Personal portraits FAQ
What is a personal portrait?
A personal portrait is for personal use and keepsakes. In contrast, a professional portrait or headshot is for providing a friendly and professional face to current and potential future clients and business associates. While both may be used for social media, there is more freedom in personal portraiture; freedom in the subject’s self expression (including wardrobe, emotion and pose) and the portraitist’s creativity.
Where does it take place?
I am primarily an on location photographer. In other words, I bring all necessary equipment, including cameras, lenses, lights and backdrops to your home, office or preferred indoor or outdoor location to photograph you and yours. If necessary, I can book a studio at a location convenient to you. The studio rental fee will be charged at the timing of booking the shoot and is non-refundable.
Portrait sessions
The Solo: Exactly as the name implies, this is a portrait session for one person. We will aim to shoot for one hour to 90 minutes, using an indoor or outdoor background of your choice, or one of my backdrops. You will receive digital image files for 10 different looks and one 5x7 print on photo quality paper.
The Compact: Again, the name says it all: This is a portrait session for a compact group of two to four people (e.g. a couple, two parents with up to two children or one parent with up to three children). We will aim to shoot for one hour to 90 minutes, using an indoor or outdoor background of your choice, or one of my backdrops. You will receive at least 5 different retouched digital images and one 5x7 print on photo quality paper.
The Core: This is a portrait session for a group up to 8 people, requiring up to two hours of time. The other details are similar as for the Compact. You will receive at least 5 different retouched digital image files and one 5x7 print on photo quality paper.
The Gathering: This is a portrait session for a group of 8 or more people. You will receive at least 5 different digital images and one 5x7 print on photo quality paper. The duration of the shoot depends on the number of people and the venue.
How does it work?
It starts with an information exchange by email, text, phone or Zoom; whichever is mutually convenient. We will discuss time and place, wardrobe and other details, along with confirmation of pricing. Once we agree to proceed, I will ask for a deposit of $50.00 (to book the time). Payment can be made by e-transfer (preferred) or credit card (I will send you an online link).
After the shoot, it will take me a maximum of 7 days to review, cull and retouch the files. I will prepare an online gallery for you to review the watermarked proofs and select which one you would like receive as a print. The balance is payable at this time. I will then make the unmarked versions of the image files available for download. Alternatively, I can email them to you. You will receive the print by mail or, if convenient, I can drop it off at a mutually agreed location and time. Additional prints may be ordered.