FAQ's for Beach Photography Sessions

Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions.

What is the Difference Between a Sunset vs Morning/Day Session? Will we still get bright, sunny photos with a sunset session?

Essentially, there are two basic kinds of "looks" you can choose between: sunset/sunrise and morning/day. The difference is in the quality and angle of light. Morning/Day sessions are bright, sunny and cheerful. Sunset/Sunrise sessions are warm, soft and romantic due to the sun being low in the sky. Neither "look" is better, just different. Since sunset sessions begin an hour before sunset (and go to 15 min after), you still get plenty of bright & sunny photos too, they are simply softer & warmer than that of a mid-day session.

Do we get the full resolution images, so we can make prints?

Both the SOOC (straight out of camera) images and the Edited images you receive are full resolution. You are free to print them wherever you choose. For maximum convenience, you can order prints right from your gallery and they will be shipped right to your door.

I use the highest quality professional Canon camera and lenses, the Canon R5 mirrorless, which has more than enough resolution to make gorgeous prints on metal and canvas all the way up to 40 x60.

What if we want more edited digital images?

You have the option to select and purchase additional edited images ala carte, either individually, or in packages of 5, 10, 15 & 20.

How much do your prints cost? How many prints do we get with our Print Credit?

I’m so glad you asked! The following prices are current examples but are always subject to change.

Paper Prints
8x10 = $22
8x12 = $25
11x14 = $40
16x24 = $86
20x30 = $135
24x36 = $184

Aluminum Metal Prints
8x10 = $110
8x12 = $140
11x14 = $175
16x24 = $360
20x30 = $440
24x36 = $580

Canvas Wraps
12x16 = $75
16x24 = $150
24x36 = $195
30x40 = $325

Why Do Sunset/Sunrise Sessions Cost More? 

Two reasons: 1. the color and intensity of sunlight changes very little during a day session as opposed to a sunset session where the light changes dramatically from start to end. This makes sunset sessions twice as much work to edit. 2. There are only seven (7) sunset sessions available per week.

Can We Change Clothes?

You are always welcome to change outfits during a session but be aware that session time is limited and you'll need to be able to change in public on location. If you really want to change it up, the easiest way is to keep it simple by just changing shirts or accessories. 

What to Wear

First rule of thumb - anything that makes you feel comfortable and confident. That said, we also recommend choosing colors that complement and contrast with your skin and others with you. White shirts on pale skin seldom looks good. Likewise, black clothes on black skin doesn’t complement either. Think contrast. Try to stay away from stripes, logos or fad clothing... you want images that are timeless and still look good 10 to 20 years from now.

Where do we go for the photo session?

There are so many great location options in the NW! Waterfalls, fields of grains, forests and lakes and rivers, oh my! During our consultation we’ll discuss what you want for your session and we’ll find a place that fits your vision.

What About Weather?

On the rare occasion that rain or bad weather is imminent, I am more than happy to reschedule if at all possible. I certainly don’t want my expensive camera gear getting damaged. :-)

My philosophy is very simple: I want beautiful images of you just as much as you do. That said, be flexible, be open. Some of the best images I've taken were in inclement weather. Weather is good - it adds drama and passion to photos.

But I'm Not Photogenic..."

That's okay - neither am I! When I am on "the other side of the camera" I feel awkward, shy and uncomfortable too. So I totally understand. Most people feel the exact same way you do. So I've learned ways to help my clients relax and even come to enjoy being in front of the camera. You don't have to know what to do, how to pose or what to do with your hands... and it's totally okay if you feel shy. Posing ideas and making you look good is my job. If you're willing to just play with me, try different things, I promise you'll soon actually start having fun. And, as I remind clients before every session, this is digital photography... if we try something and it doesn't look good, we just push the delete button and try again!

How Many Photos Do We Get From A Session? 

The number of Edited Images you receive obviously depends on the package you chose. As to how many images I take during a session -  while I never promise an exact number, I generally end up with at least 200 images per hour, sometimes quite a bit more than that. It depends on how much direction the clients need, the location, the conditions, etc.

A couples session almost always means more images are taken simply because there are only two people to work with. Some families can be very focused and we easily end up with 350+ images out of a 90 min session. Other families can be totally chaotic and we barely end up with 120.

My philosophy is to give clients as many quality shots as possible, with as much variety as possible. However, quality always trumps quantity.