No one expects you to know everything you need to know about choosing and hiring a photographer to capture your special moments. Here are a few common questions that come up.
GENERAL
Q. What can I expect from a photo session – start to finish?
A. First you’ll start off by booking your session. You’re On Film! communicates primarily by e-mail to make sure there’s a record of everything we’ve discussed and so we don’t miss anything that’s important to you, but we can also work by phone if you prefer. You’ll get a confirmation e-mail about a week in advance of your session as a reminder and to make sure that all your questions are answered. On session day, we’ll meet at the designated location and have fun! The best photos in your story are candid, but even candids sometimes need a little nudge in the right direction. Session retainers and a signed contract are required to secure your session appointment. Images will be delivered in about 2 weeks for your private viewing appointment conducted either in person or via Zoom conference. This is where you will place your order. Products ordered at your ordering session usually 4-6 weeks depending on the season and products; busy seasons might take longer.
BOOKING
Q. How do I book a session?
A. Booking a session is easy! Just fill in the contact form on the website or send an e-mail to malaina@youreonfilmphotography. Please be sure to provide your name, contact information, the type of session you’d like. We’ll contact you to finalize all the details and complete the booking of your session. Once the session date is set, we’ll require you to sign a contract and pay a non-refundable deposit to hold your date. If you are inquiring about booking a wedding session, we are happy to do an in-person consultation with the bride and groom for wedding packages.
Q. Do I have to sign a contract?
A. Yes, You’re On Film! Photography requires that clients sign a contract. This is for your benefit to ensure that all the expectations and deliverables are clearly outlined and understood by you and the photographer.
RESCHEDULING
Q. What if I need to reschedule for a reason that’s not related to the weather?
A. I’ve lived the life of children, pets, sickness, and the unexpected and I can sympathize. Sometimes, you just have to roll with it. If you must reschedule, call or e-mail me to let me know. Please try to let me know more than 24 hours in advance if you can. Reschedules that occur with less than 24 hour notice may be subject to a rescheduling fee.
RETAINERS, FEES & PAYMENT
Q. How do I pay for my session?
A. Session fees must be paid must be paid either prior to the session or before shooting starts on the day of the session unless prior arrangements are made in writing with Malaina Hudson. Sessions may be paid online by credit card or PayPal, or at the session via cash or Square. I do not accept personal checks. Prints may be purchased by credit card or PayPal from your online gallery.
Q. Are there any hidden fees?
A. There are three types of fees that are not included as part of your session fee.
- Rush Fees. You may opt to add a $150.00 Rush Fee to your session fee if you need your images to be completed sooner than the completion time specified in your package. This fee is based off seasonal workload. The Rush option may not be available during peak seasons.
- Standard Session Travel Fee. We strive to keep our rates reasonable and affordable without charging additional travel charges. If your session location is more than 25 miles one way from ZIP Code 77573, the travel fee is as follows: Base travel fee of $50.00 plus $1.00 for each mile over the first 25 total miles driven. Please consider the time involved with driving to a long distance location. The additional time driving requires time away from the office and has been factored into the calculation of the travel fee. Please note that the Standard Session Travel Fee does not apply to Weddings or Special Events. Weddings and Special Events that require significant travel or accommodations will be discussed as part of your consultation and package development and included in the package quotation.
- Cancellations and rescheduling are handled as followed:
- Cancellations that occur less than 24 hours from the session and No-Call/No-Shows will incur a $500 cancellation fee charged to the card on file.
- Cancellations more than 24 hours but less than 14 days from the session will incur a $250 rescheduling fee charged to the card on file.
- Cancellations more than 14 days from the session will incur a $150 rescheduling fee charged to the card on file.
- Requests to reschedule more than twice will result in charges for a new session fee and contract.
Q. Are there extra charges to get my photos?
A. Session retainers only cover the cost of the photographer’s time, studio allocation for the session, and the expenses incurred to produce the session. No images or products are included in Session Retainers unless contracted in advance in an alternate written agreement. Images and products are a separate charge. These may be purchased as a package or a la carte, and current studio pricing applies.
Q. Can I see all the images you take at my session?
A. After a shoot, we cull the images and select only the best high quality images to be included in your proofs and package. All other images are permanently deleted.
THE SHOOT
Q. Do you have a studio?
A. You’re On Film! Photography is primarily a location photographer. We are happy to come to an indoor or outdoor location of your choice, including your home. We have shared studio space available for clients who prefer the studio experience. Contact us to discuss your needs.
Q. What do I wear?
A. Be who you are. Be comfortable. Then – kick it up a notch. There’s no need to worry about being all matchy matchy. Pick a general color palette, then work from that. Experiment with textures and accessories. If we’re shooting a group shot, it’s good to color coordinate the group, but there’s no reason to make everyone wear the plain black polo shirt or a white button down with jeans. If you’re not sure, feel free to bring a change of clothes or two. Clothing change limits are listed with Photo Package details.
Q. What if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
A. Unfortunately, even I can’t control Mother Nature. If the weather is completely uncooperative due to rain, high wind, extreme cold, or snow, we’ll reschedule the session to a new time. Weather related reschedules will not incur additional session fees for the first reschedule.
Q. Is there a perfect time of day for my session?
A. I’m so glad you asked that!!!!! There is indeed a “magical hour.” The light 1-2 hours before sunset is perfect for beautiful photos because it’s a lovely warm glow.
Q. How long will a session take?
A. For Standard Sessions, you can expect the session to take 1-2 hours for most sessions. If we’re working with smaller children, infants, or pets, it might take a little longer because they have schedules all their own. For those sessions, we’ve factored that extra time into the package pricing so there won’t be additional charges.
Q. Can I bring a friend along?
A. ABSOLUTELY!! Especially if you’re doing a Senior Portrait Session. I want you to do anything that helps you to feel comfortable and relaxed during the shoot because that’s how we’ll get the best photos.
THE PHOTOS
Q. What is included in my package?
A. Your package will include everything listed on the website that’s marked as part of the package session.
Q. What if I want more images than my package includes?
A. You can purchase additional prints individually or in packages at current studio pricing.
Q. I want a print that’s not listed on your website. How can I get that?
A. If you’d like a specialized size or type of print, please email malaina@youreonfilmphotography.com to ask.
Q. Do you retouch your images?
A. I believe that we are all beautiful exactly as we were created, and try to keep images as natural as possible. However, I do use photo editing software to cover blemishes, and to adjust brightness or contrast. This basic edit is included in your proofed images. Further editing requested by the client is available at additional cost.
Q. Your camera clicked a LOT! Will I get to keep all the photos?
A. Yes, you will hear my shutter clicking a lot. I take a lot of photos to be able to capture that perfect shot. No, you won’t get to keep every image that I take. I will choose the best photos from the shoot to be edited and delivered to you.