FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect before the photoshoot?
To prepare for the photoshoot, we will work through the following steps.
1.) Align on Objective: During this initial consultation, I'll learn about your project while you share your vision. We'll discuss:
- Your specific goals for the photography
- The narrative you want the images to convey
- Where and how you plan to use these images (websites, publications, portfolios)
- Your target quantity of final delivered photographs
This alignment ensures I capture exactly what you need to showcase your work effectively.
2.) Project Confirmation: Once we've aligned on your objectives, I'll prepare a customized quote based on your specific needs. Upon your approval, we'll formalize our partnership through a service agreement. A deposit payment will secure your booking and allow me to begin preparing for your project.
3.) Location Scouting: Included in your package is a comprehensive site visit prior to the shoot day. While optional, this walkthrough is highly recommended as it significantly enhances the quality and efficiency of our final photography session. During this visit, we'll:
- Explore various perspectives and compositional possibilities
- Test different angles to optimize each shot
- Identify lighting considerations and potential challenges
- Determine the most impactful ways to showcase your project
Following the walkthrough, I'll upload preliminary images to a private online gallery where you can select preferred angles and provide additional guidance. Based on your selections, I'll develop a detailed shot list for the main photography session. This collaborative process allows you to prepare and style only the necessary areas, saving you time and ensuring we capture exactly what you envision.
4.) Shoot Scheduling: To prepare for a successful photography session, it's best to give homeowners ample notice of our shooting date. Homeowners don't need to be present for the shoot - in fact, scheduling during their planned time away can be ideal. Their absence allows us to fully focus on capturing the home without disruption and gives us the freedom to style spaces without interfering with daily routines. By scheduling during their absence, we can maintain the perfect styling throughout the session.
Before shoot day, it's important that the house is thoroughly cleaned and personal items (pet beds, toys, everyday items) are stored away. This creates clean, distraction-free compositions that highlight the elements we want to showcase.
What happens on photoshoot day?
Note: The below information is most applicable to Interior Design shoots. If you won't be at the photoshoot, please see the below question: "What if I can't attend the photoshoot?"
For maximum efficiency on shoot day, I recommend having at least one space styled and ready before my arrival. I'll need approximately 20-30 minutes for equipment setup once on site, and during this time you can finalize details in our first shooting location.
We'll adhere to our agreed-upon shot list while remaining flexible. If we discover compelling new perspectives during the shoot, we can discuss adding them—either as additional shots or as replacements if we need to maintain our timeline. I typically allocate about 30 minutes per shot, though some compositions may require more time while others less. This time estimate helps us stay on pace throughout the day and ensures we capture all priority shots.
Your input is invaluable during the composition process. For each shot, I'll invite you to review my initial composition so we can make precise adjustments together (like shifting decor items or adjusting styling elements for the perfect balance). This collaborative approach ensures we capture exactly what you envision.
Once we've locked in a composition, you're welcome to remain present but are also free to prepare the next area while I complete the technical aspects of photography. This parallel workflow helps us maintain momentum throughout the day and maximize what we accomplish during our scheduled time.
Before departing, we'll conduct a final walkthrough of the property to ensure everything is returned to its original state exactly as the homeowner left it.
What happens after the photoshoot?
After our successful shoot day, the post-production process begins:
- If we worked from a clear shot list during our session, I'll move directly into editing the images.
- In cases where we captured multiple variations or perspectives, I'll create a preliminary selection gallery where you can choose which images should receive final editing treatment. This ensures your investment goes toward perfecting the exact shots that best meet your objectives.
Once editing is complete, I'll upload your finished photographs to a professional gallery and send your final invoice. Upon payment, you'll receive immediate access to download your high-resolution images in formats ready for your intended uses.
What if I can't attend the photoshoot?
Your participation or representation during the photoshoot is highly valuable to achieving optimal results. If you're unable to attend personally:
- We can reschedule to a date that accommodates your presence (preferred option)
- You may send a designated representative with decision-making authority who understands your vision
- If neither option is possible, we can arrange a detailed pre-shoot consultation where you provide comprehensive guidance on styling preferences, key architectural elements to highlight, and specific angles you wish to capture
Your input—whether in person or through clear advance direction—ensures the final images align perfectly with your objectives and storytelling needs.
