Studio Policies
I am proud to say that I run a full-service photography studio, offering a tailored client experience and beautiful photo products to serve as family heirlooms (such as custom wall art, archival boxes, albums) for years to come.
For every hour spent during an actual photo session, I spend many, many more on pre-planning and post-production. I also only use the highest caliber of equipment on a strict maintenance schedule to ensure the best images possible.
Our focus is on Studio Portraits and Professional/Personal Branding.
There are typically three steps to get your portraits:
THE CONSULTATION. Regardless of the type of session, we always begin with an initial consultation to go over each client's goal and plan the session accordingly.
THE PORTRAIT SESSION
THE VIEWING SESSION. Clients view their portraits at a personally attended slideshow. Clients are asked to order at this time. All decision makers need to be present, as additional ordering appointments incur a $100 fee. Once the order is placed in-person during the viewing session, images are processed, printed, and mounted, according to each client's instructions. A down payment of 50% with order is required, although payment plans are available upon request. Prints, albums, and archival boxes have different processing times ranging between 14 and 28 days.
Some of the images displayed at the viewing session are fully edited, but not all. This depends on the type of session and the amount or complexity required in each case. Basic editing is included (such as color balance, some skin smoothing, cropping and light corrections.) More complex editing such as “head swaps”, "eyes opening", montages, complex skin problems and other custom requests can be done after the ordering sessionat an additional cost. This cost can be reduced or waived in orders over $1,000.
A few other answers to FAQ
•The session fee pays for the time and talent of the photographer and for your in- person viewing appointment. It does not include any finished portraits. The session fee is due at the time of your portrait session. Session fees are non-refundable, however with 48 hours notice it can be rescheduled in case of an emergency. If the session is confirmed, and client does not show up or cancel the same day, THE SESSION FEE IS NOT REFUNDABLE.
•If you have a sick child on the day of the session please call to reschedule. If you try to keep the appointment, we will most likely request that you reschedule if we notice your child is sick. Sick or uncomfortable children do not like to be photographed and we know that you will not love your portraits nearly as much as if he or she was in good health.
•Please bring only the subjects to be photographed to the session. This is especially important with pets and kids, as Irene will need their full attention on her rather than looking at other members of the family. Of course, parents are always welcome!
•Personal cameras / phone cameras are not allowed in studio during your session. Please refrain from taking I-phone images or video taping. We work very hard to ensure your session is captured artistically and creatively. We ask that you respect our livelihood and refrain from taking photographs of what we are creating.
•You agree to hold harmless, Irene Kaplan, her representatives, employees, and Irene Kaplan Portrait & Design Studio, from any dispute in the event you become injured during your session or while on the studio premises. Irene Kaplan Portrait &Design Studio and its representatives will not be held liable for any injury incurred by you or your family, or any damage to your property during the photo session or while on studio premises.
•While Irene does capture many images during your session, you will see only those images selected by her, for previewing. She carefully renders each image to ensure maximum artistry and technical perfection. Images with eyes closed, heads turned, duplicates, etc. will not be shown and are removed from my archives permanently after the artist rendering is complete.
•Due to the custom nature of the work, payment for your order must be placed in full and is subject to a 50% cancellation fee should you change your mind about an order after it is placed. Once an order is sent to the lab or digital files are submitted to the client either by CD, USB, electronic transfer or email, the order is deemed non- refundable. Payments may be made cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Payment plan is available.
•Design work and custom graphics will be approved for color and layout in-person on our professionally color calibrated monitors at the ordering appointment. Only font style, spelling and wording may be approved through electronically emailed proof.
- Requests for reprints due to color shift on emailed proofs will not be honored.
•Please allow 4 weeks for your order to be completed. Some custom orders may take longer. Your portraits are an investment and an heirloom that should not be rushed. You will be notified by telephone or e-mail when your order is ready for pickup. If you are unable to pick up your order, we can ship your order to you for an additional charge.
•All ordered images are kept on file for a period of 1 year. Un-ordered images are removed from our archives after 30 days. Re-orders placed more than 60 days after the preview appointment, require a minimum $400 re-order.
•The Copyright Act protects photographers by giving us the exclusive right to reproduce your photographs. Violations include, but are not limited to, making illegal copies, scanning, printing from home or downloading from our website. It is illegal to copy or reproduce these photographs in any manner without our permission and violators of this Federal Law will be subject to its civil and criminal penalties. Please understand, the photographer wishes to maintain complete control over the print quality, finishes and presentation of the images and any reproduction outside of the studio may lower the quality of the image and scar our reputation for providing superior portraits.
•Please DO NOT take any photos or videos with your personal phone or tablet during the portrait session.