Frequently Asked Questions and Information

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 save and print.


Why choose me as your photographer?

The first answer is that I am social person. I genuinely enjoy interacting with you as I work. I strive to make a connection with who I am photographing, and I believe it results in better portraits that will be treasured and passed on through generations. To quote famed photographer Nickolas Murray, "Photography, fortunately, to me has not only been a profession but also a contact between people - to understand human nature and record, if possible, the best in each individual". The second answer is value. I also strive to give you professional quality, creative photography at very good rates. I do everything I can to keep overhead low to make this possible. Last and just as important, I try to make your session low stress and low pressure. I charge flat rate, and not by the hour. If a shoot needs to go little long to get something good, that is fine. See "All About Sessions/Session Length" below for more details.


Are You Insured, and do you provide references?

Yes and yes. Your trust and confidence is very important. I carry small business insurance through Farmers Insurance, including liability. Certificates of insurance and references are available upon request.


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 sallows 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 the 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 three different tones: Color, black & white, and sepia. I also keep a master of your disc in case anything ever happens to yours. There is no charge for a replacement.

The fact is this is the digital age, and people like and want to be able to print their photographs whenever and where ever they like. My hope is that you will be happy with my work, and that this leads to futures sessions and referrals.



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. In fact, almost 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 Cantigny Park. 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


I want your session to be low stress, low pressure, and enjoyable. Here are details and answers to many questions:

Session Length:

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 eachother 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.




What Types of Photography Do You Do?


Portrait Photography:

I specialize in on-location portrait photography, including but not limited to:

• Families
• Groups
• Maternity
• Newborn
• Seniors / Graduates
• Engagements
• Corporate

My rates are here (link).


Wedding Photography:

To spend more time with my family, I have decided to step back from doing wedding photography. 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.

Fine Art Photography:

Don't miss my fine art photography and photojournalism galleries (link) found on the other branch of this site, which were featured in the February 2007 issue of Shutterbug Magazine. You are sure to find something that compliments your decor. Original signed and matted prints are available in sizes up to 20" x 30".



Some of the photographs in your portfolio are part black and white and part color. Why, and can I have portraits done like this?

This is a style and technique that has been around for some time, and lately has grown in popularity. It is best known as "Selective Color". Techniques vary, but I like to leave just a subtle trace of color in carefully selected areas of the photograph. The idea is to draw attention to particular things in the photograph, without the color completely taking over. Selective Color photographs are available at an additional charge.


Do you offer classes in photography and/or Photoshop?


Yes! Please email me if you are interested in classes. Instruction is private or with small groups, and times and topics can be customized to fit your needs.



Who designed and maintains your site?


From the logo and graphics to the navigation (and of course the photography), this site is entirely my creation and mine to manage. I hope you find it appealing and easy to navigate.