FAQ

A: I don't like to answer this question with "I shoot everything," because I feel that it immediately takes away from my credibility to deliver top-notch photographs. Ya know, the "jack of all trades" characters, and we've all seen too many of those jokers. I definitely don't want to be stereotyped with that bunch, the photographers who take any job they can because it's a job, and not exactly because they are good at that niche of photography. My photographic execution and expert use of lighting directly caters to higher-end portraiture and product commercial photography and marketing, however, the same techniques I use for these shoots are modified every day to accomplish much simpler shoots, like senior/family portraits, weddings, etc. Regardless the subject matter, I have done all the homework and invested in all the equipment to ensure I produce images you'll be ecstatic over. If I didn't have 100% confidence I'd deliver everything and more that my client asks, I wouldn't accept the job. You'll notice that my portfolio showcases purely portraiture, and this is why, I can't be looking like "Jack," however, you can review my blog, which is much more free-formed, and documents my photographic journey through many avenues of photography.

A: You get a photo shoot for a length, desired location(s), and style(s) of your choosing. I have an impressive mobile lighting setup to light any location beautifully, no wall power required. Clients receive a web-optimized set of their photos for sharing online with friends and family, and a secure online gallery for ordering beautiful prints. Amazing prints at any size, good prices, and delivered right to your door - it's a great thing!

A: Photo shoots are billed at an hourly rate, from when we arrive on-location to when we leave. I usually spends a handful of hours in post, ensuring your photographs are perfectly exposed, however, this kind of post processing is included in the hourly photo rate. I am more than happy to invest more time into photographs upon request, however, if excessive post is requested, there may be additional costs (which will be discussed prior to doing the work). Please see the 'Pricing' page for current rates.

A: I have invested heavily in the best to ensure maximum quality, efficiency, and most importantly, extremely happy clients. From start to finish no corners are cut, no detail overlooked, you get a superior product. Top-of-the-line Canon bodies, lenses, lighting, and Apple hardware and software working together in photographic harmony.

A: Don't even sweat it. Aside from taking photos, a large part of my job is creative design. That means shoot concept design, location scouting, etc. That base is covered, I just need to know what style of photography you are looking for. Typically I will start-off by asking if you have any initial ideas and work with those, to ensure that any styles you were thinking of are accomplished.

A: My studio is available to shoot in any day, any time. Any public location is open to a shoot. Privately owned locations will be acceptable as long as you or we have prior consent from the owner or management of the location. Don't sweat if it you do not have any ideas of where you want to shoot, we have many locations for all styles of shooting and we'll find your ideal location to take fantastic photos. A complete mobile studio, along with white/black seamless, can be deployed in almost any location for that studio look that is often sought after.

A: I ask that clients try to schedule within a comfortable window of time, anything beyond two weeks is preferred. It's never an ideal world so don't sweat it, last minute shoots can be worked in at times, call for availability. Most outdoor shoots are usually done during the morning or afternoon hours, which produces the best light to capture you in. Mid-day light often creates harsh shadows and unflattering lighting. Indoor and studio shoots can be done any time, any day.

A: Clients are provided a full set of pre-formatted photos for web use and emailing. You will be provided with a secure online gallery which houses your full resolution photos for fast, easy, convenient viewing and print ordering (from one of the best reviewed print shops available).

A: Matty Photography retains the copyrights to all images. You may not print the web formatted copies which are provided to you (they will not print well anyways because of their size). You can print as much as you want from your secure online gallery, which is highly recommended, as I have selected an excellent pro shop to do all of his photo printing for clients. Commercial rights to images may be purchased or shot for a higher hourly rate for commercial needs, and are not included in the standard hourly rate. Whether commercial rights are purchased or not, Matty Photography still retains full rights to all photographs, superseding any rights that may be given to clients for commercial needs. Matty Photography images may not be resold or redistributed to other entities, regardless of the rights purchased.

A: The publisher needs to contact Matty Photography directly, as you do not have commercial/redistribution rights of the images you purchased at the personal photography rate. Not doing so is a major copyright issue.

A: Matty Photography clients span from the Bellingham to Tacoma areas, with most business taking place with these two major cities. Matty Photography has a studio location in Tacoma.

A: Cancellations are some times inevitable, I understand life throws us curveballs. I ask that if you have to cancel it is done at a minimum of three days prior to your shoot. Because I am setting aside a block of time for you, canceling within three days of your shoot will result in a cancellation fee (one hour of shooting time). Scheduling a last-minute shoot (within 3 days of the shoot), means you are locked-in to that reservation. Please be sure when you commit to a day and time, as I am committing as well, reserving large blocks of prep, planning, and time just for you. Weather is also an obvious factor, and having to reschedule due to unexpected weather is a process that we will work through together. I start charging when we arrive on-time at the location, at which time I will wait for one hour for you to arrive before leaving. You will be billed for that time.

A: I ask that only the individuals who will be participating in the shoot come (persons under 18 are more than welcome to bring an adult along for the ride). Extra friends, pets, and small children not involved in the shoot are often distractions. Yes, my shoots are fun, laid-back, and creative, but I ask that you please take this into consideration for the photographer, and as cool and relaxed as their job environment may be, they are trying to work as well. :) If you would like to bring additional people who will not be involved, please inform me prior to the shoot.

A: Yes, Matty Photography has liability insurance. Aside from being a standard in good business practice, many venues require that service professionals and vendors carry liability insurance in the unfortunate event of an accident. That base is covered.

A: I have tried to make this process as easy for you as possible, by accepting all forms of payment. Cash, check, and even credit/debit cards can be processed either over the phone or on-location at the shoot with a card reader for fast, secure payment. There is a $10 processing fee for card transactions. Payment is due at time of your photo shoot (this does not include commercial clients).