FAQ – Portraits

BOOKING & PRICING

If you’ve got questions that aren’t answered here, you can always email or call me at 510.679.4158.

How do we book a portrait session with you?
If you’re ready to book, the process is easy and automated:

1. First, click here to view the session types.

2. Then, choose your session type.

3. Next, choose your session date and time on the calendar and then fill out the details questionnaire.

4. Once we’ve confirmed that the date/time you chose is available, we’ll send you an invoice and contract and once your initial payment is made, your date/time will be officially blocked off in my calendar!

5. I’ll give you a call to go over all the details.

IMPORTANT! Your initial payment is not a deposit or retainer, but an actual fee for work performed in advance, such as consultations, location scouting and client data management. It’s a non-refundable payment, but if you need to reschedule, your initial payment can be moved to a future available date on my calendar, assuming certain conditions are met (see “Can I reschedule my session?” below).

What payment methods do you accept?
I accept in-person cash payments, Venmo and Zelle. Checks are not accepted.

Do you have different portrait packages?
Yes, you’ve got several options! You can see all session types here.

Do you have a studio or are you an on-location photographer?
I shoot the vast majority of sessions on-location. They can be at a beach, in a downtown area, in your home or at many other locations. If you’d like an indoor studio session, we can book studio time in a local rental studio for an additional fee. I don’t add any extra fees when booking studio rental time, you’ll pay only what they charge (in addition to your session fee).

SESSION DETAILS

Can I reschedule my session?
Sure! Assuming the details of your session remain the same, as long as you request the reschedule at least 21 days prior to your session, I’m happy to move your session to any open date on my calendar. Reschedule requests inside of 21 days will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Reschedules are not allowed within 7 days of your session without a 50% fee, due to loss of the ability to re-book your date.

Is it possible to cancel my session if I need to?
Of course! I know that life sometimes gets in the way, so you are always welcome to cancel, but it’s important to note that you’ll lose your initial payment if you do, regardless of the reason for cancellation, so I recommend rescheduling if possible.

IMPORTANT! If you cancel within 7 days of your session date and have yet to make your final payment, you will still owe the final payment, to cover my loss of income from not being able to re-book your date.

What happens if you (the photographer) can’t make it to the session?
If I’m unable to attend, I’ll try to reschedule first, or if that’s not possible, I’ll attempt to find a replacement photographer of a similar skill level – either one of my associate photographers or a peer in the local community. If none are available, you’ll have my sincere apologies, I’ll refund your fees in full and I’ll give you a $50 discount code valid one time towards any future booking – and the code is transferable!

PREPARING FOR YOUR SESSION

What should we wear for our portrait session?
You are welcome to coordinate your outfits on your own, or I can provide a Pinterest board with all kinds of outfit inspiration. One suggestion: if wearing matching colors, it’s better to wear similar shades of the same color rather than everyone wearing the exact same color. Also keep in mind that bold prints, patterns and graphics can be very distracting and draw the attention away from you. Consider solid colors or less-obvious patterns/prints.

Can we bring multiple outfits for our session?
Yes, the Signature Session allows outfit changes! Keep in mind that the more outfits you change into, the less time we have to photograph you, and though one hour seems like a long time, it can be eaten up quickly by multiple outfit changes.  I recommend two outfits per one hour session.

Can we include our pets in the photo session?
Absolutely! As long as they respond well to your direction, dogs and other pets that can be directed or managed are welcome in any session. Please note, I can’t guarantee that your pet will be looking at the camera in any shots, but we’ll work together to try to make it happen.

Do you offer hair and makeup services?
I work with trusted professional stylists who can help you look and feel your best for your session.

IMAGE DELIVERY & USAGE

How long does it take to receive the photos?
You can typically expect to see your edited images within 7 business days of your session! A three day rush is available for $50 per session, a next day rush is available for $100 and a same day rush is available for $200.

How will we receive the photos?
I deliver high resolution digital images via an online gallery, typically at or around 1920 pixels per long side.

Who owns the photos?
As the creator of the art, I own the copyright to all images I create, which is both state and federal law. Don’t worry though! You’ll receive a license to use the photos in almost any way you like, with only a few limitations (like not being able to remove my logo except in certain circumstances, not being able to sell the images or assign rights to them, and no commercial uses without permission from me).

CAN I PRINT THE PHOTOS?
You are welcome to print images up to 8×10 inches on a home printer for personal use. For wall art, sizes larger than 8×10 and all other print needs, you can order professional prints, canvases and more directly through the gallery. I use one of the best professional printers in America, White House Custom Color. Please note: your license does not include permission to print photos at budget printing locations like CVS, Walmart, Shutterfly, etc.

Can I buy the copyright to the photos?
Yes, non-commercial clients can purchase the copyright for $1500 per gallery, or $500 if you allow me to use the photos for promotional purposes. You will then have complete ownership of the images and can do anything you’d like with them, and unless you choose the promotional option, I will no longer have any right to use the images in any way. Commercial clients will need to negotiate a separate agreement on a case-by-case basis.

Can we share the photos online?
Absolutely! Feel free to share the photos anywhere you like, as long as my logo remains visible. You can remove my logo for use at home or for use in a personal/commercial website design (as long as the website belongs to you), but please leave the logo on for all other purposes.

Can I edit the photos?
You may edit the photos in any way you like for personal use that won’t be shared online or through email. For any image that could or will be shared online (social media or otherwise) or sent to others through email, please don’t edit the photos beyond basic cropping. I’ve worked very hard over the years to develop my style and vibe, and when others see my work, it should look like my work.

If you need more extensive edits, I’m happy to do them for an additional fee.

OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

What happens if it rains on the day of our outdoor shoot?
If it’s raining, we can either reschedule the session or explore indoor location options. If it’s just gray or windy, or even if it’s just sprinkling a little here and there, we’ll still shoot! Gray days provide very even lighting and we can get some great shots. I do reserve the right to cancel and reschedule if the weather worsens during the session.

Do you have liability insurance?
Yes, I carry liability insurance and I’m licensed to work in San Luis Obispo County and others.

Can we bring a friend or family member along to our session?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring a guest for support or to help with any little ones. Please note, if you want them to actually be in the session and be photographed, there’s an extra fee of $50 per adult, which is due in advance or at the session itself. There is never a fee for extra children, as long as the children are siblings. Children who are extended family or friends are $25 per child.

Please note: this FAQ page is an informational guideline and is not a legal document and should not be treated as such. Please consult your contract for specific legal details. I am not responsible for accidental errors or omissions on this page. Should any information on this page contradict or contravene anything in a legal agreement between Namu.Love and a client, the contracted agreement will take precedence.