How do I book my photo session with you?

The best way to schedule your session would be to click on the type of service you are seeking (models = portfolio building; actors = for actors) and self schedule. Otherwise, feel free to use the “Contact” tab at the top of the page, and reach out with any questions you have!

Once you have decided upon a date, you will be provided an invoice for your to pay your non-refundable retainer and will have your service agreement and release. The remaining balance will be due the day before our scheduled session. From there, we will discuss your needs in detail.

If you are seeking commerical photography, contact me via email directly to receive your quote.

What is this about a non-refundable retainer for my session?

A 50% non-refundable retainer is required to reserve your date for your photo session. When self scheduling, you will be invoiced and have a contract/release to be signed, both of which are to be signed in order to secure your session date, which will only be available to you, so there are no double bookings for that date. This fee covers any work done before the session and any loss in the form of lost bookings.

The remainder of the session fee will be due the day before our session. You will be sent a reminder invoice to pay for the remainder prior to our session.

There is a 3% transaction fee on all digital payments and all costs already include this fee. Do not hesitate to let me know if you have questions or concerns.

Do I have to sign the contract/release in order to shoot?

Yes. The contract, also known as the service agreement and release, is required to be signed and non-negotiable, non-editable, and ensures we are both under the same understanding for our session of rights, usage, copyright and so forth. It’s a safety net for us both.

Do you shoot indoors, outdoors, both?

At this time, I currently do all my sessions outdoors, on location. As we are in the Southeast, we know how crazy the weather here can get! Just be aware that we will have to work around Mother Nature and the chance of needing to reschedule, while has been super rare, may occur.

Please note: As we do work with limited/certain lighting situations, if you are running at least 30 minutes late, you will be required to reschedule, and a new retainer fee will be required.

Where do we shoot our session?

I currently shoot in specific and carefully selected locations in Greenville, S.C. I do not take location requests.

Why is weather important for our session?

Like many headshot and lifestyle photographers, I work with natural light, outdoors, on location. So the weather REALLY affects your photos. I want your images to look their very best and for you to be satisfied with your session. We will keep an eye on the weather as time gets closer to your session and address accordingly.  The downside of working outside with natural light is that we can not control mother nature. I do try to keep one day open per week for weather related re-shoots, but do keep in mind it may take a week or two to get back on the schedule. I do hope you understand.

What is considered a look?

A look is a combination of changes in hair/makeup, outfits, backgrounds/location and lighting. Each type of change is considered a different look. Accessory changes such as removing a jacket or putting on glasses does NOT constitute as a separate look. 

I am no longer offering additional looks with packages at this time.

Tip: If you are wanting to incorporate a look where you are wearing glasses, use frames that do not have lenses in them.

Do I need a hair and makeup artist?

If you are represented by an agent, I strongly suggest contacting them FIRST for this answer.

Otherwise, in short, that depends on you and if you’re doing major changes.

Overall, you want to look like you but on your best day, so hair styling and makeup is mostly recommended to be done by a makeup artist who can provide you with a very natural look. This goes for men too. Makeup for photography is very different than everyday makeup due to many factors, such as lighting. The most minor skin blemishes (uneven skin tone, pop up acne, etc.) can become very obvious when photographed. Professional makeup and hair styling is extremely important for photography. It’s much less expensive to use a good makeup artist than it is to pay for more costly retouching after your session.

That said, you're NEVER required to have your hair/makeup professionally done, but just keep in mind that there are no refunds if you are not satisfied with your hair and make up.

Can you recommend a Hair/Makeup Artist?

I currently do not work with any specific H/MUA, however I am currently working on compiling recommendations.

At this time, it remains your responsibility to research for a H/MUA and to see if they are a good fit for you and your needs. Each H/MUA has their own set rates, policies and schedules. Please be sure you communicate with them directly and are very concise in your needs for our session.

Please ensure they are also someone who works specifically with headshot or lifestyle photography. Glamour & wedding makeup are not the type of makeup styles that photograph well for headshots, model testing, etc.

