FAQ
​There is a lot to consider when looking at an experience like I offer. Just as the session you choose to have with me, there is no rush to make a decision right now. Often having some deliberate thoughts around the way you 'd like to see your
art work around you is the driving factor.
Dig in here, I am just a question away if there is more information you require. ​​
What does the booking process and experience look like? 1. First up, check out the info here in the FAQ's and on the webpage. You understand that a full portrait experience starts at $1278 which includes 10 digitals and $$600 artwork credit. When you have decided you'd like more details on the Essence, Classic or Legacy boutique experience, fill out the form here, call me, message me, send a pigeon, and I'll set up a call to go in depth with the options and value. 2. In the call, I'd love to hear your story, who is involved and what you'd like to achieve as a finished result, including the best way for you to display your images for your living situation, and a date we can put this into action that suits us all. 3. I'll send an email with what we have discussed for your session, and an example of the product that feels right and what to expect for your experience. 4. Once you have the email information, I can show you some samples via zoom, or in person, even plan out your home space for just the right size art works. 5. I'll confirm on email the planning details and ask for a deposit on the shoot, this is credited toward any collection you choose. Keep in mind, artwork choices may change once you see the images, so it's not locked in stone to the ideas up till now. 6. A follow up call and email prior to the shoot in case we have missed anything, need to adjust or natural disaster strikes. 7. Shoot day, let's have a great experience. You arrive ready with hair and makeup if needed and styling options. You'll get a little preview of what we capture on the back of the camera. 8. We lock in a final purchase appointment so you can view the images together or over zoom. This is where the final set of images are selected for the art you'd like to own and display. Of course if it's just the digitals, pay the final invoice and I'll send them. 8. Art work gets delivered and you see an amazing tangible set of images to display and treasure.  I can even hang them on the wall if need be!
How do I know which art work I want? That's where it is always great to visualize before hand who and what you want in the images. I have some examples and samples for displaying your favorite pieces, and can attend your home to show you these and guide you on the placement of wall art. Albums and Display boxes can go anywhere convenient.
How far in advance should I book? Often times I am booked 12 months in advance for certain things, so it is definitely wise to get in as early as possible to secure your date preference. In saying that, I do have gaps where I can likely sort something out within days if needed. I can have flexiblity during the week, of course Saturdays are usually popular, however Friday's and Sundays are slightly less in demand. If you have flexibllity, during the week is a great option.
What is your cancellation/rescheduling policy? Things sneak up on us like illness. Should that be the case, I am happy to reschedule the original date 24 hrs before our booked shoot. You get to do this twice. No show or cancellations do not receive a refund of the deposit.
Do you charge a travel fee? Within the Mackay, Northern beaches, Mirani and Sarina area, I do not charge travel. There are so many locations for outdoor shoots, we will always get the look you are after. If you have a property or space you'd like to use, lets do it. Should you prefer a studio style, designer set or theme, I can arrange a space for us also. Outside that I can give you a value depending on location. Happy to go to Iceland, Ayers Rock, Whitsunday islands. Hey, it's your shoot, do what you need!
What happens if it rains? If we are looking at an outdoor location and the weather turns sunny and beautiful, we can postpone it to a time that suits. When the weather is much more dramatic and we might caught in the rain, wind in our hair, wild ocean.. oh. Ok ..I love dramatic weather, but again if it doesn't suit what you're after because it is just not right and hard to manage, we'll pick a mutually acceptable date and time!
Do I get all the unedited photos? No, unedited images are the ingredients of the recipe from which to bring out the best of the occasion. I carefully select the best of the best for you to choose which ones you like. Once you have selected the number of images you'd like to own, I will most likely fine tune that final time so they are ready to print as art for you viewing at home, or the digitals if that is what you only wanted. Each experience has different options for the number of images and the value of art work you'd like to choose.
How do I receive my images? Once the order is placed and paid for, the printed art is ordered and I will either deliver or send depending on your location. Once you have the printed art works, the final digital images are in an online gallery for you to download.
How much does it cost? Minimum value is $1278, which includes $600 credit for art work. Most people spend around $2000- $2500 On the web page , you will see an example of a range of experiences. You are not limited to any of these, design your own, the type of experience, the art you'd to have and may be give as gifts.
Do you require a deposit. Yes, $200 to lock in the date. I will only expect this when we have finalized your ideas, location and what the session will look like and we agree to continue. At this stage you also will know what the value of your experience looks like as starting point.
