When folks ask me to do a Photo Session with them there are sometimes lot of questions. Here are some of those questions with answers. I hope this helps you in making your decision to take a Photo Session with me and decisions on what type of Session you would like to have.
This FAQ is geared toward those who are under 18 years of age. If you or your child is 18 or over, please view the Adult Photo Session FAQ —-> HERE
Click This Button to See Examples from Photoshoots by Theme
BEFORE THE PHOTOSHOOT
Click on the + Icon to see the Answer – Click the – Icon to close the Answer
Q: Are you a Professional Photographer?
A: Although I produce professional quality photos and treat each model in a professional manner, by definition, NO, I do not make a living from photography. Photography is a major hobby/passion of mine.
Q: How do I arrange to have a photo session taken?
A: If you are reading this, then you have probably already contacted me about doing a photo session. Click on the Greg’s Calendar button in the menu at the top of this page. Pick a date that I do not have grayed out** and email or call me with the date and a time that you would like to do your photo session. If you have not contacted me yet then email is the best and quickest way. You can email me by clicking on Contact under the Photoshoots tab.
Please Note: I, on most days, am a daytime sleeper (thus the Zzz’s on my calendar), so my preferred Photoshoot time is after 3 PM on days that I have free.
** Un-grayed dates are NOT guaranteed, they may have already been selected for other reasons but simply have not been updated as yet.
Q: Do I need to sign a Model Release in order to do a photo session with you
A: Yes. The model release is a legal document that protects both the model and the photographer. I use a standard release that is very similar to any other photographers release forms.
Click here to view my Model Release: Minor
(You will need to have a PDF Reader installed on your computer to view it).
Q: What is your background in Photography?
A: Although I did take a few classes** at UNLV in photography, most of my “training” is self taught over MANY years. I was always the “Photo Guy” on class trips who had to take good photos since you didn’t see them until they were developed sometimes weeks later. I did teach myself how to Develop and Print photos in a Darkroom (I bought my current house mainly because it had a large walk through closet into the bathroom that I turned into my Darkroom).
I personally put together about 15 years of yearbooks at two different schools.
I began taking Digital photos when Digital cameras first came out and never went back to film.
I am very proficient in Photoshop, Lightroom, On1 Raw Photo, and many other “apps” that professional photographers use. Don’t take that in a wrong way, EVERY photographer now uses these programs to enhance their photos even if they tell you they don’t
I photographed Gymnastic meets and did Gymnastic Portraits for over 15 years and have been doing Portrait Photography for over 40 years.
I have spent the past 20 years photographing the Polynesian community. 3 years with Halau ‘O Moanike’ala, 2 years independent, and the last 15 years with Tevakanui Polynesian Dance Studio.
However, my Photo Sessions are all independent from any group that I have or am currently working with.
** I was always quickly asked to assist the Professor whenever I took a class because I usually already knew everything they were teaching. I was the Astronomy Assistant for a time at UNLV and trained in B & W and Color Photography of the Planets.
Every photoshoot I currently do is still a learning experience and I am constantly updating my skills.
How much does it cost to do a photo session?
A: I currently do not charge a “sitting” fee since this is a major Hobby, taking the photos cost me nothing, I get a lot of experience from each session, and it’s just fun. I have had individuals insist that I charge something and since I do have equipment that does need to be replaced or updated from time to time such as printers, donations are accepted but not required.
Q: Can we do my Photo session somewhere outside, in a park, or up in the mountains?
A: Yes, BUT I have great lighting equipment at home for total control of the lights. Going away from that into the field, outside, a park, or wherever, means not having that control. With that said, if you wish to do your session somewhere else, it will need to take some planning as to where and what time we are all available plus have permission to use that area. I personally do not have any places that I know of to just go to an outdoors session. I’ve had some do a session near a lake (within the city) or out at Lake Mead. Red Rock Canyon is a pretty place; I did one session for a CD cover up in the Ghost Town at Bonnie Springs. The main point here is to know where you want to do the session and planning it all out if you prefer a location outside of my “studio”. I also may need to charge for Gas if the location requires driving a distance away.
Some places (such as Red Rock Canyon) have an entry fee which should be paid by the client. Also more and more places (including Red Rock, and some hotels) may require a permit of which can be as high as $300 if they see the photoshoot as a professional shoot (or even if they just see my bigger camera).
