FAQs > Fashion

1) What are your prices? All prices are listed on the website under the Prices link.

2) Do you offer discounts? All students are given a $50 discount for any type of session.

3) Do you offer payment plans? Yes, please call to discuss options.

4) Can I pay by credit card? Yes, you can pay through PayPal online. There is an additional $10 fee to pay this way. Go to Prices and click on the PayPal link.

5) Do you do TFP shoots? We are not accepting TFP shoots at this time.

6) What is a TFP shoot? TFP can mean “Time for Prints” or “Test for Portfolio.” Usually, a TFP shoot is done for free. A photographer finds a model she/he wants to photograph and neither the photographer nor the model gets paid for the shoot. This type of work is usually done by models and photographers getting started in the process of building their portfolio. Sometimes a make-up artist or hairstylist also participates so they can add to their book.

7) How long will the shoot take? Each shoot is unique. Plan to spend at least two-three hours for a double look fashion shoot and six-eight hours for multiple looks. I never book more than one fashion shoot in a day so I can devote my full attention to you.

8) What can I expect the shoot to be like? Again, each shoot is unique. Usually we begin early in the morning, when natural light is best unless a night time shoot is specifically planned. Expect to begin around 7AM. We often get bagels and fruit for breakfast and eat while the make-up artist and hair stylist prepare you for the shoot. After that we select your clothing and talk about specifics. Then we go to the first location. I always work with an assistant, so there at least two to three people with you at all times, possibly more depending on the complexity of what you want/need.

9) Where are you located? I am based out of Catonsville, MD. It is in Baltimore County just off the 695 beltway and near Interstate 95.

10) Do I have to use a make-up artist/hair stylist? I highly recommend that all my subjects, male and female, hire both a make-up artist and a hair stylist. I do not style hair or do make-up personally, please don’t ask. I am neither licensed nor trained in these fields.

11) Can I do my own make-up? I only recommend this if you are an excellent and experienced make-up artist. All make-up artists go thru extensive training and are licensed by the state of Maryland. Many have additional on-camera training so that their make-up techniques are ideal for photographic shoots. For example, a good make-up artist knows how to contour your eyes and face so that light hits you differently – a good make-up artist can even "change" the shape of your cheeks, eyes or nose for a photo. In fashion it is essential that you show your versatility and make-up is VERY key to achieving this goal. If you have questions, please call.

12) Can you refer me to a professional make-up artist or hair stylist? Yes, we have a list a several we work with regularly. If you do not know any make-up artists or hair stylists, I can provide you with a list of several in the area who are excellent. If you want me to hire someone for you, I will choose who I think is best. All hair stylists and make-up artists charge their own fees and must be independently negotiated. Their fees are not included with your package.

13) Can I find a make-up artist/ hair stylist of my own? Yes, but make sure they are experienced in the medium of fashion photography – don't hire someone who “wants to give it a try" or "thinks they could do it" – this is an investment in your career. What looks great in person doesn't necessarily translate well on film. For example, with make-up some foundations contain light-reflecting ingredients. These look great in person, but make you look washed-out in pictures. Additionally, your make-up artist will need to be familiar with body make-up applications/body contouring for a fashion shoot that will show much of your body.

14) Do guys actually wear make-up? Yes, absolutely. It evens out skin tones and really add to the photograph. No professional male model works very often without make-up!

15) Why do you use film and not digital cameras? Regardless of megapixels or how much a digital camera costs the quality is just no where near the quality of film. And believe me, we have tried them all from top-of-the-line to point-and-shoot digital cameras. When making pictures, I feel a print is the ultimate final product. Though digital cameras are very economical and have a fast turnaround, I do not believe the print quality is yet up to par with traditional prints. If you go to your local newsstand, most magazines (though not all) still use film - mostly medium format film. National Geographic, a magazine considered one of the best for photography in the world still uses not only film, but E-6 slide film so that it can offer readers the best and deepest color on its pages. I think digital is great for newspapers – they are printed on newsprint, so no one can see the difference. Digital is also great for family snapshots. When I see digital quality printing that lasts as long and is as rich as traditional printing, I will offer digital services.

16) Will you shoot me at a special location, like the beach? Yes, but there may be a mileage fee depending on how far away you want to go. Also, if the location you like is privately owned, we will need legal permission of the owner to shoot there. Call for details.

17) What if there is rain/bad weather? I have done wonderful natural light photos in snow, rain, fog, freezing temperatures and summer heat. We will not cancel for weather unless the circumstances are extreme, such as blizzards, flooding, etc. If you have concerns, please call. Many photos can be done inside as well.

18) How long until I see my photos? Usually I mail your picture CDs and 4x6 prints to you within 24-48 hours. Your 8x10s will take one month if they are done at the studio of a fine-art printer. If you choose digital prints they will be ready in 3-5 days. 

19) How do I book a session? To book a session, call me and we will find a mutually agreeable date. Then I will mail or email you some information about how to prepare for your shoot. I require a $100 deposit to hold the date for your shoot.

20) Can I meet with you first to talk about the shoot? Absolutely, in fact, I prefer to meet fashion clients or talk to them extensively on the phone before a shoot to make sure we are a good match. At the end of the day, all photos are artistic collaborations. We have to work well together and be on the same page. Planning is essential for fashion shoots to go well!!!

21) Can I get extra prints? Yes, extra prints are sold a la carte and the rate at the time of you shoot will remain the price for your reprints for three years from the date of your session.

22) How should I prepare for the session? Get lots of sleep and drink plenty of water! In short, take excellent care of yourself.  When you book your shoot, I will send you a list of tips and ideas to prepare for your shoot so you can look and feel your best.

