FAQs - Portrait Shoots
The following topics are mainly for family and personal portrait shoots. Please contact me about any questions regarding school/preschool/daycare shoots.
1. How long before my shoot should I contact you?
Your Home or Location Without the Need for a Permit: One week, though two weeks is ideal
A Municipal Park, Garden, or Venue that Requires a Permit: One month (These locations almost always require a permit)
This lead time allows me time to consider your vision, the people involved, and the location you want. Great photography doesn’t just happen. It’s part of a planned process.
2. Why do I need to get a permit? I see people getting photos done at my favourite park all the time.
Personal, non-commercial photography is almost always free at municipal parks and gardens. However, when a client pays a photographer to take photos, especially when flash units are involved, it becomes a commercial shoot and almost always requires a permit. This is for insurance reasons, but also as a way to control the traffic of the venue from being overrun by photographers.
Permits range from $75-$350 depending on the time allotted and the venue so it is always a good idea to research your location before you call me. Weekends tend to be the busiest days for reservations, while mornings on weekdays tend to be the slowest. If you have a desired location, contact me early so that this can be done ahead of time.
If the venue requires a permit, I will only shoot with the required permits. This protects both you and me in the event of an accident, injury, or equipment damage. The cost of the permit will be your responsibility.
3. Will I see all the images taken at the shoot? Can I select my favourites from the entire batch of images?
No. You won’t see every photo that was taken with my camera. Part of my professional service is to curate only the best images for you to choose from using my experience and artistry. As many as 400-500 images might be taken at a photo shoot, not all of which will be of different poses because duplicates are taken to ensure proper focus. Some will have their eyes closed or their heads turned away. Some will have hair on the face or a hand in an unusual position which can happen. Of course, some compositions just don’t work. For these reasons, you will receive around 30-70 images to choose from, though it will depend on the type of shoot and length of time.
However, once you receive your proof gallery, you have the option to select only the ones you like.
4. Do you offer digital files?
Yes, digital files are offered as part of the shoot and in packages. However, not all will be in high-resolution (3000px on the longest dimension). Depending on your package, you will also receive social-media ready files (no larger than 1300px on the longest dimension). All can be downloaded from your personal gallery in JPEG format which is ideal for sharing with family and friends.
High-resolution files are suitable for prints up to 8 x 10”.
If you would like to purchase all images at high-resolution, additional fees will apply.
5. I only want digital files. Why are they the same price as prints? Aren’t they just files? Shouldn’t they be cheaper?
Whether digital or printed, you are purchasing the image and not the material. That image resulted from a chain of events that started with our planning and vision, the time spent during the shoot, my retouching experience, and all the associated labour costs of making the image and delivering it to you. Only when the image is mounted on something large or framed do material costs change the purchase amount in a significant way.
So, no matter what medium you choose to have your photos delivered to you, the price of that image is the same.
Many of my packages offer digital files along with prints.
6. Can I have the original files from your camera (e.g., RAW files)?
No. A RAW file is an unprocessed and unedited image that my camera makes. Think of it as the ingredients. It contains everything to create a finished image, but it isn’t the finished image in and of itself.
In fact, the raw file isn’t even a usable file. You wouldn’t be able to upload it to social media (it’s about 50 megabytes). You couldn’t print from it. You wouldn’t even be able to open it on your computer unless you have the right software.
If the RAW file contains the ingredients, then I guess you could call me the chef! Using specialized tools, I take the RAW file and process it to create your finished image. That finished image is saved as a TIFF or JPEG file. Unlike the RAW file, your TIFF or JPEG is a finished, usable file.
Every image you see on my website is a JPEG (made from the TIFF) file. Every one of my wall portraits you’ve seen was from a JPEG file. Every image you see me post (or anyone for that matter) on social media is made from a JPEG file.
The RAW file doesn’t inherently give you better quality; it just gives you all the ingredients to make that finished image. Plus, the editing of an image is a very personal process. It’s a part of my creative workflow and intellectual property.
7. Can I come to your studio for photos?
No. I am a location-based photographer, which means I do not have a physical studio. However, the benefit is that I will come to you! I can provide professional portraits in the comfort of your home or at a location of your choice with studio lighting. You would probably feel more comfortable in your own house anyway, and all I need is a space of about 10’ x 10’ to set up my equipment. Inside or outside, it makes no difference!