Do you accept credit cards/payment plans?. I will happily take credit card payments and bank transfers. I also offer in house payment plans, no 3rd party signups, just us, designed around your life. You can prepay with installments prior to the shoot or once you decide on the artworks must haves, we can settle that. Once the total invoice is paid, I will order and then deliver all the goodies!
What should I wear? For a portrait session, it is important to dress in a way that you think best represents you. Generally, avoid wearing anything too formal or distracting. Instead, choose clothing that is comfortable, classic and timeless. Layers are always a great option as they can be adjusted to suit the setting and the weather. Colours should be chosen carefully, as they can affect the overall look of the photograph, make sure that if you want to be photographed as a group your clothes compliment each other but don’t match too closely . Try to avoid busy patterns and opt for solid colours that flatter your skin tone
Can I have outfit changes? Of course, we will discuss the ideas of your shoot before hand, so it depends on what you are trying to achieve. A big family might not consider everyone having a change on the day. A single individual might have 3-4 themes they want to explore.
Do you provide hair and makeup services? I can organize a hair and makeup artist to assist at your home or on location, depending on what we doing. Also I can recommend someone you can visit in their premises. Often times the ladies involved in the experience may have their own trusted person and can arrive ready to just settle into the image creativity!
How should I prepare? Here’s how to get ready: Skincare: Stay hydrated and avoid harsh treatments the week before. Rest: A good night’s sleep ensures you look refreshed. Haircuts: Schedule your trim about a week before the session to avoid the "just cut" look. Relax: Nervous? That’s totally normal! I'll be there to guide you. Bring Essentials: Lip balm, a comb, and blotting paper can come in handy for quick touch-ups. Pro Tip: Think about how you’d like your photos to feel - joyful, contemplative, bold - and communicate that with your photographer.
How long does the session last? I don’t put a fixed time on how long a portrait sitting lasts. I normally allocate between 1 or 2 hours but I always factor in a bit of extra time to allow for toddler temper tantrums or waiting for good light.
Do you help with posing? Posing is an awful word for posture and your own body language. I will guide you to look natural and confident. However if you wish to be adventurous, we can discover ways that amplify your ideas, get Avant Guarde!
Can I bring props or a pet?. Pets and props of course! I love snakes, horses, Main coon, Catahoula's...as long as you feel they can handle the time and you have some control of them. Props will depend on the mood and feel you wanted to get results with. Fairy costume? Cosplay. Swiss Family Robinson! We'll discover all this in the next stage of talking about your session. Certainly now is a good time to dream up and draft out some ideas for your own situtation. I always love being different and bold, make a statement, show personality.
Do you photoshop/retouch us? My process is to cull(edit) to the best images. I will then adjust any exposure issues, bring the colour and depth to the image. (I shoot every thing in Raw, which is data rather then a sharable image). If I see non permanent blemishes or something that shouldn't or wouldn't be there and makes sense to adjust, I will. (remove a peice of rubbish, a dog's lead, scratch on the leg etc). The natural look means so much more in this day and age as well as for the future timeless quality of your image and likeness. I don't turn you into an AI cartoon likeness.
How Does Natural Light Impact Portrait Photography? I work with natural light and portable light to get a blend of mood and magazine quality results. This allows me versatility and beauty: Golden Hour: The soft, warm and flattering light after sunrise or before sunset is ideal for portraits. I can include the colour around us as well as clearly seeing your beautiful faces. Open Shade: Provides even lighting without harsh shadows. Overcast Days: Perfect for a moody, dramatic aesthetic. Light painting: Well that's a whole world or creativity there, best after the sun goes down or in a very dark space. Pro Tip: Sunrise and sunset offer you some of the best natural light - but for a short period of time! Get ready to start powering through all your ideas as soon as that light begins to hit.
Can I post the photos on social media? Yes! Please do! I love when people share their images online with friends and family! However, if you do share them, make sure to give me photo credit and include a link back to my photography page within whatever platform you are using. By law the photographer owns the copyright of their images, and as I treat it as an art form, please don't apply any additional filters to alter or change them in any way. If there is something you'd like to change, I am happy to make an adjustment and re send the image.
What about formals and events? Yes formals are awesome, I only would 2 formals on the same date , so I can put time into a great result. Events of all sorts are often in my calendar, just ask if I can help out.
Why Invest in Professional Portrait Photography? A professional photographer doesn’t just take pictures; they guide you through the whole experience, creating images that memories will relive themselves, especially in years to come. Hiring a professional ensures: *High-quality images, archival printed art work that become timeless. *Unrushed and deliberate- with room to have fun and be creative. *Images embracing the realness of this time, looking natural and alive.