Frequently Asked Questions - updated January 19th, 2019
Please feel free to
contact me (link) directly for any and all information about rates and bookings. The information on this page is also downloadable in Adobe Acrobat .pdf format here (link) for you to view, save, or print.
The F. A. Q.s are below.
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Why choose me as your photographer . . . |
If you have not, I would love for you to visit my "Why Choose Me" page!
In this age of digital there are many people offering photography services, so you should choose one who demonstrates many years of knowledge and experience that results in consistently excellent portraits. I hope you will
visit my portfolio (link) to see just some of the thousands of portraits I have made over the years, and the difference true experience has in making portraits that have lasting appeal and value.
I am also confident that you will find my
flat rates (link) suprisingly reasonable. |
Are you insured, and do you provide references? |
Yes and yes. Your trust and confidence is very important. I carry small business insurance through State Farm Insurance, including liability. Certificates of insurance and references are available upon request. I also have a LexisNexis background check you may request to review.
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Will my photographs be digital or on film, and which is better? |
I photograph digitally, but not because I believe it is superior to film. Film and digital each have advantages.
I began learning photography from my father when I was eleven years old using film, full manual cameras, and the darkroom. I have brought those most critical fundamental lessons about cameras, composition, lighting, and processing with me to the digital format. The result is professional results for you, while allowing me to leverage the creative opportunities of digital.
Shooting digitally also allows me to keep overhead low and offer you good rates and very high value. Lastly, consider this: digital photography is VERY environmentally friendly. Since processing is done on computer with sophisticated software, the toxic chemicals involved with the darkroom are eliminated. |
Yes, You Get Your Disc :-) |
One of the rate questions I get the most is "do I get a disc of the photos?". The answer is "yes"; it is included in the flat rate I propose to you. Your disc will have a release form that gives you unlimited print rights to the photographs, as well as duplication rights to the disc itself.
The disc also contains all of the good photos we get, pre-cropped into common print sizes like 8" x 10", and in two different styles: Color and vintage black and white (sepia). I also keep a master of your disc in case anything ever happens to yours. There is no charge for a replacement. |
Do You Use Natural Light? Do you do lifestyle/photojournalistic portraits? |
My answer always is, "I use flattering light". Even the best cameras do not always see light as well or the same way as our eyes, so it is important to hire a photographer who is experienced and equipped to photograph in any location and light.
Sessions may include both lifestyle/photojournalistic style portraits as well as those that are a bit more posed, and together we will plan what you want from the session so I meet your expectations. They are your portraits, so I want you to get exactly what you want.
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Do you have a studio, and where can you shoot indoors? |
For indoor, studio style portraits, most clients choose to have me come to them. I specialize in location portrait photography. Most all of the portrait work seen in my portfolio (link) was done in peoples' homes. I take your trust in allowing me to come to you very seriously, so do not hesitate to ask for references. My home is also available for sessions, and I am also flexible in traveling to and setting up in other places you have in mind. |
Do you do outdoor portrait work, and if so, where? |
Yes, I am happy to do outdoor portraits. Using natural surroundings and the outdoors results in some of the most natural, relaxed, and fun photographs. Kane county and the neighboring areas offer some beautiful locations like the Fabyan Forest Preserve. More information is available under "All About Sessions". The light and time of day is very important for outdoor portraits. Bright mid day sun makes for harsh looking photographs as well as a lot of squinting. For mid day, mildly overcast skies are actually better. Colors can then be brightened with flash and reflectors. Overall, though, late afternoon and early evening hours provide the best, soft, warm light for good outdoor portraits. |
All About Sessions . . . |
Sessions average about 90 minutes. Sometimes they go longer, though. I do not charge by the hour, and I do not up charge from my flat rate when this happens (click here for Rate and Booking information). I keep the sessions fluid; if a pose or idea is not working well, we change things up and look for something that does. For example, infants and children sometimes need breaks, and that is fine. I also understand kids grow up and change fast and that we all have busy lives, so I make sure we get photographs that will make you happy before the session ends. I also do not book other client sessions directly ahead of or behind your time.
