Answers To the Questions
Heard Most Often

Booking a Session & The Process

  • The first step is contact me. Use this form, or call, email, or DM via social media. Anything but carrier pigeon…we have a large hawk that “lives” nearby and the pigeon may not make it.

    We will define exactly what you are looking for and how I can help. Based on the information you provide, I will be able to give you a price quote and when you can expect your final images. To lock in your session date, a deposit (typically 25% of the project total) is required.

    Depending on the nature of your project, I may schedule a site visit with you so I can see where I will be taking the photos. This helps me properly prepare and deliver the best possible images, and also helps make the day of the shoot go more efficiently.

    On the day of your shoot, I will do everything possible to make sure you get great images and have a fun and stress-free experience. We’ll wrap up the shoot once we’re both confident you have the photos we set out to create. As soon as possible post-shoot, I will back up all the images and begin any editing that might be required. If I am photographing an event for you and you need "real time" images, I can deliver JPEGs straight from the camera.

    Typically, the edited images are uploaded to a secure online gallery 24-72 hours after the shoot. When the images are posted to your gallery, you will receive the final invoice, and once paid, you will have access to download your images or order prints.

  • Scheduling your photo shoot is easy! Just go to the “Contact” page and send me a note describing what you are looking for and a couple options for days and times. Alternatively, from the same Contact page, you can schedule a call with me where we can discuss options and work out the details.

  • Time is important and I will always respect yours. You will get the time and attention you deserve, but I won’t drag the process out longer than necessary. For example, a headshot session may only last 10 minutes or could take closer to an hour if you want multiple looks, different backgrounds, etc. In the end, I want to make sure you love the images we take and feel like you are receiving great value. We’ll define your goals during our initial consultation and from there I will be able to give you an accurate estimate on time.

  • Upon completion of your photo shoot, the images will be posted to a secure gallery. You will receive a link and password, typically within 24-72 hours. Once you log in and depending upon our agreement, you will be able to download your images, share to social media, and order prints in a huge range of sizes and on a variety of media.

  • Yes I do! I work with one of the very top photo labs in the country, and you will be able to order prints in just about any size and on a wide variety of mediums including canvas, acrylic, and metal, in addition to several different photo papers.

    Even though you will pay slightly more, your prints will last longer and look far better than what you would receive from your local drug store. Here are more reasons why you should choose a professional photo lab.

  • Yes! I regularly work “out of town” for clients and am happy to talk with you about your needs. In the first half of 2024 alone, I've helped clients in St. Louis, Nashville, Louisville, and Dallas. If there isn’t a good fit, I can also use my contacts to help you find a quality photographer close to your area.

  • Absolutely, feeling uncomfortable in front of the camera is quite common. A big part of my job is to help alleviate your discomfort.

    I will coach you through the entire process, making sure you know what to expect. For portraits and headshots, I will even send you a complete guide that walks you through how to prepare for your session and provides styling tips. On the day of your shoot, I will create a calm, comfortable environment where you can relax as I coach you through posing and facial expressions.

Money Matters

  • I know it sounds like a “non-answer” but…it depends. There are a number of factors that will influence your final investment. You will find I am neither the cheapest nor most expensive option.

    In extremely general terms, you can expect headshot sessions to start around $150. Family/senior portraits typically start at $250. Full-day events usually run around $3,000. Sports are priced on a per-event basis.

    My goal is to provide each of my clients with gorgeous images and exceptional value. My promise to you is this: You will know up front exactly what the cost will be and there will be no surprises. I am happy to work with you to deliver a solution that fits your budget. Please contact me for a quote.

  • I have found my clients generally prefer and benefit more from a per-project fee. This provides you with a flat, "no surprises" fee.

    Should you or your organization prefer an hourly rate, I am happy to do so. In these instances, I will provide you with a time estimate for the total project, and your deposit will be based on that number. Upon delivery of your images, the "balance due" will be the amount based on the rate and actual total hours required, less your deposit.

