Frequently Asked Questions
last updated 6/16/2009
Getting Started
How do I get
started?
Do I have to
have a consultation?
Where do you
shoot the pictures?
When do you shoot the pictures?
Do you have a
studio?
What about bad
weather?
The Photo Session
What should I
wear?
What about
changing clothes?
What about
hair/makeup?
Where are good
places to shoot?
What is your policy regarding parents/friends observing the photo shoot?
Getting My Pictures
What is the
process?
What is the
ordering session?
Do
you offer any special or packages?
When do I
order?
When do I pay
for my order?
How do I pay for my order?
What about
names on Wallet size prints?
Do I get
proofs?
How long does
it take to receive my pictures?
What if I am
not happy with my pictures/prints?
What about
submitting pictures for yearbooks?
Can I copy the
pictures?
What about retouching?
What about abums?
What about viewing pictures online?
What about frames for prints?
How do I get started?
After
reviewing our website, we encourage clients to call and make an
appointment for a pre-shoot consultation. This allows for a better
understanding of our session, as well as products and pricing.
It gives us an opportunity to ask questions and offer suggestions, as well as
answer questions that you might have. It is also best for us to meet the senior
and discuss their ideas and get to know them a bit better before the shoot. At that time, if you wish to continue we would schedule a session.
Do
I have to have a consultation?
Because we do not charge a sitting fee, we require a consultation. We want to make sure you understand our process, products and prices before we invest our time. Additionally, we like to meet with our clients so that
we can understand what their needs are, answer any questions and provide them with the best possible
service. We also insist on
speaking with the senior and asking them questions so that we can start to build
a rapport with them and also learn about them for creative ideas.
Where do you shoot the pictures?
We photograph on location, at nearby outdoor
locations, indoors/outdoors at the client's home or a combination of both.
We may choose to perform some shots in a studio setting If certain types of
images are desired. Studio sessions will require either a sitting fee or a minimum purchase due to our overhead for costs of space and equipment. These shots are not required, but if they are desired, we will
advise the client about what requirements are necessary, and if it will involve
a separate session. Yearbook headshots will most likely occur during a seperate session. We will provide a few dates to choose from for all of our clients to have their yearbook headshot taken.
When do you shoot the pictures?
It is
preferable to shoot outdoor pictures either in the early morning or late
evening. This avoids the harsher midday sun, and also allows for less
crowded locations. Since our session may last over 2 hours, we will work out
a timeline around the outdoor pictures, as well as time required to travel.
We do limit how many sessions we will shoot during a week so that we may work
with all of our clients in a timely order.
Do
you have a studio?
We do not currently
operate our own studio, but we have access to a studio if necessary. We will provide studio space on an as-needed basis.
Studio sessions will require a session fee and/or minimum purchase, to be paid in advance. No-shows or late cancellations will NOT
be refunded.
What about bad weather?
Reasons we may choose to cancel or reschedule a shoot:
Reasons where we may not reschedule a shoot:
JVL Photography will always have the deciding word
on cancellations due to weather. If you have any concerns, feel free to
contact us.
What should I wear?
We
suggest primarily solid colors and simple patterns. Try to avoid bright,
bold colors unless specifically planned for ahead of time. Give
consideration to outfits that are comfortable. Consider avoiding sleeveless outfits when possible. You will look more relaxed
if your outfit feels comfortable to you. Also consider any outfits
that hold some special significance that you would wish to remember years from
now (prom dress, athletic jersey, letterman jacket, uniform, etc.).
We
like to find outfits that compliment the shooting environment/background.
Having some options available if shooting away from your home is desirable. Also
consider wearing clothing with layers.
We recommend 3 outfits. A classic/elegant outfit, a casual/comfortable outfit and a trendy/edgy outfit (but not one that will be out of style before you graduate!)
What about changing clothes?
We will try to find facilities when on
location. If suitable facilities are not available, we will either travel to a suitable location.
What about hair/makeup?
We recommend a light foundation, as well as eyeliner
to accentuate the eyes. Use the same makeup that you would usually wear,
but do not over apply it. Also, do not use tanning products prior to the
shoot.
Where are good places to shoot?
