Frequently Asked Questions
BRANDING
Step 1: Inquiry
You reach out to me on my contact page and tell me about your brand/business!
I will respond to your inquiry within 2-3 business days with details regarding my availability for your date, my branding collection options and what they entail. We'll talk about your vision for your branding photography and your 'style' to see if we're a good fit to work together. Brands often don't realize how much time they will spend sharing their vision with their branding photographer, so choosing a photographer that you gel with is very important!
Step 2: Coffee + Conversation
If you're in town, let's grab a coffee/tea (or wine!) and get to know each other a bit more for a complimentary consultation! Ask me all your burning questions here, and in turn, I'll ask you how you got started with your business and get all the details on your brand and your vision for your branding photography. If you're not local to Charleston or can't meet up in person, I'd love to do a phone or video chat with you so we can officially meet and talk. You can schedule a time to chat here!
Step 3: You want to book!
Yay! We've chatted and/or met, we've decided we're a great fit for each other and you want to move forward and book me as your branding photographer. *Happy dance time* Check that off your mile-long business to-do list and take a nap or grab a glass of wine!
Step 4: Agreement (Contract) & Retainer Fee (Deposit)
Once we've agreed upon which wedding collection you'd like to book, I will send you a detailed contract delineating our agreement. We'll both sign it, and then I will send you an invoice for your 50% nonrefundable retainer fee. This retainer fee is non-refundable, and it officially books me & holds your session date(s)!
Step 5: The Interim
In the weeks between making your retainer fee payment and your brand shoot day, we'll exchange a few emails here and there as I check in and see how your branding session planning is going and if I can answer any questions you may have. I will send you a detailed questionnaire regarding your brand and a detailed break down of what you envision for your brand.
About 1 week out from your session, I will request a detailed shot list to be completed for your brand shoot day. No pressure though--this can be just a "bare bones" schedule! We will work together in the following days to make a timeline that keeps both the lighting and the time needed for optimal photo coverage in mind. This also eliminates wasted time and missed captures.
Step 6: Seize the Brand Shoot Day!
It's finally here! We both show up to your branding session and CARPE THAT DIEM. With our game (and business) faces on, you float through this EPIC DAY + BRAND CHANGING EVENT and I make you feel like the best #BossBabe or #BossMan that you are. We come, we capture, we capture your brand story, and we create incredible photos.
Step 7: Deliver the Images
In the 2-3 weeks following your session, I'll be meticulously editing and perfecting your photos, one by one. When they're ready, I will send them to you on a personalized, shareable, beautiful online gallery with print-ordering capabilities. Then, you can update your website, social media, and other business collateral with your new imagery. Enjoy!
Any questions about the booking process, just let me know, I will be glad to help.
Looking forward to capturing you soon!
WEDDINGS
Step 1: The Inquiry
Step 2: Coffee + Conversation
If you're in town, let's grab coffee (or wine!) and get to know each other a bit more for a complimentary consultation! Ask me all your burning questions here, and in turn, I'll ask you how you & your lover met and get all the details on your BIG day. GOt a Pinterest board? Well, of course, I want to see it! If you're not local to Charleston or can't meet-up in person, I'd love to do a phone or video chat with you so we can officially meet and talk. You can schedule a time to chat here!
Step 3: You want to book!
Yay! We've chatted and/or met, we've decided we're a great fit for each other and you want to move forward and book me as your wedding photographer. *Happy dance time* Check that off your mile-long wedding to-do list and take a nap or grab a glass of wine!
Step 4: Agreement (Contract) & Nonrefundable Retainer Fee (Deposit)
Step 5: Travel
If you are having a destination wedding or wedding that requires me to travel outside of my local area (Charleston, SC), I always arrive at least 2 days prior to your wedding day. This allows some flexibility for any potential travel delays and it gives to time to scout out the new location.
Step 6: The Interim + Engagement Session
Step 7: Seize the Wedding Day!
It's finally here! We both show up ( I arrive when the bride sits in the makeup chair and start shoot details + prep) to your wedding and CARPE THAT DIEM. With our game (and party) faces on, you float through this EPIC DAY + LIFE CHANGING EVENT and I make you feel like the king & queen that you are. We dance, we laugh, we cry happy tears, and we create incredible photos + memories.
