Frequently Asked Questions & etc.

Q: When will my pictures be done? 

A: It depends on how much work I have in addition to your photos. I aim to have portrait sessions done in 3-4 weeks and weddings done in 4-10 weeks. This part is important- When I give you a specific amount of time that the photos will be done it is not necessary to keep asking me about how editing is going. If the time slot is longer or shorter than that estimated time I will definitely contact you as soon as possible. You just have to trust me. :)

Q: Can I have a few of my pictures sooner than my due date?

I understand completely that announcement cards, thank you cards, and invitations need to be sent out. Ideally, it would be better if you had your pictures taken in time for you to send those items out. I understand that life can be very busy and you may need them sooner. I can offer the preview photos that I post on Facebook. That is absolutely no problem. But if you ask for a specific picture or more than 4 of the pictures there will be an additional charge.

Q: Can I have the RAW photos? I am a photographer too and would like to edit my own photos. 

Whether you are a photographer or not I will not give my clients, friends, or family my RAW, or unedited photos. They can not be purchased, you cannot pay me extra.

This may not be something every photographer agrees with on but I view my photography as art work. The way I view it is this is the same as asking a painter for his half finished painting so you can finish it yourself. Not only is that insulting to the artist but the attempted purchaser would not be able to see the vision the original artist's for the painting. This is why I will not give away my raw photos. Photography is not just my job- it is not just my little business adventure to make money. It is my passion. My photos are so important to me that is why I like to be the one to take the time to edit my own photos. If you have an issue with this feel free to find a photographer that will bend this common rule in photography.

Q: What do you charge?

A: My prices have raised recently due to my new equipment. They will change again in January of 2015. For now my prices for a portrait session is $175 and a wedding starts at $700.

Q: Why do photographers charge so much?

A: This is a common question. I have had several clients or prospective clients wonder why I charge what I charge and here is why.

1. Transportation to and from the place where the portrait session or wedding takes place. Especially if it is in several locations or is farther than 15 miles away from where I live. Gas is crazy expensive these days and unfortunately my car is not a spring chicken.
2. Shutter clicks on my camera- It is sad but a cold hard truth that I must face: Because I am a photographer and I take pictures almost daily my camera is not going to live forever. I am going to need to upgrade my equipment and maintain it often.
3. The smallest shortest factor- The time I spend actually taking pictures.
4. Hours of editing- Depending on the picture, I can spend either a minute editing or an hour editing one picture. That is a lot of time!
5. Website/blog maintenance.
6. New equipment. I don't think there is a photographer in the world that will ever be able to say that they have all the equipment they need. And if they can say that- boy am I jealous because it is expensive. Just take a gander at amazon and you will see what I mean!
7. Finally, there is mailing the pictures on your DVD, the cost of the packaging, the DVD itself and postage. It's the least of importance financially but it adds up!