FAQS

 :: How many outfits should I shoot for my model portfolio?

*If your photo shoot is the start of a brand new portfolio, we recommend 4 looks to get the best results possible (showing a full range of options to agency clients). If this is an update to an existing portfolio, fewer looks may be adequate depending on how current your existing images are.

:: Will my shoot be in-studio or on-location?

Your shoot location will depend on the types of images you need from the session. As a general rule, lifestyle or commercial images will be shot in-studio. Fashion images are likely to be shot in-studio, though this doesn’t always apply (depending on concept, wardrobe, intended use, etc).

:: How long will my photo shoot take?

The length of your session will vary based on the number of looks being photographed, and the kinds of imagery being created. As a point of reference, a three-look model portfolio shoot for lifestyle material generally takes about 2 and 1/2 hours for female models.

:: What kinds of images will be photographed for my model portfolio?

For each look, we’ll photograph headshots, half-length, three-quarter length shots, and full-length shots.

:: Is professional hair & make-up included in the cost?

 Professional Hair & Makeup for all hair & skin types is available at additional cost; for lifestyle material, the rate is $65 per look.

We do recommend age-appropriate hair/makeup for all talent, regardless of age.  Please contact us for details.

:: Do you travel to other markets to shoot model portfolio material?

We no longer travel to other markets for model portfolio or model agency work. We’re happy to host you in our studio here in Columbus, OH.

  :: How many outfits should I shoot for my actor headshots?

*If your photo shoot is the start of a brand new portfolio, we recommend 3 looks to get the best results possible (showing a full range of options to agency clients). If this is an update to an existing portfolio, fewer looks may be adequate depending on how current your existing images are.

:: Will my shoot be in-studio or on-location?

Your shoot will be take place in-studio.

:: How long will my photo shoot take?

The length of your session will vary based on the number of looks being photographed, and the kinds of imagery being created. As a point of reference, a three-look actor headshot session generally takes about 1 and 1/2 hours for female actors.

:: Is professional hair & make-up included in the cost?

 Professional Hair & Makeup for all hair & skin types is available at additional cost; for actor headshots, the rate is $65 per look.

We do recommend age-appropriate hair/makeup for all talent, regardless of age.  Please contact us for details.

:: Will I receive prints or digital files as my final product?

The final product you receive will be medium resolution digital files, ready for use on the web, or for sending via email.

:: Can prints or additional images be purchased?

Prints can be purchased, as well as additional retouched digital files. Contact us for detailed product / price information.

:: What’s involved in the image proofing process after the shoot?

Following the photo shoot, your images will be sorted down to the most competitive frames from each set / look photographed. These unedited proofs will be posted in a private, online proofing gallery, and you and your team (agents, marketing director, etc) will receive log-in access via email if you wish.

:: What will the image retouching accomplish?

Once you’ve browsed the gallery and selected your final images, we’ll retouch each of those photos manually (as opposed to basic batch processing) and deliver them by way of a quick, easy download in your online client portal.

:: Will I receive the unedited proofs from my shoot?

No, the only images you’ll receive will be the final, retouched images. Unedited proofs will be archived for a period of time, then eventually erased. Given how quickly electronic images circulate the web via social media, unedited proofs can be mistaken by others as finished images …which ultimately becomes a misrepresentation of our artistry and brand.

:: Am I allowed to post my digital images on social media?

Yes, but please respect our work and avoid applying Instagram filters or other smartphone image edits to your final images, as this misrepresents our brand aesthetic and violates intellectual property ownership rights.

:: Am I permitted to crop or edit my digital files further, once received?

No. You’ll be required to sign a model release, stating that no photographer or graphic design artist other than us is permitted to make further edits or alterations of any kind. This includes, but is not limited to black and white conversions, image cropping, and Instagram (or other smartphone) filters.

::  Once I have the digital files, does that mean I own the copyright?

No. The Federal Copyright Law protects copyright ownership. It is unlawful to copy or scan any printed image without permission of the photographer. Shannon W. Williams retains copyright of all images taken and reserves the right to use all images and works in portfolios, competition, exhibition and promotion of Shannon Williams Photography & Design and associated products.

:: Do you design and print composite cards or other marketing materials for models and actors?

Yes. Contact us for a full list of design and print services, as these items are not included in our basic package prices.

If you’ve paid in full to reserve your date/time, you can reschedule as needed. If you have only paid a 50% retainer to hold your preferred date/time, you must re-schedule prior to the day of the shoot, a $50 re-scheduling fee will apply (given that the change will prevent a new client from booking an otherwise open date).

If you do not show up for your appointment, your full session payment will be retained as a cancellation fee; no exceptions. If you do not show up, then attempt to re-schedule your shoot, a $50 re-scheduling fee will apply.

:: May I bring an escort?

Unobtrusive escorts are welcome. Parents of minor children are encouraged to attend and observe, so long as their presence does not become a distraction or hindrance.

:: Do you instruct the posing or should I come prepared to pose on my own?

We instruct posing, based on the experience and skill of the model. Newer talent will be given more instruction, more experienced models will naturally have more freedom to pose on their own.

• A minimum of 50% payment is due upfront in order to reserve your preferred shoot date / time. We’ll send you an invoice you can pay online using any debit or credit card.

•Pay the entire amount due upfront, and receive twice the number of final images included in your package.

• Once we’ve finalized a specific date / time for your shoot, we can hold your spot for up to three days without payment before making it available to someone else.

• All sales are final. No refunds, no exceptions.

• Professional hair/makeup is highly recommended. You’re welcome to do your own if you’re proficient with both, or bring your own makeup artist if you prefer. The artists we work with take all precautions as mandated by the Ohio State Cosmetology Board for sanitizing brushes, and maintaining cleanliness standards.

• Unedited proofs are not included in your purchase, and are not available for purchase.

• Final retouched files will be sent electronically for a quick, easy download onto your laptop or desktop computer. USB drives or other means of physical storage will not be provided and are not available for purchase.