Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

For some families and individuals, portrait photography is not something you shop around for every second week, and understandably there are a lot of questions with regards to how it all works. Tarina has answered the more common questions here, however if you have a query with regards to something not talked about please send her an email or give her a call and she will be more than happy to answer your question(s).

How soon can I get an appointment?
Tarina can usually get you in within a week or two, but occasionally sometimes even the same day! Saturdays and Sundays book up quickly, so allow more advance notice for weekends.

Can we talk before the portrait session about some ideas?
Absolutely! Tarina encourages clients to share their ideas, discuss what kind of photos you would like to create, and find out more about you. You can also bring examples to your session or email images you like from books, magazines, or the internet to show her what you're looking for.

Are you able to tailor a shoot to suit our needs?
Most definitely, just let Tarina know what you are looking for and she will put together something to suit.

What sort of lighting do you use?
Natural light, natural light and more natural light (where possible of course). Tarina prefers to use a camera mounted flash as little as possible and she does use an external flash from time to time.

Do you take credit cards?
Tarina accepts checks, cash, Visa, MasterCard and PayPal.

Is there a cancellation charge?
Yes, if you cancel less than 48 hours before your shoot, there is a $75 cancellation charge.

What should I wear to my photo session?
Simple is Best!
Keeping your clothing simple allows the focus to be on WHO is being photographed. This makes for more powerful and timeless images. Be comfortable both physically and in style; the clothing suits, accentuates You! Tarina has noted a few pointers below that may be helpful.

Tops
Solids are preferred instead of busy patterns and mid to dark tones are preferred to light or white. It is highly recommended to avoid tops with large images, writing or logos on them, as they will be distracting in your photos. The simpler, the better.

Outdoors
Wear a jacket, coat or sweater if cold, as well as hats and scarves if you like. We will shoot with and without. Pants that can get a little dirty if we kneel down and shoes that are easy and comfortable to walk in and can get wet when shooting outdoors are best.

However, all that being said, if you feel that bright colors, dizzying logos, and writing project your personality better, feel free to bring those clothes as well! This is about you, and for you, after all. :)

What should I say to the kids before the portrait session?
Emphasize fun when you talk about the upcoming photo session. For example, you may say ‘we’re going to the park to play and have a great time with Tarina. She’s going to take photos of you having fun.’ Please, do not bribe your children. When parents say ‘if you are a good girl and smile for the camera, then I’ll buy you an ice-cream afterwards’, the child starts to imagine that the photo session is like a trip to the dentist – an ordeal to be endured! They are likely to give fake smiles and demand their ice-cream after every shot. It is much better to have a truly fun photo session, where the child is enjoying the moment. Then, we can capture that joy in the camera.

What will happen at the portrait session?
During your portrait session, Tarina tries to get a range of photos, from formal portraits to candid, fun shots with movement. So, at times she will direct you where to be and where to look, whether that is standing on some steps, lying down in the grass, or sitting on a rocky beach. At other times Tarina will let you loose to have fun, and she’ll capture you being yourselves. Tarina's clients often tell her how much fun they have on their shoots – it’s a time to celebrate yourself, your loved ones, and life itself.

How long are the sessions?
Depending on the package you're interested in, the sessions typically last anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours.

Do you include prints in packages?
Yes! Depending on the package, each comes with it's own standard prints, and you can order additional copies of your photos from your online photo gallery.

How do we choose our photos and prints in from our session?
Two to three weeks after your session you will receive a link by email to your private online gallery. The gallery is up for two weeks during which time you may share your images with friends/family and place your order. You are welcome to discuss options with me over the phone. The gallery can be extended in weekly increments at $50 per week.

Do you do photo retouching?
Yes. Most packages include basic retouching (softening wrinkles and lightening bags under the eyes) and all prints include retouching. There may be a charge for more extensive retouching.

If you love an image but there is something about it that bothers you (for example, a blemish, or misbehaving hair), then Tarina can probably fix it for you using time proven techniques. She also loves to create unique composite artworks for clients on request.

Do you offer pictures on a CD or USB?
Tarina does offer images on a CD or USB. All choice high resolution images are included for your personal use with a print release, so you may print wherever you'd like.

What is web-resolution?
Web-resolution is a term used to describe a small image that looks good online and on your computer, but doesn't take up a lot of space. This size of a file is NOT suitable for print, and only looks good online (email, blogs, Google+, Facebook, etc.).

What kind of camera do you use?
Nikon SLR and Canon D-SLR. When the situation or project warrants it, I will use an old and highly reliable 4x5 camera.

Where is your studio?
Tarina does not have a studio. She is an on-location photographer, meaning she travels to you or meets you somewhere to take pictures. Tarina prefers to only use natural light which means she loves outdoor pictures! If you have a location in mind for your session, please suggest it, otherwise, she will give you a list of places depending on the look you're going for!

Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee?
Yes, if you are not happy with your photos, Tarina will do another shoot, free of charge. Note: Tarina cannot offer a guarantee on children under 5 years old. The guarantee may not apply if the photos are for a modeling/talent agency.

If you have a question not listed here, just send Tarina a message via the Contact page.