FAQs

This FAQ has been created to help you through the whole obZession process. It is always our intention to provide nothing but the best service. If there are any other questions that we haven’t answered here, don’t hesitate to contact us at judy@elementzoffoto.com. Also, if you haven’t had a chance yet, be sure to visit our website at www.elementzoffoto.com to view a sample of obZession images.

Q. How much are obZessions?

A.  Sessions start at $400.  All other details can be found under the “creative fees” section of this blog.

Q. Who will be present during my session?

A. The only people present are myself, my assistant and the makeup artist. We are an all female team.

Q.  Can I bring a friend to the session?

A. If it will make you feel more comfortable to have a friend with you, then we have no problem with that.  However, we do not allow the friend to observe the shooting itself.  The sitting area, and shooting area, are completely separated.  Anyone accompanying you to the session is asked to please stay in the sitting area while the photography is taking place.

Q. Is a hair stylist included?

A. We DO NOT include a hair stylist for our sessions, as it takes too much time. It is also our experience that a more natural look is best. However, if you would like to get your hair done, I would ask that you pre-consult with me on how you intend to wear it.

Q. Can I do my own makeup? And if I do, is there a discount?

A. While I understand that some people are very picky about their makeup, we would caution against this. Our makeup artist is specifically preparing you for not only the shoot, but also for our style of post processing. The wrong kind of makeup can unfortunately be a problem afterwards. If you insist on doing your own makeup, we will still be happy to photograph you, however, there is no discount provided if you forego this service.

Q. Do I wear makeup to the session?

A. No. Please come makeup free. A fresh clean face is much easier for the makeup artist to work with, and most makeup artists prefer if you cleanse and moisturize before you come.

Q. Can I get false lashes?

A. Yes you can, but you need to inform us when you book so that the makeup artist is prepared for it. There is an additional $10 fee for lashes and it is paid directly to the makeup artist.

Q. Are high resolution files included?

A. We provide 4×6 medium resolution files of all the images provided in your gallery.  These images are not retouched in the finished form that you receive when purchasing prints and albums, however, they are colour and density corrected to allow you to make your own excellent quality 4×6 prints.

Q. I understand that Elementz retains the copyright, do I have to allow my images to be used for your portfolio?

A. No, you do not. We have carefully worded the contract in such a way that you have the final say as to whether or not we use your images. We understand and respect that many of our clients do not want their images online.

Q. What should I bring with me to the session?

A.  We suggest you always bring at minimum of 6 outfits. We generally photograph 3-4 changes. Having a couple of extras so that it gives us more choice is always the better route to go. Giving us some choice of colour, style, etc. allows me, as the photographer, to have some creative control over what you’re going to wear. Now that doesn’t mean go out and buy everything at La Vie En Rose!!! All you really need are some varied selections of bra and underwear sets, maybe a corset set, a teddy and/or camisole always works well. If your fiance/husband/boyfriend has a favourite outfit that he likes to see you in, bring that. Even sporty pajamas can look cute and sexy if photographed properly. And if you’re a bride to be and have a veil, bring it. It makes for a terrific accessory. Many clients bring sports shirts, a shirt and tie from his wardrobe, etc. I even had one gal brought her husband to be’s firemen’s gear. Anything that makes the shoot more personal to him will always make for a fun photograph.

Q. What about accessories? I’ve seen things in your photographs like boas, hats, minks, etc. Do I need to bring that sort of thing?

A. No you do not, as we have an array of props, accessories, clothing and beautiful fabrics to help us create the overall look. All I ask is that you bring your favourite jewellery, specifically earrings and also don’t forget to bring some shoes, especially if you have some strappy sandals. I do have a small selection of sandals, but not necessarily to fit everyone, so if you have some sexy shoes, definitely bring them.

Q. Do I have to have my images retouched?

A. No, you don’t, and the initial images delivered to you on your DVD are completely untouched.  However, I do retouch for prints and albums, therefore, if you don’t tell me NOT TO retouch your images, I will assume that you want me to. For an example of my retouching style, be sure to visit the galleries on my website. We find that most ladies want to be retouched, but we are more then happy to not do it, or specifically to leave in any birth marks, moles, etc. that you would prefer to keep because they define who you are. We’re not here to change you, just to make you look spectacular.

