at your big day.
Do I need engagement photos?
No, not necessarily, but there are a few good reasons to do an engagement session. First of all, it is great to document the joy of being engaged to the most special person in the world.
It is also a great opportunity to get to know me as a photographer and learn how to deal with a camera in front of you. You will be camera ready and much more comfortable in front of the camera at your wedding, and that will reflect in your wedding photos.
Another good reason? Most couples use their engagement photos for their invitations and wedding guestbook. Great idea!
Is there consultation included?
I consider it an honor to be your wedding photographer and in my experience meeting each other is very useful, if not necessary. And not only once, but throughout several stages of preparing for the wedding.
First of all, I think it's important to meet each other in person. I don't believe in 'just showing up' on the most important day of your lives. I want to get to know you two as a couple - how did you meet and where, what do you have in common, do we use these facts in the photography? I also want to talk to you about locations, what is my style of photography and what are your expectations and I want to show you my portfolio.
Closer to the wedding I will contact you again and we can talk more in detail - who is involved in what role, exact locations, procedures, who's on the list of must-have formal photos, who are the people I should pay special attention to?
What is the investment for wedding photography?
I do, prefer to cover your day from getting ready to the last dance. That's the best way to show the full story of your big day so you can relive your special day again.
Whichever package you choose will include all high resolution, professionally edited images and a release letter for copyright.
I suggest we meet and go through the details of the investment together. Please contact me to set a day and time. No obligations!
Do you charge a down payment?
I charge a $600.00 non-refundable down payment. The rest will be payable two weeks before the wedding day.
Do we need a second photographer?
That is up to you. Having a second photographer will allow me to have more freedom in my creativity while the other photographer catches the 'must-have' images. It also depends on how many people attend the ceremony and the reception. Until now I was the only photographer at most weddings, however, I am aware that more and more couples prefer to work with two photographers. I now offer the services of a second professional photographer as well. We can discuss further details when we meet.
When are our images ready?
It will take about 4 to 6 weeks to professionally edit all of the images I select. Images are selected and edited at the photographer's discretion. I reserve the right to edit and release only those images I consider creditable and professional and within my artistic standards as a professional photographer. Count on 75-100 images per hour.
Will the images be available on-line and how long?
The images will also be available on-line for family and friends to order their favorite photos. I will provide a link to a private on-line gallery that you can share. Your wedding photos will be available on-line in 2-4 weeks.
How long will you keep our wedding photos on file?
After the 4 weeks that the photos are available on-line I will make a backup on an external hard drive. The backup will be available for 1 year.
Do you offer albums?
A lot is available on-line in various qualities but as a strong believer in quality versus quantity I offer high end printed albums only. We can work on the process together. I'll make suggestions on style and the images I prefer to implement, you make your own suggestions and together we'll create an exclusive and classy album that will tell your complete wedding story.
Questions about newborn & maternity photography
When do I book my newborn photography session?
Definitely book in advance, in order to be sure I have time available to do the session when the baby is 3 - 10 days old. I will reserve time for your session around the due date + 3 days. I suggest you add me to the list of people you will call after the baby is born. We can set an exact date then.
When do I book a maternity session?
I prefer to do maternity photography in the 7th or 8th month of your pregnancy.
Where does the session take place?
We can do it at my studio or at your place. It's up to you. If we do it at your house I need good natural light, preferably a window facing north. I will also bring studio lights.
How long does a newborn session take?
Count on 2 hours. We will take our time. If the baby is hungry or needs to be comforted you can absolutely take all the time you need for that. No need to be nervous if the baby is a bit fussy. Please make sure your baby is fed when we start the session. A fed baby is a sleepy baby is ideal for the photo shoot. Another tip: please loosen the baby's diaper and take off socks about half an hour before the session, so no marks will show when we start.
My baby is 3 months old. Is that too late?
Definitely not. The only difference will be that your baby will be awake most of the session. That asks for a different approach in which it's easier to involve Mom and Dad and capture the interaction between you and your baby.
Can I bring my own props?
Absolutely! I have props like blankets and baby posers, but feel free to bring your own. It will add something personal.
What do we wear?
White/off-white/beige clothing creates a serene atmosphere that fits the purity of the new baby. If you prefer other colors, go for that, but I do suggest solid colored clothes in tones that complement one-another. No text, no patterns, no stripes. It will only date the image and distract from the main subject: you and your new baby.
What's the investment?
Please call or drop me an email for price information.
When and how are the images available?
Give me two weeks to professionally edit every single image. All the images will be available on-line. You'll get a password to your personal image file. You can also place your order on-line, whether it's for prints, canvasses, an album or ordering all the images for download.