When you retain me, you are requesting that I set time aside on my calendar devoted exclusively for your session and not to pursue or contract with other parties for that block of time I have reserved for you. I cherish the confidence you are placing in the services I provide, and look forward to designing exceptional photographs for your future enjoyment in years to come. The Retainer Agreement incorporates the entire understanding between us. Its execution will get the ball rolling in my commitment to ensuring you are provided the services you have retained me for.

Below is a brief description of the key elements of the agreement and the process of how I provide you an exceptional photo session experience. Once I hear back from you that you are ready to proceed with contracting me for your photography services, The Retainer Agreement will be sent to you in a separate email. 

 

THE NUTS AND BOLTS TO PLANNING YOUR PORTRAIT SESSION

>Before your shoot, be sure you take these Pre-Session Steps:

• Free 15 minute telephone consultation
• Determine the type of photog session you want to book
• Choose 2 alternate dates
• Review Photography Service Retainer Agreement, sign and return it to me. Remember to click SEND. 
• Session retainer fee is paid (This amount is the full service fee for portrait photography, and 50% of the service fee for weddings)
• Please take note, that an appointment is not a booked session, until your Signed Agreement is received and retainer has been paid.
• Photo shoot planning - This step is recommended no less than one week before your scheduled shoot. We discuss location, wardrobe, props, and shots you want
• Location evaluation. If time and proximity for travel permits, I like to visit my photo shoot sites before the day of the session. So have your location selected with no less than a week before your shoot. I can help make suggestions if you like. 

>What your Session Retainer Fee covers:  

• A Pre-Session consultation and a photo shoot planning consultation
• My time and expertise to design, travel to, stage and complete your shoot. 
• Professional editing of the best images from your session
• A viewing consultation of the best image proofs from your session
• Two week access to a private online proofing gallery to fascilate your ordering

>The Retainer Agreement's key elements, please take time to review these points: 

Retainer fee's are non-refundable, but are transferable to reschedule a session for up to 4 months after your initial session date, providing the rescheduling notice was given within a minimum of one week, prior to the initial scheduled date. Exceptions to rescheduling with less than a weeks notice will be made under the following circumstances:

• A. Session cannot be completed due to the presence of a fussy child, child's behavior not receptive to being photographed.
• B. Inclement weather preventing travel, and/or photography when outdoor photography is planned.
• C. Sudden onset of illness to you, or a member of your portrait group, preventing attendance to the session.
• D. Sudden onset of illness, to the Photographer.
• E. A death or catastrophe connected with the Photographer or the Client, or their immediate family

Under circumstances mentioned in clauses A - E above, provision is made for the Client to reschedule the portrait session using the same retainer if already paid.  Sessions such as weddings, require 50% retainers due at the time the session is booked. The balance is due on the day of the shoot.

In the unlikely event that a Client is not gratified with their proofs, a retainer refund cannot be granted. However, my aim is to make you happy, and I offer one re-shoot, at no extra cost to you.

>After your portrait session, you can expect the following to take place:

I provide you an approximate date when your proofs will be ready. Typically within 1-2 weeks of your shoot. Wedding photos are 2-4 weeks delivery time.  

Up next is the proofs debut and order placement appointments. 

>Proofing Sessions and how they help you: 

A proofs gallery is helpful in determining which proofs you want to reprint, the quantities you need and to get opinions from your family and friends, so they can choose their favorites.

If you are purchasing digital proofs only, without prints, your proofs will be available online to download at your convenience. No proofing session will be scheduled. 

Did you know:

• Gifting your spectacular images is just one of the many delights your photographs will bring to your loved ones. Products such as photo calendars, holiday cards, announcements, photo statuettes, and properly framed photographs make memorable gifts.

• Printing photographs for interior design and artistic displays for a room is another way to use your photographs as art. See the "DISPLAY PHOTOS" resource in the INFO page, for more ideas.

• If you are ordering prints, your proofs photo debut session is an opportunity to discuss print mediums and products that may interest you. Your proofs will be accessible for viewing and showing to your family and friends in a private, password-protected online proofs gallery. They will be viewable for up to 30 days from the date of your shoot. Ask your loved ones to visit your gallery, their input is helpful in assisting you pick their favorite photos. 

• Re-edits: Client is granted a one-time re-edit to any individual image. Any edits requested beyond the one-time concession, will be provided with a design fee incurred. 

>Order Placement, how it works for you: 

We can schedule an Order Placement appointment if you decide you want professional prints and art. This session can be scheduled either shortly after the photo debut session of your online viewing gallery. Another consideration is not to delay the processing of your photographs,  by simply placing your order for products on the same day of the proofs debut.

Why take time for an ordering session? Because making informed decisions, that are beneficial to your needs, is what my aim is. Not high pressure sales for you to buy large photo packages that you may not need or want. It is at the Order Placement session that I review all the options and variables pertaining to your photos, and any design needs you have for your home or office. Here is one example: Did you know not all all images can be printed in a one size fit all dimension. Some images are taken for full landscape printing in mind. Did you know not all paper is the same? Some paper products I print on can transform a simple photograph, into a work of art. Other paper products diminish the sharpness of an image. You want canvas prints? Those need extra wide margins for the wrap-around frames they get mounted on. 

 Payment for print products is due at the time the order is placed.
Print products are typically delivered 1-2 weeks from the date they are ordered, contingent on the lab's printing schedule.

>Lastly, but definitely not the least, and the most fun part: 

Is when you receive your exquisite prints and product order. Then you just go crazy sharing and decorating your home or office with them.