Frequently
ASKED
Questions
Planning a portrait session often brings a variety of questions, especially when it comes to creating images that truly capture who you are. Below, I’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about my portrait photography services and approach. My goal is to make this process smooth and enjoyable from start to finish!
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Unfortunately, only individuals being photographed are permitted to attend the photoshoot, unless prior written consent has been obtained from the Photographer.
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Hair and makeup services are not included in the portrait session packages. However, I’m happy to recommend local professionals to assist with these services if desired. A professional touch can elevate the final results and enhance your overall experience.
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Choose outfits that reflect your personality and make you feel comfortable and confident. Solid colors, minimal patterns, and layers work well for portraits. I can provide more specific guidance based on your session goals during our pre-shoot consultation.
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You are welcome to choose a location that’s meaningful to you for your session. If you'd prefer, I can also suggest locations that offer beautiful lighting and scenery to complement your portraits. Location plays an important role in setting the tone for your shoot, so we’ll discuss the options during the planning stage.
If you'd like to shoot outdoors, we can do so, weather permitting. If a permit is required for the location, the client will be responsible for obtaining it. For studio sessions, I can recommend several top studio locations known for their ability to deliver exceptional results, whether you’re seeking a curated, furnished space or a clean, professional backdrop for headshots. I’m here to help you find the perfect setting that best suits your vision for the shoot.
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Yes, I provide expert guidance on posing throughout the shoot to ensure you feel relaxed and confident. I’ll help you find flattering angles and natural expressions, making sure you feel comfortable every step of the way. My goal is to capture images that reflect your unique personality while ensuring you look your best.
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I closely monitor weather forecasts, and we can reschedule if conditions aren’t suitable. Overcast days are great for photography, but in cases of heavy rain or poor lighting, we’ll work together to find an alternative date or indoor location.
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If you're running late, please inform me as soon as possible. However, arriving late may shorten the overall session time, as I often have other appointments scheduled. The session will not be extended due to a late arrival, but extensions may be offered at my discretion and could incur an additional fee starting at $100.00 + HST per hour. This fee must be paid in full by the end of the session unless we make a separate payment arrangement.
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Each portrait session includes creative art direction, the photoshoot itself at a location of your choice, a pre-shoot consultation to discuss your goals and preferences done by phone or video call, an online password protected image proofing gallery to make selections, basic retouching, and a set of high-resolution digital photos as per selected package. Additional services, such as custom portrait sessions, prints or advanced retouching, are available upon request.
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To make the most of your portrait session, consider your outfit choices, hair and makeup preferences, and any props or personal items you may want to include. I’ll help you prepare by discussing these details during our pre-consultation, ensuring everything is aligned with your vision for the shoot.
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If a session needs to be rescheduled, a minimum of 48 hours' written notice must be provided via email. A "confirmation of notice" will be sent once the rescheduling request is received. Rescheduling requests made less than 48 hours before the session may incur a $30.00 + HST fee, unless it is an emergency situation.
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If a session needs to be canceled, at least 48 hours' written notice via email is required. A "confirmation of notice" will be sent once the cancellation request is received. If the cancellation is made within the 48-hour notice period, a refund will be issued, excluding the non-refundable deposit, except in emergency situations.
For cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice, a cancellation fee of 20% of the total service fee will apply, and the non-refundable deposit will not be refunded. This fee helps compensate for lost opportunities, time reserved, and any preparation costs incurred.
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Most portrait sessions last between 1-3 hours, depending on the package you’ve selected and the number of locations or outfit changes involved. We’ll confirm the time in advance so you know what to expect.
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The number of photos you will receive depends on the package selected, typically ranging from 5 to 18 high-resolution images. You can also choose to purchase additional images beyond what’s included in your package. The final photos will be delivered digitally via email, with a link provided for easy download.
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Yes, all packages include basic retouching, such as color correction and minor blemish removal, as part of the service. If you’d like more advanced retouching, such as stray hair removal, background adjustments, or other enhancements, this can be added for an additional fee.
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Photos are licensed for personal use only, unless specified otherwise in a commercial package. This means you’re welcome to share the images on social media or use them on personal and business websites for non-commercial promotion. However, the sale, distribution, or use of the images in paid advertising campaigns (such as Facebook Ads, Google Ads, or print ads) or any other commercial activities requires the Photographer's prior written consent. Additional licensing fees may apply, depending on the intended use and distribution. If you wish to use your images for commercial purposes, please contact me to discuss the appropriate licensing options.
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By signing a portrait agreement and model release, you grant the Photographer permission to use and publish your images for portfolio, advertising, website, promotional, or artistic purposes. While having a portrait session with the Photographer does not guarantee your images will be used, there is a possibility that they may be selected for inclusion in these materials. The decision to use the images is at the Photographer's discretion.
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A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total service fee is required upon signing the portrait agreement to secure the session date and time. This deposit is non-refundable in the event of cancellation or rescheduling, except in cases of emergencies. The remaining balance must be paid in full and cleared at least 3 business days prior to the session date. Payments can be made via cash, e-transfer, bank transfer, PayPal, or certified cheque. Payment plans may be available upon request, at the Photographer's discretion.
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If you are not satisfied with the photos, re-shoots due to personal choices such as outfit, makeup, or hair, or failure to follow the Photographer's guidance (e.g., posing or styling) will not be provided. The Photographer retains discretion to determine whether a re-shoot is necessary. Clients are not entitled to a complimentary re-shoot for issues within their control, such as styling or communication preferences. Refunds for deposits and session payments are not given, except in emergency situations as outlined in the agreement.
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Yes, additional images can be ordered after the session. You can select extra digital images beyond those included in your Portrait Session package from the original proof gallery. The details for ordering and payment will be provided during the session or at the image selection stage.
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RAW images from the Portrait Session are considered confidential and proprietary to the Photographer. As they are unfinished and do not represent the final quality of the work, they will not be provided to the Client under any circumstances. Only the fully edited, high-resolution images selected by the Client will be delivered.
