Studio Operations
*+ WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS?
Our office is open from 10:00am and 4:00pm Monday thru Friday. 11:00am and 3:00pm on Saturdays We schedule outside of these times on a case-by-case basis based on our staff's availability.
*+ CAN FOLKS WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT JUST STOP BY AND GET PHOTOGRAPHED?
Unfortunately no, please contact us to make an appointment or through our website.
*+ DO YOU DO WEDDINGS?
Yes we do! We can also capture your civil ceremony as well as engagement photoshoots.
*+ CAN WE BRING OUR PET TO OUR PHOTO SESSION?
Absolutely. Please let us know ahead of time so we can prepare the shoot.
Planning for Your Session
*+ WHAT’S THE FIRST STEP?
Once you have decided to book with us, please contact us. Please make sure you fill the Session Questionnaire as soon as possible so we can start preparing for your photoshoot.
*+ WHAT IS A SESSION QUESTIONNAIRE?
It is important to us that our photography studio is a perfect match for your aesthetic style and personality. By meeting, we are better able to tailor your session to your wishes, and exceed your expectations.
*+ HOW DO I SCHEDULE A SESSION?
You can fill the Contact form, email or call to book your session. You can also book your session online by following this Link We offer a limited number of photo sessions each week; your deposit reserves your session. This deposit fee (50% of the session fee) is non-refundable, but should you be unable to attend your session and provide 72 hours notice, we will issue a transferable gift certificate for you or a friend.
The Investment
*+ HOW MUCH DOES YOUR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY COST?
From the calls we receive at the studio we know that price is one of the top considerations folks have when choosing a photographer but not usually the only one. We believe that choosing a portrait photographer solely based on the cost may lead to disappointment. Our prices are based on a number of set factors like providing a gorgeous brick and mortar location that people can feel great walking into, highly qualified & friendly staff and a one-of-a-kind experience. Our session fees range from $289 to $699 in the studio and $299 to $799 on location (the session fee may includes a specific number of digital files based on the type of session booked). Our Advanced retouched photographs are $50 each and Custom retouched photographs are $100 each. Please check out our Services Page for detailed information
*+ IS YOUR PRICING ONLINE?
Absolutely, Check out our Services Page by clicking on the investement tab above.
*+ DO YOU HAVE PAYMENT PLANS?
We do not, but since we divide the payment in two. 50% at the time of booking and the balance before the appointment begins. We will secure your order by credit card at the time of booking. Any additional photos purchased beyond what comes with your package may be purchased at a later time.
*+ DO YOU OFFER PHOTOGRAPHY GIFT CERTIFICATES?
We certainly do. They make exceptional gifts for new parents, house closings, birthday gifts and more. You can choose between purchasing a session with a certain number of photographs or for a written dollar amount.
*+ HOW ARE THE HEADSHOT SESSION STYLES DIFFERENT?
EXECUTIVE HEADSHOT SESSION (40 minutes) happen in our Los Altos studio; indoors and outdoors in our garden. Multiple backgrounds and up to 2 outfit changes. CREATIVE HEADSHOT SESSION are our deluxe session option (80 Minutes) that can be done at studio or urban location with up to 4 outfit changes. Other sessions may occur at our "Preferred Locations" for an additional fee.
*+ WHAT MAKES PROFESSIONAL PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY 'EXPENSIVE'?
We think it's such a great question that it's deserving of an answer. From the first call you place to our photo studio we are committed to giving you an unparalleled chunk of our time. Planning for the session, preparing, photographing, editing, posting, reviewing, showing, ordering and framing add up to a significant amount of people hours. Having great folks by our side and a beautiful location in an urban setting are our two largest expenses. Our satisfied clientele know how much of a difference it makes having good people show you a good time.
*+ WHAT SORTS OF DISCOUNTS AND SPECIALS DO YOU OFFER?
We recommend following us on Facebook or signing up for our periodic newsletter (approx. 6x/year), where you just might discover special offers and exclusive happenings around the studio like Mini Sessions or our yearly promotional Discounts. .
Planning for Your Photography Session
*+ WHAT’S THE FIRST STEP?
Well, check out our website, we've got tons of useful information and visual samples of our work. If you think we are the right fit then the next thing to do is contact us and set up a complimentary Portrait Planning Session..
*+ WHAT IS A PORTRAIT PLANNING SESSION?
With each new client, we are building a relationship. It is important to us that our photography studio is a perfect match for your aesthetic style and personality. By meeting, we are better able to tailor your session to your wishes, and exceed your expectations. At this appointment, you’ll learn about all the unique services we offer and see a slide presentation geared towards photography that interests you. Portrait planning appointments are complimentary and they are NOT mandatory.
*+ HOW DO I SCHEDULE A SESSION?
