Session Information
Your Session I am a mainly natural light photographer. l need a large amount of natural light to get the best photographs. I do prefer to work outdoors when the weather cooperates, and I have found that the best times of day to shoot outdoor portraits are early in the morning and in the last 2 hours before sunset. These times will provide the best light and will give your photos a warm glow. Sessions should be booked 2-4 weeks in advance, weekends fill up the quickest. If you have a particular date in mind it is best to call ahead to reserve that date. Location As an "on location" photographer the location options are endless as long as we have a large amount of natural light. Your backyard, local parks around town, Golden Gate Park, Berkeley University area or just your favorite hang out are just some examples. I live in El Cerrito, California. I will travel up to 30 miles at no extra charge, please contact me if you are out of my area for my travel rates.
What to Wear Clothing is a very important component to successful photographs. The best thing is to be you! Remember I'm trying to capture you, not your outfit! Please Dress in clothes that reflect your personality and your children's. I also want to be sure that you are comfortable. If you’re not comfortable it will show in your photographs. Simple is best. Jeans, khakis, or solid colors always work well, and simple dresses look great on girls. Shoes aren't a must, bare feet always look great. Try to avoid busy or loud patterns, characters and logos. Newborns and babies are best photographed in their birthday suits, but if you prefer photos with a diaper on, I would suggest a diaper cover. If more than one person is being photographed, please make sure that everyone is dressed in similar coordinating colors. You may bring more than one outfit to your session; outfit changes are encouraged!
Exclusive Photographer Please do not bring your own camera, camcorder or any other recording devices to your session, or allow any family members to do so. If this situation occurs, I reserve the right to terminate the session. If your session is terminated in this way, there will be no refund given. Cancellation / Rescheduling If you need to cancel your appointment please do so over the telephone at least 48 hours prior to your session. Your retainer fee is transferable only if you reschedule your appointment immediately. Sessions should be rescheduled within a 3 month period, depending on my availability. If you, or anyone being photographed, are feeling sick I do suggest rescheduling. Sick people generally do not enjoy being photographed and this will show in your portraits.
Retouching All images receive basic retouching. I only retouch temporary things such as stray hairs, spots, acne, etc. If it is permanent, such as a birthmark or scar I will not retouch or remove it unless specifically asked. This is advanced retouching and may require an additional fee of $50/hour. Artistic Selection Many images are captured during your session. Afterwards, each image is put through a careful selection process. Images with eyes closed, unflattering poses and duplicate images are removed permanently after I complete this selection process. The selection process is entirely the right of the photographer and part of the custom portrait process.
Proofs Images from your session will be presented in an online gallery approximately 2 weeks after your session. The online gallery will be available for 4 weeks. The gallery may be rehosted for $10 a week. Ordering All orders may be placed through the proofing gallery, sent to me via email at Halina@HalinaV.com or dropped off. Orders will not be placed until payment is received in full. Please allow 2 weeks for delivery of prints. I will accept checks made out to Halina Veratsennik. I also accept cash and credit card payments with PayPal. $35 bad check fee will be charged on all bad checks.
Return Policy If you are unsatisfied with the order because of a misprint (did not receive the picture in size requested on order form) or printer error (color streaks, blotches, etc) then I will gladly replace the product. If a refund is requested due to these types of error then all prints and products must be returned to me. I cannot offer refunds for any other reasons except those listed above. However if there is a typo or other similar error then I cannot offer refunds, this is why I provide you with an online proof for you to approve. I will reprint for half the cost of the product in such a case. Copyright Policy Halina Veratsennik, holds the rights to all photographs. It is illegal to scan, copy or reproduce the photographs without written permission from Halina Veratsennik.