Documentary Photography FAQ
- How early to you typically get involved in the process?
I love to be involved as early as you want/need specific visual and timing ideas discussed. I love the collaboration and I feel it helps us all when we can share thoughts and ideas throughout the planning process.
- Does your studio provide videography services?
Not under our studio but we have collaborated with videographers in the past and I am happy to send you a few names.
- Do you travel for projects?
Yes. Traveling down the road or across the globe is something I love to do.
- Do you provide partial day coverage?
Sure, I will create an estimate based on the scope of your project.
- Do you shoot in JPEG or Raw?
I photograph in RAW and process my photos to high resolution JPEGs and/or TIFFS.
- Do you photograph in color or black and white?
Both. I see some photographs as color and others as black and white. When I photographed with film, I would choose the camera with color or black and white film in it. Today, I convert the photographs to black and white during post production.
- What is your philosophy regarding photography?
I love creating an environment where the models can feel and act naturally. Yes, it is set-up and orchestrated to a point and then I try to dissolve into the scene and let the action flow in an accurate and real way. I feel still photography does an amazing job of capturing a specific moment of time that allows the viewer to experience the emotional and environmental space. Done well, still photographs move us.
- What is your photography style/approach?
In my documentary and corporate work I strive to create a connection with the story that is taking place and focus on creating depth. I am interested in telling stories that are meaningful, helpful, and interesting. My documentary style is to create depth and a greater connection. I enjoy documentary photography because I have the opportunity to take my time and get to know the subject and the story that needs to be told. I am often an ambassador and witness of another’s experience.
- Do you touch up the images before your provide them to us?
Yes, slightly. I want you all to look as great as I can. I will make minor touch ups before releasing the photographs. Major retouching may have an associated fee.
- How many images will we receive?
An appropriate number to tell the story without overwhelming you with thousands of photographs. I feel that is a part of my artistic experience to edit in a way that feels inclusive of the many great moments and tells a beautiful photographic story.
- Do you deliver every image that you shoot?
No. I will edit the photos.
- What is the turnaround for our photographs?
We will work hard to get you your photographs as quickly as we can. How quickly is determined by the scope of your project and my travel and shooting schedule We can discuss any specific time constraints you have for your project. Extremely fast turnaround is often available with and additional fee.
- Do we own the photographs?
We will discuss what usage and ownership means to both of us early in the process.
Business Insurance and Image Backup Questions
- Do you backup our images? How can we ensure that our images won’t be lost?
Yes, we backup your photos on multiple hard drives and a server.
- Do you have Liability Insurance?
Payment and Tax Questions
- How do we book you for our project?
With a signed agreement that outlines usage and rights and an initial payment to be determined by the scope of your project.
- How do we pay you?
By cash or check
- Are there travel fees?
Travel will be outlined in your estimate.