FAQs
What types of shoots do you offer?
I currently offer Outdoor Creative Sessions (May thru October) and In-Studio Creative Sessions (year round). I also offer Audition Portfolio/CV Sessions. Mini sessions (outdoor and indoor) are offered a few times per year with a fixed number of sessions available for booking. Mini session announcements are typically made on my Instagram page, so be sure to follow for updates. I do not offer traditional photo days for studios (volume class photos and portraits), and I don’t shoot theatre events/competitions/shows. There are plenty of people who do that, and do it well.
Do you offer audition sessions?
Yes! Basic info on audition/application sessions can be found here. I also offer In-Studio Creative Sessions for those hoping for an indoor shoot which isn’t for audition purposes (portfolio building, social media, personal use).
Where is my client portal located?
You can find your client portal by clicking here. Setup is done through the email address you used to sign up for your session and you’ll be asked to set a password to keep your information secure. Your portal houses all of our communication, files, and details in one easy-to-navigate place.
What payment types do you accept?
Payment by e-transfer is preferred, but you can also pay by credit card when I send your invoice. I also accept cash payments on session day. (Cash is not accepted for retainer payments unless you arrange to drop off in person.)
Why are studio sessions more expensive?
In-studio sessions are far more labour intensive (equipment transport, setting up and striking the set, and the editing of images/backdrops), and also requires the rental of studio space.
Will my outdoor shoot be cancelled if it is overcast?
I don’t cancel shoots if the weather is overcast or windy, but we may adjust the session time a little if you are able. I do reschedule if there is a high probability of rain. I will do my best to get you rescheduled quickly and always keep a few dates held back from my booking calendar to accommodate rebooking.
Where will my shoot take place? Who picks the location?
The packages and pricing on my website are for sessions taking place in HRM. I’m happy to travel outside of HRM – there is generally an additional fee for this. Dancers pick their own locations when booking a shoot. When a dancer picks a location for themselves, shoots tend to be more meaningful for that dancer. You might have a ‘feel’ in mind for your shoot (urban, seaside, rustic, woodland) or a place that is special to you. You will be sent tips and location ideas when you book a session. I’m always happy to help with final decisions!
I’ve never done a shoot before. How will I know what to wear and how to pose?
After you book your shoot, I will send you a link to a page with tips on picking what to wear, locations, posing, and other suggestions for making the most out of your shoot. You can also send me any questions you might have prior to our session.
When will I get my photos?
Your photos will be delivered within 4-6 weeks. I share one or two photos with you as a sneak peek in the week following your shoot, but I deliver my best work when I can edit an entire session from start to finish, so the rest of your photos typically land in your online albums a few weeks later. Sessions taking place outside of my busiest season (late June through end of September) tend to be completed in a shorter time frame. If you need editing done in a hurry you can pay an additional fee to have your set delivered within 7-14 days depending on the number of dancers involved in the shoot. Please note: mini session clients are not sent sneak peeks.
How will I receive my photos?
You’ll receive an email with links to online galleries where you can download all of your high-res images straight onto your phone or computer.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes! Gift certificates can be redeemed against the cost of any dance photography session.
Do I get to pick the photos you edit?
No. Lots of photographers use that model, but it doesn’t work well for me. I ask my clients to trust my eye for technique. I only edit our best captures.
Can guardians watch sessions?
Dancers are welcome to bring a parent or guardian to the shoot, and that person is permitted watch. (Please limit to one person.) Bringing a trusted guardian with you is a good habit to get into especially if you don’t know the photographer you plan to work with.
Do you offer my set in black and white as well as colour?
The short answer is no. If requested before our session, I can accommodate requests for black and white photos, but my editing style is focused almost entirely on colour, and I photograph your session with that in mind. Your gallery will typically include only colour images unless I feel black and white better serves some of your photos.
Can I share my photos with my dance studio?
No. You have personal usage rights. If a studio would like to use my photographs they should contact me for rates.
Will you tag my dance studio on social media?
If a studio or organization commissions a shoot, they are tagged in my posts on social media. Generally, the dancers participating in those sessions will also be tagged. Studios are not tagged in photos commissioned by dancers.
How many photos will I get?
The number of photos you receive depends on the package you select. The estimated number of shots for each package is conservative and based on averages over the years. I focus on quality not quantity. If I get a few more than expected, I share them with you. I only edit our best captures. Some dancers are reserved and/or require more posing assistance, some dancers are more comfortable in front of the camera and require a little less fine tuning. There is no guaranteed minimum number of shots, though I have never delivered fewer than the estimated package size. Coming to a shoot armed with posing inspiration will help you get more out of your shoot and give me an idea of what sort of photos you might like to create together.
Why book a shoot?
I hope my photos are visual proof of how amazing you are. You might be starting a portfolio, building your online presence, or simply want something to mark this point in your dance journey. No matter your reason for booking, I look forward to creating with you.
What is your photography style?
I’d say natural, neutral, and clean. Always focused on the technique and artistry of the dancer in front of the camera. If you like what you see in my portfolio and on Instagram, that’s what I do. I tend to use a variety of edit styles in your set so you get a variety of looks and moods from your session. This is particularly true for outdoor sessions.
What’s up with copyright?
As the photographer, I own copyrights to the images I take. That’s the law. But don’t worry – I supply you with fully edited, high resolution files and you can print them, share on social media, blow ’em up poster-size, or share with friends and family.
