FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What types of photography do you offer?
If you are human, it's more than likely I can create a session for you. Custom portraits, branding and boudoir are my main session types, but I also do headshots, couples and maternity!

Where will my shoot take place?
At my studio in the downtown Vancouver, WA arts district. There is metered parking and you can use the Parking Kitty app! The studio has some natural light which I can use to great effect, except on really dark and dreary days. But, I can make it look like sunshine in there with my expert lighting techniques! I have many backdrop choices. There are rustic, original wood floors and brick walls in this historic building and white walls, some furniture and a comfy seating area for when we go through your photos and maybe even eat a bite. 

How far in advance should I schedule my photo shoot? 
If you need your photographs by a certain date or deadline, we can absolutely discuss that! I am sure we can work within most schedules.

How long will my shoot be?
For headshots, plan an hour or so. For full branding shoots, boudoir and custom sessions, plan 3-4 hours. 

How should I prepare for my photo shoot?
I make this super easy. Basically, I don't want you to sweat it, but I want you to feel prepared. All of your questions are answered in detail for you in a preparation guide which is emailed to you shortly after booking your session. There is one for headshots/branding, and another for boudoir/glamour. These guides will cover exactly how you should prepare completely for your photo shoot, as well as a list of local businesses for beauty appointments and expert wardrobe advice (apart from my own) for your photo shoot! I am very enthusiastic about offering a photo shoot experience of a lifetime to my clients so that you can expect a very well-informed process which involves many instructions and homework.

What should I wear/bring?
This is THE most asked question. And the answer is simply whatever you feel good in! Whatever fits you well and makes you feel great. My signature style is timeless and effortless, which, means you probably already have the perfect items your closet. In a 1.5-2 hour photo session, you will typically have time for 3-4 outfits. Don't stress too much about wardrobe. Once you've completed the booking process with me, you will receive my full preparation guide. Bring 2-3 outfits for headshots/branding and 4-5 for boudoir/glamour shoots. I also have a studio wardrobe items you can wear for your shoot! 

Will we plan the look of the shoot together?
Yes! I love that this can be a collaborative process. I encourage you to gather images you like, (I love Pinterest for this) and send me any and all styles of photos, poses, looks that inspire you! Take photos of magazine pages and send them to me... bring them with you to the shoot, etc...

When/how will I view my photos?
You will see your photos right after the shoot, live and in person! Some people like to grab a bite to eat while I quickly prepare the best photos for viewing (I will take out all the duds, no one needs to ever see those). Or you can pack up the car while I order in and we can just eat something together right in the studio. I do this for many reasons... Firstly, for your convenience and time efficiency. Many of my clients come from over the I-5 bridge, and I just don't see how it's a good thing to come back again and again in that traffic nightmare which seems perpetual! I've gotten really good at helping clients decide between images, showing similar images side-by-side for easy selection, and assisting clients with getting the most variety for your package and/or the perfect wall art pieces. Because we do show a LOT of gutsy images, it can be overwhelming to navigate on your own and I don't want my amazing customer service to stop at the photoshoot. The in-person photo reveal is much appreciated by my clients and is my favorite part of the whole process!

Secondly, it's safer than putting them in an online gallery. While doing some sort of online proofing gallery is industry standard for lots of different types of photography, beauty and boudoir can be something you just want to keep private. I don't want to store your images anywhere online, leaving them vulnerable to being hacked and exploited by anyone but you. I take your privacy seriously, so the in-person photo reveal takes care of this! I do deliver digitals through a secure dropbox link which is encrypted.

Some of our clients travel in from out of state for their sessions, and it just wouldn't be practical for them to come back in for their photo reveal appointment a few weeks later. We have a little work-around for this and can do a live photo reveal via Google Hangout screenshare. It's a bit less theatrical than our in-person viewings, but it is a great back-up option for those who cannot return without having to store any of your images online.




What is your retouching philosophy?
I want you to look like YOU. That being said, while I smooth out some skin, I keep the photoshopping as subtle as possible. Posing and angles through during the shoot will play down any areas that concern you. I will edit out minor blemishes or skin flaws as well as simple things like under-eye circles and small scars (IF you request it!). My main philosophy is, if it’s permanent, it stays, and it's part of your story and of you being YOU. You're beautiful any way you show up.

My signature retouching process will subtly minimize the appearance of wrinkles, stubble, stretch marks or other scars, but please be sure to request more or less at your photo viewing if you have an opinion on that. My masterful techniques are more focused on color correction, contrast, skin smoothing, sharpening, etc. I avoid morphing your body into what it is not. You're absolutely fine just the way you are. 