  • I am happy to work with you to develop a solution that fits your needs.

    To reserve the date for your shoot, I require a minimum 25% deposit. The balance is due once your images are posted to your secure gallery.

    If this payment schedule does not work for your budget or company policies, please let me know and we will work out a custom payment schedule.

  • When we agree upon a date, as the photographer I am locking in your session on my calendar and in effect, turning down any other opportunities for that time.

    Your deposit guarantees my availability for your shoot and protects my business from last-minute cancellations and no-shows.

    I also understand however that things happen. Should you need to reschedule, I will work with you to find a mutually agreeable date. If for some reason you need to cancel, the deposit is fully refundable with at least a four-week notice.

  • I offer a number of payment options: checks, CC, Venmo, bank transfer, and yes, even cash. Print orders are payable by credit card at the time you place your order. Please contact me for a quote for your project.

  • As a small business, every client's satisfaction is of paramount importance to me. Simply put, I can't afford to have you dissatisfied with your images and will do everything possible to make sure that isn't the case.

    Due to the custom nature of each project, all sales are final and once images are downloaded, I cannot offer any additional editing or changes to the images.

    For headshots, I am confident you’ll love your new headshot. If you don't, I'll redo it for free. Yes, you read that correctly.

    Happiness can be fleeting however, so there are a few guidelines:

    I cannot offer retakes for wishing you’d made different choices for clothes, hair, etc.

    Cannot be redeemed once an image has been downloaded.

    No refunds will be given; this guarantee will be honored with a reshoot only.

    Any reshoots will be scheduled on a mutually agreeable date as close to the original shoot date as possible.

General

  • I specialize in three main areas: Headshots, events, and sports.

    That said, I have done product photography, photographed life-sized dinosaur sculptures, works of art, surgical instruments, and real estate. I have done branding photography for dentist and doctor's offices and manufacturing plants.

    I’ve documented post-tornado clean-up efforts. I have shot rap concerts and classical recitals. Marathons, local 5Ks, NCAA sports, and professional football. I have experience with private parties, grade school graduations, galas, conferences, and more.

    About the only thing I do not shoot are weddings. Sorry.

  • Time is important and I will always respect yours. You will get the time and attention you deserve, but I won’t drag the process out longer than necessary. For example, a headshot session may only last 10 minutes or could take closer to an hour if you want multiple looks, different backgrounds, etc. In the end, I want to make sure you love the images we take and feel like you are receiving great value. We’ll define your goals during our initial consultation and from there I will be able to give you an accurate estimate on time.

  • For everyday photos, you may be fine with someone who happens to have a camera or is good using their phone. But if the images matter, you need to make sure the person behind the camera is a proven professional photographer. Professional photography is so much more than just snapping a picture. It’s the technique, experience, artistry, and vision to consistently capture the highest quality photograph, regardless of the situation.

    As a professional photographer, I have also made a significant investment in owning the quality equipment necessary to meet the needs of my clients. From a variety of lenses to fast, reliable, high-capacity memory cards, to my lighting kits, I am equipped to create exceptional images for you.

  • With the introduction of digital photography, data security became a critical issue. I protect your images in several ways.

    First, during our shoot, I use professional quality Canon cameras with dual card slots. This allows me to record every image on two cards simultaneously. This ensures that even if one card fails, we won’t lose any time, or more importantly, any images.

    Once your shoot is completed, the first thing I do is transfer your images to an external hard drive. These drives are backed up to the cloud. Finally, I upload my clients’ images to a secure, on-line gallery for them to access. The gallery remains accessible for at least six months, and will send you a notice prior to removing them.

  • As long as you are comparing similar classes of cameras, it is difficult to argue one is truly “better” than another. Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fuji…they all make some really great equipment.

    Personally, I am a Canon photographer and use both their camera bodies and lenses. They have proven reliable and deliver great performance under a wide range of conditions. IMHO, their lenses are unmatched in terms of low-light performance, speed, and color quality.