FAQ

FAQ



Do you require a deposit?

Yes, but only for weddings. Portrait session payments are due in full at the beginning of the portrait session. Weddings require a $200 deposit at the time of booking in order to secure your date. The remaining 50% is due 2 weeks before the date of service.


Is there a reservation fee to book my appointment?
No, the only money due is at the time of you’re session and will be the session fee.



When should I book SJ Styles?
I recommend booking your portrait session at least 2-3 weeks in advance however short bookings are always welcomed depending on availability. We suggest that you consider hiring us between 6-8 months prior to the date of your wedding.Because of our quality and low prices, we fill up quickly so make sure to book your date ASAP. Remember, no wedding is considered booked with us until you have a signed contract.

What time of day should I schedule my photo session?

I am available upon request my hours are very flexible. The best time for photographing outside using natural lighting is early morning or late evening.


How long do the sessions last?
An average photo shoot will take about 1-2 hours depending on what you want.

What should I wear to the photo shoot?
Outside: Wear a mixture of solid colors with different light and dark hues. Make sure the colors blend well with others. Examples: Light Jeans and a black shirt or khakis and a blue shirt.

Studio: I use a black or white backdrop. Good colors to wear are solid colors. Bring one black shirt (v-neck is best) and one lighter shirt (like royal blue). Jean jackets and jeans look great.

Group Portraits: Make sure everyone wears solid colors and that they blend well with each other. Jeans and white shirts or jeans and black shirts work well. If there will be many families, each family should coordinate with their immediate family.
EVERYONE...Bring a changes of clothing!!



Do you have experience with children?
Yes! I have a certificate in Child Photography, as well as being a mother to three children. I also photograph just as many babies/children as I do weddings.


Can I bring my dog?
Pictures with dogs are great, but can be tricky because they (obviously) like to move. If we are doing the photo shoot at a place other than your backyard, your dog will want to explore and not sit for pictures. The best shots to do with dogs are ones where we are in your own backyard and you or your family are interacting with the dog rather than looking at the camera. These shots are fun, playful and casual. If we are shooting away from home and your dog is calm and well trained, sure bring your dog.

How do I get the shots that I want?
By providing me a list of a few shots that you want, you will be assured that I will make sure and get these shots before the shoot is over.

I can't decide on a location. Can you help?
Yes, I have several locations where I shoot. Feel free to contact me if you're having trouble deciding and we can discuss some options.

What about the weather?
Weather is really not a problem unless it is actively raining. Actually, cloudy conditions are preferred, if it rains, you have two options:1. I will gladly reschedule.2. Get out those boots and umbrellas and get ready to splash!


What if I have to re-schedule or cancel my appointment?
No problem, please try to let me know as soon as possible so that I can adjust my schedule accordingly.


Do you have a studio?
YES! I do have an in-home studio fully equipped; however my preference is to work outdoors/In homes.


What about proofs?
For your convenience, and because we use the newest digital technology, client proofs are provided via website. SJ Styles Photography does not supply physical proofs. Feel free to forward the link to friends and family! Website proofs will remain for four weeks. After the four-week period, the proofs are removed from the website. Orders are due on or before the deadline.

How long until I get my final prints?
Your final prints take approximately two-three weeks from your order date (does not allow mailing time).

What about re-touching?
SJ Styles will touch up the follow on a norm Acne, wrinkles, bags under eyes, age spots, these things are easily touched up.



What forms of payment are accepted?
SJ Styles Photography accepts MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express, Debit Cards, and Cash all credit card payment are to be made through Via Pay Pal. Please contact me for further details.

Do you have backup equipment?
YES I have several Digital cameras from which I use.

Can I change the time or date of my event?
This is something that will need to be determined depending on availability.

Are you licensed and insured?
Yes

Do I get the copyrights to my images?
No, I never give copyrights out. I only give print permission when CD’s are purchased and or included.



Do you keep backups of my images at your studio?
YES, I will always have your photos.


FAQ for Weddings ONLY

Why do we have to sign a contract? (Weddings ONLY)
A contract must be sign in order to secure the date. The fact that we may have spoken on the telephone or had a meeting does not obligate either of us to each other. A contract puts all details in writing and makes your wedding run smoothly.


Do you require a retainer? (Weddings ONLY)
Yes we require a $200 retaining fee at the time of signing contract. Retaining fee is applied to your final balance.


What if I cancel my event? (Weddings ONLY)
SJ Styles Photography reserves your wedding date with a signed contract and the retainer fee. That means we will not be available to others who may call later looking to book our services. If you cancel your event 60 or more days before the event, you will lose only the given retainer. If you cancel your event 60-days or less, then you will be responsible for 50% payment of the contract excluding the retainer fee.

What if a hurricane comes? (Weddings ONLY)
Portrait sessions will just be rescheduled.

In the event of a hurricane and you have to cancel your wedding, we simply will transfer your retainer to a new wedding date. This transfer is good up to one year past the original event date. If no date is chosen during that period or if the wedding is permanently cancelled or occurs out of our area (Unless travel fees are paid for us to join you at your new location), then the retainer fee is lost.



When will you arrive? (Weddings ONLY
Portrait Sessions are as appointed.
We arrive one to two hours prior to the event at the location specified in your package.


Can you arrive at my house, hotel, or other location?
Depending on what packages was chosen YES. Additional fees may apply.



Can other people take photographs at my event? (Weddings ONLY)
Of course! We do not restrict the taking of photos by your family or guests. All we ask is that we be allowed to get our images first before everyone else takes a photo.

What if my church does not allow photographs during the ceremony? (Weddings ONLY)
Many religious organizations do not allow photographs to be taken during the ceremony. If that is the case at your church, we will make arrangements with church officials to recreate several scenes from your ceremony for photos(If needed most times this is not the case). We will not be responsible for images not obtained due to restrictions imposed by your church.

What if it rains on my wedding day?
The nature of our summer weather is afternoon rain on most days. All outdoor weddings must have a backup plan as SJ Styles will NOT provide services in the rain unless in an area of safety for my equipment.