23) What should I wear? Bring three times more clothes/accessories/jewelry than you think you will need. Make sure it’s all in good shape – clean, ironed clothing with no holes/tears/missing buttons; shoes/belts polished, jewelry polished. When you book your shoot, I will include more ideas and suggestions with your "getting ready" list. If you wish to hire a fashion stylist to bring clothes for your shoot that is fine, too.

24) How many times can I change looks/clothes? That depends on the package you book. Please see the Prices page.

25) What is the cancellation policy? If you need to cancel your shoot, all of your $100 deposit is refundable until 48 hours before the shoot.

26) What are the differences between a fashion shoot and a shoot for actor headshots? The main difference is the way in which they are executed/styled and how much of the body is shown. Generally, fashion shoots are more complex and always take more time.

27) Do you photograph children/teenagers? Yes. A parent or guardian must come with you to your shoot if you are under 18.

28) Is color film available? Sure.

29) What is the difference between hand-printed 8x10s and digital 8x10s? Quality!!  And it depends on what you want to do with them. Hand-printed 8x10s will hold up longer and will have richer, deeper blacks and more detail in the highlights.

30) Can I bring a friend/parent/significant other along for the shoot? Of course you can, especially if this person's presence will really put you at ease. But please limit your number of guests. We will shoot mostly on location and the larger the entourage, the more difficult it is to move from place to place and it takes longer as well.

31) Can you retouch my pictures on the computer? Yes, we can. But we prefer to get it right the first time, which is why we suggest using professional make-up and hair stylists. No magazine photo you see on the newsstand is "just Photoshop" – even natural looks are very styled and done on purpose. Photoshop should be the icing on the cake.

32) What do I really need to get started modeling? That varies. The short answer is a great deal of confidence, good posture and a few photographs. At the very least you need a headshot and a full body shot. Some agencies require more, some less. I would be happy to discuss the options with you.

33) Can I have my negatives? Not right away. One year from the date of your shoot your negatives will be for sale to you only for $100 per roll. Negatives are kept on file for 3 years from the date of your shoot.

34) I want my photo on your website – will you add mine? Maybe. We try to keep the website new and interesting. If your shoot goes really well, we may add you! We might also ask to use your photo in ads or promotional photo CDs for new clients.

35) Can you do comp cards? Yes, but generally when you get an agent, they will print your comp card. If you want or need one before that, we can do small quantities for you.

36) I have my pictures, now what do I do? Now you are ready to go look for an agent and start booking jobs! I will give you a list to get started the day of your shoot.

37) Can you help me with posing? Absolutely. You will get lots of direction in front of the camera if you need/want it. I never take the picture until everything looks great through the lens.

38) Should I attend modeling school? Only if you want to. Opinions vary on this topic. Most top models do not attend modeling school, but if you want to learn runway walks or how to pose, you may want to consider it.

39) I am trying to shape up quickly, what do you recommend? I am not a personal trainer or nutritionist. But if you want to shape up or lose pounds, consult a trainer and/or a nutritionist to help you achieve healthy goals. Please do not starve yourself before your shoot to be skinny. A good balance of nutrition and exercise is a better answer for everyone!

40) My belly isn't flat. Can you hide this in a photo? Only to a certain extent. Generally, if you are trying to "hide" part of your body, you aren't ready for modeling. You may want to try some belly-flattening exercises. Pilates is popular right now and many experts feel it gets fast results. Look for a class in your area or consult a trainer.

41) Do you shoot nudes/fetish? No, never. Please don’t ask.

42) Do you do swimwear or lingerie shots? Yes, I do shoot tasteful swimwear and lingerie/underwear pictures, but not nudes, please do not ask.

43) What is a fashion stylist and do I need one? A fashion stylist is someone who will shop either for or with you to help create specific looks. They are kind of like personal shoppers for fashion shoots. Stylists are typically experienced in fashion photography and will help you show off your body shape to its best advantage. Only you know if you need a fashion stylist. Look through your clothes and let your instincts be your guide. You are welcome to hire your own stylist, or I can recommend one for you.  Many better department stores such as Nordstrom’s have one on staff. All  fashion stylists negotiate their own fees for shoots.

44) Can you look at me and tell me if I could be a model? Not always. Models come in all shapes and sizes. Haute couture models are always a particular type – the tall lanky, thin bodies you see on the runway and the pages of Vogue. But there are many other kinds of modeling work and many other kinds of models, ranging in both age and body type. Don't give up if you aren't a size 2 and six feet tall. Even Ford Models in New York books full-figure models and men & women of senior ages.

45) Where can I get a nice portfolio book for my pictures? Try any high-end art supply store such as Plaz-a http://www.pla-za.com/. I also like Light Impressions, a photographic catalog http://www.lightimpressionsdirect.com/, they have many excellent options. Just look around for a portfolio book with a professional presentation. Avoid plastic three-ring binders or taping your photos into a spiral bound notebook. It doesn’t make sense to spend so much time and money on your pictures and then have a sloppy presentation with your book.

46) Will we work under all natural light? This depends on you and what you need to round out your book. There are natural light options and we have a fully equipped studio. We will discuss plans for your pictures in detail before the day of the shoot.

47) What do I get in each package? Can I add on to my package? Please refer to the Prices page – all packages are broken down there. And yes, of course you can add on. You can decide this in advance or the day of the shoot.

48) What if this is my first modeling photo shoot? No problem. I have shot many first time models. It will be a great experience for you and you will learn quickly if you enjoy working in front of the camera or not. I will do all I can to make your shoot both fun and productive, and give you as much direction as you need/want with posing, clothing, etc.

49) Do you do Polaroids? No, but I will do tests on a Nikon digital camera during the shoot so we can gauge how it’s going.