F. A. Q.
WHAT KIND OF PHOTOGRAPHER ARE YOU?
I am a very 'gotta capture that moment' kind of guy with a methodical approach. I have an idea of what I want to shoot before I set foot at the location. Much of this has to do with me doing my homework on the site beforehand and the look we want to achieve. However, I have worked in the creative space for many years and sometimes you have to be open and ready for the "unscripted" and spontaneous moments (which usually make for GREAT photographs!). At the end of the shoot, we should all walk away feeling like we put in some work, but had such a fun time doing it!
When you invest in my photography sessions, you are really wanting to capture something you can cherish for a lifetime in a way not easily (if at all) achieved on your phone or hand held camera. Yes, I already hear the arguments made by the many Apple users out there...... However, while iPhones today can shoot amazing image quality, the gear is only part of the equation.... For that reason, you are hiring a professional with a creative eye and technical experience to capture these amazing moments in time. In addition, you are given an amazing gallery of high resolution options carefully picked and edited to view and choose from. You are offered digital files to archive and share on social media as well as the option to have exquisite prints to proudly display in your home. Prints that (size wise) can go above and beyond the consumer phone camera.
WILL I BE WORKING WITH JOHN OR SOMEBODY ELSE?
If scheduling conflicts occur where I (John) am not able to be your photographer, rest assured, I only work with top notch photographers. Fully vetted by myself, you will surely receive the same high standard in quality, experience and a very similar style that you would receive with me. If I am not completely confident with the professional I book you with, I will request to reschedule or simply refer you to somebody that I trust. At the end of the day I want to ensure you are completely happy with your photos.
WHERE WILL MY SESSION BE HELD?
Depending on the look and style you are wanting to achieve, I will have some suggestions to best suit that goal. I am open to your location preferences as well, if you have a specific spot or look.
Generally, portraits are done outdoors, while any "lifestyle" or custom style shoot would be at location (indoors or outdoors) of style. Headshots are usually in a "studio" style setting, usually at my place. Sports or "Media Day" style shoots are usually indoors at a predetermined location, but can be done outdoors as well.
Indoor and specific studio location shoots are subject to the locations photo policies and fees (if applicable).
WILL I GET MY DIGITAL PHOTOS AFTER THE SHOOT?
You will receive a private and password secured gallery within a specified timeframe, usually established at the time of booking. These digital "proofs" are made available in the general quantity typical for the style of shoot you select. Many photographers offer 'x' amount to their clients. I usually won't do that, because any given shoot could offer more or less depending on the style and desired outcome. This is mostly specific to styled or portrait shoots. Events or 'Candid' style bookings are usually more in quantity to choose from due to the nature of the shoot. Either way, your gallery will be loaded with images carefully selected and edited by the trained eye. This batch is then passed on to you for you to select from.
CAN I ORDER ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AND PRINTS?
Yep! In many cases, you are going to have lots to choose from. You will have the opportunity to add on to the package you originally selected for your shoot. This will afford you the option to receive more digitals and/or prints from our preferred professional print lab. While digitals will be made available sooner than prints, you will receive an ETA on both at the time of checkout.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE IMAGES I RECEIVE IN MY GALLERY?
This can defintely be an overwhelming process. There are many photos to look at and choose from. In the end, I use a process of scanning to first find the best of the best. These usually jump out to me as "The" photo that captures the essence of our goal encapsulating both my style and the genuine look of you (and if applicable, your entire family). All of this is before any post production processing/editing is done. Being a music producer (also), I have spent the past 20+ years perfecting the concept/philosophy that, if the song by itself is not moving, nothing I do will produce an amazing song.... Same for photos, that's my philosophy. Once that selection is done, I proceed to give the final look which is delivered to you.
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK?
During any so-called 'peak' season (which for my style of shooting includes; Graduation months, Prom months, Homecoming months, etc.), I may only have 1 or 2 available slots for booking. Last minute bookings can happen, however, I try to avoid that whenever possible. So, book ahead of time and ensure you get on the calendar!
DO YOU OFFER MINI-SESSIONS?
Not really. Said sessions are quick and usually don't have the same outcome that a "regular" session would have. In my experience, it generally takes a few shots to get comfortable in front of the camera and before you know it, 45 minutes have passed. And with that, more options to choose from vs. a 15-minute session where it's hit or miss. While this might work for other photographers, it is not my style of shooting, where one idea can spark another. I'd much rather give you that extra time (within reason) to get those shots that otherwise would never have happened.
HOW MUCH DOES ALL OF THIS COST?
Professional photography is an investment made that lasts a lifetime! My style of shooting (aside from my 'Ninja Style', or more commonly known as Candid Style Photography) requires certain equipment to achieve the look we are after. Images that can be proudly displayed on your fireplace mantel or wall. Images that can be printed and framed for a loved one. Images that can be put into a photo book. So many options for a lifetime (thanks to digital files!). Therefore, my pricing/rates reflect everything I do in order to provide you with this high quality service and product. While different styles and packages reflect slightly different rates, you can expect to invest at minimum a session fee with a booking deposit to hold that date on the calendar. Because the cost of doing business can change with time, the best thing to do is keep checking the style of shoot page of the website or contact me directly to discuss what you are looking for.
LET'S GO! HOW DO I BOOK A SESSION?
Right now, you can use any of the contact forms found on the site. I hope to soon have an online booking system integrated into the JADAN Photography website.