If a larger area is needed for large groups, then another indoor location can be choosen as long as there is electricity for my lights. Another option is outdoors after dark, (again as long as there is power).
Q: Where do you take the photos (where are the PS held)?
A: I take the “studio” photos in the living room of my home. I have devoted that area to be quickly set up for a Photo Session. With that said, I ask that anyone who has scheduled a session to give me at least a 24 to 48 hour notice if they can not make the session. Either email me or call me. That way I am not setting up everything and then nobody shows up. Yes, this has happened more then once.
Q: How long does a photo session last?
A: It depends on what kind of photo session you are having. If you are doing a typical multi-change of clothes photo session then it could be from 2 to 4 hours long (sometimes longer). This gives us time for you to change, put on makeup, take a break from time to time, slow down a bit and really take great photos. If you are only doing one thing, say just a Hula Kahiko session, then it would be from 2 to 3 hours. Portfolio or calendar sessions could be from 5 to 10 hours (we would have to do multiple sessions if over 5 hours) and could even be at multiple locations. I will strongly suggest that your session last at a minimum of 2 hours, so please set aside at least 2 hours if not more.
Q: Do you do weddings, birthday parties, special events?
A: Generally No. As mentioned above, I do not do this for a living so photographing a large event such as a wedding is not something I generally do. I have made exceptions, but only for very good/close friends. I again strongly suggest that you seek a professional photographer for these special once in a lifetime events. They have the experience and the know how to get the job done correctly and in a timely fashion.
ABOUT THE PHOTOSHOOTS
Q: What kind of Photo Sessions do you offer?
A: There is no limit to what kind of photos I take. Usually, I will just take photos of you with whatever costumes or clothing you have brought. If you bring school clothes then the poses would be based on that theme, if you bring swimsuits then that would be the theme, etc. You can bring whatever you want to be photographed in. Here are just some of the “themes” I have shot for 18 and older:
– Hula Kahiko or Ancient Tahitian
– Contemporary Polynesian
– Graduation / Senior Photos
– General Fashion
– Maternity / Family
– Calendar
– Cosplay / Mermaids
– Glamour / Artistic Nude / Boudoir
Click the EXAMPLES BUTTON on the top of this page to see a LOT of Examples each of these themes. The Glamour examples will require an additional password from me.
What should I bring to the photoshoot with me?
A: Even though I do have some items, (see next question), you should bring:
– Whatever you want to be photographed in that I do not have.
– Something to drink (although I probably will have bottled water available).
– Make-up! (if you use makeup) I do not have any makeup supplies as everybody has their own brand and style. I DO have a makeup area with a well lighted mirror.
– Lotion, since my camera will pick up on any dry skin.
– Bring YOU! Try to be well rested so we don’t get the tired expressions and red eyes.
Q: What are Milestone Photo Sessions?
A: There are certain years as we grow up that are considered milestone years. These are the years that you really want to be photographed to show how you looked at different stages of life. Of course there are many more milestones past 21, those are usually classified under an event (i.e. Marriage, Maternity, First Job, etc.)
Here is what I consider to be milestone years:
Birth – Including Maternity leading up to birth
– 1 year Old (baby lu’au)
– 5 years old (starting school)
– 10 years old (now a double digit age – doing kid things, having fun)
– 13 years old (TEENAGER)
– 15 years old (Quinceanera)
– 16 years old (Sweet 16 – coming of age. These could start to be a little more mature)
– 18 years old (legal adult, graduating – photos can be sexy and possibly topless)
– 21 years old, drinking and gambling age (full adult – mature, sexy, artistic nude, or just more dressed up formal fancy)
Q: What do you have that I can use during my photoshoot?
A: I have in my portrait collection
– Polynesian attire (i.e. lei, pario, “grass” skirts, shells, etc.)
– Artificial flowers to hold, for the hair, or to be used in general.
– A few necklaces (mostly Polynesian), ankle chains, etc.
– Baby oil for the “outdoorsy” look and some lotion
– Curling and straightening irons but bring your own if you are more used to them
Q: Do you have a professional hair and make-up person?
A: No, if you even wear makeup, All make-up, hair, and grooming would need to be done by the model or done at a professional salon before coming to the session. I do have a makeup area with a lighted mirror.
Q: Can I bring my other people to the photoshoot to just watch?
