What to Expect at a Photo Consultation
Considering a photography consultation? It’s always best to meet in person for this first meeting. Talking face-to-face improves communication and helps speed things along. But video chats work well when meeting in person is problematic. The consultation allows your photographer to know what you need and helps you to feel comfortable and confident about what happens next.
When we meet, here’s what to expect:
The Q&A:
I like to hear my clients’ stories, so tell me a little about yourself. What do you do or what is it that your family likes to do together? If you need an engagement shoot, tell me one special thing you love about your fiancé. Say you’re an entrepreneur who needs a branding session, I’ll be interested in what makes your business unique or exciting to you. Plan to share with me the type of photos you’re looking for and how/where you plan to use them.
Talk about the style of photography you like. Is it artsy, clean and fresh, dramatic, colorful, black and white?
Are there pictures you must absolutely have from your session (e.g., you with your business partner, boudoir-like photos for your husband)?
Are you interested in an outdoor setting or studio shoot? I specialize in studio shoots, but offer outdoor settings as well.
Those are just examples of the most common things we’ll chat about. Of course, I’m here to offer suggestions and answer your questions too—bring ‘em on. All of this will help me to understand what you need and to deliver that for you.
The Timeline:
Next, we can take a quick walk through your portrait session or event activities. I’ll let you know what to expect before, during, and after the shoot. We’ll cover things like what kinds of clothes to wear and what to bring at the design consultation. We’ll narrow down available dates: What dates you’re considering – are you flexible, am I flexible? And I’ll let you know when you can expect to preview and purchase your photos.
The Estimate & Agreement:
Finally, we’ll discuss pricing and agreements. I have starting prices for sessions on my site, but there may be differences in your final pricing. The session fee does not include all the images you may want or printing costs. Rather than having a set photo package, you’ll have the option to choose only the photos you love. At our consultation, we can discuss the format you want your images in (prints, albums, digital print rights). I’ll bring some samples to make it easier to decide.
I’ll explain about the photography agreement. Having an agreement protects both of us and clarifies printing rights and what happens in the case of a cancellation or rescheduling. Before the actual photo session date, you’ll sign the photography agreement that I’ll send electronically with your invoice. The invoice will include a session fee and must be paid in advance to hold your session date.
After the consultation and before the session, we’ll keep in touch to share ideas about your shoot. But that first meeting will help ensure you know what to expect and that I produce photos you’ll love.