Please use our Contact form, Email, Directly on our scheduling Website or Call us to schedule your session. We offer a limited number of photo sessions each week; your sitting fee reserves your session. This sitting fee is non-refundable, but should you be unable to attend your session and provide 72 hours notice, we will issue a transferable gift certificate for you or a friend.
*+ HOW LONG DOES THE PHOTO SESSION LAST?
Our Session vary depending. Please check out our Investment tab for more information.
*+ HOW DO I PREPARE MY CHILD FOR THE SESSION?
Regardless of age, make sure your child is fed, well rested and ready to have a good time. It’s a good idea to tell small children they are going to “play” at the studio. We want them to feel comfortable and at ease in the space and with the folks behind the camera.
*+ WHAT DO OUR PHOTOGRAPHERS EXPECT FROM THE PARENTS DURING THE SESSION?
We prefer to work as a team. You know your child better than we do. As you prepare for your portrait photography session, notice what you do or say that garners great reactions. Hug and kiss your kids, laugh out loud, and strike a festive mood. If parents are also in the shot, we’ll ask you to look at the camera and focus on your expression, while we guide the little ones.
Scheduling and Miscellaneous
*+ WE HAVE SOME IDEAS OF OUR OWN. CAN WE TRY THEM?
You bet! Come prepared with any props your idea may require, and let us know what you’re thinking. We are always up for trying new things. Think of your kids favorite toys, special books, or bring fresh flowers for your photo studio session. These could be valuable in making children feel comfortable, and the photography experience personal. The more information we receive in your questionnaire, the better overall experience we can provide.
*+ WHO IS WELCOME AT THE SESSIONS?
Many families prefer the sessions to focus on immediate family. But aunts, uncles, and grandparents can be a wonderful addition to your family’s photography appointment, and make great helpers for small children during the session. If there will be six or more in attendance, please let us know beforehand so that we can accommodate everyone. Prices vary depending on amount of people. Check out our Family Page for Prices.
*+ DO YOU EVER SCHEDULE EVENING ORDER APPOINTMENTS?
Yes we do! By appointment. However, we do encourage you to please factor in traffic and travel time. If you are running 10-15 minutes late, please call to let us know. If you will be later than that we may need to reschedule.
*+ WE NEED TO RESCHEDULE, WHAT’S YOUR POLICY?
If for any reason you are unable to make your scheduled appointments please call us at 650-935-5291 to reschedule with 72 hours advance notice to avoid a $50 rescheduling fee.
Clothing Recommendations
*+ HOW SHOULD WE DRESS FOR OUR FAMILY PORTRAIT?
With family photography we recommend that you choose simple, textured apparel that reflect your personality. For example: jeans, layered hand knits, corduroy, and wraps with a loose weave. Choose clothes that are flattering to your figure. Avoid clothes with strong patterns, logos or high-contrast stripes. We love a bit of pattern sprinkled in among your family's clothes. Most importantly make sure you choose three to four colors and have everyone stick to those shades so that the family's clothes coordinate together. Check out our blog for additional ideas.
*+ CAN WE CHANGE CLOTHES DURING THE PHOTO SESSION?
Yes, all of our headshot sessions include the option of clothing change. Generally, on location shoots, we don't have a change of clothing, though if a family wanted to we wouldn't be opposed. Just be mindful of time as there's a limited amount of time available per session.
Hair, Makeup, Glasses
*+ DO YOU HAVE HAIR SUGGESTIONS?
Schedule haircuts and salon visits up to three weeks before your photo session. You want to be comfortable with your style. We’ve found hair worn down will be more flattering than hair worn up. But if you love your hair up, bring what you need to style it at your session and inform your photographer. Some women choose to go get a blow out and hair style before arriving at the studio. We absolutely recommend using a stylist for the day of the shoot for both hair and makeup.
*+ I WEAR GLASSES, DO I NEED TO REMOVE THEM FOR PHOTOS?
We are most successful minimizing eye glass glare for sessions that take place inside our photo studio. Avoid wearing TRANSITION lenses to your photo shoot. The lighting will turn them into sunglasses. If you wear glasses outdoors, there is often reflections which require complex retouch charges to fix. If you are very partial to your glasses, you may want to consider having your optician remove the lenses before your session or lend you a pair of frames without lenses in them, but we can definitely work with your glasses. Check out this photo in studio with glasses.
*+ HOW SHOULD I DO MY MAKE-UP?
As a general rule, monochromatic (sepia-tone, black and white) photography is different than color. With color photography, wear natural day makeup. For black and white or brown tone/sepia photography, everything will be in shades of gray or brown, so plan as if you were going out for the evening: a little heavier than your normal day makeup. Even for those who don’t wear makeup, we recommend lipstick or mascara for definition. Wear bare or light colored nail polish; in black & white photography red nails will look black.
*+ SHOULD I GO TO A STYLIST?