A: Unless you have already made arrangements to be photographed WITH these other people, then I would prefer and strongly suggest that they not come to the session. In order to get the best possible poses/photos, I will need your total attention. Someone you brought who is just “watching” the session can be a distraction and the photos will come out that way. I do ask that at least one parent or guardian be present at the session for anyone under the age of 16.
AFTER THE PHOTOSHOOT
Q: Will I get a section in Youngaloha Photos after my session?
A: If you want to be added to the Youngaloha Photos section of my website, you must fill out the Model Release and check mark and initial the section relating to the web site giving your permission. Then, in time, I will select a number of photos from your session, fix them up, and create a homepage for you. It will be password protected. I will then contact you to look over the site and make sure there are no photos there that you do not want to be there. If all is well, I will put in a link so that other’s can come and view the photos.
Can I have my photos "Fixed-Up" in Photoshop?
A: I have a very extensive knowledge of working in Photoshop. I can fix blemishes, soften skin, or even have you lose a few pounds. How much PS is used depends on the client. I never try to go too far, (i.e. I do not stretch necks, give you longer legs, or bigger “boobs”). I always attempt to make the model look as close as possible to their natural look (minus blemishes, stretch marks, skin folds, etc.)
If you want to keep the stretch marks etc. just let me know.
Q: How much does it cost to get prints?
A: Although I produce professional quality photos and treat each model in a professional manner, by definition, NO, I do not make a living from photography. Photography is a major hobby/passion of mine.
Q: How long will it take before I can see the photos?
A: I will put all the photos taken on my website in the Client section. It will be protected by the password you gave me at the photoshoot. There you can see all the unprocessed photos and this is where I will put processed (fixed-up) photos as well (in time)
Q: Isn't Photoshop just cheating by changing a person's appearance?
A: As stated, the client can always just say don’t fix me up, I’m happy with my stretch marks, (although I’ve never had anyone tell me that). If you wear clothes or apply make-up, or wear spanks, you are changing the way you look to others, thus “Photoshopping” yourself. Using PS is no different. I’ve also had many clients who would have NEVER done a photoshoot because of how they look but are thrilled they did after seeing their photos I have PSed.
Any photos you order or want must be fixed up to some degree (i.e. paint out the background, correct for color, etc.) that do not change a person’s appearance. I do ask that you DO NOT use any photo from a session until I’ve done at least these required changes. (i.e. photographed in front of my black background with light leaks and shadows that need to be fixed)
Q: In what form will I get my prints?
A: I use a Cannon Pro-100 color printer and Cannon Professional Paper to make prints from 4×6, 8×10 all the way up to 11×14 or 13×19. Sizes larger then that, will have to be sent out to an online photo service which will cost more and have shipping costs. I charge “at cost” for printing but sometimes sending them to a servicer can be a lot cheaper. I will choose either to print them myself or send them to a service depending on what is cheaper
For example:
I WOULD PRINT IF
My cost: 5 8x10s @ $5.00 per print = $25
Service: 5 8x10s @ $3.05 per print + $12 shipping = $27.50
I WOULD USE A SERVICE IF
My cost: 10 8x10s @ $5.00 per print = $50
Service: 10 8x10s @ $3.05 per print + $12 Shipping = $42.50
The service I use the most is mpix.com
Q: Can I just download the photos and take them to Walmart to be printed?
A: YES, However I do own the copyright to the photos and that will pop up at Walmart at which time they will ask for a release or refuse to print the photos. You will need to request a release from me to allow printing (this does not give you the copyright to the photos just permission to have them printed). Keep in mind, Walmart and other stores do not print on the highest quality paper and the prints may fade in time.
This is probably the one main area that makes me different then pro Photographers, they make their main income by having you buy prints through them at all times at an inflated cost per print (factoring their profit). There is nothing wrong with this since it is how they make a living.
Q: Can I have lots of photos from my photoshoot "fixed-up" for use on the web?
A: Photos from a photoshoot usually end up online rather then printed. I will be more than happy to “fix-up” 10 photos to start. You can select more then 10, however, the first 10 will be done ASAP, any more then that will depend on when I have the time to work on them. If you want more than 30 fixed up, then I may need to charge you for my time. Prints will get priority.
Q: Can I get my photos in Black & White?
A: Yes. I shoot all photos on a digital SLR camera in color. I can then pop them into the computer and can quickly change them to B&W or sepia tone.