Q. Where do the sessions take place?

A. All sessions take place in a location you designate, i.e. a hotel, your home, etc.

Q. Do we meet before our session?

A. We do not do pre-consultations for Obzessions. That is why we have created this FAQ sheet. We will, however, be happy to have a telephone consultation with you, if you would like.

Q. How long before I see my images?

A. We will have your images colour corrected and posted online within 7 days of your session.

Q. Do we get an online gallery of our images?

A. Yes you get an online gallery and it is active for 30 days after we post it.

Q. Is the online gallery available for public viewing?

A. No absolutely not. The online gallery is 100% secure and is only accessible by whomever you give the access information to. No one will know it is there unless you tell them.

Q. How long does it take to get my finished product?

A. Once we receive your online order, prints take approximately 2 weeks.  Albums take 4 weeks.  IMPORTANT: All production times are quoted based on when we receive your online order, not from the date that your gallery is posted.

Q. If I want my product for a special occasion, how far in advance should I book my session?

A. We ask that you give us a minimum of 6 weeks to complete your order. If you factor in that it takes 1 week to get the images online, probably about 1 week for you to choose the ones you want, then that only gives us 3 weeks to complete the order and then the last week to ship it out to you.  Its a very tight timeline, if your purchase is an album.  If you choose to just get prints, then we can complete that a bit faster.

Q. Do I have any input into the fine art album design?

A. You choose all of the images that go in the book.  Elementz takes full creative control over the image processing techniques used in the book and the page layouts.  We’ve done a lot of these books and we ask our clients to trust our judgement.  We are happy to show you some previous album layouts in our studio on the day of your session, if you’d like.  We do not publicly post any of these layouts online unless permission has been given to do so.  You will also have input into the cover material you want for your book and will be asked to choose it the day of your shoot.

Q. Can I purchase other product from you?

A. Absolutely. Your online gallery can be used to purchase other prints in any size and to also order ready to hang canvas wraps or mural prints.

Q. How do I pay for my session?

A. We require a $150 non-refundable deposit to reserve session date and time. This payment can be made via credit card or e-mail money transfer. Final payment is due on the day of the shoot and is payable by cash ONLY.

Q. Do I have any protection that I will receive my product?

A. Yes, when you provide your deposit and pay for your session, a full agreement is signed at that time placing Elementz under an obligation to provide your product, which also guarantees delivery times as well.

Q. Can I re-schedule?

A. Yes, you can re-schedule your appointment, however, we require an additional $50 last minute, administration fee for re-scheduled appointments that occur within 7 days of the original booking.

Q. If I have to cancel my session, and can’t provide a new re-schedule date at that time, can I come back later and use my deposit?

A. You have 3 months from the date of your cancellation to use your deposit before it is forfeited. If you do not re-schedule right away upon cancellation and then re-schedule any time between one week to 3 months after the original date, there is an additional $50 re-schedule fee that will be applied to your final balance.

Q. Do I have to come in and pick up the finished album and DVD?

A. It is not necessary for you to come back to the studio. We will be happy to ship you the finished product.  We will provide one complimentary shipment with every session. All other orders you would assume the costs of shipping.  Any prints ordered that are larger then an 8×10 will occur additional shipping charges.  9×12 album orders will incur additional shipping charges as well, due to their weight.

Q. How will you take payment for other product?

A. We accept e-mail money transfer, credit card or cash for all orders. All payments must be received in full before the product is shipped. Our shopping cart takes Visa, Mastercard or Amex.

Q. Do I have a time limit on when I have to order my 2-8×10’s?

A. Yes.  It expires after 30 days.

Q. Are there any other things I should know to make my session go smoother?

A. We would like you to please arrive on time for your session so that we can sort through your attire first. EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: Be sure to wear lose clothing that does not cause marks to be left on the skin. Example would be tight bra straps, or creases from tight jeans. I would suggest that you wear loose sweat type clothing to the session if possible!! And any tight jewellery that you normally wear like watches, etc. should be removed well in advance.  We suggest you may want to also get a pedicure and manicure because your hands and feet are in many of the images.  Just keep in mind that nail colour should be neutral