FAQ

I accept cash, Venmo and Zelle. Checks are not accepted.

I deliver high resolution digital images via an online gallery, typically at or around 1920 pixels per long side.

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 nearly 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).

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 your 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.

Yes, non-commercial clients can purchase the copyright for $1500 per gallery. You will then have total ownership of the images and can do anything you’d like with them, and I will no longer be able to use them in any way, even for self-promotion.

Optionally, if you allow me to continue using the images for promotional and marketing purposes, I'll only charge you $500 to buyout the copyright to your gallery of images.

Commercial clients will need to negotiate a separate agreement on a case-by-case basis.

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.

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, right?

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

Yes, I purchase liability insurance for venues that require it, I have a TIN and I’ve filed my FBN in San Luis Obispo County and others.

I photograph families, couples, kids, maternity, prom, seniors, grads, headshots, dating profiles, personal branding, dancers, athletes, creative team shots and just-because portraits. Every portrait session is $200 for one hour at one location, with 30 edited images delivered in an online gallery.

You can book your session here.

I primarily shoot on-location (beaches, downtown areas, homes, businesses etc) but if you have a session idea that works better in a studio, we can rent studio time locally, for an extra fee.

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 within 7 days of your session are typically not possible without an additional fee.

Of course! You are always welcome to cancel, but I definitely recommend rescheduling if possible, because you’ll lose 50% of your payment if you cancel, regardless of the reason for cancellation and if you cancel within 7 days of your session date you will forfeit your entire fee.

Why the hefty penalties for cancellation? Because the closer to a session date the cancellation, the more difficult it is to re-book that date, which means a very large potential loss of income and loss of time from the work already performed getting ready for a session like scouting locations, consulting with clients, preparing mood boards, prepping equipment, etc.

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, I’ll refund your fees in full within 30 days and I’ll give you a $100 discount code valid one time towards any future booking, and the code is transferable!

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.

Yes! You can change outfits during your one-hour session. Keep in mind that each change takes time away from taking photos, so plan for what matters most to you at your chosen location.

Absolutely! As long as they respond well to your direction, dogs and other pets that can be easily directed or managed are welcome in any session. And even if they're a wild one, I'm totally fine with you bringing them as long as you don't mind them running wild, lol. Two things to keep in mind: one, you'll want to bring someone to help watch your pet when we're shooting without them in the shots, or if you plan on leaving them in your vehicle, please make sure they have plenty of water, some snacks and good air flow. Two, 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!

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 (same day rushes are only available for events or portrait sessions local to me that end before 8p).

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 - but you'll get to keep any shots we've already taken!

Yes, you’re welcome to bring a guest for support or to help with any little ones. They can be in the photos too. Let me know who you’d like included so we can make the most of our one hour at one location.

High school seniors, college grads, proud parents, first-gen graduates and families who want fun, vibrant, original photos that feel natural and actually reflect the person graduating. We’ll get the frameable parent-approved photographs, but the session should still feel like you.

As early as you can, especially during graduation season. The closer we get to commencement, the harder it gets to find good times with good light and less crowd chaos.

Yes. Parents book senior sessions all the time. The best version is when the parent handles the logistics but the senior still gets a real say in the location, outfits and overall vibe. These photos are documenting their life, so they should get a say in how they look.

Senior and grad portraits follow the same $200 session as all my other portraits: one hour at one location, with 30 edited images delivered. We can make time for parent-approved portraits, personality shots and an outfit change if you want one. Outfit changes count toward the hour, so plan the shots you care about most.

Beaches, parks, fields, downtown areas, school-adjacent spots, family property or anywhere that fits the senior’s personality. If you already have a location in mind, great! If not, I can help with suggestions.

Yes. Common choices include the Cal Poly sign wall, Poly Canyon, campus walkways and other recognizable spots. We can also avoid the obvious spots and find something quieter if you want a less cookie-cutter look.

Usually, yes, as long as the location is accessible to the public (or you can arrange permission). Some schools have rules about when and where photos can happen, so it's worth checking if you want photos on campus.

Each $200 portrait session covers one location. Choose a spot with a few different backgrounds if you'd like more variety in your photos.

Later afternoon and early evening usually give the best light. Midday can work in some locations, but harsh sun is not always flattering. We're looking for nice, even lighting, which makes everything easier. Think 3p and later. The golden hour (about 45 minutes before official sunset) is also a popular time to shoot.