Do you offer both color and B&W?
Yes. We will go through this all during your photo viewing right after the shoot. And you can always tell me beforehand if you are into the whole B&W thing... because that's my jam! I am so in love with B&W photography... but some images just NEED to be color. And, call me crazy, but sometimes it's the photo that tells me if it needs to be B&W or color. Does that make sense? It's an artist thing and the way my eye sees things. 

Can I request certain editing techniques?
Yes, for more robust, "fine art" creations, I can do it, but it will incur an additional fee as it takes time to do the more elaborate edits.

Can I print my photos myself?
While technically you can, you will receive a digital and a print of all your photos. The digital file you receive will print up to about an 8"x10" pretty well, I cannot guarantee that it will look as good as what I provide you. I use advanced color correcting technology and work closely with my fine art print lab to ensure colors and papers are the finest possible. 

Can I post my photos on social media?
Of course! You can use your photos however you wish. 

Will you be publishing my photos online?
With your permission, yes. Of course I would love to use images from our session together to show other women your amazing photos, and more importantly, share your review! But, I also completely understand if you prefer to keep them private. I will not share unless you grant me permission to do so. I will honor whatever level of privacy you would like. Most clients are so proud of their images that they give me full discretion to choose images for my portfolio and social sharing, some clients prefer to choose the images that are posted, and other clients are comfortable with anything being posted. Just let me know how you're feeling about this subject once you receive your photos and I will honor that!

Can I bring a friend with me to my photo shoot?
Bringing a friend can be AMAZING exactly what you need to help you feel good and safe and calm your nerves.  I don’t mind at all if there is one friend with you. That being said, I ask that the friend not interfere with the shoot at all. No directing, telling you how to pose, etc... that's my job. I got you! I do not allow any more than one friend in the studio with us. On that note, I do not allow male identifying friends either. That’s firm. (No offense guys, it just changes the dynamic). But you know what's even better than having a friend there for moral support? Book your shoots back-to-back or together so you can both enjoy the experience! 

Will hair and makeup services be provided for my photo shoot?
I provide camera-ready, custom make-up application with my skillful on site make-up artist (when you meet her, you will love her!). She will go over everything with you once you are settled in. She will ask about any allergies and preferences to make sure you are looking exactly how you wish to be seen! Totally glamorous or the "no make-up make-up" look and everything in between, it's all up to you! With her expert hairstyling, you will have a stunning, beautiful look!

Be sure to plan an evening out afterwards, because you will look gorgeous and gutsy!

Can I upgrade my package?
Of course! The photo shoot experience starts with a commission/retainer fee of $750 +tax. (See about headshots below). That includes the photo shoot with Darina Neyret, professional hair and makeup application, the retouching of your images, $500 credit towards photographs, and the in-person photo viewing for you to choose images.

My packages start at $1800. Each client has different product needs, from folio boxes to albums to wall-art. What you buy is totally up to you. You don't have to decide until you see your photos immediately following your photoshoot! Experiences include your choice of albums or 8x10 matted desk prints, and your selected images are also provided as web resolution digital files for personal or social media use. At the photo viewing, you will have the opportunity to choose any folio box or album, additional album images, wall art, photo prints, and/or digital files. I will walk you through the choices. My clients tend to spend about $2500 - $4000 for the photographs they desire.

You are almost guaranteed to be flabbergasted by how many photos you cannot live without. You think you will only like a few because you hate photos of yourself (That's about to change!) and I'm sure I can kindly prove you wrong. Yea, we're gonna rock it. 

My packages are thoughtfully built and hand crafted in Italy, based on what I find are the most frequent purchases. We do have an incredible selection of additional products that you may upgrade to or purchase separately at your photo viewing.

Headshot packages start at $490 + tax on mini/special days.

Can I order additional prints at a later date?
Of course! I keep everything stored and backed up. However, there will be a $250 de-archiving fee which will be applied towards your purchase. 

Can my products be shipped to me?
If you are out of state, yes, I can have your photo package delivered to your door via DHL direct from Italy! If you are in another country however, there will be an additional shipping charge. 

Can I get just the digitals?
Digital images and prints are the same price. So I always deliver both! Each image you purchase comes with its corresponding web-resolution digital.

Can I get a couple quick headshots when I am there for my Beauty or Boudoir shoot?
Yes! I do this all the time. :) 

Do you shoot weddings or families?
Ummmm, no. Wedding photographers have a completely different set of skills and business setup. It is really outside my wheelhouse and I specialize in the one-on-one magic that happens with one person at a time. Or maybe a small family! I love mothers and daughters coming in together to spend the day being fabulous and creating memories.

ready to book!?

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