J1S Photography's Blog
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Shoot Details
Your session begins before you even step in front of the camera.
The process starts with a phone or email consultation where we will discuss the upcoming photo shoot and it will allow me to get a sense of your goals, desires and even your fears regarding the shoot. Yes, fears. Believe it or not, even the most beautiful women have 'fears' about how they will show up "on film".
At this time I will also help you decided what to wear. It's always a good idea to bring at least 5 'outfits' and at least one pair of 'versatile' heels that will match with the majority of your outfits.
If you spot a look you like in a magazine or a website, feel free to bring it with you the day of your session or drop me an email of the picture beforehand.
It's easier to capture a look you may have in mind by visually seeing it, since there may be elements that I see in the photo that you may not, and vice versa.
The Photo Shoot
I work primarily in my studio or at the location of your choice. Somewhere where you will be most comfortable and where your pictures will reflect a more natural and relaxed look as well as capture the essence of your environment. My mission is for you to have fun during your session and in turn your photos will reflect that emotion.
Your session will last approximately 4 hours and can be at as many or as few "looks" as you would like and with as many wardrobe changes as time permits.
FAQ
* Can I bring a friend/escort with me to my session ?
Short answer, Yes. Long answer: as long as they stay downstairs in the car.
There is nothing worse than trying to photograph someone with a 'serious' look on their face and their friend is in the background cracking jokes about how "mean" you look or whatever. Even worse is the 'boyfriend escort' who disapproves of every pose and literally zaps the energy from the room.
I know, I know, YOUR friend/escort/boyfriend/partner whatever, isn't like that and they sit quietly in the corner and read How To Make Friends and Influence People while simultaneously listening to a pod-cast on global warming and the horrors of genocide all while writing donation checks to various charities, saving puppies, and touching up my roots. I get it. He's a great guy. A generous guy. A harmless, hairdressing, puppy saving, "self-helping" guy ... he still has NO PLACE in our session.
And since I always get people asking me if they can bring someone, even after I've clearly outlined it here,
For outdoor shoots, I try to avoid 'midday' shoots, primarily due to the sun, because of how unflattering it is to those being photographed. Mornings and late afternoons/evenings are perfect.
* How many photos will you shoot in a session ?
Generally I'll get 25-50 shots per hour. It really depends on how many locations we travel to and how many times you change your outfit.
A usual 'on location' session will be 1 hour or so taking photos in one location - about 30 minutes travel time between locations - and/or 15 minutes wardrobe changes - then an additional 1 hour or so taking more photos.
All in all, there will be approximately 100-200 actual photos taken. This is the equivalent of 15 or so rolls of film.
* If you shoot so many pictures, why do I only get 5 High Rez photos on my CD ?
Retouching and adding 'special' effects to a photo takes, on average, 20 - 30 minutes per photo. If I were to retouch every photo from your shoot, it would take almost 2 weeks of full-time work. In other words, 80 hours. I don't have that much free time. However, if you're interested in compensating me, keep reading :)
* What if I want more than 5 pictures ?
If you want more than the 5 offered images, each additional photo will be $25.00 (maximum of 10 images) - see pricing page for full details.
* It's going to rain on Tuesday and I need to cancel my session - what do I do ?
I require 48 hours notice for all *weather related* cancellations. Not sure if it's going to rain / snow the day of your session ? Check the five day accuweather forecast on Yahoo!
* My car broke down, my baby sitter didn't show up, I lost my contact lens - I need to cancel my session - what do I do ?
For all emergency cancellations I ask that you make every effort to contact me as soon as you know you won't be able to make it - up to TWO hours before your session. If it is within two hours of your session and it is a true emergency - I will refund 50 % of your deposit.
* What happens if YOU cancel the session ?
I will make every possible attempt to keep our appointment, however, sometimes things happen that make that impossible. If I need to cancel the session for whatever reason, I will give you as much notice as possible, so that we can reschedule.
If it's an emergency situation and I'm giving you less than 8 hours notice - I will refund your deposit in full and give you 50% off your rescheduled session.
* Hey, you're my homegirl, cousin, best friend, sister in law, wife, mom etc. I've known you forever - You're not going to charge ME, right ?
Short answer: Yes, yes I am. Long answer: When I was first starting out, I was literally giving my time and talent away to those closest to me - as of October 1, 2006, I will no longer be doing that. I will, however, offer a 25 % discount off of all services (including my session fee) - Yes, that's the ONLY "hook up" I'm going to be offering.
* Yo that's messed up, I've been down with you since 1986 - surely you mean everyone ELSE, right ?
