san diego Portrait photographer 

Frequently Asked Questions 

“I don’t look like the women in your portfolio. Where do I fit in?”

Everyone I photograph has a unique perspective and style that makes them shine unlike anyone else. This isn’t about them, it’s about you. Your shoot is about experiencing yourself in a safe and encouraging environment, free from judgement or expectation. We’ll cover everything in your design consultation to ensure a fun, personalized experience that will result in fabulous imagery you’ll be proud to own.

“How will you photograph me?”

During your design consultation, we’ll discuss your desire for the shoot and what you wish to achieve from our time together. Wardrobe, hair, makeup, palette, and how you hope to enjoy or leverage your art. Classic, modern, artsy, boudoir, legacy, or branding and marketing headshots, together we’ll craft a session of your choosing, to make this the dream shoot you’ve always wanted!

“Will you photoshop me? If so, how much?”

My philosophy is that retouching is a delicate tool that should be minimally applied. I believe that our “imperfections” are the things that make us uniquely beautiful, and I want to celebrate you just as you are. Starting with the best quality in-camera looks, I’ll make subtle adjustments to ensure your images feature you at your best. I don’t want to change the essence of who you are, I want to let that essence shine!

Will I have to sign a model release?

Signing a standard modeling contract is part of your design consultation process, but of course I’ll never share anything without your approval. Your privacy and personal wishes are paramount. During your image selection, we’ll cover which – if any – images you’re comfortable with being shared. I want to show off the amazing art we created together, but only if you’re happy with me doing so.

Do you provide digital files?

All purchased prints come with corresponding files, sized concurrently. Your photos will be printed using only heirloom quality materials, but you will always be able to print more at the same size and resolution using the printer of your choice. I might also archive these files for additional purchases, but storage time may vary.

How much should I budget for my session?

My commission fee is $700 for the Photos by Gina Experience.  It includes the wardrobe and design consultation, professional hair and makeup styling, your fully guided photoshoot,  and your ordering appointment.  Each client has different product needs from prints to albums.  My average client spends $3k - $6K.  What you buy is totally up to you-- you only buy what you love!

Do you offer payment plans?

I understand the necessity of budgeting and am happy to work to fit your needs. I know you’re going to love so many of your images, and I’ll do my best to ensure that you get what you desire in all the sizes and styles you’ll be proud to display for years to come.

What kinds of photography do you do?

My focus is on empowering women and their loved ones by creating astounding artwork of them at their best, through every stage of their life. Are you celebrating a birthday? An achievement? A milestone? A new addition? A new path? A rebirth? So if you're looking for glamour, senior, family, boudior, or maternity portraits, I’m here to capture this time of your life in its fullest, so you’ll have a lasting and beautiful remembrance of this moment, and the brilliance of who you are in it.

Will I look okay if I’m a nervous wreck?

My #1 goal is for you to own portraits you love. I’ll guide you through every step of the process to create images that lift you up and that you will cherish forever. This experience is about you, about caring for yourself, celebrating yourself. Be excited, not afraid. Even if you’re jittery or anxious the day of your shoot, with all the pampering and genuine engagement you receive, you’ll soon find yourself laughing comfortably and singing along with the music while you sip champagne.

How long is a session?

It may vary a little based upon the shoot we’ve designed, hair and makeup, wardrobe changes, and set adjustments, but it’s safe to plan spending about three hours with me. After we’ve wrapped, I’ll upload the raw images for you to review so you can get an idea of what you love and absolutely must have.

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Are you ready to talk about what you've been dreaming up?

Let's chat!

Please use the contact form below. to reach out to Gina to schedule your Consultation.  Please allow 1-2 business days for me to reply.

Feel Free to Contact Photos By Gina

gina@photosbygina.com

760-504-4747

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