Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a portrait?
Please submit the Booking Form.
How do I choose the right package?
With extensive experience and knowledge, I am happy to help you select the correct package. We will discuss group size, ages planned uses and different styles.
What is your cancellation policy?
Any photography service can be canceled for a 100% refund up to 2 weeks prior to scheduled appointment. Canceling appointment 48 hours or less before appointment will incur a $99 Cancellation Fee. If photography service is canceled due to rain and can not be rescheduled, then a full refund will be issued.
What are the best portrait times?
Seasonal Recommended Times:
- Summer: 7-10AM or 5-7:00PM
- Fall / Winter: 1-3PM
- Spring: 8AM-4PM
I can produce a great portrait anytime of day. However, not all subject/s can tolerate the brighter midday light or heat. If your eyes are not sensitive to light, a beautiful midday beach portrait can be produced.
Families with small children often prefer the morning time because it works better with their schedules and leaves the rest of their day free.
If you are open to other locations than beach, the recommended summer time ranges can be expanded.
For fall or winter portraits, I recommend scheduling a midday session because color renders better towards the middle of the day. The temperature is also moderate which makes for a happier subject. The sun is further south in the sky which reduces the intensity of the light. Sensitive eyes will also be more tolerant to midday light. Shooting during these hours also helps avoid the heavy orange cast of autumn, evening light.
What clothing should I wear?
Personally, I like incorporating bright colors that harmonize among the group. Stay away from drab or dark colors. Some families opt to dress in the same style outfits but it isn't required.
Remember the beach is a windy and hot place. Wearing clothing that is comfortable for posing in these conditions makes everyone a happier subject. Pick shoes that make sense for the beach. Dress loafers and socks look off in a beach portrait and saltwater will easily ruin leather shoes. Flip flops or Crocs work great!
Men wearing long sleeve, button down shirts generally leads to lots of sweat spots and an uncomfortable person. I highly recommend golf shirts. They have bright vivid colors and are comfortable for summer days. Avoid shirts with thin stripes because it can easily cause the moire effect.
For ladies, some types of thin fabric dresses do not work well. The wind can blow fabric close to skin which looks revealing and requires retouching. Try to select outfits that will leave you flexible and comfortable for different poses and settings.
Solid color clothing is easier to retouch than patterns.
Do you have other portrait tips?
Avoid moisturizers before the shoot. Lighting does not highlight dry skin but is does emphasize oily. Consider bringing a small cloth or napkin for blotting skin. South Carolina is hot and humid, avoid wearing clothes that will make you feel overheated. You will photograph much better if your skin and clothing are not covered in sweat. This will also help you avoid any additional retouching charges.
Be careful with make-up that drastically changes skin color like bronzers. Digital cameras are very sensitive to color. These enhancements will appear exaggerated and obvious.
Most girls love to wear their hair down. The beach is a less than friendly place for long hair. Additional retouching charges maybe required to fix complex hair problems. Generally, this occurs when an excellent moment is captured but someone's hair is blowing across their face.
Avoid bringing purses, totes, dress loafers, cameras, and other items. They slow down the pace of photography, often are the way, easy to trip or trample on, and take away from your photography time. Also, leave phones and keys behind if you can. The outlines in your pocket show up in photos.
Recommended items are a small cloth that can be kept in a pocket and couple hair ties / clip for long hair. Areas with out much wind can be buggy. So you might consider spray for gnats. Generally, I keep a bottle in the back of the car as a back up measure.
What happens if it rains?
If your vacation plans are flexible, finding an alternate time will not be a problem.
Coastal weather is pretty consistent in the summer. It will be generally hot, humid, with 12-15 mph winds on the beach. Once the weather becomes hot there is almost always a chance of afternoon pop up showers that race towards the coast. Often the energy does not materialize. If rain looks unavoidable, you will be contacted as early as possible for an alternate plan.
If you experience the very rare occasion where the rain never stops, you will have the choice to move to a covered area or opt for a full refund.
Why is editing important?
Editing is the second most important and labor intensive part of photography. It is the process of reviewing and comparing every single photo from the shoot and reducing it to the best images. In a weird way, less is more when it comes to photography.
Understanding retouching
Retouching is by far the most under valued and important part of making completed images. Outdoor, coastal photography can be a challenging environment.
Basic Retouching: covers simple retouches such as mild skin glare & blemishes, simple glasses glare (not covering eye), stray hair (not across the face), and under eye softening.
Ultra Retouching: adds a higher level of retouching that covers heavy skin glare, stray hair across the face, wind blown hair, heavy skin blemishes, sunburns, tan lines, uneven skin tones, braces removal, complex glasses glare, apparel clean up, squinting, closed eyes, head swaps, people swaps, background cleanup, sky enhancements, sky replacements, and weight reduction.
What happens after portrait?
Photo shoots are edited and retouched in approximately two weeks. Rush service is available if turnaround is urgent. Rush service rates are listed below. Your online images are handled by a professional online gallery service that provides security and privacy. Images can easily be shared with family and friends.
What can I order after my shoot?
The following photography products may be ordered through your online gallery. Many products qualify for $22.95 Overnight shipping.
- Downloadable Digital Photos
- Custom Prints - Ilford Pearl finish
- Custom Metallic Prints - Pearl finish
- Greeting Cards Styles: Flat, Folded or Modern Pop Up - Includes envelopes - Many theme, quantity and size options
- Showcase Prints available on Canvas, Acrylic, Aluminum, Metal Murals
- Photo Books and Albums with many cover options
- T-Shirts, Cami Strap Tanks, Sweaters, Aprons, Tote Bags
- Dry Erase Calendars, Key Chains, Luggage Tags, Mugs
- Mouse Pads, Coasters, Magnets, Cutting Boards, Playing Cards
What are turnaround times?
(Shipping Time is Not Included)
Portrait Shoots: Approximately 14 days
Downloadable Digital Photos: Same Day Access
Custom Photo Prints: 7-10 business days
Canvas Gallery Wraps: 7-10 business days
Greeting Cards: 24-48 hours
Do you offer rush service?
es, rush service is offered in three different levels. Rush rates can be applied to photography services and custom prints. Orders most be approved to ensure deadline can be met. Service requires paid electronic invoice to commence work.
- 48 hour turnaround - 50% Rush Charge
- 24 hour turnaround - 100% Rush Charge
- Same Day turnaround - 200% Rush Charge