1. What is the first step in booking a professional portrait photographer?
The first step is finding the right photographer for you! Professional photographers offer all different types of packages and portrait options. Some photographers only shoot indoors, some only outdoors. I like to think that I offer the best of both worlds; I have very straight forward and affordable portrait packages AND I offer both studio portraits and on-location portraits.
I believe that you should get to know your photographer and feel more than comfortable with whomever you choose! A face to face consultation is not required prior to your shoot, but I do encourage it! In the end, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable with the process, that is the real first step!
2. How far in advance should we book your services?
I am available with a week or two’s notice, but typically I am booked anywhere from one to two months in advance.
3. How do we reserve your services for a portrait shoot?
A signed contract and deposit are required to reserve your portrait shoot date and time. The deposit is 30% of your total amount, it is considered non-refundable if you are not able to reschedule and portrait shoot within the year and cancel. The remaining balance must be paid in full by or on your shoot date. You may pay in full at time of signing the contract if you so choose to.
4. What type of payments do you accept?
I prefer payment by check, but I do accept credit card through PayPal. You do not need a PayPal account to make a credit card payment. Please make check payments out to: Beth W Photography
5. Do you have backup cameras and equipment?
YES! Camera or equipment problems can happen at anytime and to the best photographers.
When picking a photographer, a good question to ask would be, “Do you have redundant or backup equipment (ie: camera, flash, batteries, etc.)?”
6. What kind of equipment do you use?
I shoot with professional Canon equipment and only professional lenses. For my studio, I use professional monolights, backdrops, and light modifiers.
7. What background options are available for studio portraits?
I have a selection of professional grade solid color and textured color backgrounds, also known as backdrops. Certain backgrounds work better for certain things. After a consultation, we can decide which backgrounds we will use for your studio portrait shoot. Current background options:
8. What does 'on-location' mean?
'On location' is anything but in the studio! This type of portrait shoot can take place at your home, in your backyard, at the arboretum.. possibilities are endless. Especially for family portraits, on-location shoots allow for much more freedom and creativity!
Looking for some location suggestions?
Click here!
9. What should I/we wear for the portrait?
Every type of portrait requires different attire. For full details,
please click here!
10. Do you have accessories and props for newborn and children portraits?
Yes, I have a variety of newborn and children specific props; a bench, a cradle, wood wagon, chairs, stools, baskets, rocking horses, faux vintage luggage, holiday specific items (Easter, valentines, Christmas) hats, super-cute headbands, flowers, tutus, blankets, and even a hay-bale!
Feel free to bring your own accessories or props. Theme hats, jewelry, boas, toys, and sporting equipment are all welcome!
I am able to bring most of these items to your home for a portrait session. Prior to your session, we can discuss which accessories and props would work best for you!
11. Do you edit your own images?
Yes, I handle every aspect of your images which includes creative editing and touching-up. In this regard, I am a ‘boutique’ operation, I actually personally handle everything from start to finish!
12. What kind of touching-up and editing is included in your packages?
I do a variety of blemish, spot, and color correction. Every image is inspected by myself to ensure that it meets Beth W Photography standards. Each portrait package can include a mix of color and black & white images. I also offer a variety of editing effects if they fit your portrait needs; sepia, antiquing, midnight effect, etc.
13. How many proof images will I have to choose from with my portrait package?
The amount of images taken is completely dependent on how many people are included in the session, what type of portrait it is, and what type of location they are taken at. Business and head shots may only have 10-30 proof images where a family portrait can include 30-100.
14. What is a low-resolution and a high-resolution image?
A low-resolution image is a digital file of an image in a resolution suited for sharing online and emailing. It is not a large enough digital image for printing. The low-resolution image has a small watermark in the bottom corner crediting my work.
A high-resolution image is a digital file of an image perfect for printing and sharing. It is a large enough digital image that you can enlarge and print it. It can also be used for online and email sharing. There is no watermark on this image.
15. When will our session package be ready?
The proof images are available for viewing on your private website within 1-3 weeks of your shoot. If your package includes high-resolution images, at that time you can make your selections and I would deliver your session package within the week.
16. What is the website gallery? Can my family or friends order prints?
The website gallery is for you to view and proof your images. You may also order prints from the website. Feel free to share your website gallery’s URL address with friends and family so that they may see your images and order their own prints if they would like! The gallery is available for 60 days past your shoot date.
17. How does the print purchasing work?
Professional print purchasing is available for you and your friends and family through your website gallery. I personally handle and inspect the prints prior to delivery. Shipping is handled through USPS Priority Mail.
18. How does the friend and family print purchasing work?
Professional print purchasing is available for your friends and family through your online viewing site. I personally handle and inspect the prints prior to delivery. I have special print prices for wedding images, they are a discounted price compared to my portrait print pricing. Prices range from $1.50 for a 4x6 to $8.00 for a 8x10, and $16.00 for a 11x14. Shipping is handled through USPS Priority Mail. Print prices are very reasonable and competitive when compared to other photographers print purchasing methods. I have seen other wedding photographers charge anywhere from $10.00 for a 4x6 to $30.00 for an 8x10 (prices verified 12/08).
19. What is a Photo Card?
A Photo Card is a greeting card printed on photographic paper. Cards are available in 2 sizes, I personally prefer the look of a 5x7 card best, but 4x8 is also available. The cards come in boxed sets of 20 with white envelopes. I offer
Holiiday and
Birth Announcement Cards. There are many designs to choose from and I can even create something custom for you! Most designs can hold more than one image and all of the designs have a spot for your personal message!
To view ‘Holiday’ designs, click here!
20. What is a Canvas Gallery Wrap?
A Canvas Gallery Wrap is a canvas printed with an image and stretched over
1 1/2 inch deep hardwood bars. It measures 16x20 inches. Your favorite image
is printed on a cotton-blend canvas and covered with a matte laminate finish
that enhanced color depth and protects from UV light. The image wraps around
the edges for a three-dimensional look that will stop people in their tracks.
The Canvas Gallery Wrap comes with a paper backing
and hanging hardware already installed for you. It is ready to be hung as is!
The canvas is perfect for above the mantel or fireplace or even above
the bed! Also makes a great family holiday gift!
For more information, click here!