I cover my own parking fees, with the exception of any location that requires more than standard street parking fees. For example, if a private parking lot has higher fees than standard parking, then you will have to cover that, but city street parking is included.

You can shoot in one outfit or bring a second look, such as your cap & gown. Pick what matters most to you so outfit changes don't take too much of your one-hour session. Wearing what you feel comfortable in is best, but for at least one outfit, wear something that speaks to your personality: serious, professional, flirty, fun, athletic, goth, skater, surfer, cosplayer, fashionista, dancer, etc. You can also get some shots in your team uniform: football, cheer, swim, basketball, volleyball, track, etc. Any team you were part of during high school, even community teams.

Not sure what to wear? Here's some general outfit inspo, but keep in mind that these are pretty standard suggestions and don't necessarily represent everyone.

TEEN GIRLS
TEEN BOYS

If you have a cap, gown, stole, cord, letterman jacket or anything school-related you want photographed, bring it! We can get the classic shots and then move into photos with more personality.

Absolutely. Sports gear, instruments, books, flowers, a car, a skateboard, hobby items or anything personal to you can work.

That is completely optional. The goal is to look like a polished version of yourself, not like a different person. If hair or makeup helps you feel confident, great. If not, keep it simple and comfortable.

Absolutely. Clean portraits, smiling photos and frameable images are standard. Parents will get photos they can love without the senior being forced into a fake version of themselves.

Yes. That is the point. Senior portraits should show personality, not just prove you owned nice clothes for one afternoon.

Yes. We can get a few family photos, parent photos or sibling shots, then shift the focus back to the senior.

Yes, especially if having a friend there helps you relax. Just know the session is still centered on the senior who booked it.

That is normal. You do not need to know how to pose. I’ll direct you through it, fix the weird hand problem, watch the angles and keep things moving so you are not standing there wondering what to do with your face.

No. We will get some smiling photos because parents tend to enjoy proof that their child is happy, but we can also do serious, relaxed, playful and more editorial-looking shots.

Sometimes, but yearbook requirements vary by school. If your school has specific size, background or file rules, send those details before the session so we know what needs to be captured.

Sure! Assuming the details of your event booking remain the same (for example, there is no additional cost to me like a longer driving distance or extra equipment needs), and 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 at no extra charge.

Reschedule requests inside of 21 days will be considered on a case-by-case basis, but are not guaranteed.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the extremely high potential of lost income from not being able to re-book your original event date, if I agree to a reschedule within 7 days, there will be an additional fee of $100 due prior to reserving the rescheduled date on my calendar. If, at that point, you prefer to cancel and book another photographer, you are welcome to cancel, but please be aware that cancellations within 7 days of your event are fully non-refundable.

Of course! You are always welcome to cancel, but I definitely recommend rescheduling if possible, because you’ll lose 50% of your payment if you cancel, regardless of the reason for cancellation (including deaths in the family or moving out of the area) and if you cancel within 7 days of your session date you will forfeit your entire fee.

Why the hefty penalties for cancellation? Because the closer to a session date the cancellation, the more difficult it is to re-book that date, which means a very large potential loss of income and loss of time from the work already performed getting ready for a session like scouting locations, consulting with clients, preparing mood boards, prepping equipment, etc.

If I’m unable to attend, I’ll make every reasonable 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 I'm able to find a replacement up to my standards, I'll pay them the fee you paid me to cover your event AND I'll give you $100 in credit towards a future session of any type. If I'm unable to find a suitable replacement to my standards, not only will I refund your fees in full, but your next booking with me will be 50% off!

For most events, you can typically expect to receive your full gallery within 21 days of your session. We can, on request, provide up to 20 images from your event for a sneak peek or press use within 24 hours.

If you need your full gallery delivered sooner, a 7 day rush is available for $100 per session, a 2 day rush is available for $200, and a same/next day rush is available for $300. Same day is only available for local events that finish before 9pm.

PLEASE NOTE: Larger events with 100 or more guests may take an extra week for delivery.

If it’s raining hard, then I will only be able to photograph the parts of your event with indoor locations. If it’s just gray or windy, or even if it’s just sprinkling a little here and there, I can still shoot! Gray days provide very even lighting and we can get some great shots. But heavier weather conditions make it impossible for me to continue to photograph due to the potential damage to my equipment.

