FREQUENTLY ASKED

WHAT IS CUSTOM LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY?

 

A custom photography experience should have you and your experience in mind. Custom photography is ultimately about choice and experience. It's all about finding someone who will photograph you or your family, giving you their one on one attention without worrying who is next "in line" or giving you the overwhelming feeling of being inside a busy portrait studio.

 

• A custom photographer will typically show you a fairly extensive gallery, curated to only show the good images that meet the photographers' creative abilities

• Often times the images are fully edited images - color corrected with blemishes and under eye circles removed

• Custom photographers are also known as boutique studios, offering a range of products and unparalleled service. Let me make it simple for you...think Lexus vs. Hyundai, Nordstrom vs. Wal-Mart.

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WHAT IS YOUR STYLE?

If I had to describe my style in just three words, it would be candid, authentic, + modern.  I like my photography to be honest and all about you.  I start my sessions off by posing my clients for the first few captures.  After taking some posed photos, I usually stand back and let you “do your thing!”  In other words, I like to stand back and observe you or your family just being yourselves.  Since my photography is all about you, it is in those simple natural moments that I capture the most honest and beautiful images.  I love raw and candid photography and you will see it in my work. Check out some of my recent work {here} and you can get a feel for my style. If you like what you see follow along as I share some pretty awesome and authentic moments in those little squares!

 

 

WHAT IS YOUR BOOKING PROCESS?

 

PORTRAITS: A non-refundable retainer fee of 50% of the selected collection is due in order to book your portrait session along with a completed photography contract. Due to high demand, your date(s) will not be held without your signed contract and a paid retainer fee.

 

WEDDINGS: A 40% non-refundable retainer fee (40% of the total wedding collection selected) is due along with a completed photography contract at the time of booking to hold your date. The retainer fee will be applied to your overall wedding package balance to secure your wedding date. The remaining balance is due four (4) weeks (30 days) prior to the wedding/vow renewal.

 

ELOPEMENTS: A 50% non-refundable retainer fee is due in order to book elopement sessions along with a completed photography contract. Due to high demand, your date(s) will not be held without your signed contract and a retainer fee paid. The retainer fee will be applied to your overall wedding package balance to secure your wedding date. The remaining balance is due four (4) weeks (30 days) prior to the wedding/vow renewal.

 

Payment plans are available, and reminders are sent out when payments are due! Inquire for more details!

 

DO YOU TRAVEL?

 

Do I? I absolutely LOVE traveling and I'm passport ready for any international adventures! Please inquire for rates if you are interested in photography for your destination wedding. Travel fees apply. 

 

For locations two (2) or more hours away, we require a one-night hotel stay in a non-smoking room. It doesn't have to be fancy, just a simple hotel to rest our heads and cameras will do!

 

We also charge a vehicle expense based on standard mileage rates (54.5 cents/mile for 2018) for the amount of miles roundtrip to the location of your wedding/session/event to cover gas, mileage, tolls, etc. There is also a $100 fee per day to cover parking and other incidentals.

 

All fees must be paid in full prior to your session, wedding, or event.

These fees are estimates only and are subject to change based on the number of days of travel. Please inquire for more details.

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WHAT'S IN MY BAG?
 

I know. I know. You're probably thinking sprinkles, fairy dust, maybe even a few miniature unicorns. Well, not quite I am definitely #TeamNikon all the way! Check out what's in my bag on wedding days by clicking here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHEN SHOULD I BOOK?

 

As soon as possible for portraits, weddings, and events! This will ensure that your desired date is available. Typically we are booked two to three months in advance. To secure your date, your session must be paid for no later than two weeks prior to the desired date. Reserved dates that are not paid for cannot be guaranteed until your contract is completed and signed, and your retainer fee is paid.
 

 

I'M GETTING MARRIED! HOW MANY HOURS OF WEDDING DAY COVERAGE SHOULD I GET?

 

As soon as you select your venue and wedding date. The next step is thinking about your wedding day. There is a common misconception in the wedding industry that six hours is enough coverage for your wedding photography. In many cases, six hours are not enough for complete wedding coverage. The quick answer for most weddings: 8 hours. The majority of weddings and receptions last about 6 hours, and you’ll want 2 hours before the ceremony to take photos of you getting ready or photographs of your and your immediate family and bridal party. The technical answer: Count back from the time of your send-off to 2-3 hours before your ceremony. Depending on your schedule, this will be the total amount of minimum hours needed for your wedding photography coverage. What’s even more important is that the professional photographer is there for the photos of the send-off. Time and time again, these are some of the couple’s favorite images because it is the ultimate peak of the happiness on the wedding day. Those images celebrate what the entire day is about, and you don’t want your photographer to miss those moments. Click here to see a wedding day break down.

