Common Questions and Concerns

How many people or props can I have at a session? A wedding session does not have a limit of people in your pictures. For a portrait session you can have up to six people (or animals); after six there is an additional charge of $10 a person. For larger groups (family reunion, church events, etc.) there is a flat fee of $100. Props are fun, they can tell a story without using words! So bring what you would like and I will do my best to incorporate them into your picture and style.
What should I wear? Please wear solid color clothing; clothing that does not have any distracting writing on the front. Feel free to bring uniforms and other individual pieces to senior sessions. Also keep in mind to have coordinating colors when doing sessions with multiple people; you don’t have to match, but wearing the same color scheme is typically pleasing to the eye.


Do you recommend that the bride and groom see each other before for the ceremony? I do strongly suggest that the bride and groom share their special moment alone before the ceremony. We will allow enough time to capture the first sight (without the hundreds of guest seeing you first too) making the moment truly special, unique and personal. Taking pictures before the ceremony allows for the wedding party to spend time with the guest, instead of taking pictures.

Can you tell me more about the CD of images, proofing, and editing? I choose to offer a CD over prints for it allows easier access to prints. Each CD will come with a copy release form, allowing you to print the images where you would like to and when you need them. A CD enables you to get your images back quicker. I offer great turn around edited pictures. I don't keep my customers waiting. I do not offer proofs because of the CD; if you do not like how an image was edited all you have to do is let me know through e-mail or phone and I will change the picture immediately and then send you an e-mail with the corrected high-resolution image.
What would you consider your style to be? Leonardo DaVinci once said, “Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication.” I feel like not only is that a good rule to live my life by, but I apply it to my style as well. I don’t over edit a picture for many reasons, but the main reason is that an over edited picture takes away from the important subject matter, you. I want an image to look good, be free of blemishes, is creative in its own way, but not so overly done that people can’t tell who is in the picture. I also believe that the client should get what they want, so if you want something to be highly altered I can do that accordingly, but the edited images I give my clients are clean cut, typically bright, and most images will be duplicated in black and white.

How long is a shoot? A normal portrait photo shoot will average around an hour to two and half hours long. The more people that are in a session the longer it will take to get them rearranged. I feel as if the time shouldn’t be a factor while capturing a true memory. Weddings average about 6 hours of shooting time.

Where will we go? Locations are very important. Portrait sessions will take place at one or two locations. If the second location is more than 20 miles away from the first there will be an additional fee of $25. The time to travel to our destination will not take away from your session time. Destination weddings are amazing! I am willing to travel, and in fact I enjoy taking road trips (take me anywhere), please feel free to ask about a quote.

What times are best? Indoor shoots can be booked at any time of day well into the evening; being a night owl myself I have rather flexible hours. If the shoot is to be taken outside I try my best to be out either at the twilight hours. Meaning a few hours after the sun is up or a few hours before it sets. High noon the sun produces such harsh lighting and dense shadows. Times during the day can be arranged if location is well shaded or if there is an overcast.

Do you have payment plans? What about the deposit? Yes! I do offer payment plans. I understand how difficult it can be to just ‘drop’ money. I am willing to work with you to find a plan that fits your budget. The CD will be delivered when session and all cost are paid in full. However, each session does require a 10% non-refundable deposit to lock in your date and location. This retainer fee can be moved to another date if I am notified about a change in plans at least two weeks prior to the session.

Can you buy prints from your galleries? Most definitely! The pictures that are in my galleries can be purchased for pure enjoyment.
Do you charge tax or shipping? There is no tax or shipping on sitting fees or when mailing a CD, they are already included in your cost. If you order prints instead of a CD the tax and shipping will be what I pay to send them off to a quality lab.

If your question was not answered please feel free to contact me at mjstudios@hotmail.com and I will get back to you as quickly as possible.

A great site about this art!

Props to the author!
http://www.pixelatedimage.com/blog/2009/11/just/

The Investment!

Portraits: Senior, Engagements, Family, Children, Babies and Maternity: $100
One and half to two and half hours of shooting
Two locations
Unlimited outfits, within reason
Up to 6 people
Time of editing
CD with high resolution images (up to 50 images)


Mommy and Me Package: $200
3 sessions: maternity, new born, and infant with family
CD of edited images from all three sessions
One 8 x 10 collage of baby

True Memories: $300
Pre-wedding consultation
Up to 4 hours of wedding and reception coverage
Time of editing
CD with high resolution images (up to 150 images)

Ever After: $450
Pre-wedding consultation
Engagement or bridal session
Full coverage of wedding and reception
Time of editing
CD of ALL edited high resolution images from both sessions

Restoration or creative editing: $15 an hour and cost of prints

Image Investment:Photo books, gallery wraps, single prints, or packages are available. However, CDs allow you to print what you need, when you need them.

Please note:If the session site is 30 miles or more away from the Joplin area, I will charge a $0.25/mile for total round trip. This is to cover gas and time lost driving expenses. Each session requires a 10% non-refundable deposit to secure your date and time of session.This retainer fee can be moved to another date if I am notified about a change in plans at least two weeks prior to the session.

*****Discounts are available if you refer a friend, are a teacher, or in the armed services*****

Prices are subject to change, please ask about our current specials or click here to view the special prices.

Website Ideas

Hey there! I know many people don't read this.

I am trying to figure out my website address. I currently am at www.mjstudiosphotography.com However, I feel like that's too long. Do you think mjsphotos.com would be okay? Or do you have any other suggestions for MJ Studios. Unfortunately it's a very common studio name (even for recording studios).

Thanks for all of your help. Can't wait to have this posted!

xoxo,

MJ

Welcome to the world, MJ Studios

Here it is, the studios blog. I am going to try my hardest to update this on a regular basis.

After I get everything going I'll be sure to update about me, contact information, prices, and specials!

Website is coming soon! Which I'm very excited about!

xoxo,
MJ