F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Please read them all, especially the last one…you’ll be quizzed)
1. Can we have the session take place somewhere other than my home?
By all means, yes! I prefer to take pictures with natural lighting, so going to the park, beach, etc. works great for me. However, if your house is well lit and you have open spaces, it will also work. At this point, I do not set up any professional external flash equipment as a studio does.
2. How far do you travel?
Most of my work will take place within a 30 minute drive, however I am willing to travel beyond this range. Please note however, that travel times exceeding 30 minutes may result in an extra charge to cover gas and time. Destination weddings and shoots are also options. Please contact me with questions.
3. What types of payment do you accept?
I currently accept cash, money orders, and personal checks.
4. Who do I make checks out to?
Checks may be made out to “Photography by Arika Reed.”
5. When is payment due?
Payment is due at the time of your session. This way there will not be any issues with lost mailed payments, etc. Should you choose to order additional items from your images (such as an album or enlarged prints), payment will be due at time of order.
6. How long does it take for me to receive my edited images?
I do not have a fixed deadline for you to receive your images, however, it typically takes about 3-5 weeks for me to complete the editing and provide you with a finished product. If you need the images by a specific date, please discuss this with me and we can work out an agreement.
7. Do you require a deposit to hold the date of my session?
At this time a 50% deposit is only required for weddings to save the date.
8. Do I need to bring anything to the shooting location?
If you would like to incorporate any special items into your session, please feel free to bring them. If I am taking pictures of your small child, a favorite toy is recommended, especially if it makes noise. I’ve found grabbing the attention of a baby is obtained best by distraction. If you have a toddler, I recommend a snack and drink to break up the session and refresh the subject. Be sure to bring an extra outfit if you plan to change clothes, and please don’t forget your payment!
9. Is it possible for me to purchase extra images in addition to the 20-25 included?
Yes, it is. I charge $50 for each additional 20 prints.
10. Do you have online viewing?
Yes I do. Online viewing is a great way to invite your friends and family to view your session. It also provides the option of conveniently purchasing professional quality prints through my lab. Credit card payments are accepted through the online viewing gallery. Your privacy is protected by password entry only. Please let me know if you are interested in this option.
11. Do you really spell your name ‘Arika’?
The mystery is solved somewhere on this website. Spend some time, try and find it!
12. Where do I print my images? Can I order products and prints through you?
After you receive your cd from me, you have 2 choices. Since you have shared copyright over the images, you may print them at any lab you see fit. However, if you’d like creative options and professional quality, please order through me! Hundreds of options await. Please see the tab “Turn your images into…” or simply click on this link: http://www.arikareed.com/?page_id=247
13. Why don’t I get more than 25 images? Didn’t you take a trillion during that hour?
Go back to question 9. Then keep reading.
The main reason why I don’t put all my pictures on the disk is I simply can’t afford to.
Most of my sessions cost $100. This includes all taxes (8.75%), travel time (usually around an hour), the gas to get me there and back, my time at the session, followed by several hours of editing. Then there’s the package I personally create for each client. It takes about an hour to create, at least 1/2 hour to mail it out, and you need to factor in the following: The cost of the cd/dvd, case, mailing envelope, thank you card, business cards, magnet, ink to print the magnet, cd cover, receipt and terms and conditions, photo paper, time and gas to get to the post office, and of course the postage to mail it out.
Most photographers only allow the CD and shared copyright for purchase (usually $175 or so in addition to the sitting fee of $150 for example.) Otherwise, they upload your photos to online viewing forcing you to purchase them there. I do use an online gallery per request, as it’s a great convenient way to show friends and family your new photos. Many individuals won’t want to harass you to make copies for them (and if they do, who knows when you’ll get around to it.) This way, they may easily purchase just one or two of their favorite prints without bothering you about it. Remember, without the cd with 25 images, you would only be able to own what you can afford to purchase off the gallery. By the way, it costs us photographers money to upload images to an online viewing gallery.
Lastly, my time to work as of now is somewhat limited as I am technically a stay at home mom. If and/or when I go full time, I will be able to provide a bit more (but also at a higher cost.)
Whew. Ok, I hope that gives a bit of insight to the cost of this job and why I charge the way I do. If you ask me why you don’t have more prints after you get your cd.. I’m just going to copy and paste this back to you. 
If you read this, you passed the quiz with flying colors. Congratulations!