Frequently Asked Questions
What is your booking fee? / How much is this going to cost me?
Each photo package from J Rae Chip Productions is arranged to maximize the amount of photographs the customer can obtain for the amount of time booked. While we at J Rae Chip Productions cannot afford to work for free, we work for a fair price, given our skill set and experience level.
Our booking fee is $150 for most traditional portrait sessions, though some are cheaper, and some are more. Horror photography can sometimes be more because of added costs that come as the result of the booking (supplies, props, etc.)
For fashion runway shows or events, our booking fee is $350.
Weddings, family reunions or other similar events carry a booking fee of $500.
Why should I book you over _________ who is cheaper?
I know from experience that a person's most valuable possession is their photo album. When we evacuated our New Mexico home in 2000 because of a forest fire, the photo albums were the first thing in the car. I do quality work, and I am not greedy with the rates I charge. I understand that we are all in a recession, but I cannot discount lower than it costs me to produce my photography. Chances are that the photographer who is cheaper than me is new to the photography industry and does not know how much it will cost them to produce their work. My prices are more than fair for the amount of care I put into them and the experience I have. You look your best, your skin tones will look natural, and your photos are protected at the U.S. Copyright Office. Why is this important?
Each photo package from J Rae Chip Productions is arranged to maximize the amount of photographs the customer can obtain for the amount of time booked. While we at J Rae Chip Productions cannot afford to work for free, we work for a fair price, given our skill set and experience level.
Our booking fee is $150 for most traditional portrait sessions, though some are cheaper, and some are more. Horror photography can sometimes be more because of added costs that come as the result of the booking (supplies, props, etc.)
For fashion runway shows or events, our booking fee is $350.
Weddings, family reunions or other similar events carry a booking fee of $500.
Why should I book you over _________ who is cheaper?
I know from experience that a person's most valuable possession is their photo album. When we evacuated our New Mexico home in 2000 because of a forest fire, the photo albums were the first thing in the car. I do quality work, and I am not greedy with the rates I charge. I understand that we are all in a recession, but I cannot discount lower than it costs me to produce my photography. Chances are that the photographer who is cheaper than me is new to the photography industry and does not know how much it will cost them to produce their work. My prices are more than fair for the amount of care I put into them and the experience I have. You look your best, your skin tones will look natural, and your photos are protected at the U.S. Copyright Office. Why is this important?
Will you work for a lower rate or in exchange for credit?
There are exceptions, but as a general rule I cannot afford to work for free. If you would like to discuss alternatives with me please feel free to call. Sometimes people will say they will pay me with "exposure" or "advertising." I can't pay my bills with exposure. I don't know when it became okay for someone to ask a professional to work for free, but this is a professional business. I hope you understand.
If you would like a more-detailed description of what your money pays for, please feel free to ask. You can also feel free to watch this humerous video Produced by Scofield Editorial, Inc. about this topic.
There are exceptions, but as a general rule I cannot afford to work for free. If you would like to discuss alternatives with me please feel free to call. Sometimes people will say they will pay me with "exposure" or "advertising." I can't pay my bills with exposure. I don't know when it became okay for someone to ask a professional to work for free, but this is a professional business. I hope you understand.
If you would like a more-detailed description of what your money pays for, please feel free to ask. You can also feel free to watch this humerous video Produced by Scofield Editorial, Inc. about this topic.
What makes you "professional"?
I am internationally recognized and published, I have won awards, and I have had work in art shows. I work full time as a photographer and have the experience to produce great photographs for you. This is my only source of income, and it is a legitimate business and not just a hobby.
I am internationally recognized and published, I have won awards, and I have had work in art shows. I work full time as a photographer and have the experience to produce great photographs for you. This is my only source of income, and it is a legitimate business and not just a hobby.
What should I wear to my photo shoot?
The photographer will go over this with you in detail during your pre-event consultation, but in the mean time you should read the blog post written about it here.
The photographer will go over this with you in detail during your pre-event consultation, but in the mean time you should read the blog post written about it here.
Why didn't the photographer book me?
The most-common reason why the photographer didn't book a client is availability. Plain and simple, the days fill up, and the photographer might not be available on the day the client requested. Of course there are other reasons as well. You can read about them here.
The most-common reason why the photographer didn't book a client is availability. Plain and simple, the days fill up, and the photographer might not be available on the day the client requested. Of course there are other reasons as well. You can read about them here.
Will you give me the un-edited digital copies of my photos?
The photographer is an artist and has worked hard on the product. All original prints remain the property of the photographer, and are not to be given away as a general rule. I do not sell or give away RAW photos. If you would like to learn how to use Photoshop or achieve the effects the photographer achieved, you should enroll in a workshop. Feel free to call for information.
The photographer is an artist and has worked hard on the product. All original prints remain the property of the photographer, and are not to be given away as a general rule. I do not sell or give away RAW photos. If you would like to learn how to use Photoshop or achieve the effects the photographer achieved, you should enroll in a workshop. Feel free to call for information.