Showing posts with label Session Prep. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Session Prep. Show all posts

Monday, September 22, 2025

Let’s Talk Photos! Answering Your Most Frequently Asked Questions

Hi, I'm Erica Cameron. I photograph people and events with heart, honesty, and a lot of creativity, whether it's a wedding, a portrait session, or something in between. To make things easier from your first inquiry through final delivery, here are answers to the questions I get asked most.

What's your pricing for events and sessions?

Event coverage is $350 per hour, which includes shooting, editing, and delivery of high-resolution images, with a 2-hour minimum. Portrait sessions vary by length and what you're looking for, with mini, standard, and extended options available. Full details are at ericacameronphotography.com/pricing-information.

How far in advance should I book?

For events, two to four weeks out is usually fine. For weddings or peak dates, three to twelve months is ideal. My calendar fills quickly, especially in spring and fall, but it never hurts to check, there might be an opening.

Do I need to sign a contract?

Yes. Your date is only reserved once you've signed the agreement and paid the non-refundable retainer. The contract protects both of us and spells out all the details.

What are your payment terms?

A non-refundable deposit holds your date, and the remaining balance is due 14 days before your event. I accept cash, check, or Venmo, and payment plans are available for weddings and larger bookings.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

If you cancel, the deposit is non-refundable and kept as liquidated damages. If you reschedule, we can move your date as long as I'm available, though a new date during busy season or one involving travel may carry an additional fee. If I'm not available for your new date, the agreement becomes void and any fees beyond the deposit are refunded per the contract.

How many photos will I receive, and when?

For events and weddings, expect sneak peeks within two weeks and a full gallery in eight to twelve weeks. Portrait sessions get a full gallery in four to six weeks. Most clients receive 30 to 75 or more edited images per hour of coverage, delivered through a private, high-resolution online gallery you can download, print, and share from.

Will I get the RAW files?

No. I hand-select and edit the images that tell your story best, and the rest get removed during culling so you're left with the strongest gallery possible.

Do you retouch the photos?

Yes. Every final image is edited for color, light, and tone, and I remove temporary blemishes like acne.

How long will my gallery stay available?

Your gallery stays online for 12 months. If you need more time, you can extend it for another 12 months for a $250 reactivation fee, so it's worth downloading and backing up your images once you get them.

Can guests take photos at my event?

Absolutely, casual guest photos are welcome. During posed moments, though, I'll ask guests to pause so we don't miss expressions or end up with someone's flash in the frame. I'm not responsible for shots missed due to guest interference like flashes or crowding.

Do you travel?

Yes. Travel within 75 miles roundtrip of Broomfield is included. Beyond that, it's $1 per mile roundtrip, and destinations requiring an overnight stay or flight get a custom travel invoice.

Do you need meals at long events?

If I'm photographing for more than four hours, I kindly ask for a vendor meal for myself, and my assistant if one is on site. We'll eat quickly during your dinner hour so we're ready for everything after.

What should I wear for portraits?

I don't send a formal style guide, but a few things help. Solid colors or subtle prints photograph best. Sleeveless tops, especially for women, can be unflattering in certain light. Red can sometimes make skin tones look flushed, and anything glittery or high shine, including shimmer lotions, tends to reflect light unpredictably and can make skin look oily in photos. Most important: wear something you feel comfortable and confident in. It genuinely shows.

Will you share my photos online or on social media?

Only if you're comfortable with it. I sometimes post sneak peeks or portfolio images, but only with your permission, and your contract lets you specify exactly what you're okay with, sneak peeks, social media, promotional use, or none of the above. You can even ask to approve images before anything gets shared.

What happens if you can't make it to my event?

If illness, an emergency, or something truly unexpected keeps me from attending, I'll do everything I can to secure a qualified backup photographer. If no substitute is available, you'll receive a full refund. Your coverage always comes first.

Still have questions?

Reach out anytime, I'm always happy to help. You can find me at www.ericacameronphotography.com/contact

Monday, August 25, 2025

Before You Book: What I Want Every Client to Know About Hiring a Photographer

As a professional photographer, I've worked with all kinds of clients: families, couples, small business owners, and event hosts. One thing I've learned is that finding the right photographer can completely change how you feel about the experience, not just the photos.

Whether you're planning a big event, launching a brand, or just want some updated portraits, here's what I want you to know before you hire anyone, including me.

Start with clarity. Before reaching out, it helps to know what you're actually looking for. Is this a wedding, an event, a portrait session, a brand shoot? Do you want formal, posed photos or something more candid and natural? Will you need digital files, prints, or both? Knowing your own goals helps me, or any photographer, figure out if we're a good fit, and it makes the whole process smoother from the start.

Look beyond the pretty photos. A portfolio matters, and you should genuinely love what you see. But look for consistency too. Do the photos tell a story? Does the tone and style match what you're actually drawn to? When you look through my portfolio, I want you to feel something, not just admire pretty images, but picture yourself in those moments.

Ask about the process. Every photographer works differently. With me, you can expect a clear path: a quick phone consultation to talk through your vision; a detailed quote and contract; guidance through prep, styling, and location choices; and, after the session, beautifully edited, high-resolution images delivered through a private gallery. Photography should feel effortless, not overwhelming, and that starts with good communication.

Connection matters more than people think. You're going to spend real time with your photographer, sometimes in vulnerable or emotional moments. That's why personality matters. I want my clients to feel comfortable and fully themselves in front of my camera. That's part of why I always suggest a quick call before booking, not just for logistics, but to make sure we actually vibe. Your comfort shows up in your photos, every time.

Budget matters, but so does experience. I truly understand being mindful of cost. But hiring a professional means more than paying for a few hours of shooting. You're investing in creative direction and real experience, professional gear and editing, backup systems that protect your images, and someone who can guide you through the whole process, start to finish. My goal isn't just to hand you photos. It's to give you peace of mind and a collection of images you'll actually treasure.

Whether you're planning a big celebration or just want to capture your everyday life, I'd be honored to be part of it. If my work speaks to you, let's connect and talk through your vision. Your story is worth telling well.

Erica Cameron
Erica Cameron Photography
Broomfield, CO
www.ericacameronphotography.com