1. Tell me how this works.
I come to you, or you come to me. If I come to your office I
have a 5 headshot minimum that is affordable, fun and produces the kind
of quality output you see on this web page. This is for "basic
headshots" and is a 2 hour session. I can also come to your office and shoot more complicated and creative
individual executive portraits as well.
Your office manager will either choose the shots or ask you to pick the one you like the best. When they give me the order I will supply them with whatever the agreement called for.
In the case of "you come to me" it is a 30 minute session at my
studio. After we are done I will provide you with online proofs. I will send this to you as a link on a web page. I can usually get these proofs to you "same day" or within 24 hours.
Bing. Bang. Boom.
2. What happens next?
You pick the one you want and give me the order.
I will spend some time tweaking your photo file. Although I know "it's hard to improve on perfection" I will make you look even more gorgeous or handsome. This is usually a "three business day" delivery. Need it rushed? Just let me know.
3. How do I get this stuff?
I will upload your photo-files in a folder, zipped and host it on my web page for you to download at your convenience. I will send you a link to this. All you do is double-click the link and then unzip the folder. Voila! Make a folder on your hard drive and keep it in there for safe keeping.
Additionally (if you like) I will mail you a CD of the same photo-files at no extra charge.
4. What size files and what format do I get?
I will provide you with one 6x9 inch / 300 DPI JPEG headshot /
portrait as your main photo-file. In addition I will give you three
smaller sizes for other various uses.
5. Do you keep these stored for me?
No, sorry. I am only responsible for 30 days. You own these photo-files, and please feel free to make as many copies as you like. In fact I would encourage you to make two CD copies and put them in separate places for safe keeping.
6. Is retouching included?
Yes. Basic retouching is included at no extra charge and would be (for the most part) "whitening eyes, brightening teeth, smoothing skin, eliminating blemishes and cleaning up stray hairs."
7. Do I only get one "look?"
No. I'll shoot as much stuff as you like (in the allotted time.) But for the minimum we agree to you get ONE file (headshot photo) included. Each additional you chose will be an additional file fee.
See forwarded rate sheet for details which will be sent to you after
your initial inquiry. Please remember that (30 minute) sessions are in "one-hour
increments" so if you want to try several looks, you may go
over your time and will be charged an additional hour (minimum.)
8. What is the difference between a headshot and a portrait?
Well, in my opinion there is a difference and we base pricing structure on the service. Here it is how I define it on my rate sheet:
Headshots are defined as "head and shoulder shots with our supplied background."
Portraits are defined as "your office or off-site location. Shots (can be 3/4, full frame, cropped tighter, cropped looser, etc.) using appropriate backgrounds relevant to your business or the shot itself. Need large space, hallway, lobby, etc. We can both get creative with this type of shot."
You can give us the opportunity to do both in one session. We do it all the time. Schedule time to do the whole crew as headshots, and maybe the brass as portraits. Or any combination you choose. The world? Your oyster.
9. What do I wear?
See my "do's and don'ts" link here in the links section. I'll be updating that as well and may combine these two documents in the future.
10. What do you charge?
Excerpt from recent email
exchange: "After reading the Photography Studio article, I’m
sure we can’t afford you, but I’d like to give it a try
anyway!"
Call me / email me and ask. I have a basic minimum and a "per
photo-file additional" fee that is very reasonable and right along with the Dallas market. But in this day and age where "everybody's a photographer"
you can feel comfy hiring one who "really" is, and you won't
pay a dime more for it.
11. I found someone who provides "the same service" for less.
Well. What can I say? You are going to put "your best face forward" on the internet for the world to see. Pease consider that saving a few bucks here might not be money in the bank for you.
Rather the opposite, actually. Folks can spot a "cheap headshot" a mile away, and (at that point) it can only
reflect back on you, not the photographer.
But, of course we would always wish you well and hope to see you when you update soon!
12. What about doing multiple files at a convention or a meeting?
Yes. Sure. We do it all the time. Dozens, hundreds. We have a system to make it quick and high quality as well.
If you are a meeting or event planner having an event in Dallas, let us show how we can help update your archives while you have a captive audience. Hint for success? Make it mandatory!!
13. Are you locked into the answers to these FAQ?
Absolutely not. We can tailor any job to your specific requirements, and are very flexible to work with. We are "client-centered" and "service-oriented" and welcome any curves you want to throw us.
(Did this FAQ help? Please let me know.) I am happy to add any questions you may have to help others like yourselves make informative decisions. Just email me via the web page and tell me if you would like to add a question or if you have a question you need answered I did not cover.
