How long have you been making portraits in this
community?
Every region and each community has it's own style
and feeling. Not that each individual within the community has exactly
the same tastes and style as everyone else, but there is a general
agreement, usually, as to what is desirable. If your photographer
has been a member of the community for some time, he'll have a better
feel for the local sensibilities. You'll probably have more in common,
and feel more comfortable with him.
What kind of Guarantees do you offer?
This is an obvious question. If the photographer
has no guarantees, he has no confidence, and doesn't deserve your
business. At the very least you should be guaranteed to be satisfied
with the quality of the portrait products delivered. You should
also be guaranteed a refund or re-take if you're not happy with
any of the portraits from your session.
What is the archival life expectancy of my Portraits?
It really makes a difference what quality of product
is used to make your portraits. If lighting, skill and care in creating
portraits were all equal, (and they certainly are not), the photographic
products, which your portraits are composed of, vary greatly in
quality. And it shows. The big chain type, and franchise studios
tend to use the cheapest products possible. Portraits such as those
tend to fade and yellow. High-end professional products will have
an archival life expectancy, or "colorfast rating" of 80+ years.
How much time do I need to plan on for the session?
The actual amount of time your session will require
depends on the goals you have for your session. It also depends
on the skills of the photographer and the care he takes with all
the details. A portrait session can last from half an hour to two
hours, or even more depending on the variables. You want a photographer
who cares enough about your portraits to have a planning session
or consultation with you prior to the creation of your portraits.
From that you should have a very accurate idea of how much time
to plan on.
How long do you save the images, negatives or
digital files?
Whether the photographer shoots film or digital,
you may want to order reprints from your session later on. In case
you do, you'll want to know that the images will be on file and
available, and for how long.
Do you offer Re-touching and Artwork on your
portraits?
Most photographers have the capability to enhance
portraits with special techniques and artwork, or their lab does.
What kinds of art working or re-touching does your photographer
offer, and is it included, or is there an extra charge? It is common
for there to be extra charges for extensive artwork, but basic softening
of facial lines and blemishes should be standard.
Can I have my portrait done on Premium Art Canvas?
Not all photo labs are equipped to make portraits
on canvas, or to 'bond' portraits to canvas, but it does add an
incredible dimension to photographic portraits. It is a more expensive
process, but well worth it if your photographer can offer portraits
on canvas.
Do you offer Packages as well as A La Carte purchases?
Some photographers offer only packages. Some only
offer A La Carte pricing. You want the option to purchase only what
you want! If a package turns out to be exactly what you want, then
great! But what if you don't want everything in the packages offered,
or you want a certain package but with an added 8x10 or so? Well,
it just makes sense to work with a photographer who at least offers
A La Carte options. Personally I feel that the client is the best
one to determine what is best for them. As a result, I don't offer
pre-set packages. I want my clients to have exactly what they want,
therefore, my clients create their own Custom Portrait Collections,
and I fullfill their order. Everything in my studio is priced individually,
then when my client has determined what they are ordering, I then
apply a Custom Collection discount based on the total order. This
way they don't loose out on a "package deal", and they
get exactly what they want.