Noël de Christián Photography

Q: How much will a session cost?
A: This is the most asked question and I certainly understand why. The answer is not as clear cut as the question because many factors are taken into consideration. For a wedding, the client is looking at an investment of about $3000 and up. For a portrait session it starts at $250 and up.

Q: Why so much, I only need one headshot?
A: It's unrealistic to think that the "perfect" headshot will be recorded with just one photograph. In order to end up with the perfect image, many images must be taken and thus this take time and energy. Even professional models are photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of times before the right image is selected. Another factor that is sometimes not known by the client is that much time is spent with each image in post-production in order to make it "perfect" for the client.

Q: Will I get all my pictures?
A: Most of them. You will not get the ones that were deleted because they simply were not good images. The client usually ends up with most of all the images taken. It's important to note that unlike many other photographers who will charge you for the session and then charge you extra for each image the client wants, we give you a DVD with all your images. The client has limited rights as to what can be done with those images such as printing photographs for personal use or for friends. This will ultimately save lots of money by not having to pay extra for the images you want. The client does not have the right, however, to use those images commercially.

Q: What if I want you to handle all the printing of images, books and other items?
A: Sure. We can handle all your printing needs and with outstanding quality.

Q: When can I expect my images?
A: We strive to get you the images as soon as possible but it does depend on the number of images we're working with. Weddings, for example, are about 1,600 images that need to be reviewed and digitally prepared before the client gets to see them. Usually, for a wedding, the turn around time is about 10 workdays but this can change based on workload.

Q: Will I be able to e-mail one of the images?
A: Please keep in mind that the images will be very large (file and physical size) so e-mailing them in the original size is not practical or suggested. The client must make the images a smaller size in order to be able to e-mail them. We can make you a complete set of smaller size images identical to the originals for an additional cost.

Q: What equipment do you use?
A: We use only Canon EOS digital cameras and equipment. Currently in inventory are 2 Canon 5D cameras and several Canon lenses, flash units, Sekonic light meter, reflectors, diffusers and other equipment all designed to allow us to record the best image possible.

Q: What do I need to do before a portrait session?
A: Let's start by listing what you should NOT do: get a tan, get a haircut the day before the session, experiment with new make-up or hair color, go out drinking and partying the night before the session, not being prepared for the session by not knowing what to wear. Having mentioned this, it's best to get a good night's rest before being photographed. It's also best to get a haircut (if you need one) about one week before the session. Drink plenty of water about 2 days before the session so that the skin is well hydrated. During the consultation, all of the session's preparation will be reviewed so please don't worry about this too much.

Q: Should we all wear the same thing for our family portrait?
A: It's best to wear outfits that won't compete with the scenery or the people in the image. Wearing long sleeves shirts makes it less distracting than having many bare arms all over the frame. Clothing's colors should match the "mood" of the image while complementing your skin tone and eye color.

Q: I never look good in pictures so why should this be any different?
A: After 20 years doing this, I have found that most people are their worse enemies when it comes to how they appear on an image. We look for flaws or details that another person simply can't see or will never notice. The best solution to getting a good image is to have the client fully relaxed during the session. The more tension their is, the higher the likelihood that the image will be rejected by the client. I will never pressure the client into doing anything that may "push" their limits of comfort or style. I work with the client to get them as relaxed as possible and thus producing excellent images.

Q: What if I have more questions?
A: Call or e-mail me and ask - I don't bite.