Frequently Asked Questions
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General
How long have you been taking Professional Photographs?
This is a hard question to answer. By definition there are 3 levels of photographers. However this has nothing to do with technical skill. It has more to do with compensation. It really doesn't make sense, as a shoot and burn hobbyist can work full time, but has not mastered lighting, or photoshop. Some photographers have no idea how to produce and sell products their clients need, which leaves their clients to do the work. So really "Professional" is left up to the client to decide. You can read the definitions below and decide for yourself where I fit into this spectrum.
What makes your services unique?
As a full-service professional, I am here to serve my clients the best way I can. This means I offer my services in the comfort of your home. Most of my clients have small children who are easiest to care for and entertain in their own home. My consultations are offered in your home (or over coffee if you want to get away for a little break).
Do you have a studio?
In order to best serve my clients, I work on location. Many of my maternity and family clients have young children which can be difficult to entertain in a professional environment for long periods of time. Not to mention new Mom's deserve the comfort of their own home after just giving birth. They need to rest and recover. I do my best take the pain out of the session and bring my services to you!
Can you take photographs at night or in dark situations?
What do your sessions cost?
Pricing varies on the type of session and the products you choose. You can find session fees under the specific session type you would like. Sessions start at $125 and include a credit toward image/product purchase. I offer an a'la Carte menu, as well as a Package menu which gives you greater control over how much you spend or on what products you purchase.
Do you charge Sales Tax
The State of California requires sales tax be collected on sessions if a tangible item is created. This includes digital images when burned to disk, usb drive or any print product. My images are created with the intent of creating a tangible product. Therefore I must collect sales tax.
Do you charge travel fees?
I love doing sessions in a variety of places. I am available to travel to make your session unique to you!
What forms of payment do you accept?
For book keeping purposes, all of my clients are invoiced via Paypal. You are NOT required to pay through Paypal. I accept Cash, Paypal, or Venmo.
Do you release the copyright on your images?
No. I retain all copyrights, with the exception of a print release. Purchased digital images can be printed, but the copyright still belongs to Chantel Hunt Photograpy.
What happens if I need to reschedule or cancel?
Things happen. It's understandable. I allow my clients to reschedule up to 2 times without penalty. If a client fails to make a 3rd scheduled appointment, their session fee will be retained as compensation for my time.
What if I am late to my session?
Please call me! 530-763-2575 as soon as possible.
Have you won any awards or been published?
Yes! Although I am incredibly busy, I try to make time to stay competitive in my field.
Locally, I have won multiple awards, including the Director's Award, and Best of Division for the Professional Category.
How soon should I book my session?
To be sure I have availability, I recommend scheduling your consultation 4-6 weeks before your desired session date. Around 28 weeks for maternity and newborn sessions. My calendar does fill up and I don't often have availability for short notification appointments.
Services
Do you provide the wraps, props and backdrops for your sessions?
Yes I do! During your pre-session consultation we will plan the colors for your session. For newborns, we will plan wraps and props. I do not provide outfits for the family.
Do you provide dresses or gowns for maternity sessions?
Yes I do. You can find many of my gowns here
Do you offer styling services?
During your consultation we will discuss the styling for your session. What to wear, coordinating colors & patterns. Choosing location, or backdrops. Hair and make up services are recommended and can be arranged as well.
I feel awkward in front of the camera. Do you offer posing and guidance?
Yes! Most clients do not know what to do with their hands, or how what way to tilt their head. I will coach you along the way making small adjustments until we get everything just right to create a great look that flatters you!
Do you offer Wedding Photography?
I have done weddings, but at this time, I only offer them the close friends and family.
Retouching
How much retouching do you do?
I am a very skilled retoucher. I can do a lot, or just a little. Each client has their own set of requests, and each image needs it's own personal touch. We will discuss the level of retouching you wish to have at your ordering appointment.
Can you get rid of my double chin?
During your session I will guide your posing to flatter your body. A double chin typically appears when your head is pulled away from the camera. A common response when people are uncomfortable. I will do my best to guide your head position in a way that will avoid creating the double chin effect.
The camera added 10 pounds... Can you make me thinner?
The camera doesn't always add 10 lbs. There are many things we can do to make you feel your best.
Can you remove my braces?
Yes I can, but this is extensive and there is a fee associated with this level of retouching. I will quote this service upon request.
Do you remove acne and/or acne scars?
Please do mention any concerns you have about this during your consultation. It will keep me aware of the issue so I can work to adjust my lighting to minimize the blemishes. Some lighting can emphasize skin blemishes. We will avoid this lighting set up if acne is an issue.
Products
Do you offer print products or digital images?
I offer both professional grade, archival quality products as well as digital products.
How long after my session do I get my images?
I am so happy you are excited about your portrait session!
How many images will I get?
My session fee covers a fraction of my time and costs associated with creating your images. Session fees do not include any images. Images can be purchased from the a'la carte menu, or from the package menu. There is no minimum nor a maximum order. You can order 1 image or all of them.
Can I get the RAW/unedited images?
This is not something I typically do. The camera only does a small fraction of the work that goes into a portrait session. More work is needed to perfect the image into a polished professional image.
Can I get just the digital images?
Yes. You can order digital only images from my a'la carte menu. Digital images are full resolution, and come with a print release. However there is no guarantee for print color and quality if you choose to print your images.
Can I print or make copies of my pictures?
If you have purchased a digital copy of your image, you can make printed copies of that image.
Can I share my images online?
Yes, please do share. I ask my clients tag me and share my page so others will know who did the work, but it is not required.
How long do you keep my photos? Are they Archived?
I keep images a minimum of 6 months. After that there is no guarantee. If your images were lost or distroyed, please message me as I may still have them.
Health & Safety
Are you taking COVID-19 precautions
Absolutely! I would never purposely endanger my clients or their families! I wear a mask for all indoor sessions. Outdoor upon request. I sanitize all my props before and after each session, and wash my hands regularly. If I am unable to wash, I always have sanitizer on hand.
What if the photographer becomes ill or can't work?
Sickness and accidents are inevitable from time to time. If I can not work for any reason, I will contact you as soon as possible to reschedule your session. In the event of a time sensitive event like a newborn session, client and photographer may agree to cancel the session so the client may seek work with another photographer. In this case, I have a few recommendations I will offer.
How often do you clean and sanitize your props and backdrops for newborns?
Any item that touches a baby is sanitized after each session. Fabric backdrops are washed and dried. Other items are either wiped with sanitizing wipes, or sprayed with a disinfectant.
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