Hawaii Photographers Frequently Asked Questions

My basic Fee Schedule is outlined on the Pricing page, and Fees are dependant on the specific job. Commercial work is Hourly plus Expences, plus Use Fees. I do NOT do "work for hire" where copyrights are assigned to the client, except in very rare situations.

PORTRAITS: I offer a selection of Portrait Collections, which include your Portraits Creation either in Studio, or on Location, and various Portrait Prints. All Collections may be added to A La Carte, and the included Portrait Prints are customized to order. Please see the Pricing page for more information on the different Portrait Collections, and what is included with each. Image CDs are A La Carte items, and may be ordered as required.

How far in advance do we need to Reserve our Portrait Session?

I don't have a hard and fast requirement for a minimum advance time for booking my services. The busiest time of year for me is July through December, so if you want to have your portraits made in the 2nd half of the year, the earlier you reserve your session, the better. Generally a month in advance is recommended, but if I can accomodate your request, I will. Just call or email to check on availability.

Do you use Film or Digital?

For 30+ years I used film. I haven't bought a roll of any kind of film for 3 years now. I was not eager to jump on the digital "band-wagon" early on. I was used to the results I got from medium format film, which is far superior to 35mm film, and what I was seeing of digital results wasn't favorable. I knew that at some point digital quality would equal film, and that time came, in my opinion, about 4 or 5 years ago. I finally made the move to 100% digital 3 years ago.

How do Film and Digital Compare?

If you want a scientific answer, there are those far better able than I to answer that question. For me the comparisons are purely subjective. As a visual artist, I have seen the results coming from digital capture and printing go from very poor, to good, to very good, to equal to film, and now, in my opinion, better than film! I have made digital prints up to 40x60 from digital capture at 6.1 megapixels, that have no grain, and with a sharpness that make medium format film prints at 30x40 look soft! And now I'm using a 10.2 MP capture.... Also, the top quality digital prints now have a colorfast rating of up to 200+ years!

Do you require a Deposit?

Yes. All reservations require a deposit. For Portraits, the deposit is Half of the price for The First Collection. For Commercial work, the deposit is dependant on the specific job. Please call or email for a quote.

Is the Deposit Refundable?

Deposits are not refundable. The exception would be in the case where Paramount Photography Hawaii failed to be able to provide contracted services due to overbooking or some other oversight. In every case we will do our utmost to fulfill our committments. We can move a Location session in to the Studio,or we will reschedule if possible. We will do whatever we can, but once we reserve a time for you, that time is yours, and we will refuse anyone else that might request the same time period. As a result, if you should cancel, we not only lose your job, but also any other that could have been scheduled.

What about bad Weather ?

If we have a Location session scheduled for you, and the weather turns bad, we can either re-schedule, or move the session to a different location, or in to the Studio. Fortunately, the weather isn't usually bad here in Hawaii...quite to the contrary! It's usually very nice weather here, and even when it isn't good, there's usually another location where it's better. That's why we say here in Hawaii, "If you no like da weather, wait 5 minutes!" (Or, drive 5 minutes down the road...)

Do you charge a Travel Fee for Location Work?

That depends. For Portraits on Oahu, unless there are extraordinary requirements, No. You could say it is included in the price of your Portrait Collection. If I am required to travel to an outer island, then the round trip air fare and a car rental will be charged to the client, (you). And in some cases hotel accomodations will also be charged. For Commercial jobs, my time starts when I leave my studio, so travel fees are included in my time for jobs on Oahu. For jobs on outer islands, round trip air, car, and in some cases hotel accomodations and per diem will be charged as expences.

Do you offer Hair & Makeup Artistry for Portraits?

I don't personally do hair or makeup, and I don't have anyone on staff for that, but I am priveleged to be able to call on 3 of the best, and consequently most in demand hair & makeup artists on the island. They are independant contractors, and you will pay them directly for their services at the time of service. Generally they take about 45 minutes per person to do both hair and makeup. If you'll want their help, it's best to reserve early! They can meet you at my studio to prepare you, or you can make other arraingements.

You may also bring your own hair & makeup artist, or do your own. If you do your own, please read Tips For Portraits, and I suggest you bring along your hair tools, and makeup. I can make suggestions to improve your makeup if nessisary, but I won't try to put it on you.

How should I Dress for my Portrait?