Step 8: Deliver the Images
In the 7-9 weeks following your wedding, I'll be meticulously editing and perfecting your photos, one by one. When they're ready, I will send them to you in a personalized, shareable, beautiful online gallery with print-ordering capabilities. Then, you can relive the best day of your lives.Friends and family will be able to view, mark favorites, and .even order prints of their own directly through the gallery! Enjoy!
Step 9: Prints + Albums
Let me start by saying, “Print those images!” Your beautiful wedding day has been captured and deserve more then to just be shared online. I LOVE designing and creating heirloom wedding albums for my brides and grooms. For me it’s the best way to tell your wedding story and it’s amazing to see your day unfolds as you turn each page. You will receive complete directions on how to select the images for your wedding album. Once you select your images, I’ll design your album. You’ll get two rounds of edits to make sure your album is exactly as you wish prior to approving your final design.
Step 10: Let's Get You Featured!
I’m sure you’ve looked at plenty of wedding blogs during your wedding planning process. Now, it’s your turn to share your day and be another bride’s inspiration. Immediately, following your wedding , I will send out a detailed questionnaire so that you can share your complete love story from first encounter to your amazing wedding vendors. Let’s get you published!
GENERAL
WHAT IS CUSTOM LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY?
WHAT IS YOUR STYLE
If I had to describe my style in just three words, it would be candid, authentic, + modern. Life is a beautiful story and I’m here to capture it! I like my photography to be honest, organic, and all about you. I start my sessions off by posing my clients for the first few captures; you know just until you're out of that first time in front of the camera akwardness stage. After taking a few posed photos, I usually stand back and let you “do your thing!” In other words, I like to observe and capture you or your family just being yourselves. I love the authenticity of the in-between moments because they create that raw and candid photography that connects with the soul. Beautiful portraits are created, but it’s so much more than that. I believe my super power when it comes to photography is to bring your soul to light. It’s truly magical! But, don’t just take my word for it, see for yourself and check out some of my recent work here! If you like what you see follow along as I share some pretty awesome and authentic moments in those little squares!
WHAT IS YOUR BOOKING PROCESS?
DO YOU TRAVEL?
WHAT'S IN YOUR BAG?
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK?
I'M GETTING MARRIED! HOW MANY HOURS OF WEDDING DAY COVERAGE SHOULD I GET?
As soon as you select your venue and wedding date. The next step is thinking about your wedding day. There is a common misconception in the wedding industry that six hours is enough coverage for your wedding photography. In many cases, six hours are not enough for complete wedding coverage. The quick answer for most weddings: 8 hours. The majority of weddings and receptions last about 6 hours, and you’ll want 2 hours before the ceremony to take photos of you getting ready or photographs of your and your immediate family and bridal party. The technical answer: Count back from the time of your send-off to 2-3 hours before your ceremony. Depending on your schedule, this will be the total amount of minimum hours needed for your wedding photography coverage. What’s even more important is that the professional photographer is there for the photos of the send-off. Time and time again, these are some of the couple’s favorite images because it is the ultimate peak of the happiness on the wedding day. Those images celebrate what the entire day is about, and you don’t want your photographer to miss those moments. Click here to see a wedding day break down.
SO, WE JUST BOOKED YOU AS OUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER...WHAT IF WE DON’T WANT TO DO AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION?
HOW DO WE SELECT LOCATIONS FOR OUR SESSION?
Once your contract is completed and your retainer fee is paid, the next step is to determine your wants and needs. We will discuss the ideas for your shoot and what outfits you're considering wearing. I will also ask that you consider the overall feel you are going for with your images and where these images will go in your home or office. I will help you come up with the perfect location for your session! I also go to locations that compliment my subjects. What you plan to wear for your session is important for me to know prior to finalizing your location. I love shooting in the city, so most sessions take place in Historic Downtown Charleston - we can have so many different looks without having to go very far! Rustic cobblestone, secret alleyways, a bright colored building here, a textured wall there - unexpected secret gardens...the possibilities are endless! We also have many different beaches, plantations, and state parks to choose from too! I am respectful of location requests if you have a spot in mind that has a special meaning to you. No matter the location, count on your photos to have their own unique flair. If the location is more than 45 minutes away, sessions are subject to travel fees. Here's a break down of here to select a shoot location.
