FAQ
Click on any question to toggle its answer.
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Toggle Question 1: How do I obtain services from Red Raven Studio?
Answer 1: Complete our Book an Appointment form. Be certain to leave accurate contact information. Select the services you are interested in and provide any pertinent details regarding how we can help you. Submit the form and someone from our office will contact you to set up an appointment.
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Toggle Question 2: Are the consultations free?
Answer 2: Yes, all consultations are free and are a standard part of the process for every photo shoot for new or returning clients, whether you decide to use our services or not.
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Toggle Question 3: What's the purpose of the consultation?
Answer 3: A consultation serves many purposes. Namely, it gives us an opportunity to meet face-to-face in a safe, public place, ask and answer questions, as well as discuss goals, requirements, looks, locations, hair, makeup or just brainstorm creative ideas regarding your shoot. It allows us to work out such details early and develop a plan so time is not wasted during the shoot and everything runs smoothly.
Additionally, a consultation is a good icebreaker and, especially if we've never worked together before, gives us each the opportunity to decide whether or not we share a common vision and will, ultimately, feel comfortable working together.
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Toggle Question 4: What types of customers have you worked with?
Answer 4: My typical clients are models and actors, but I welcome anyone who wants to shoot with me.
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Toggle Question 5: What should I know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Answer 5: Whatever price is negotiated requires a 50% non-refundable down payment. This schedules and holds your appointment and must clear at least 1 week prior to your appointment. I do not have credit card or check processing capability at the moment, so cash is preferred to avoid any conflicts. However, if cash is a problem we can discuss alternative methods of payment such as PayPal, signed paper check, etc.
The remaining 50% payment is due no later than the day of the shoot and must clear prior to shooting. In this case, cash is by far the easiest payment method.
If we are shooting at a location of your choosing that requires a rental payment, it will be your responsibility to pay that rental payment. If it is a location that I choose and it requires a rental payment, I will pay the rental payment.
I do not provide makeup artists or hair stylists. It will be up to you to find such stylists yourself. If you don't know any, I can suggest a few for you to contact. All I ask is you ensure that you:
- Choose a makeup artist who is skilled with doing makeup for the kind of lighting we will be using,
- That you are happy with your chosen stylist(s) and
- They are also scheduled and confirmed for your appointment
Cancellations or reschedule notifications are preferred to be no later than 3 days prior to shoot date. Cancellations lose their 50% non-refundable down payment. Reschedules within the next 45 days can have their down payment applied toward the rescheduled appointment. More than one reschedule, however, will result in automatic cancellation and loss of the 50% non-refundable down payment.
If, for some reason, a reschedule occurs on my behalf and you do not wish to reschedule within the next 45 days, a full refund of your down payment will be granted.
Discounts are not typically offered unless you are a registered sponsor.
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Toggle Question 6: What advice would you give to someone looking to hire a photographer?
Answer 6:
- Realize that photographers, makeup artists, and hair stylists have to pay bills too and make certain you plan a sufficient and fair budget. If you want to hire any professional for a quality shoot, expect you will be paying professional prices. For photographers this professional price typically includes time and work spent and any cost associated with the shoot, any digital post-processing of client-selected photos, management of online photo galleries, type and terms of usage rights granted for photos, and prints (if applicable). Ultimately, though, you will go with a photographer you can afford, but keep in mind that you get what you pay for. A cheaper photographer isn't always a better photographer and an expensive photographer should be scrutinized to ensure you get the value their price demands. Keep in mind that not all photographers (or their work) are created equal.
- Search out photographers who do the kind of photo shoot you're looking to do. For example: You don't want a nature photographer taking your headshots.
- Check out their portfolios.
- Find some photographers whose work excites you and has the "wow" factor that you're looking for.
- Go with your gut and make your choice.
- Every photographer has their own way of doing things, so contact your photographer, get answers to questions if you have them, and find out what you need to do to get started with them. A good photographer should be able to help and guide you from there.
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Toggle Question 7: What questions should I think through before talking to a photographer about my photo shoot?
Answer 7: This is not a comprehensive list, but definitely a good starting point.
- What is your budget? For photographer? For makeup artist and/or hair stylist? For location rental (if applicable)? For outfits? For props?
- What kind of shoot do you want to do?
- What kind of environment would you prefer to shoot in or where would you like your shoot to take place?
- How many different looks and what kind of looks do you want to have? Headshot looks, for example, may be be based on different character types. Whereas, portrait looks may be casual or formal wear.
- Are there any specific creative directives you require for your shoot?
- Who will do your makeup?
- Who will style your hair?
- How many final photos do you want?
- What kind of usage rights do you want and for how long?
- In what format do you want to receive your final photos? Print? Digital? Both?
- During what kind of date/time range do you want your shoot to occur?