FAQS

HOW DO I START THE PROCESS TO BOOK YOU?

If you’re ready to move forward with the first step, click here to book your free consultation and we can get started on discussing your vision (I can’t wait!). If you’d like some more time, fill out the contact form here with as much detail as you can. This will help me understand your needs better so I can send you the most helpful information. I will reach out in 24-48 hours (unless I'm traveling in which case I will have an away message so you can know when to expect an answer back). 

DO YOU PROVIDE RAW FILES TOO?

I do not provide raw files because my edited work is the final product that I deliver to my clients.

WHEN WILL I GET MY PHOTOS?

- Branding and Lifestyle sessions: 2 weeks
- Wedding: 8 weeks
- My work doesn't stop after I take the photos! I spend time looking through every single image and decide which ones to keep. After that, I edit each photo and make sure that everything from the color and composition looks amazing. I promise it'll be worth it!

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BOOK AND CONFIRM A DATE AND TIME?

A signed contract and 50% retainer. The remainder of the payment is due any day up until the date of your session.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER COSTS I SHOULD BE AWARE OF?

Other costs that my clients typically pay for are: parking fees (if applicable) and photo permit fees (if applicable to the location). Other additional costs would be mileage and travel related.

WHAT KIND OF SESSIONS DO YOU OFFER?

See my services page and experiences that I offer.

do you travel?

Absolutely! I am based in Southern California and LOVE to travel! I would love to come to you for a destination anything session. Fees will vary depending on the location and how I would be getting there. I'm a big fan of custom packages and can create one that fits you!

CAN I PICK MY SESSION LOCATION?

Picking a session location will be a collaboration between the both of us. I would love to hear your ideas about a vision for your session. Based on that information, I would recommend some locations and we would also take a look at your location ideas. My goal is always to pick the location that fits your vision the best but also doesn't break the bank. Many locations require photo permit fees, but don't worry I GOT YOU and we can figure everything out!

CAN I PICK MY SESSION TIME?

This is another I GOT YOU moment. As a natural light photographer who has experience shooting outdoors in a variety of locations, I recommend shooting during "golden hour." You may have heard this term before — it refers to the hour or 2 before sunset. The light is the most soft, warm, and gentle during this time. Your photos will have you GLOWING and RADIATING and SLAYING. If you have schedule constraints, let's talk and figure out the best solution for you!

WHAT IF I HAVE SPECIFIC POSES OR COMBINATIONS IN MIND?

No problem. Send me a shot list or Pinterest board of the different combos you want and I'll make sure to use it to inform my directing during the session. You can also bring one the day of your session as well.

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT TO WEAR AND EXPECT DURING MY PHOTO SESSION?

This is another I GOT YOU moment. All of my photo session collections come with a comprehensive guide specifically written and tailored to the session type. This is a handy PDF that is yours to keep. It doesn't just have outfit recommendations in it either! It also have information about what to expect during this entire process. 

HELP! I’M AWKWARD AND AFRAID OF THE CAMERA!

Yet another I GOT YOU moment. This is my job as your photographer! I'll direct and pose you during the entire session so you don't have to worry about having any prior experience. I'm your hype person, encourager, and coach.

HOW MANY EDITED PHOTOS WILL I RECEIVE?

- Branding, and Lifestyle sessions: a MINIMUM of 100 images
- Weddings: a MINIMUM of 500 images
- Elopements: a MINIMUM of 100 images
- Any other custom session I build for you: number will vary based on type of photos and time allotted

CAN I BUY PRINTS AND OTHER PRINTED PRODUCTS FROM YOU?

Absolutely. Although digital sharing of photos has become the primary way we consume images, I still believe that a physical print of a photo holds a different type of meaning. I do high-quality prints and heirloom albums and would love to discuss these options with you!

HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY PHOTOS?

All sessions include a private, digital gallery. Lifestyle & Wedding sessions come with an additional USB with your photo gallery on it. (USBs can be purchased as an add-on to any branding session.)

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU SHOOT WITH?

I believe that the gear I shoot with are the tools that allow me to create the art I share with clients. I will always use high quality equipment. I currently use a Canon 5D Mark IV and a Canon 5D Mark III. Lenses include 50mm, 85mm, 35mm, 24-70mm 2.8L, and 70-200mm 2.8L. I also use on camera and off camera flashes (Godox 869VII) to create beautiful shots in dimly lit locations.

SHOULD I TIP YOU?

Tips are completely optional, always appreciated, but NEVER mandatory. Some folks liken it to tipping your hairdresser or delivery driver. It's a little something extra! A review goes a long way in my small business, so you can opt to write a review instead and I would be SO grateful!

OTHER QUESTIONS?

Feel free to fill out the contact form below or send me an email at xuexiaopan@gmail.com!