YAY! I BOOKED A SESSION! WHAT DO I WEAR?
There's nothing to fear or worry about! I will send you a complete portrait guide when you book your session with outfit tips and suggestions. Additionally, professional makeup application is strongly suggested for females. Trust me - it makes a WORLD of difference in the quality of your images! If you are interested in using the services of a professional wardrobe stylist or makeup artist, please let me know and I will be more than happy to refer you to one of the lovely makeup artists I work with! If you have a preferred makeup artist that you want to use instead, please let me know in advance.
SO, I JUST BOOKED A BRANDING SESSION...WHAT IF I DON’T WANT MAKEUP DONE?
If you’re looking to remove the makeup service to lower the cost of your package, unfortunately the removal does not change the price of the collection. Professional makeup is included in certain branding collections so that every client's images will have the same look that you see from the images in my portfolio. If the requested look is for natural or “light” makeup, that's what you'll receive. Most of my clients request natural makeup, but natural photo makeup is a little different than little to no makeup in real life, and having a professional makeup artist that knows the difference is key to a flawless look you’ll love.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT THE DAY OF MY SHOOT?
You've been anticipating this day- so just leave the nerves at home and get ready to have a fun, carefree time! Expect to make new memories and for me to capture your story, whether it be just an everyday portrait session or a special event. Trust me to document and preserve your life story, but most importantly to capture the pure, unadulterated essence of YOU! If you're being photographed with your significant other, family, or friends, just interact with them as you would normally and leave the rest up to me! Some of the best images are captured when the subjects are acting and reacting naturally - those special candid moments. I'm here to capture you as you are! Not much posing here!
DO YOU HELP TO POSE YOUR CLIENTS?
Actually, I don't pose you, I direct you and let you be who you naturally are! I love capturing those belly laughs and authentic connections. I have a lot of clients that say, “just tell me what to do!” After clients book a session with me, I always like to learn a little more about them. For example: what kinds of photos they love and who will be attending the photo session. Based on what I learn about my clients, I prepare a list of poses that will be fun to try during the session. Like I mentioned before, I also love to stand back and capture clients simply interacting with one another. Trust me…they make the best images. Have a pose that you have always wanted to try? Make sure you let me know! I love it when clients come with ideas too, but don’t worry if you don’t have any ideas…I have plenty! I like to have a lot of fun during my sessions and of course laugh until my stomach hurts. Oh, and get ready to do a two-step too!
WHAT IF THERE IS INCLEMENT WEATHER ON THE DAY OF MY SHOOT?
If the weather forecast is a little questionable, I will monitor the weather report and usually make a call the morning of (or the night before if you are traveling from more than 45 minutes away) to let you know if we will proceed with the shoot due to the uncertainty of the forecast. Unless there is a forecast of 60% or more of precipitation, we will normally proceed as planned. No worries though - cloudy days are actually PERFECT for pictures! If the weather is bad, we will simply reschedule for the next available date. For rescheduling due to inclement weather, there is no rescheduling fee.
WHAT IF I NEED TO RESCHEDULE FOR ANOTHER REASON?
For reasons aside from the inclement weather, there is a $100.00 rescheduling fee to reschedule your session. You can reschedule your session up to 2 times.
WHAT IF I’M RUNNING LATE AND DO NOT CALL AT LEAST 1 HR PRIOR TO THE SESSION TO NOTIFY THE PHOTOGRAPHER?
A late fee of $50.00 per 15 minute increment will be accessed and if over 30 minutes late you will need to reschedule your session and a $100 rescheduling fee will be added to your session fee.
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY PHOTOS?
All portrait sessions are available for proofing in an online gallery 2-3 weeks after your shoot. Please plan accordingly when booking your session if you are in need of your images for a specific date, event, or time. (Portrait sessions include families, branding/corporate headshots, maternity, newborns, graduation, blogger, and engagement sessions.)
Wedding images will be delivered via an online gallery in approximately 7-9 weeks. Images will be delivered shortly thereafter in digital format on a USB flash drive. (If you prefer to download your images directly from your online gallery in lieu of a USB drive, please let me know in advance).
IS RUSH PRODUCTION/DELIVERY AVAILABLE?
