FAQ

All policies are subject to change at any time.

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How do you price digital files?

Digital files are individually-priced ala carte items with a 3 order minimum. All files are uploaded to an online gallery, privacy set according to the nature and agreement of the shoot.

As a general rule, I want to preserve the quality of your photos. I am calibrated to my printing lab so you receive the best possible quality with accurate color representation.

This, however, may not be your biggest priority, or you may wish to possess the files yourself for safekeeping. In these instances, you are investing in individually processed, high resolution digital files and a print release.

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How do you price prints?

My prints are guaranteed. That means that, if they don’t print accurately, I will have them reprinted for you. I price my prints in accordance with what all other businesses do, with consideration to my ability to stay in business for the long haul and cost of doing business legitimately.

Instead of complete photo packages with options you might not want or need, I offer individual printing options according to your type of photo session. This way, you have what you want and nothing else, and a 3 month window to refer to your online gallery in the event you’d like to order more prints.

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Do you offer photo retouching?

I offer light retouching at no cost in all of my photo packages. As an example, I would gladly remove moderate acne, brighten up under the eyes, and slightly thicken your hair to improve the appearance of your photos automatically.

I am not able to change colors of clothing or hair, remove or alter body structure, or accentuate body shapes.

For military photo shoots, digital files will be given that remove identifying information and metadata will be amended for online posting safety.

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What about the copyright?

I do not sell copyrights and am the sole copyright holder of every photo I take.

This means that you are able to print and share your photos, but you may not misuse the digital files by profiting from them or altering them (other than cropping).

Periodically, I will register the images I have model release forms for and have used in photo projects with the Library of Congress.

This only benefits you. I am committed to your right to privacy and ability to access your photos for personal use, and have the resources to protect the images created in my camera from misuse at your expense. I consider myself the curator of your images, and once they are registered, I have the incentive to keep them in digital form for much longer.

For information on the safe storage of digital files, look here.

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How long do you keep digital files?

Currently, I hold on to RAW digital files for the period of 3 months following their creation.  I am not responsible for safekeeping of digital files.

Online galleries are left open for a 3 month window. Once the gallery expires, the only way to view the images is by paying a convenience fee if I still have the images in my possession. Processing and uploading images takes time and data storage space.

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Can I have my RAW files?

No. RAW files can only be opened with editing software and do not reflect the nature of the relationship I want to have with my clients.

Usually, when you take a photo with your camera, the camera processes the image in a compressed form (JPEG). A RAW image contains all of the information needed to process the image in a computer, which has more ability to detail.

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Do you have insurance?

Yes, I have insurance as required by the State of Hawaii, licensing, and adhere to the permit requirements set out by the State of Hawaii.

I also respect cultural and societal practices and will not do photo sessions in areas forbidden by those practices or that may otherwise harm or offend the environment or residents of the area.

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What is a Model Release?

A model release form is a form you may be asked to sign that allows the use of your images beyond your own personal use. I require images for my website, business cards, social media pages, facebook pages, etc. As a rule, I will not share photos you are opposed to, even if the nature of our agreement allows me to.

I also keep the images for much longer when I have a model release form, and will usually register them for copyright.

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Can I make my own photo packages?

I don’t offer photo packages. Each session is priced according to the nature of the custom photoshoot. . You will find that, even with this pricing, my current rates are still very reasonable and allow you to choose what you want without having to pay for extras.  It also excuses me from having to take photos I don’t want to take, while freeing up more time for my family and ‘day job’.  I’m in it for the artistry, the long haul, and the experience…any fees cover those factors.

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I can’t decide which photo product or prints I want. What should I choose?

I have samples of the products and prints I offer. During a free consultation or our photo session, I can show you these samples to help you better decide which suits your needs the best.

If you want something printed and can’t find it on my online gallery, you may contact me to order it directly.

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What if I have to cancel or postpone my session? What if I’m running late for my session?

For normal sessions, making an appointment requires a nonrefundable retainer on the session fee.

The spot held for your session could have gone to another client.

If lateness doesn’t interfere with another client or uncontrollable factors like lighting, I will try to work with you, but the session may be considered cancelled and rescheduled upon payment of the remainder of the session fee should more than 30 minutes pass.

One benefit to Lifestyle photography is the ease of use. It’s hard to be late for something when your photographer is coming to you, often in the comfort of your own home!

As always, medical emergencies, military considerations, and acts of god or nature will be given their due consideration.

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How do I order my photos?

The best way to order photos is to meet with me, again, where you can view the final unmarked images and select which ones you’d like to print.

I can also post the photos on an online gallery. Session fees cover everything up to creation and access to the online gallery. You will not be able to download or print your images without paying for them.  Why do I do this?  Because I don’t want you to pay for something you don’t love in order to have the photos you do.  As a client myself, I hate dealing with package deals.  This way is much simpler.

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Do you offer payment plans?

A retainer fee is due upon booking. Your session is not considered booked until payment of the retainer, and the time space may go to someone else. If you find yourself in need of a payment plan, ask.   We can work together to figure it out.

I use PayPal to invoice for the retainer, and the rest can either be paid similarly or in cash. The cost of prints and digital downloads is through your online gallery.

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What should I wear to my photo session?

That depends on what sort of photos you are looking for, and what background you’d like.

Natural -looking hairstyles and makeup usually look best with little or no jewelry. In the home environment, dark colors are generally more flattering to adults and light ones to children. For group photos, matching elements without matching outfits work best. Usually, I will ask for a description or photo of the outfits you plan on using in your session.

Wear what you feel beautiful and comfortable in.

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Do you offer special discounts or pricing?

Sometimes.