Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. How long have you been a photographer?
A: I have over 25 years of experience in photography. I started as a teenager, working as a freelance wedding photographer and studio assistant in the late 1990s. My career has also included work as a professional makeup artist in film and television, and I’ve raised three beautiful children across three different continents.
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Q. What type of photography services do you offer?
A: I provide a variety of photography services, including portrait photography, makeover portraits, maternity sessions, styled in-studio portraiture, headshots, and personal branding. I truly enjoy capturing the essence of people.
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Q. What is your pricing structure?
A: My pricing varies based on the type of photography service. It starts with a booking fee, and I offer optional full makeover photoshoots that include hairstyling and makeup. Customised photoshoot packages are also available to suit your needs. Prints and products are purchased separately, with no minimum requirement—you only buy what you love.
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Q. How do I book a session?
A:To book a session, fill out the contact form on my website or email me directly at hello@foreverportraitstudio.com. I recommend booking at least a few weeks in advance for availability and session planning.
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Q. What do your sessions cost, and what's included?
A: Custom portrait sessions start at NZ$390, covering the initial consultation, pre-shoot planning, studio preparation, equipment setup, access to a private studio, and numerous poses to capture your best angles. A 45-minute post-photoshoot viewing and ordering session will be scheduled about a week after your shoot. Note that portraits and products are purchased separately.
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Q. What does the session fee cover?
A:The session fee includes pre-shoot studio preparation, consultation, session time, access to the studio, and the photographer's labor and expertise. Our time is valuable, and we aim to provide exceptional service before and during your session.
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Q. Are portraits and printed products included in the photography session?
A: The session fee covers the artist's time and studio resources used during your shoot. The full amount is credited towards any wall art purchases. Prints are available separately, and you only select the items you truly love.
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Q. Can I bring my own props or wardrobe for my session?
A:Of course! I encourage you to bring any props or wardrobe that will personalize and enhance your session.
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Q. How soon will I see the photos?
A:You will have your viewing and ordering appointment approximately 2 weeks after the photo session, either in person or online. A 50% deposit is required before placing any orders, and your printed portraits will be ordered once the deposit is received. Please note that shipping times may vary.
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Q. Why do I need to make a deposit?
A. To secure your purchase with our respective international vendors and ensure dedicated time for your project, we require a 50% deposit at the time of confirmation. This helps us prepare fully for your needs and allocate the necessary resources. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
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Q. Do you offer retouching/editing services?
A:Yes, standard retouching is included with every print purchased. If additional retouching is required, we will discuss and quote it separately.
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Q. What is standard retouching?
A: Standard retouching includes adjustments to color balance, brightness, and contrast, as well as basic edits like blemish removal and shadow correction. For any additional retouching needs, a quote will be provided upon request.
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Q. Why do portraits need retouching?
A. All artists utilize tools, and just as film negatives require processing, digital images do too. Retouching is essential for presenting the best version of your portraits and requires time and skill.
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Q. Are you a qualified photographer?
A: Yes, I studied photography during the film era in the late 90s, learning film development and darkroom techniques. I also had a few years of self-taught experience prior to my formal education.
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Q. What printing do you offer, and how long will they last?
A:I use premium professional photo labs, with my main lab specialising in luxury handcrafted products. The prints have a longevity of up to 300 years, ensuring your portraits will last for generations.
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Q. Do I need a phone consultation?
A: Yes, every booking begins with a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. No sessions will be scheduled without this initial consultation.
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Q. How far in advance do I need to book?
A: I recommend booking at least 2-4 weeks in advance to allow for proper planning.
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Q. What are your hours of service?
A: Studio portrait sessions typically run from 10 AM to 2 PM, Monday to Friday. Weekend sessions are available for an additional fee.
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Q. Why aren't you open on weekends?
A: Weekends are dedicated to family time, which is very important to me. However, like any professional business, I can be reached during regular business hours.
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Q. Do you travel to your clients?
A: Travel for location photography is available for an additional cost, but I primarily offer studio sessions to ensure control over lighting and weather conditions. Please inquire about travel rates.
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Q. How much are prints and products?
A: Enlargement prices start at NZ$390, with handcrafted Italian Legacy Case Collections starting at NZ$2000. You can choose as many or as few prints as you wish, with discounts for larger orders.
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Q. What are the metric measurements for prints?
A. Professional print labs specify print sizes in inches. For instance, a print size of 10 x 7 refers to dimensions of 10 inches in width and 7 inches in height, while a size of 40 x 30 indicates 40 inches in width and 30 inches in height.
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Q. Can I just get the digitals?
A: While we understand the desire for digital files, our pricing reflects the value of both digital and printed portraits. Each collection includes a delicate watermarked digital file for your personal records.
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Q. Do you include professional makeup before a photo session, and why?
A: It is your choice to add-on hairstyling and makeup by a professional artist. A professional makeup artist enhances your natural beauty and creates a personalised look, ensuring you feel confident and beautiful for your photos. The professional will know how to use the best techniques that ultimately enhance your overall portrait to showcase the best version of you! It's best to relax and enjoy the pampering instead of doing your own makeup.
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Q. What if I need to reschedule my photo session?
A: I offer one complimentary reschedule if notified in advance. Additional rescheduling or no-shows will require a new session fee to secure the artist's time and studio.
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Q. I hate having my photo taken. Will I enjoy a shoot with you?
A. I understand—I'm not fond of it either! However, I use flattering lighting and posing techniques to help you look your best. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy the process, and remember, you only keep the images you love.
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Q. Do you offer special discounts?
A: Gift cards are available for products and services. I focus on delivering high-quality results without sacrificing excellence and believe in the long-lasting value of professional photography.
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Q. How long does a photoshoot take to complete?
A: This varies based on the session type, but a typical portrait shoot can last from 20 minutes for headshots to 2+ hours for more elaborate sessions, not including hair and makeup time.
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Q. What is the photographer’s process?
A: Prior to your shoot, I may spend 5-10 hours preparing. After the shoot, expect an additional 10-20 hours for processing, organizing, and managing your viewing appointments. In total, I invest 20-30+ hours from start to finish.
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Q. Can I bring another photographer to the session to use your studio?
A: While I would love to photograph another photographer, I do not allow simultaneous use of the studio. It’s essential to respect my workspace to maintain a focused environment during our session, and it’s important to consider the significant costs associated with maintaining a dedicated studio space for clients.
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Q. Do I get to keep everything you photograph?
A:You only purchase what you truly love. The session labour doesn’t include prints or products; think of it as any menu—you select what you desire, and you will receive what you order. This ensures every that portrait is processed 1 by 1 to reflect our standards of quality.
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Q. Do portraits include a licensing agreement?
A. Licensing agreements are sold and purchased separately. Photographers require a licensing agreement to establish the terms of use for their images, protect their intellectual property rights, and ensure they are compensated fairly for their work.
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Q. I'm still unclear about your pricing structure. Can you explain it?
A. Absolutely! Our pricing structure is designed exactly like a menu, just like what you’d find at a restaurant or salon. For Portrait Session ( not headshots or branding ) there’s a one-time sitting fee that covers your initial photo session and the viewing session. The session fee includes (1) 7 x 5 inch matted print OR it can be applied 100% in full as credit towards any 'collections'purchase. ( excludes individual wall art sizes ). In the menu you will also see five individual wall art size options, ranging from small to extra extra large, along with three collection package choices. Just like a restaurant, pick what you’d like to order, and you’ll receive exactly what you select. You will be guided throughout the initial consultation and viewing session before confirming your order. All orders undergo a meticulous craft process to ensure exceptional results and longevity for your prints.