8. How long will it take for me to see my images and get my purchased products?
After the shoot is complete, I will begin the process of narrowing down the photos to the very best. Depending on the length and type of the shoot, that could take about two weeks. Once the photos have been narrowed down, I will meet with you to show the “proof” photos so you can decide on your favourites. You can also see them from your very own personal online gallery.
Print images can be completed within five days. If you purchase images for the creation of wall art, that will take another 2-4 weeks, depending on the product chosen. This is because these products are handmade. However, all purchased products are inspected by me before they are personally delivered to you.
9. What is an alteration fee? Why do I have to pay more for changes made to the photos?
I strive to have an “all-in” pricing model so that you aren’t surprised by additional costs. However, when a requested change is above and beyond what would be done when processing your photos, then that time will be added to the cost. Examples of this include changing the position of a person in a photo, resizing someone in the photo, removing a complex element in the photo, acne removal, and so on. Most major issues are resolved when the proofs are provided to you and do not incur an extra fee.
10. What happens if I need to cancel/postpone?
I know that sometimes things come up like family emergencies or illness. You can reschedule (postpone) your shoot once with 24 hours notice at no additional cost and your deposit will be transferred to the new shoot. However, if your shoot required a permit, you will need to purchase a new one for the rescheduled date.
If you need to postpone a second time, the deposit is considered earned and will not be refunded as potential clients may have been turned away to secure your new date. A new shoot can be booked at the original rate.
If you cancel your shoot with less than 72 hours notice and do not reschedule, the deposit is considered earned and will not be refunded. A new shoot can be booked at the original rate for a later date.
11. How far will you travel for a photoshoot? Is there mileage?
My service area is generally within a 40 km radius of my office and includes Burlington, Oakville, Halton Region, Milton, Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, Etobicoke, and Guelph. I don’t generally serve the city of Toronto, but depending on your situation, I may be able to help you.
I charge $0.70 for each km beyond a 20 km radius of my office for both directions.
12. How long are the sessions?
Some photographers offer sessions based on the number of hours. That can lead to some stress in an attempt to get all the locations or poses within the time allotted. When you book me, the day is yours.
There are no time limits with Brian Ackin Photography. Now, that doesn’t mean I’ll shoot from dawn to dusk. But, if you book a family portrait session, for example, at 1 PM, I’ll be available for as long as needed to capture all your desired moments, ensure everyone has time for washroom or snack breaks, a change of clothes (if desired), or to allow you pursue an interesting photographic idea.
Please note that some locations do have time limits, such as public parks or venues. In those situations, we would be subject to time constraints at that location.
13. How should I dress for this photoshoot? Do you offer a stylist?
When you book a session with me, I provide a wardrobe guide to help you coordinate your look. However, these are your photos, and your personal style and taste should always be your own. Obviously, you want to dress for the occasion, so stretched t-shirts, dirty shoes, track pants, and most casual athletic wear would not be ideal.
I offer the services of the amazing Christine and Natasia Milo, who are certified aestheticians if you would like a more dedicated approach to your makeup and wardrobe.
14. Why do you need to meet with me before the shoot? Why can’t you just show up and take photos?
As with anything, a greater amount of planning and forethought before the event always leads to better outcomes and reduced anxiety. Some photographers are quite happy to just show up, though I’m not sure you are getting the greatest value from such individuals. As a professional service, I want to give you my best and that happens when I can consider the venue/location beforehand, know the people involved, and have a sense of your vision.
By meeting with you beforehand, I can understand what’s important to you, any potential challenges with the location, and what equipment might be necessary, and consider the health and mobility issues of those involved.
15. Are you insured?
Yes. Brian Ackin Photography maintains commercial liability and property insurance.
16. I can get a photographer for half the price. Why should I choose you?
I totally understand.
Just as it is for cars, computers, wedding planners, vacations, and homes, you must decide what quality you want and how much you are willing to spend. You can save money and buy a budget vacation, though you might not like the room and view, the food, or the overall quality. But you did save money. Or you can value the experience and spend more to ensure a nice room, excellent food, and memorable activities.
As stated above, I am a full-service photography business. I do everything, which means you have time for other things that are important to you. If you value personalized service and planning, a photographer who values the craft, and a commitment to the final image and your satisfaction, then I am here for you.