Attire:
What you wear is really up to you, but I will make recommendations when we talk. For example, bright white shirts for mid-day outside photographs can make for harsh results. Another is that family members look closer to each other if they are dressed similarly. For indoor sessions - especially with children - an outfit change or two is perfectly fine and common.
Backdrops:
For indoor sessions, I have a variety of backdrops available, and add new ones on a fairly regular basis. We can discuss which ones you prefer when we plan and book the session, and I can bring more than one. A room with some open space is needed to setup a backdrop, but the room does not need to be huge.
Lighting:
For indoor sessions, a bright room is not a requirement; I bring all the lighting that is needed. In fact, too much light coming from windows or skylights is more often a problem than a help. Like with backdrops, the lights take a little bit of room to setup. For outdoor shoots, lighting and setup time varies with location and time of day, and we will probably move around a bit.
Setup Time:
For sessions with children, my first goal is always to meet them and try to make them comfortable with me before I start bringing in my bags. About 30 additional minutes is needed to setup the backdrop and lighting. During that time, I encourage you to keep yourself - and especially any children - in comfortable clothes until we are ready to start shooting.
Props:
I use props to add something to the portrait session, but my style is to not let the photographs becomed overpowered by them. For example, toddlers and 1 year olds are some of the most challenging to photograph because they want to be on the move. This is a good time to let them play with a new toy in front the camera and let the photographs become more candid in style.
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What types of photography do you do? |
Portrait Photography:
I specialize in on-location portrait photography, including but not limited to:
- Families and Lifestyle
- Groups
- Maternity
- Newborn
- Seniors / Graduates
- Engagements
- Corporate / professional / business portraits
Event Photography:
- Birthdays
- Family Reunions
- Graduations
- Corportate Events
- Concert and Performing Arts
- Organized Occassions
Commercial Photography:
- Industrial
- Architectural
- Real Estate
- Product
My rates are here (link). |
Do you offer Wedding Photography? |
I do not offer wedding photography services. However, please do not hesitate to contact me (link) for any advice (free) you would like regarding hiring a wedding photographer. Wedding guides are also a great source of information regarding your big day. |
Who designed and maintains your site? |
From the logo and graphics to the navigation and the programming (and of course the photography), this site is entirely my creation and mine to manage. I always look for ways to make it easier for you to navigate and find what you want quickly and easily, and I am open to suggestions, too!
I've also put many hours into making it device-friendly whether you use a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. I test regularly to verify it works correctly on Safari, Firefox, Chrome and IE. This is also a "No FlashPlayer" site, so you will never be prompted to install any plug-ins to see content, and it won't crash your browser or device.
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" . . Super really huge big Thank you! The pictures you created are wonderful. I am so pleased and amazed how beautifully you captured my wife and kids . . thanks again for your professionalism and patience throughout. . . "
A.E. St. Charles, Illinois |
" . . Thank you for all your help and your time, it was truly a pleasure working with you and I do hope to work with you in the future. . . "
L.A.C. Batavia, Illinois |
" . . Thank you so much Craig. The photos are great! . . . . We’ll make sure we recommend you to our friends . . . "
O.S. Naperville, Illinois |
" . . With a newborn (making 4 kids 4 and under) I just can't imagine going somewhere to have pictures taken. Craig comes to our house, the kids are so excited, it's new and fun and they are comfortable. Then, Craig has a way of capturing not just your family, but the interaction and closeness between everyone in your family. These photos are memories for a lifetime. I am just so thankful to have them! . . . "
C.M.S. Sugar Grove, Illinois |
" . . Thanks so much for the beautiful pictures. They turned out so great...I can't wait to get some of them printed out!! ! . . . "
L.P. Geneva, Illinois |
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