Locations with variety and character are
ideal. Consideration to the background is important. The location
should have more than just trees and grass. Buildings with architectural
details, rocks, benches, etc. Consider places that have some personal
significance. We will suggest places to shoot based upon our consultation if you do not have specific preferences.
What is your
policy regarding parents/friends observing the photo shoot?
A parent is welcome to attend, as long as the senior feels that they can relax without an audience distracting them. We would like to avoid stress and focus on natural smiles! It can be counter-productive for parents to hover and offer constant input! We encourage friends to participate and have their pictures taken too! It can make the session a lot more fun!
What is the process?
After the photo shoot, we will schedule a review/ordering
session to take place within 4 weeks. We
will also ask you to fill out a sheet in advance that lists the possible people
you may wish to send pictures to, and other pictures or products you may wish to
buy. By putting thought into what pictures you may need in advance, you
will not forget someone at the time of your order. We will then prepare your order to be
sent to our lab. You should receive prints within approximately 3 weeks.
Albums and some other products will take slightly longer.
What is the review/ordering session?
After the photo shoot, we will
select the best images and correct them for exposure and color. At the ordering session, you will review the images and decide
which images you will purchase and which ones you have no interest
in. Based upon the products that we have available, we will help you
decide which images will work best. We will also discuss
retouching or other artistic effects at that time.
We must receive any cancellations at least 24 hours in
advance. Any rescheduled ordering sessions must take place within one week
of the original date. More than one cancellation will result in a $50 charge to hold an order session.
Do you offer any specials or packages?
We may offer specials periodically. We will
inform you of any specials either at the time of the shoot or during the
ordering session. Currently we do not offer any packages, as we prefer to
give our clients the flexibility to choose what they need. If you have any
reasonable requests, feel free to ask and we can see what we can do.
When do I order?
After the
photo session, you will schedule a date and time for a ordering session.
You will place your order at this time. Additional
purchases can be also be made at a later
date.
When do I pay for my order?
Payment
will be made at the time of your order.
How do I pay for my order?
We accept
cash, check or credit card. For check or credit card payments, orders will be sent to the lab once the payment has cleared.
What about names on Wallet size prints?
We do not
offer foil stamped names on wallets, but we can digitally put names, graduating
year or other information digitally on the image to be printed by our lab.
This can be done at no additional charge.
Do I get proofs?
We do not
provide proofs. When placing your order, you may have the option to purchase different types of proof books. A minimum purchase may be required.
How long does it take to receive my pictures?
Once you
place your order, you should receive your prints in approximately 3 weeks.
Framed prints will take a little longer. Orders can be rushed for an
additional fee.
What if I am not happy with my pictures/prints?
If you have a complaint about ANYTHING, please contact us so
we can discuss it and find out what we might be able to do to fix it.
What about submitting pictures for yearbooks?
You will be responsible for determining the schools
yearbook photo requirements and informing us at least one week prior to the
scheduled photo session. We must know the size, proportion, location and dimensions of
facial features, backdrop required and method of delivery (electronic or
printed). We will not do yearbook photos as part of the session, but will offer a choice of dates when you can come in to have your yearbook photo taken.
Can I copy the pictures?
JVL Photography holds the copyright to all images taken. ANY copying or reproduction of images in
any way is a violation of federal copyright law. If you would like to reproduce an image for any reason, please discuss it with
us.
Ordered images will be posted on our facebook site (with a watermark). If you become a fan/friend, we will post and tag your image.
What about retouching?
We will
adjust the images for exposure and color. We will select a few of our
favorite images to retouch and create some artistic renderings. All
purchased prints include retouching (softening of skin, removal of minor
blemishes, and brightening of eyes and teeth). Any major retouching will
be quoted based upon an hourly rate.
What about albums?
Albums
are a great option when you have so many great pictures to choose from, but you
don't know what to do. Why not put them all those pictures into a book?
We can put together a simple hardcover book with proof size images, or we can
design a custom made coffee table book. We have several options that we
can discuss with you.
What about viewing pictures online?
A minimum purchase of $100 is required for us to put the images online. We will keep your gallery on our site for a minimum of 2
month from the date of the ordering session for subsequent orders.
What about frames for prints?
We sell both prints both with and without frames.
All frames are optional. Framed prints will come with a simple black or
white frame. Other frame options are available and can be quoted upon
request. All frames come with UV protected, low glare glass.
