Does my portrait session include hair and makeup?
No, my standard photo sessions do not include a hair and makeup artist. If you are interested in having a hair and/or makeup artist, I’m happy to add an amazing makeup artist for your shoot. Having your hair and make up done professionally can really transform your photos and make them look natural.
How long do sessions last?
I offer various session lengths depending your needs. All session lengths quoted include your wardrobe changes and the set-up of any equipment, lights or backdrops and then the breakdown of the equipment.
Is it okay if I bring someone with me to my photo session?
Yes, absolutely! You are always more than welcome to bring a friend, family member or significant other to your photoshoot. I always encourage a collaborative and comfortable atmosphere for all of the photo sessions I offer.
How and when will I receive my images after our session?
The images from your photo session will be uploaded to a secure, password protected online gallery for you to download. The images will be 100% quality JPG files. In most cases, I will provide a link to your gallery within 24 to 48 hours after your session. Since photographs from portrait photography sessions are usually delivered electronically via download, state sales tax is not collected. However, if you require physical products like thumb drives or printed photographs, California state sales tax is applicable and calculated based on all fees/costs related to your portrait session.
How many photographs will I receive from my session?
Unless otherwise noted, you will receive all the images from the session, excluding lighting test shots or the like.
What should I wear and will you tell me how to pose?
I can recommend clothing styles and colors during your phone consultation. I will help you with your posing during your session to make you look your best. I understand that being in front of a camera is sometimes intimidating, but I take pride in being conversational with my clients to help them feel at ease and comfortable in front of the lens.
Do you offer image retouching?
Yes. I like to give my clients a healthy, natural look. Typical retouching includes evening out complexion, brightening eyes, reducing dark circle and wrinkles, evening out shadows and bright areas, teeth whitening, and beauty fixes to hair.
Can you just Photoshop that out?
Yes, in many cases I can. I can Photoshop elements including background blurring, changes to the background, reducing glasses reflection, hot spots, body changes, or removal of extraneous items within the image. Any image where photoshop is requested will be handled on a case by case basis. Pricing really depends on the total work requested.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
If you need to reschedule a session, please email me at at least 72 hours prior to your scheduled session. Your payment will not be refunded. However, we will reschedule your session upon a time that is convenient for both of us. You can only reschedule one time, otherwise your will lose your deposit/session fee and must pay the deposit/session fee again to rebook. Cancellations with less than 72 hours will not be refunded and you must repay the deposit/session fee to rebook your time.
What happens if I'm running late to my photo session?
If you are late for your session you will only receive the time remaining for your scheduled time. In most cases I won't be able to extend your session.
What happens if I miss my session?
I cannot refund you if you miss your photo session, because I've already reserved my time for you and have turned down others for your time slot.
What if I don't like my pictures or where my session was held?
You are purchasing my time and expertise so there are no refunds once the photos are taken at the session.
You took my pictures; do I own the copyright?
Simply stated, no. Unless a Work for Hire contract has been signed prior to any photo sessions stating otherwise, the federal Copyright Act (https://www.copyright.gov/title17/) states that the photographer owns the copyrights to the photographs and not the client or model.
Can I use the image you took of me for commercial purposes?
Typically, the images included in many of my packages are only for your personal, non-commercial use, such as your LinkedIn, or personal social media profile. The images cannot be given to any 3rd parties or have any logos places on them. If you wish to use your images for commercial use, please contact me for a revised quote or a license agreement.
Actor/models are granted the following limited license:
Self-promotional use by your agent and actor/model in his/her capacity as an actor including web, print, casting directories, agent mail outs and front of house by employers. The images can also be used for personal social media accounts. This does not include paid-for advertising, i.e. endorsements. All use is subject to accreditation.
Please note: any editorial placement must be cleared with me (Mark Edwards Photographer) prior to use. If a newspaper or magazine wishes to use your photos, please ask them to contact me to arrange a license agreement for usage. Often publications require a specific resolution or file output, which I can provide.