FAQ’s
Here are the answers to commonly asked questions about your session, scheduling, payment, images… and other things that have come up
Q. Why do I have to pay a session fee and sign a contract?
A. This protects all parties involved. It allows me to schedule your photo shoot, and to count on you being there at the previously agreed-upon time. It gives you reassurance that I will be there, photographing you and your family and am completely committed to your session. The contract allows both parties to be in agreement and fully aware of what is expected of them.
Why is there a minimum purchase?
While I have a minimum order amount of $150, I’m sure you’ll have no problems with having plenty of wonderful images to choose from in order to meet that amount (my average client spends $350-550). This policy is standard practice among photographers due to the amount of time it takes to place each individual order, and the care given to packaging, handling and delivering your custom images.
Q. What if I’m late?
A. I will wait no longer than 15 minutes. If you know you are running late, please have the courtesy to call me and let me know. However, I will not extend your shooting time if you do arrive late and/or unprepared.
Q. Where do you take photos?
A. Anywhere you like. I have a small studio-type setup that is perfect for newborns. Outside locations are always beautiful for families, and I prefer to use natural surroundings when available. Obviously, most people are not going to want their photos taken in the cold of December, so my winter months are reserved for newborns.
Q. How do I book & pay for my session?
A. I accept cash, checks and credit/debit card payments. Please email/call me to set up your session date & time.
Q. What is included in my session?
A. Sessions vary, but generally, you will receive a minimum of one hour of shooting time..some (especially newborns) may be longer and some may be shorter, but in my experience, at least an hour is required to get nice images of everyone involved. You will receive a minimum of 15 proof images.
For newborns, I have various props and blankets, but if you have something specific in mind, please plan on bringing it with you to your session. Please also let me know if you want to use anything large, unusual, or unwieldy.
Q. How should my family and I dress?
A. You should wear clothes that you are comfortable in. If your shirt is too tight, too low, etc. you will not be comfortable and it will show in your photos. I want this to be a pleasant experience for you, and part of that is being comfortable in your clothing. Try to avoid heavily patterned or small-striped clothing (large stripes are ok, in moderation). You might also want to avoid having all family members wearing the same color of shirt and/or pants. The best way to coordinate children or a family is to pick a prominent color in one persons clothing (say a green in a girls brown dress) and carry that through to other family members, with dad maybe wearing a brown shirt, mom wearing something with the same green, brother in a green shirt, etc… I can help you plan clothing for your session, if needed. Please make sure everyone has clean clothing on, that is free of wrinkles and avoid big logos/pictures on the front of shirts *smile*
Q. What if my children don’t listen?
A. Take a breath and relax, that’s what I’m here for. Children are familiar with their parents, and are really good at pushing your buttons. Sometimes, wandering off and leaving the kiddo(s) with me helps them to relax and be themselves. Please don’t apologize repeatedly if they are on their worst behavior;I have kids..I know how it is, and I don’t expect yours to be perfect *smile*. The very worst thing you can do is threaten them or try to pressure them. Just let me work with them, and we will get some good shots.
Q. What do you expect of me (and my family)
A. I expect you to be on time. Early is preferable, as there are always faces to wipe, hair to comb, makeup to touch up, etc. An extra 15 minutes at the beginning, before the session starts, can help to make your session a memorable and fun one, instead of being rushed and having grumpy kiddos/mom/dad. I expect you to be a willing participant in your session. I can only work with what you’re giving me. If you are mad/grumpy/sad; it will show in your pictures.
Q. Do you offer reshoots?
A. No. I will not set aside another date for bad clothing choices (this includes wrinkles, dirt, & clothing that is too tight/unflattering), dirty faces, unhappy children/husband…etc. Of course, there can be extenuating circumstances, but it is solely up to my discretion.
Q. Do you allow rescheduling?
A. Under certain circumstances. Please see my contract for my full rescheduling policy.
Q. How soon will I be able to see my images?
A. Your proofs will be available approximately 10 days after your shoot. There may be one ‘sneak peek’ posted to my blog within 1-2 days after your shoot.
Q. Why does it take so long?
A. Just like film, I have to ‘develop’ your images, but instead of using physical darkroom, I use a digital darkroom. Preparing beautiful images for you takes time.
Q. What is a gift print, and why does it cost the same for a 4×6 as it does for an 8×10?
A. Gift prints are considered sizes that you would give for a gift. 8×10 and smaller. Custom photography is just that, custom. It takes me the same amount of time to develop and edit a 4×6 as it does an 8×10, so I charge the same price for them.
Q. How do I order?
A. We will have an in-person proofing session at your house, my house, or a mutually agreed upon location where we will view your images, and decide which ones you love and which package you need. Once our proofing session is complete, I will order your images, and you should have them back in 2-3 weeks. Please note that specialty items (albums, canvases, storyboards, etc) take more time to create, and will generally arrive separately from your print order. Again, you may pay by cash, check, or credit/debit card. Please note that if you pay via check, your order will not be placed until I take your check to the bank to guarantee payment.
Q. Do you sell digital images?
A. Yes. I have packages that include digital images, and a digital only package. I also provide web-sized, watermarked files of images you ordered for facebook/myspace/email sharing with your family and friends. These images are designed to be used on social networking, and sharing with your family/friends via email. You may not crop out my logo, or alter the photo in any way (including changing to black & white, sepia or any other edits). You also may not use these images to submit to contests.
Q. Can my family order?
A. Yes. Anyone you give your gallery password to may place an order.
Q. Can I have more photos added to my gallery?
A. No. I choose the best of the best images to show you. During our shoot, there are generally lots of closed eyes, funny faces, turned heads, etc. All images that don’t meet my criteria are immediately deleted.
Q. Can I see and/or purchase unedited images?
A. No. As I stated above, I ‘develop’ your images…I am your photographer and you hired me for my artistic vision, please trust that I am making your images spectacular just for you.
Q. Will you make me skinny in Photoshop (or fix other major flaws/wrinkles/bags, etc)?
A. No. It is important to capture you as you are. If you are not happy with the way you look, adjusting it in Photoshop is not the answer, and probably wouldn’t be convincing anyway. I’m good, but I can’t make a new mom have the body of a supermodel *wink*. I do some light retouching to minimize certain things, but I cannot give you a photoshop diet or make you 20 years younger *wink*.
Q. Do you offer discounts?
A. Only after you purchase a qualifying package. Then you can order a la carte items at a discount. I have priced my services in a way that allows me to provide you with a great experience, and still put food on the table *smile*. There is much more that goes into custom photography than just having ‘a nice camera’.
Q. What is a Model Release, and why is it required?
A. If you are receiving special pricing for a ‘casting call’ you are essentially being a model for me (or your children are). In order for me to use your images on my blog/facebook/advertising, I must have a signed model release from you. This allows me to use the images I’ve taken of you for my business, and releases me from having to compensate you (beyond the specially priced session) for use of these images.
Q. What if I don’t sign a Model Release?
A. I will be unable to book you at the ‘casting call’ pricing. You can choose to book a regular-price session with me. I do not require Model Releases for my regular sessions.
Q. Are you legal & why does it matter?
A. Yes! I am registered with the State of NJ as Christine Schimmel Photography, and I have a federal tax id#. Being legal means that I am abiding by state and federal laws and paying my taxes. It also means that I take my business seriously, as well as the welfare of my clients.
If you have any other questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.