Why Do Professional Photographers Cost So Much?
I don’t. I charge you a fair rate for a fair day’s work! Each Picture I take costs money and as much as I love taking pictures and creating memories it costs money. Yes it may only be a couple of hours with a camera in hand, but there are very often many hours of meetings, research, editing and admin that come with each picture. Not to mention I have to pay Tax, N.I. and lots of other costs out before I make a penny!
What If We Need To Cancel Our Shoot?
I understand that things happen and that life sometimes throws us a curveball. If it is genuinely not your fault, I may, at my discretion, waive the cancellation fees set out in our T’s & C’s.
If I can I will always try to rearrange with you.
However some clients have taken advantage of my kindness and good will and have cancelled shoots minutes before they are due to begin. Due to this I have now (JULY 2021) instigated the cancellation charges below.
- Should the cancellation be with in 48 hours of the start of the shoot for no good reason (ie it's going to be/might be/probably raining etc*), I reserve the right to charge you 50% of the standard shoot fee.
- Should the cancellation be with in 8 hours of the start of the shoot for no good reason, (ie it's going to be/might be/probably raining etc*), I reserve the right to charge you 100% of the standard shoot fee.
This is solely to protect my business. Being self employed if I don't shoot, I don't get paid. If your employer suddenly cancelled your work and then didn't pay you for that "extra day off" I'm sure you'd have something to say about it!
*We live in a Mid Latitude Temperate Climate. It rains! Sometimes a lot. Cancelling a property shoot specifically for this reason, especially when other clients are happy to go ahead I feel is unacceptable. Especially given the level of image editing these days.
If you are unhappy with this policy feel free not to book me.
Are Instant Downloads Instant?
Instant downloads should be made available to you within a few minutes of Paypal letting our servers know the transaction has succesfully completed. Please ensure that you have entered the correct email address as this is where the download details will be sent. If your download details haven't arrived with in 2 hours please send us a message and we will arrange another way for you to download your images. We get copies of all the order details including the email address used so should be able to see whats gone wrong in helping you to get your images.
If you are sending your image off to a 3rd party producer such as Photobox or Tesco for gift products please ensure you buy the original image download only. We can not be held responsible for poor quality products from 3rd party providers should the wrong download be selected.
Why Are Downloads So Expensive?
Quite simply they aren’t! You are buying a fully edited digital copy of my work. As a digital copy I have no control over what happens to that image. If the image is not water marked it can easily be passed off as someone else’s work and I don’t think that’s fair! See my T’s & C’s for all the info on downloads.
Also, with the clear majority of images these days ending up on social media I may have an image used thousands of times yet not get paid for it! I still own all copyrights and reproduction rights Worldwide. You only own a licensed copy for personal use unless agreed otherwise beforehand.
Why Are Downloads Non Refundable?
When you purchase a Download you receive a full version of the image(s). This is downloaded to your computer and as such once the Download completes you can't give it back. Because of this we are unable to refund Downloads.
How Long Will It Take To Get My Pictures?
That depends not only on the size of your project but on the other work I may have in at the time. In peak periods I can be on tour for 3-4 weeks at a time making editing and completing projects quite difficult. I will always give you a best estimate so that you can plan your project effectively.
Who Owns My Pictures?
Very simply, I do! I remain the owners of both reproduction and copyright rights unless you purchase these from us. You are effectively buying a licensed copy as set out in my terms and conditions. However, your images would never be sold on to another client with out prior consultation and compensation to yourself.
Are You Insured?
Yes, I am fully insured with both Public Liability and Indemnity insurance. All relevant equipment is PAT tested too. I will be more than happy to supply these documents to you should they be needed.
We Have No Budget, Can you Shoot For Free?
The answer to this question will always be the same. NO! I am a small business and also a very experienced photographer. I wouldn’t dream of asking you to come and replumb my house, fix my car or eat in your restaurant for free.
I’m sorry but all the friends you will tell, credits you will give me and exposure I will get won’t pay my bills.
I do work regularly work with charity projects who always pay for my time. I would ask you don’t embarrass yourself by asking me this. I also know that everyone else in your no budget project is likely to be getting paid so please don’t insult me. You can find more information
here
How & When Do We Pay For Our Project?
This is dependant on your project. Please contact me and I can let you know the best way to do this. If you have had delivery of the images however the invoice is payable immediately.
Can We Pay In Instalments?
Yes, again please contact us for details. I can set up monthly direct debit if that helps your budgeting.
You wouldn't even know if i just used your pictures! Would you?
Unfortunately, for you, Yes! I use a company called www.copytrack.com to trace all my images online. These guys are amazing and they find images that have been changed, edited and reworked. They also handle the legal side of illegal image use for me. So, if you use an image and they find it be prepared for a hefty bill! In the past 2 years they have won over £1200 in fees from unlicensed image use!