Portraits are very personal, and the person you want to please is you! So, the bottom line is dress the way you want to. Now, that being said, Portraits are about People...not Clothes. In my opinion, the clothes should, in every case, be complimentary to the wearer. Not distracting or attention grabbing. Clothing should be low contrast, and should be clean and pressed. In groups, you want to avoid colors that clash, and tones that are high contrast to each other. Please read Tips For Portraits for more suggestions regarding wardrobe for portraits.

Can you recommend Locations for our Portrait Session?

Absolutely! I have had the privelege of living on all the Hawaiian islands, (except Niihau and Kahoolawe), and can suggest several beautiful locations on any island for your Hawaiian Location Portraits.

How Long does a portrait session last?

I don't have a specific time limit for portrait sessions, but typically a session will run an hour to an hour and a half. It can be more or less, depending on what you are wanting from the session. If it's a group or family groups, it can take longer. If it's a business 'headshot' portrait session, it can be as brief as a half hour...or longer...it just depends.

How Many photographs/exposures do you make during a Portrait Session?

Since I made the move to digital, I really don't count frames or exposures. I like to keep going untill I'm satisfied that you will be very happy with the results. In a typical portrait session I will get between 50 and 100+ images.

When will I be able to View/Proof my portraits?

If your session is in Studio, you may view and proof right after the session, or take a break and come back to proof. Usually after a Location portrait session, you will come to the studio the following day to proof.

Do you offer Paper Proofs?

No. Even back when I used film and all proofing was paper, I didn't let the proofs leave the studio. You can order 4x5 or 4x6 portrait prints, but proofing or Previewing is done by projecting images onto a 40x50 canvas screen here at the stusio.

Can I get a CD of Images from my Portrait Session?

Yes, image CDs are available. Proof images on CD are available for $50, and the images are 4x6 at 72dpi, and have my studio copyright on them. If you want printable images on CD, I only offer this for Executive & PR Portraits and the price is $75 per image.

Can I make my own, or have Copies made from what I get from you?

With Executive or PR Portraits you can order a high res image CD at $75 per image, then, yes. Otherwise, all images are copyright protected and may not be copied or reproduced without written permission.

Do you offer Packages?

I have never felt it was my place to tell you, my client what you should order. I want you to have exactly what you want. Therefore, I do not offer Packages...except for Seniors! The only reason I offer Portrait Collections for Seniors is because that's what is expected. Even so, I encourage you to order exactly what you want A La Carte.

What Quality Prints do you offer?

The portrait Prints I offer are the state-of-the-art. My Deluxe Custom Portraits are printed on Premium Luster Art Portrait Paper and finished with a protective art spray. They have a colorfast rating of over 100 years.

My Masterpiece Canvas Portraits are printed on Premier Art Canvas, mounted on acid free mount board, and finished with several coats of fine art finishing spray. These have a colorfast rating of up to 200 + years.

What are your Portrait Print Prices?

I don't publish my portrait print prices for a few reasons. It's not that I charge whatever I feel like at the moment. I do have a set price for each size and finish. But, you can't tell anything by price alone...except the price. Also, there are so many options as to treatments, it could tend to get confusing. And I would rather talk with you to explain my pricing. My portrait print prices are competitve with other fine portrait studios on Oahu, but if you are shopping for the lowest prices, you won't find that here. What you will find here is the best value ! "PRICE is what you pay, VALUE is what you get!"

Do you include Retouching of Portraits?

Absolutely! All portraits get my standard portraitenhancements. That includes removing blemishes, softening lines and wrinkles, and reducing shine on forheads and noses, etc. Additional artwork can be done, and may have an additional charge on Deluxe Custom portraits, (included on Masterpiece Portraits.)

How Long do I have to wait for my Portraits to be Finished?

Your portraits will be finished and ready for pick up, or to be mailed to you within 3 weeks. Often sooner, but very rarely does it go over 3 weeks.

Can I get Black and White as well as Color Prints?

Sure! I can make color, Black & White, Sepia tone, or even colorized B&W. Custom borders and other artwork is also available.

How Long do you Keep the Images?

I keep all images archived on CD or DVD indefinately. You can allways reorder from your session.

Can I Order more Later?

Yes. I keep all the images from your session indefinately, so that you can reorder any time in the future.

When do I Pay for my Portrait Order?

When you place your order for portraits, I accept payment in full at the time of ordering.

What Type of Payment do you accept?

US Dollars, (cash), Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Money Order, Cahiers Check, local Personal and Business checks, out of State Personal and Business checks with proper ID and a credit card as security.

All content is copyrighted by Paramount Photogrpahy Hawaii and may not be reproduced without written permission 2006