General Photography Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a some of the more frequent questions I've been
asked. For modeling related questions, click
here.
General Photography Related Questions
How can I contact you about photography services or
modeling?
If you are interested in the any of my photography services for
yourself or your business, you can call me at (517) 437-3079 and leave a
message with a phone number I can contact you at during evenings and
weekends. I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Alternatively, you can email me at pywrit@msn.com or
pywrit@pywrit.com. If you are inquiring about modeling, an email is preferred.
I'll use the email exchanges to keep a record of what we've discussed. Of
course, there is always to tried-and-true United States Postal Service. My
address is:
Jeffrey S. Timmons, Photographer
11 River Street
Hillsdale, MI 49242
If you call, you will probably get a recorded answering
machine message as I am often not near the phone. Make sure you leave a
message with contact numbers so I can return your call. I will return your
message within 48 hours at the most.
When are you available?
I do my photography work on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Even
on the same day if the day and time are listed as available. You can check
my schedule by clicking here. Why only
weekends? A - That is when most people have the time for photography
sessions. B - I am located in the small town of Hillsdale. The population
density and employment rate are insufficient to support a full-time
photographer at present.
Where is your studio located?
I do not maintain a studio. As a freelancer, I go where the work
is, meaning most of my photography takes place on location. Where you want
your photos taken, that's where I will go. I keep a couple of small studio
lights and a portable backdrop system that allows me to take pictures
anywhere you want. The big advantage to you is that you do not have to
drag the family to a studio when the "studio" comes to you. The
exception is "tabletop" product photography. I have an area set aside for this type of work, but it is far too small for
typical portrait sessions.
Then what are the areas you will
travel to for photo sessions?
For portrait photography, I will generally drive about 30 miles
for a session at no charge. This includes Hillsdale, Jackson, Coldwater,
and Adrian in Michigan; Fremont and Angola in Indiana; Bryan and
Montpelier in Ohio. Any farther and there is a 50 cent per mile travel
charge (from my starting point) that offsets the cost and time of travel.
For example, Lansing, MI would incur a $70 travel charge, Ann Arbor, MI
would be $70, and Kalamazoo would be $78. Fort Wayne, IN would be $88 and
Toledo, OH would be $86.
How can you offer free photography?
Three things allow me to offer free photography. If you do not
mind your photos being used in print - anything from newspapers and
magazines to print brochures and advertising - all you need to do is sign
a model release. I then make my "photographer's fee" by selling
these images through various stock agencies. Second, I don't maintain a
large studio. By eliminating the cost of keeping a studio, I can pass
these savings on to you. Third, the photos are delivered digitally on a
CD. This saves money as you do not have the photographer's production
costs factored into any "photo packages".
What is a Model Release?
A model release is a relatively simple legal document that states
you are giving the photographer permission to sell these photos. There are
two types of releases, one for adults 18 years of age and over who can
legally sign such a form, and a Minor Model Release for those who are
under 18 years of age. The second requires the document be filled out and
signed by a parent or legal guardian. Click
here to see my model release.
How can my photos be used if I
sign a model release?
If you sign a model release for the free portraits, the
appropriate images will probably be sold through stock photo agencies.
This is how I make my photographer fees for the session. The agencies I work through have very strict stipulations as to
how a photo may be used. Sensitive subjects such as Religion, Politics,
Social Issues, and Sexuality generally require the model's permission. For
example: If a graphic designer wants to use your photo on a brochure or
website about
HIV, he would be required to get your permission first.
Will you still photograph me if I do not want to
sign a model release?
Of course, but there is a standard hourly fee for this service.
How is the free photography different from getting
my portrait taken?
In a portrait session, the portrait photographer generally puts
you in "standardized" poses that are typically very generic. I,
instead, try to put you in a pose that is more natural, trying to capture
the "real" you. The results can be far more dynamic, artistic,
and interesting than a standard portrait. Think of it this way: What is
more interesting? A mother and child sitting in front of a gray background
or the mother on the floor playing with her child. The first is very
static and not very interesting, the second has emotion and action and
tells a story.
How are my photos delivered?
You will get a CD with the images that have been shot. These are
suitable for printing at 9" X 13" in high resolution or as large
as 24"
X 36" at standard photo quality (measurements are approximations and
can vary depending on the cropping required for each photo). These can
then be printed by almost any photo printing shop including the chain
store photo labs (Wal*Mart, Walgreens, etc). Modern glicee printing can
take the image even larger.
Why don't you offer prints?
That is simply a business decision. I can arrange a package for
you if you really want, but the truth of the matter is that you can have
the same quality photos printed on your own for less money and have them
faster than if I were to do the work for you.
How many photos will you take
during a session?
There is no hard-and-fast rule to the number of photos taken
during a session as each session is different. This is artistic, not the scientific
method of photography, and experimentation always takes place. Different
angles, different positions. Sometimes a person looks good one way but not
another, and this does not reveal itself until the photo is taken.
Some people have a natural flair for the camera, other's do not. So a
number of shots may be taken just to find what works for you. A lot of
shots will look fine, but lack the artistic quality that give the image
timelessness. But if you still want a number, figure about 50-100
shots per hour of work of which anywhere from 5-20% will have the artistic
quality we are seeking.
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