What if others involved in the project (contractors, designers, publications, etc.) would like to use the images?
For projects involving multiple stakeholders (architects, designers, builders, etc.), I recommend a collaborative approach to photography investment:
Pre-Shoot Cost-Sharing: I encourage you to contact all project partners early in our planning process. By arranging cost-sharing agreements before the shoot, multiple parties can gain licensed usage rights at a reduced individual investment. This approach creates value for everyone involved.
How Cost-Sharing Works:
- Each participating stakeholder contributes to the overall photography investment
- All contributors receive licensed usage rights for their specific marketing needs
- The total cost is distributed among participants, reducing individual expenses
- Each party gains access to professional architectural photography they might otherwise forego
After the shoot, if parties who declined initial participation later request image usage, they would need to arrange licensing directly with me.
This proactive approach often results in a more comprehensive shoot that benefits all parties while making professional photography more accessible for everyone who contributed to the project.
What's the price?
I believe in transparent, customized pricing that reflects the specific needs of your architectural photography project. Rather than offering rigid packages, I tailor my services to align with your objectives, timeline, and budget.
Pricing Considerations:
- Number of final edited images required
- Duration and complexity of the shoot
- Number of contributing stakeholders (cost-sharing participants)
- Multiple site visits or shooting days if needed
Typical Investment Ranges:
- Comprehensive architectural and interior design projects typically range from $2,000-$4,500
- Smaller scope projects may start under $500
During our initial consultation, we'll discuss your specific needs and establish a clear investment framework that delivers maximum value for your project. If your project falls outside my specialty or would be better served by another professional, I'm happy to recommend trusted colleagues who might be a better fit.
Will you photograph a small project?
I photograph projects of all sizes. If you have a smaller project you'd like to showcase professionally, I'd be delighted to discuss how we can create impactful images that highlight its unique qualities and design excellence.
Unlike photographers based in Seattle, my Bainbridge Island location gives me a distinct advantage for serving projects throughout Kitsap County and the Olympic Peninsula. This geographic positioning makes a significant difference—especially for smaller projects:
- No ferry waits or lengthy commutes from Seattle mean I can efficiently serve Bainbridge Island, Kingston, Bremerton, Poulsbo, Silverdale, and surrounding areas
- Lower travel commitment allows me to accept smaller projects in these regions that might not be economically viable for Seattle-based photographers
For clients with projects in Kitsap County or on the Peninsula, this often translates to greater scheduling flexibility, more reasonable minimums, and the ability to accommodate focused sessions that might otherwise be declined due to travel constraints.
Whether you have a single-room renovation or a compact ADU in these western Sound communities, I can provide the same high-quality architectural photography as larger projects without the significant travel premium typically associated with bringing photographers across the Sound.
Do you charge a travel fee?
Seattle/Tacoma Metro Area: No travel fees apply for projects throughout the Seattle and Tacoma metropolitan areas. As a Bainbridge Island resident, I've factored routine ferry and commute times into my standard service rates.
Beyond Metro Area: For projects outside the Seattle/Tacoma region, travel fees may apply based on distance and logistical requirements. Let's discuss your specific location to determine any applicable travel considerations.
San Juan Islands: As an active sailor who spends time cruising the Pacific Northwest each summer, I offer unique scheduling opportunities for island properties:
- With advance notice, I can coordinate photoshoots during my planned sailing excursions to the San Juan Islands and parts of British Columbia
- For remote islands without ferry access, I can sometimes reach locations by private vessel when mooring options are available nearby
- Properties on islands with ferry service are accessible year-round with proper planning
This sailing flexibility often allows me to photograph island properties without charging significant travel premiums that might otherwise apply for these specialized locations.
Can I share the image files with others?
The photographs delivered to you come with specific usage rights. While you receive permission to use these images for your intended purposes discussed during our initial consultation, full copyright ownership remains with me as the photographer.
If others involved in the project (contractors, designers, publications, etc.) would like to use these images:
- Please direct them to contact me directly to discuss appropriate licensing options
- I offer flexible licensing arrangements to accommodate various needs.
- Additional licensing is handled separately from your original agreement
This approach protects the value of your investment while ensuring all parties can access professional photography when needed. I'm happy to work with your partners to provide them with the visual assets they require.