 

HOW DO WE SELECT LOCATIONS FOR OUR SESSION?

 

Once your contract is completed and your retainer fee is paid, the next step is to determine your wants and needs. We will discuss the ideas for your shoot and what outfits you're considering wearing. I will also ask that you consider the overall feel you are going for with your images and where these images will go in your home or office. I will help you come up with the perfect location for your session! I also go to locations that compliment my subjects. What you plan to wear for your session is important for me to know prior to finalizing your location. I love shooting in the city, so most sessions take place in Historic Downtown Charleston - we can have so many different looks without having to go very far! Rustic cobblestone, secret alleyways, a bright colored building here, a textured wall there - unexpected secret gardens...the possibilities are endless! We also have many different beaches, plantations, and state parks to choose from too! I am respectful of location requests if you have a spot in mind that has a special meaning to you. No matter the location, count on your photos to have their own unique flair. If the location is more than 45 minutes away, sessions are subject to travel fees.

 

 

YAY! I BOOKED A SESSION! WHAT DO I WEAR?

 

There's nothing to fear or worry about! I will send you a complete portrait guide when you book your session with outfit tips and suggestions. Additionally, professional makeup application is strongly suggested for females. Trust me - it makes a WORLD of difference in the quality of your images! If you are interested in using the services of a professional wardrobe stylist or makeup artist, please let me know and I will be happy to refer you to one of the lovely stylists I work with!  If you have a preferred make up artist that you want to use instead, please let me know in advance.

 

 

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT THE DAY OF MY SHOOT?

 

You've been anticipating this day- so just leave the nerves at home and get ready to have a fun, carefree time! Expect to make new memories and for me to capture all of those special moments, whether it be just an everyday portrait session or a special event. Trust me to document and preserve your life story, but most importantly to capture the pure, unadulterated essence of YOU! If you're being photographed with your significant other, family, or friends, just interact with them as you would normally and leave the rest up to me! Some of the best images are captured when the subjects are acting and reacting naturally - those special candid moments. I'm here to capture you as you are! Not much posing here!

 

DO YOU HELP TO POSE YOUR CLIENTS?

Actually, I don't pose you, I direct you and let you be who you naturally are! I love capturing those belly laughs and authentic connections. I have a lot of clients that say, “just tell me what to do!”  After clients book a session with me, I always like to learn a little more about them.  For example: what kinds of photos they love and who will be attending the photo session.  Based on what I learn about my clients, I prepare a list of poses that will be fun to try during the session.  Like I mentioned before, I also love to stand back and capture clients simply interacting with one another.  Trust me…they make the best images.  Have a pose that you have always wanted to try?  Make sure you let me know!  I love it when clients come with ideas too, but don’t worry if you don’t have any ideas…I have plenty!  I like to have a lot of fun during my sessions and of course laugh until my stomach hurts.  Oh, and get ready to do a two-step too!

 

 

 

WHAT IF THERE IS INCLEMENT WEATHER ON THE DAY OF MY SHOOT?

 

If the weather forecast is a little questionable, I will monitor the weather report and usually make a call the morning of (or the night before if you are traveling from more than 45 minutes away) to let you know if we will proceed with the shoot due to the uncertainty of the forecast. Unless there is a forecast of 60% or more of precipitation, we will normally proceed as planned. No worries though - cloudy days are actually PERFECT for pictures! If the weather is bad, we will simply reschedule for the next available date. For rescheduling due to inclement weather, there is no rescheduling fee.

 

 

WHAT IF I NEED TO RESCHEDULE FOR ANOTHER REASON?

 

For reasons aside from the inclement weather, there is a $75.00 rescheduling fee to reschedule your session.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY PHOTOS?

 

All portrait sessions are available for proofing in an online gallery 3-4 weeks after your shoot. Please plan accordingly when booking your session if you are in need of your images for a specific date, event, or time. (Portrait sessions include families, branding/corporate headshots, maternity, newborns, and engagement sessions.)