Rush production is available for image processing and gallery publishing for additional fees as follows:
PORTRAITS:
- Two (2) week production turnaround: $800.00
- One (1) week production turnaround: $1200.00
WEDDINGS:
- Two (2) week production turnaround: $1500.00
- One (1) week production turnaround: $3000.00
CAN I PRINT MY OWN PHOTOS?
All sessions come with a limited number of high-resolution digital files and weddings come with all high-resolution digital files that include a print release so they can be printed at a lab of your choice. I strongly recommend the use of a professional print lab - I highly suggest using mpix.com because they provide outstanding products and I guarantee their results. The difference can be noticed than, say getting your pictures printed at Costco, Sam's Club, or Walgreen's due to elements like the paper quality and the print machine itself. Additional images can be purchased a la carte from your online gallery. Please note: Digital files can be costly because they are the most valuable and versatile purchase. With your purchase, you can make prints (from wallet to poster size), canvas/wall art, photo books, mouse pads, notebooks, pillows, etc (whatever your heart desires) at any time in the future. Once you have your high-resolution files, you have no reason to come back to your photographer since you’re able to make prints/ products from those files yourself. With that being the case, the high-resolution digital files are priced accordingly considering their value.
**Please be aware that many other labs try to "color correct" images, which may result in changing of original colors and distorted skin tones.
WHAT IS A PRINT CREDIT?
A print credit is the same as cash that you can use only with Aneris Photography toward the purchase of albums, lookbooks, prints, canvases, or even another portrait session/wedding collection. you can use it however your heart desires to get your images displayed in your home.
WHO OWNS THE COPYRIGHT TO MY IMAGES?
Aneris Photography retains the copyright to ALL IMAGES. Basically, this means that someone else cannot say they photographed the images, sell, or publish them. I will provide a print release with your images that grants rights to print the images for personal use (prints, calendars, cards, etc).
DO YOU HAVE INSURANCE?
Yes! Aneris Photography carries a liability insurance policy.
WHAT IF MY PLANS CHANGE AND I NO LONGER NEED YOUR SERVICES?
All retainer fees are non-refundable, as well as any and all fees paid through the date of cancellation. If you are on a payment plan or have paid your entire package fee, a partial refund is available depending on special conditions:
In the event of the Client canceling the portrait session for whatever reason, the retainer fee, any, and all payments made to that point are non-refundable. It will be considered as liquidated damages to the Photographer(s). In the event of the clients postponing the wedding, the paid retainer fee and all payments made can be transferred to the new session date if the date falls within twelve (12) months of the previous event/wedding date (refer to full cancellation policy below). You will be able to reschedule one time. If you need to cancel and reschedule for a second time, a rescheduling fee applies. For reasons other than inclement weather, a $75 rescheduling fee applies to reschedule sessions.
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?
For weddings and events, if for any reason the Client cancels before the wedding date, the Photographer will keep the non-refundable retainer fee and any monies paid to hold the wedding or event date as a cancellation fee. Cancellation must be made in writing via a Cancellation of Contract Agreement, signed by the contracted parties However, if the client requires changing the wedding date, I will do my best to accommodate and no cancellation fee will be charged as long as the new date is available and is within six (12) months of the original event/wedding date. Otherwise, the new date will be subject to current rates, if applicable. If I am not available for the new date, the original contract will be canceled and subject to the cancellation policy. The Cancellation of Contract Agreement can be obtained from Aneris Photography. The client must contact the photographer via email or phone call (please, no texting) to request Cancellation of Contract Agreement. If the cancellation request is approved, the client can then expect the designated refund amount via certified check via mail or electronic transfer via the method received if paid with credit or debit card within 14-21 business days (Monday-Friday).
If Aneris Photography cannot perform the Contract due to fire or another casualty, strike, Act of God, or other cause beyond the control of the parties, or due to Photographer's illness or emergency, then the Photographer shall return any monies received minus the non-refundable retainer fee to the Client, but shall have no further liability with respect to the Contract. This limitation of liability shall also apply in the event that photographic materials are damaged in processing, lost through a camera or other media malfunction, lost in the mail, or otherwise lost or damaged without fault on the part of the Photographer. In the event Aneris Photography fails to perform for any other reason, Aneris Photography shall not be liable for any amount in excess of all monies paid. For reasons other than inclement weather, a $100.00 rescheduling fee applies to reschedule lifestyle and branding sessions.