The following are common questions that I receive about my photography services. Please feel free to contact me for more details on any of these questions or if you have a questions that are not on this list.
- How do I book you for an event or portrait session?
I require a signed contract and a collection of the initial payment to retain/guarantee a spot on my schedule for each portrait or event session/date. - What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept cash, check, and all major credit cards. - Do you require an initial payment (retainer) in order to book a portrait session or event photography?
Yes, along with the signed contract mentioned above, I require a 40% of the contract amount or $100.00 (which ever is greater) initial payment to retain my services for the day. This initial payment reserves the agreed upon date and times. I will not make any other reservations or accept any other clients for said date and time. For this reason, if a client cancellation would occur the all monies paid shall be retained by Steve Jackle Photography in order to offset its loss of business. - When is the final payment due for your portrait or event photography?
The final payment is due upon or before my arrival at the event or portrait session. I prefer to get all the business related activities completed beforehand so we can focus on the festivities or portrait session. - Do you offer high resolution digital images as part of your product offering?
Yes, I do offer high resolution digital images as part of the my product offering. These digital files would come with a personal use only licensing release so you can print them, make photo books, and other image products for personal use only. I do retain the copyright to all of the images and may use them for my studio promotion purposes(internet and print). - I am concerned about privacy. Can I have my web gallery password protected?
Yes, at the time of booking, I will ask you about your preference on this. - What is the typical turn-around time for image products and/or digital files?
In most cases, the turn around is 2-3 weeks for most products. I will inform you before ordering products that take longer or if lead times are extended due my schedule. - Can the image products(prints, canvas, photo books etc.) be returned for a refund?
In general, due to the custom nature of these products, they can not be returned for the refund. Obviously, if there is a manufacturer quality issue with the product, I will make every reasonable attempt to correct the situation. - What kind of photography equipment do you use and do you have backup equipment?
Well, it really depends. I typically carry 2 DSLR camera bodies, multiple flashes and lenses, batteries, multiple flash cards, light stands, and other light modifiers. In some cases, I will use studio strobes and backdrops. I make every attempt to have backups for the most important equipment on hand so an equipment failure does not negatively affect our event/session. - Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, I do carry general business liability and equipment insurance. Since I am a member of the Professional Photographers of America(PPA), I also have errors and omissions insurance which would cover both of us in case photos were lost by unforeseen circumstances like bad or stolen flash card. I am also a licensed photographer in the state of North Carolina. - What would happen if you were unable to photograph due to illness or accident?
Well, it would depend on the situation. First, we would determine whether is it feasible to reschedule the shoot. Obviously, in the case of event photography this would not generally be feasible. I am an active member of the Wedding Photographic Society(WPS) which is a network of extremely talented and reliable professional wedding, portrait, and event photographers based in Raleigh, NC. This gives me an opportunity and the confidence to provide a competent replacement photographer should the need arise. - Would you be the photographer we see at the event or portrait session or would it be one of your associates?
Yes, you would get me. This is why my business is called Steve Jackle Photography. The only exception to this would be in the case of my illness or other unforeseen accident. Knock on wood! So far I have not missed a session or event for any reason. In some cases, based on your need, a second photographer that is coordinated by me may be commissioned too.