No. This includes YOU too. And if this question popped into your head when you read the question above - then pay close attention because this REALLY means YOU. As a matter of fact, YOU are the reason I'm writing this.
* I like your style, will you shoot my wedding / event ?
At the current time, I am not booking weddings. I may do a party or event -
* I want to have my pictures taken 'down the shore' or upstate, is that ok ?
Short answer: Yes. For a small fee. I will travel within 40 miles of Raleigh for your session, any additional will be charged at $80
* I want to have my pictures taken at the "Top of The Rock", The Empire State Building, The Statue Of Liberty, is that ok ?
Absolutely. Your session is just that, yours - however, you are responsible for any additional costs associated with admission to the location of your choice.
* I want to have my portraits done in a studio, do you have a studio ?
Absolutely. I have a 1000 sq ft studio in Raleigh NC.
* I hate my pictures ! I look fat in all of them, can I have my money back ?
I want nothing more than for you to LOVE your photos. I will make every possible attempt to provide 100% satisfaction, and while I will not refund any part of the session fee, I will re-shoot you, provided that you expressed your dissatisfaction during the proofing process.
Basically, I will shoot you again, at no cost to you, as long as you tell me within 2 weeks of seeing your proofs - not three months later, after you've lost 50lbs.
Yes, I'm serious.
No, really... I'm serious.
* Do I have to sign the model release ?
Absolutely. It protects us both and ensures that we are on the same page where images are concerned.
It basically gives me the right to use your image for my portfolio and it gives you the peace of mind that your photos won't end up on a porn site with your face on a naked body having sex with a moose somewhere in East Jabooboo.
* Do you do TFP/TFCD ?
Short answer: Yes. Actual answer: it really depends on the model and the 'look' I have in mind. If you have a "look" that I can use (now or in the future) we can work something out. Since I am no longer "building" my portfolio and don't NEED any particular model in my book - If you want to work with me TFCD, YOU need to bring something to the table - and not just a "pretty face" and a "blank stare". I will only be doing TFCD shoots with models who have an amazing concept that I just can't refuse. -
PRICES
Current mood:
I NEED SOME PHOTOS FOR MY-SPACE- Price $150* 30min Photo Shoot
creative
* 2 Outfit Changes
* 2 Standard Edited Photo* Email Only of 20 best photos* Photos well be compressed to my-space size (500k)
PRO and BAND - Price $375
* 2- 3hr Photo Shoot
* 3-4 Outfit Changes
* 6 Standard Edited Photos* CD of of 40 – 80 images with logo
ALL OUT PRO - Price $700
* 4-5hr Photo Shoot (could be longer)
* 4-5 Outfit Changes (if discussed before shoot, it can be more)
* 6 Standard Edited Photos HIGH REZ , NO LOGO
* CD of most photos taken in shoot with logo
* Hair and make-up included
NOTE : All out pro shoot is recommended for Featured entertainers
CUSTOM PACKAGESWe can tailor any package to fit your needs. If none of the above packages are what you need let us know and we will try to work out something that will fit your needs, and budget. The price would average $75 per look not including make up and prints.
NOTE: Custom packages are good for actors and model comp cards
ON LOCATION PRICES: For on location prices you would ad extra cost due to time and travel to location.Price would vary from $75 to depending on the location, if artificial lighting is to be brought to the location, and any other additional expenses
HAIR AND MAKE-UP:We have a few make up artists available.The price of the make up is not included in the price of the package. We strongly recommend that you schedule a make up artist for any fashion glamour shoots unless you are very good with yours or you are doing a fine art shoot where the accent is on the body lines.?Basic make up is $75. Make up and hair styling $150.The make up artist and/or Hair Stylist will do your make up and/or hair before the shoot. Estimated time and hour. She/ He will NOT be available to change your hairstyle or touch up make up between your changes. If you would like to have that option you would have to discuss cost with the Make Up Artist.
ARTISTIC or EDITORIAL TYPE SHOOTS AND SPECIAL SET UPS.Note: All the shoots are priced for set-ups available in the studio for quick changes. Some setups that require screens, walls, windows and other special props may be some additional cost due to the time of set up required. Any artistic shoots with special setups are to be discussed in detail before the shoots.
SPECIAL EDITING:Extra edits are available:Price varies from $10-20 per image on any standard editing depending on if you are one of our models or independent model.Some Artistic shots or headshots may require special editing. For a magazine look and fine editing there is a price of $50/ hour for the editing. The price is to be discussed and evaluated based on the particular project and image.

LMAO.. Your too cute.. And i completely get it.. Better than u think.. :)
LOL...I love urstyle !!! I guess no bagel trade for a shoot ;)