Photoshoot Central

Introduction

With more than half a decade of experience in editorial, swimwear, events, weddings, and model test shoots, I strive to deliver exceptional photography. My shoots can be on location or in studio. Capturing great images is my first priority. Photoshoot duration and final products can vary depending on their context. A thirty minute performance from a band and an eight hour wedding will not have the same number of images in the final output. I like to think of myself as a stickler for details and planning who is also highly adaptable when the need arises.

My schedule is always very busy and I do not like to waste your time or mine. If you are looking to book something with me, please be aware I like to plan ahead. Calling me the day before (or hours before) an event may not be practical and I may not be available. Feel free to contact me and we can discuss availability. Studio and portrait sessions tend to last about 2-3 hours. Location session vary depending on the event or location.

Investment

My goal is to provide you with unparalleled photos of your memories while allowing for a great experience. My rates are reasonable and I am willing to work with you on your budget.

Portrait Sessions
Actor, Modeling, or Corporate headshots
Engagement or Courples photos
Events and Photojournalism
Portfolio Shoots (Intended to provide the basic foundation needed to build a model portfolio or composite card)
Product Photography
Weddings (See Wedding section below)

Portrait and Headshot Tips

What to Wear

My best recommendation is to bring a wide variety of outfits and looks. When you pick out your attire, select clothing that you are comfortable wearing. If you don't feel good in what you are wearing it tends to reflect as such in your images. If you plan on wearing something you have not worn in a while, be sure to try it on a few days before the shoot. Most clients bring a mix of causal and dressier options. The outfits also depend on the reason for your session. If your session is event specific, then the one outfit is all that is needed. Shoots on location tend to make outfit changes difficult or even impossible, so additional outfits need to be carefully selected. In choosing outfits, solid colors are recommended over patterns. Simple solids are generally timeless. Elaborate patterns or attire can date the photos in the years to come. Group or family portraits look great when all members of the session are wearing similar outfits (i.e. jeans and white shirts, shorts and sandals, team jerseys, etc).

Ladies

If you like an outfit, it's probably because you look good in it, so bring it. Dresses, formals, sweaters, and lace are great for a traditional look. For casual looks I recommend bright colors, skirts, jeans, and shorts. All white is great for a special high key effect and spring/summer looks. All black is very dramatic and great for artistic shots. Pastels always photograph well. Dark colors are wonderful for a scholarly look. As long as you choose the colors you look best in, you will be just fine. Be conscious of your nail polish. I recommend sticking with a neutral look (unless your ALL your outfits merit something different). You may pick a color that looks great with one outfit, but horrible with another. If you plan on doing barefoot shots, consider your toes too!

Gentlemen

If a suit and tie works for you, bring it. That is always a classic traditional look. If you like sweaters or a dress shirt (with or without tie), that is fine too. Your other outfits can be more casual and fun. For casual and outdoor poses, comfort is important. Bring jeans, t-shirts, sweaters, shorts, sweatshirts, western wear, or sportswear. We want these portraits to be of the real you. Shoes and socks should match or complement your outfits. You may want to bring more than one pair of shoes so each outfit is coordinated. In some poses they will show and you will want your footwear and socks to blend and not stick out.

Personal Props

You can bring personal props of your choice. Examples would be musical instruments, school jackets, uniforms, trophies, awards, sports equipment, things you collect, sunglasses, hats, a vehicle (at location sessions), brothers, sisters, or a friend. Now, of course, you won't bring all of these, but this should give you some ideas. You may come up with something we haven't seen before. Since we will only try a few poses with each item, you have nothing to lose. It can be fun!

Tanning

My general rule is: avoid tanning if possible. Dry and peeling skin generally cannot be completely retouched out of your portrait, and if it can, it will require expensive retouching. Do not go tanning the day before or the day of your session. Tanning can cause a temporary puffiness around the eyes.

Hair

Haircuts and perms should have at least a week to take on their shape before your session. Don't try a radically different haircut or style just before you come in. Chances are you won't think it looks like the "real you". If you plan on cutting or changing your hair after your session, wait until you have seen your previews; a retake may be necessary. Also, if you color your hair, be sure to remember to have your roots done before your session; otherwise, it will require costly retouching to make your color look natural on your finished portraits.

Makeup

Yes, ladies AND gentlemen. Here's a quick tip. Dab a small bit of cover up makeup (concealer) on any noticeable blemishes. If you are not sure about doing this, bring the concealer with you and I will try to help or try to find someone who can. Any image from which you place an order will be retouched, so there is no need to be concerned about your finished portraits. But, using cover up will make your previews look great.

Weddings

Content will be entered here soon. Please contact me directly if you would like for me to shoot your wedding.

Cancellation Policy

If you want to cancel a photo shoot, please provide notice with 24 to 48 hours in advance of the shoot. I am reasonable and understand emergencies come up, but please be polite and at least make a quick phone call, text message, or email to notify me. If you are a no show, it is very unlikely we will shoot in the future.

The Shoot

Arrival

Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time to bring all your stuff into the studio and to get settled in. That will give you time to freshen up, check hair and makeup, fill out paperwork, and be ready to go on time. Remember, we want you to have fun, and being late will only result in you feeling rushed and we will have less time to spend on your portraits. If you are unsure of anything or have any questions before or during your session, please ask. We want you to feel comfortable so you can get the best portraits of your lifetime!

Escorts

Escorts are welcome to accompany you the shoot. Please do not bring any escorts that would interfere with the shoot. This could include boyfriends, mothers, friends who want to become models, and similar types. You are aware of who they may be. We do not need an army of people while we shoot. If you have any questions about my professionalism, I am more than glad to provide references for you to independantly verify.

Delivery of Images

I prefer to provide a private download link after the shoot. If you prefer a CD or DVD, please let me know in advance of the shoot. I am more than willing to just provide you raw images, but please note that a shoot may have several hundred photos. I would rather not have them all posted online as a representation of my work. I can provide a "proof" sheet that provides you a preview of all the images. Depending on the shoot the final set of images and delivery size can vary. Edited photo turnaround can be at least 5 business days or depending on the edits. If you want prints, we can discuss individual prints as needed.