 

Wedding images will be delivered via an online gallery in approximately 7-9 weeks. images will be delivered shortly thereafter in digital format on a USB flash drive. (If you prefer to download your images directly from your online gallery in lieu of a USB drive, please let me know in advance)

 

 

IS RUSH PRODUCTION/DELIVERY AVAILABLE?

 

Rush production is available for image processing and gallery publishing for additional fees as follows:

 

PORTRAITS:

• Two (2) week production turnaround: $200.00

• One (1) week production turnaround: $500.00

 

WEDDINGS:

• Two (2) week production turnaround: $1000.00

• One (1) week production turnaround: $2000.00

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CAN I PRINT MY OWN PHOTOS?

 

All events, sessions, and weddings come with high-resolution digital files that include a print release so they can be printed at a lab of your choice. I strongly recommend the use of a professional print lab - I highly suggest using mpix.com because they provide outstanding products and I guarantee their results. The difference can be noticed than, say getting your pictures printed at Costco, Sam's Club, or Walgreen's due to elements like the paper quality and the print machine itself.

**Please be aware that many other labs try to "color correct" images, which may result in changing of original colors and distorted skin tones.

 

WHAT IS A PRINT CREDIT?

 

A print credit is the same as cash that you can use only with Aneris Photography toward the purchase of albums, lookbooks, prints, canvases, or even another portrait session/wedding collection. you can use it however your heart desires to get your images displayed in your home.

 

 

WHO OWNS THE COPYRIGHT TO MY IMAGES?

 

Aneris Photography retains the copyright to ALL IMAGES. Basically, this means that someone else cannot say they photographed the images, sell, or publish them. I will provide a print release with your images that grants rights to print the images for personal use (prints, calendars, cards, etc). 

 

 

DO YOU HAVE INSURANCE?

 

Yes! Aneris Photography carries a liability insurance policy.

 

 

WHAT IF MY PLANS CHANGE AND I NO LONGER NEED YOUR SERVICES?

 

All retainer fees are non-refundable, as well as any and all fees paid through the date of cancellation. If you are on a payment plan or have paid your entire package fee, a partial refund is available depending on special conditions:

 

In the event of the Client canceling the portrait session for whatever reason, the retainer fee, any, and all payments made to that point are non-refundable. It will be considered as liquidated damages to the Photographer(s). In the event of the clients postponing the wedding, the paid retainer fee and all payments made can be transferred to the new session date if the date falls within twelve (12) months of the previous event/wedding date (refer to full cancellation policy below). You will be able to reschedule one time. If you need to cancel and reschedule for a second time, a rescheduling fee applies. For reasons other than inclement weather, a $75 rescheduling fee applies to reschedule sessions.

 

 

CANCELLATION POLICY:

 

For weddings and events, if for any reason the Client cancels before the wedding date, the Photographer will keep the non-refundable retainer fee paid to hold the wedding or event date as a cancellation fee. Cancellation must be made in writing via a Cancellation of Contract Agreement, signed by the contracted parties However, if the client requires changing the wedding date, I will do my best to accommodate and no cancellation fee will be charged as long as the new date is available and is within six (12) months of the original event/wedding date. Otherwise, the new date will be subject to current rates, if applicable. If I am not available for the new date, the original contract will be canceled and subject to the cancellation policy. The Cancellation of Contract Agreement can be obtained from Aneris Photography. The client must contact the photographer via email or phone call (please, no texting) to request Cancellation of Contract Agreement. If the cancellation request is approved, the client can then expect the designated refund amount via certified check via mail or electronic transfer via the method received if paid with credit or debit card within 14-21 business days (Monday-Friday).

 

If Aneris Photography cannot perform the Contract due to fire or another casualty, strike, Act of God, or other cause beyond the control of the parties, or due to Photographer's illness or emergency, then the Photographer shall return any monies received minus the non-refundable retainer fee to the Client, but shall have no further liability with respect to the Contract. This limitation of liability shall also apply in the event that photographic materials are damaged in processing, lost through a camera or other media malfunction, lost in the mail, or otherwise lost or damaged without fault on the part of the Photographer. In the event Aneris Photography fails to perform for any other reason, Aneris Photography shall not be liable for any amount in excess of all monies paid. For reasons other than inclement weather, a $75.00 rescheduling fee applies to reschedule general portrait sessions.