PLEASE NOTE: There are no refunds for your event being interrupted or canceled for any reason outside of my control.

Bars, nightclubs, DJ nights, live music, college events, themed nights, dance floors, parties and other after-dark events with great energy!

No, I use an LED panel light, which I turn on for each photo I take, or leave on for video recording. Nightlife spaces are dark and the lighting is constantly changing - panel lighting helps keep people sharp, colors vivid and the venue looking amazing. If you'd like magazine quality images with immaculate color and lighting, I can bring a small soft box with me when shooting - it requires an assistant and is a little bulkier than the LED panel, but the resulting images are fantastic.

If you want that vivid, colorful look you see in a lot of my images, you'll need to purchase and set up some LED Par Cans (Wash Lights) or LED Wall Wash Bars. Depending on how much space you're covering, you may need multiple. The dance floor is the obvious choice to set up these kinds of lights, but peppering a few of them throughout your venue means you're going to get great color backgrounds no matter which part of your venue I photograph your patrons in. And you don't have to use par cans everywhere, in some places just color-changing 10W (70 watt equivalent) smart light bulbs work perfectly fine to add a splash of color.

You should look for high-output, flicker-free LED Par cans with RGBAW+UV chips to help you get those rich, vibrant, colorful backgrounds.

Avoid all lasers - even though some of them are perfectly fine, some types can definitely burn out a camera's sensor, and if you aren't 100% sure, you don't want to be on the hook for replacing a photographer's $5000 camera. Also, avoid anything with patterns because the patterns invariably end up on people's faces and make everyone look like they have a disease, lol.

First of all, handsome? Stop. That is SO sweet of you! Second of all, have you seen the young people in my nightlife shots? The younger gens can definitely be a little gun-shy when I first show up to photograph a venue, but the minute they interact with me and see my shots of them, it's all good. Because I treat them with respect (and because they look hella good in my photos, lol), they warm up to me very quickly - and with recurring gigs, I even grow to become a favorite part of their clubbing experience!

I try to cover the venue as broadly as possible to make sure I get a good mix of people, groups, performers, details and atmosphere, but I can’t guarantee that every person in attendance will be photographed.

Just let me know! If you see me shooting near you or I'm headed towards you and you don’t want to be in a photo, a quick “no thanks” or "no pictures, please" is completely fine. Don't just turn away or hide your face, because a lot of women hide their face at first but then like being in the shots, so feel free to tell me directly. I can't guarantee you won't be in the background of other shots, but I'll try my best to not shoot you for the rest of the night.

Absolutely! If you see a solo photo I took of you in a gallery and you'd like it removed, just call or email me with enough information to identify the photo and I’ll get it down as soon as I'm able. I will also remove any photo someone brings to my attention that is inappropriate (wardrobe malfunctions, someone appearing too drunk, inappropriate behavior, etc). I try to catch them all during editing, but in the rush to get galleries online as quickly as possible (same or next day in many cases), I sometimes miss even glaringly obvious issues, lol.

Please be aware: except in cases where the image is inappropriate, if you ask for a photo to be removed but there are others in the shot, I'll likely leave it up because it wouldn't be fair to them to not get to see or download the image.

I aim to get nightlife galleries online on my website within 24 to 48 hours...I sometimes even manage to get them up the same night. The venues have their own schedules for when they post. Also, my galleries will have every image I took that night that wasn't blurry or inappropriate, but venues may be more selective about which images they share on their platforms.

Absolutely. In fact, recurring photography bookings at the same venue or with the same promoter will be booked at a significant discount, as long as you are booking and paying in advance. If you need photography on a regular schedule, contact me at [email link here] and we'll get you started improving your social media reach right away.

Yes. Nightlife coverage falls under event photography unless we’ve arranged a recurring venue agreement or another custom setup.

For many events, yes. A basic vertical highlight reel can be recorded and edited for social media use, depending on the needs of the event producer or venue. There is an additional fee for recording the footage and editing each video. Recurring venue or promoter bookings could end up with social media video footage and basic editing at no extra charge, depending on the details of the booking and how long the engagement is for.

Almost always, yes! It depends on the usage terms of the booking. Copyright will always belong to me as the artist who creates the media, unless a separate copyright transfer is purchased. Commercial or promotional usage should follow the license attached to the booking.