You are welcome to see your own professional stylist before the session, but please be assured you are comfortable with the results. We will not do retakes for bad hair days. We have a preferred list of stylist that we feel comfortable working with for your session day.
Post Production Questions
*+ DO YOU TOUCH UP ALL THE IMAGES IN OUR IMAGE DOWNLOAD?
Yes we do. Every image we deliver is post produced with our basic edit of post production. This involves, exposure adjustment, selective black and white processing, clarity adjustments, tone-mapping, and other corrections. Many photographers will not post produce any images, or will only post produce “select” images from your session. This means that you may have pictures that are too dark, have strange skin tones or other common photography flaws.
*+ WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY "RETOUCHING" THE PHOTOS?
“Retouching” in our studio is our basic post production. See the question below for clarification.
*+ DO YOU OFFER ADVANCED OR CUSTOM RETOUCHING?
We do. there are 3 levels of retouching: Signature Retouching - includes minor blemish removal, skin smoothing, eye enhancement, exposure and color adjustments Advanced Retouching - includes Signature retouching + stray hair removal, feature contouring, etc. Custom Retouching - includes Advanced retouching + background changes, head-swaps, etc.
Check out our retouching samples here
*+ WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ADVANCED AND CUSTOM?
Advanced post-production includes touch ups such as removal of blemishes, removal of bags under eyes, removal of fly-away hairs, etc. On the other hand, custom post production is anything that requires extensive, custom work in Photoshop such as removing entire objects from the scene, changing the size and shape of body parts or other objects in the scene, adding objects to a scene and other custom work. See our Retouching samples HERE
*+ DO YOU SHOOT IN JPEG, SMALL RAW, OR LARGE RAW?
We shoot most of our images in Large Raw.
Image Download Questions and Legal Questions
*+ WHAT SIZE CAN WE PRINT OUR PHOTOS UP TO WITH OUR FULL RESOLUTION IMAGE DOWNLOAD?
In most cases, you can print your photos up to 20×30 without any quality loss. If you’d like to print larger than 20×30, additional post-production will be required. Pricing on these services will be available when you receive your gallery.
*+ WHAT RIGHTS DO I HAVE TO THE DIGITAL PRINTS?
You have the right to reprint images whenever you want. However, you may not sell your images for profit or publish your images without the written consent of Erin Sloan Photography. Check out our Legal Page for more information.
*+ DO YOU PROVIDE THE RAW FILES FROM MY SESSION?
Each of our packages comes with a full resolution image download. However, we typically do not provide RAW (unprocessed) files from our shoots because we believe in delivering a finished product. In fact, we’re often shooting with the end (post-produced) product in mind. However, on occasion, we may provide RAW images along with our post-produced JPG’s for an additional fee and restrictions.
*+ HOW MANY IMAGES DO YOU DELIVER ON THE GALLERY?
For a 3 hour engagement session we typically deliver 50-70 images and for a wedding we typically deliver 60-80 images per hour of coverage. Keep in mind these numbers may increase or decrease depending on the flow of the day and the number of events/activities needing to be captured.
*+ DO YOU PROVIDE THE DIGITAL NEGATIVES AFTER THE SHOOT?
Only if you purchase High Resolution "ala carte" or if your package includes them. All of our packages come with a certain amount of photos, all of them will be available in High Resolution.
*+ WHAT IF I LOSE MY IMAGES?
There is a $50 replacement charge for additional downloads after the event has been archived. We strongly suggest you make a back up of the download on a USB Drive when you receive it from us. Remember that when you upload your images to Google Photos, there is a downgrade to your images.
*+ HOW LONG AFTER THE SESSION WILL IT TAKE BEFORE WE SEE OUR IMAGES?
We will have your photos ready to view within two to three weeks after your session
*+ HOW LONG DO YOU KEEP OUR IMAGES?*
I archive the images for 12 months, after that they will be deleted. Keeping everyone’s images forever would be nearly impossible.
*+ WHO HAS THE RIGHTS TO THE IMAGES?
You have the rights to the images for personal use. Erin Sloan Photography retains the copyright for your photos. We update our portfolio often and may use your photographs for advertising purposes. Please note there is an additional charge for Commercial Use. Please read our Legal page for detailed information.
Equipment Questions
*+ WHAT TYPE OF CAMERA/EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
Go check our equipment page to view our Photography Equipment
What About Fees, Cancellations And/Or Rescheduling?
*+ WHAT ABOUT FEES, CANCELLATIONS AND/OR RESCHEDULING?
I request a retainer, or "booking fee", before the session. It is 50% of your total cost and is non-refundable. If you need to reschedule your session (i.e. weather, sickness, etc.) I am happy to accommodate to your schedule but request at least 72 hours notice. Otherwise there will be a $50 rescheduling fee. If you choose to cancel your session, there is no cancellation fee but please note you will not be refunded the retainer fee.
