F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Please read them all…youʼll be quizzed)
Before you start reading, please be sure I’m the right photographer for you! I love natural looking photographs that emphasize emotion and reflect a creative style. During a family session, I look for interaction and love rather than the traditional “everyone say ‘cheese’” portraits. If that sounds good to you, I’m your girl! 
1. What does a session with you include?
All sessions last 60-90 minutes* and include a disk of 20-25 hi-resolution, as well as web-formatted, images. While I provide the disk for you to keep for your personal records, I recommend ordering all prints through my professional lab to protect your investment.
All clients will receive a copy of my terms and conditions prior to the session to review and will be expected to sign it at the time of session. A receipt will be emailed to you after payment is made and the disk will be mailed to you upon completion.
All sessions also include a private online viewing gallery. This gallery is accessible using a valid email address and the password I provide you. You may pass this link on to family and friends and everyone can order prints and other products easily and conveniently using a credit card. Orders will be mailed directly to the payee.
*newborn sessions can last up to 2 hours to accommodate feedings and feelings.
2. You mention shared copyright in your terms and conditions and on your investment page. What does that mean?
Shared copyright means that I am sharing ownership of the images with you. Many photographers do not release their digital files and will force you to purchase prints if you want them. I believe you should receive a copy of these images so you have a back up copy and can keep them for a lifetime.
On your picture DVD you will have 3 folders. One titled “Hi-Res,” one named “Web Only” and the last “Web with Logo.” The Hi-Res folder contains digital files suitable for printing, and these do not contain my watermark. The folder titled “Web Only” contains images suitable for uploading online to blogs, Facebook, etc. If using these images, they must be accompanied by my business name, “Photography by Arika Reed,” and a link to my site: www.arikareed.com. If you do not want to type out and label the images without a watermark, simply use the digital files located in the “Web with Logo” folder. These are already watermarked so you don’t have to worry about violating copyright laws. I’ve also make several adjustments to my watermark to make it unobtrusive and pleasant to look at.
Even when providing shared copyright, releasing the images I create does not mean they are open to further artistic manipulation. I work hard creating the exact look that I want and do not allow any major cropping or any type of color enhancement. Many photo labs, such as Target, Wal-Mart, etc. use “auto color correction” when developing images. DANGER!! If you ever see this, do NOT use the lab, or at least uncheck that box. Your photos have already been color corrected and this will negatively alter the intended look of your photo.
You have invested a lot of money to get perfect photos. If you choose to display them in your home, please preserve the work I have done and the money you have spent by printing them through my lab. You can see how important this is by visiting this link: http://www.arikareed.com/2010/10/why-you-should-order-prints-through-a-professional-lab/
I keep my prints costs as low as possible to encourage your orders. Yes, it may cost a few dollars more per print to get them, but you will be keeping these for a lifetime. Memories on the wall will be looked at everyday, and when you break down cost per day, we’re looking at next to free. Trade the double quarter pounder with cheese for a print; it will last a whole lot longer and cost about the same.
If you still choose to print elsewhere (shared copyright gives you this right), I will recommend Costco. I’ve seen some of my images that clients have printed there and they turn out better than the other places (although it’s still no comparison). Just be sure to bring your cd stating shared copyright with you. The release is printed right inside the front cover.
3. 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. Once your photos debut online, it takes 1-2 weeks to receive the dvd package.
Weddings take longer of course (usually they include 15 regular sessions worth of images) and are usually completed in 2-3 months.
Please note that it is my goal in 2012 to get my turnaround times down and to get those images to you faster!
4. Can we have the session take place somewhere other than my home?
By all means, yes! I use natural lighting as my main source of light, so I recommend keeping things outside. There are many locations that I frequent, and I am always open to new suggestions! For your convenience, I have put together a location page with ideas and tips: http://www.arikareed.com/about/locations/
Newborn sessions work a bit differently. If I am taking photos of your new arrival, I typically work in the client home provided there is ample natural lighting. Floor to ceiling windows and doors are highly recommended. At this point, I do not set up any professional external flash equipment as a studio does. If you schedule a newborn session with me, you can expect an email full of tips and suggestions prior to our session.
5. How far do you travel?
I am located in the Sabre Springs area, and most of my work will take place within a 30 minute drive. However I am willing (and often excited) to travel beyond this range. Please note however, that travel times exceeding 30 minutes will result in an extra charge to cover gas and time. Destination weddings and shoots are also options. Please contact me with questions.
6. What types of payment do you accept?
I currently accept cash, money orders, and personal checks for session fees. Credit cards are accepted for all print and product purchases.
7. Who do I make checks out to?
Checks may be made out to “Photography by Arika Reed.”
8. 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. When ordering prints and products, payment will be due at time of order.
9. 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.
10. Do I need to bring anything to the shooting location?
If you have a child, please bring a snack and drink to break up the session and refresh the subject. 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. Iʼve found grabbing the attention of a baby is obtained best by distraction. Be sure to bring an extra outfit if you plan to change clothes, and please donʼt forget your payment!
11. Is it possible for me to purchase extra images in addition to the 20-25 included?
Yes, it is. I charge $75 for each additional 20 prints.
12. How do I order prints and products through you?
The easiest way for you to order prints is through your complimentary online gallery. Once you are in the gallery, click on a photo and look for the “BUY” button in the bottom right hand corner. Once this is done a pop-up menu full of a variety of options will be listed. Add what you’d like to the card and check out using a credit card! Prints will have a lustre/matte finish by default unless you specify otherwise. Your order should be delivered in 7-10 business days. A pricing list for my most popular products may be found here: http://www.arikareed.com/about/photo-product-price-list/, while the full list of options may be found here: http://www.arikareed.com/about/turn-your-images-into/
13. The product I wanted isn’t showing in the online gallery. What do I do?
Some products, such as wavebooks and albums, require further work on my part. I will put together a couple samples for you to preview and accept before purchasing. Once we agree on a layout, I will email you an invoice securely through PayPal. You do not need an account and can pay conveniently by credit card.
14. Why donʼt I get more than 20-25 images? Didnʼt you take a trillion during that hour?
Go back to question 11. Then keep reading. The main reason why I donʼt put all my pictures on the disk is I simply canʼt afford to.
The majority of my sessions cost $250. This includes all taxes, 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. It also includes the cost of the materials and shipping of your DVD package and your online gallery (yes, I pay for that).
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 donʼt have more prints after you get your cd… Iʼm just going to copy and paste this back to you.
15. Do you really spell your name ʻArikaʼ?
The mystery is solved somewhere on this website. Spend some time, try and find it!
If you read this, you passed the quiz with flying colors. Congratulations!