*On the day of our session, IF at all possible, please meet with your H/MUA prior to arriving to set. This way, you will have your 1st look already completed. I have found it best to start shortly after you arrive to make the most out of our session and to not cut into the set session time. You are welcome to bring your H/MUA along with you to freshen you up and/or to make any changes to your look. As most sessions are on location, please be sure your H/MUA is able to make any needed changes offsite, which may include no electricity for hair styling tools.*

Can I shave my beard during the session?

You can, HOWEVER, keep in mind this: we are on location, in public. Also, if you provide headshots, one with a clean face and one with a full beard, it CAN confuse casting directors. They may think "If I request this actor to come audition, will he have a shaved face? or will he have a beard? If I need a bearded face, can he grow one in time? I don't know? I may pass on this one as I can not afford to risk these questions." This is also part of your TYPE. You need to determine how you want to market yourself and your type. Also, if you are someone who has sensitive skin and can get easily irritated following a fresh shave, that may also not be the best idea. 

What should I bring for Wardrobe?

All wardrobe is REQUIRED to be approved at least 1 week prior to our session date, to ensure I am able to secure the appropriate location(s).

For represented models and actors, I strongly suggest you discuss with your agent/manager to know what looks you need, at least a couple weeks in advance to our session.

If you are not currently represented, let me know and we can absolutely discuss further. I am always happy to assist in styling.

All wardrobe mapping is done virtually, so that we can have everything set and ready to go when you arrive to your session. It is best to plan ahead, so that way you come as organized as possible and we spend less time picking outfits and more time shooting.

All wardrobe is to be steamed or ironed the night before and placed on hangers. Do not fold any article of clothing into a bag to prevent winkles and creases. I will not edit overly wrinkled clothing.

How can I/my agent/manager/etc. look at our images?

After your session is complete, within 72 business hours, I will send your agent/manager (or you if you have no representation) a link to a temporary online gallery of the proofs, where images will be viewable and where selections for images that wish to be edited can be chosen. From there, I will lightly retouch the images that have been selected.

As these are only proofs, you will not be able to download any images and you are not allowed to screen shot any of these images from or within the gallery. I retain full copyright of all images. This link will only be valid for 7 days. After 7 days, the gallery will automatically be disabled from future use.

Once your images have been retouched, your final hi-resolution images will be sent via WeTransfer for you and/or your agent to download via a desktop/laptop for your use. Do NOT download to a mobile device (including: phones, iPad and tablets, etc.) as this will cause a degrade in the image quality.

What about Retouching/Edits?

Depending on the session of your choice, you will receive a set amount of hi-res images that have been chosen by your agent/manager/you. I do in-house, MINIMAL, retouching to your selected images. This means I only will color correct, remove blemishes as well as clinging/fallen hairs on your clothing. I will not remove moles, soften fine lines or the wrinkles on your face/neck/body or clothing, remove massive amounts of fly aways, nor will I do extreme edits like background/sky/face replacement/body adjustments/clothing adjustments, etc. I will not make your face completely smooth. Skin has texture and texture there will be. You are beautiful and handsome the way you are! 

If you are looking for additional retouched images, you have up to one week from receiving your proofs to notify me. Each additional image you are requesting to be retouched will be $50 per image. You will be invoiced and charged before you receive the final images. There is a a max of 4 additional images.

*Once you have received your final images, you have up to one week to let me know if there are minor adjustments needed. I want to make sure you are happy with your final images and I will be glad to make adjustments. After that one week, future editing requests will not be accepted and you accept the images as is.

What lab do you use for printing?

I do not use a lab or offer hard copy prints for my clients, BUT I can recommend the following labs, for models and actors, based off my own personal experiences of when I had my own images printed for my own acting headshots and my modeling composite cards: 

The Actors Photo Lab - https://www.theactorsphotolab.com/

Bunker LA - http://bunkerla.net/

PixelPusher - https://thepixelpusher.biz/headshots

Please note: if you have any issues with the above, you will need to contact them directly. These are only recommendations and are to be used at your own risk. I do not remain responsible for any outcome of service(s) you experience with the above labs for your printing needs. These are only recommendations.

Just please, DO NOT print images at CVS or Walgreens, etc. Their printing is great for personal use but NOT professional images.

Small business owners - I recommend VistaPrint or Canva for your business cards and marketing materials.

What is your cancellation/reschedule policy?

I understand that things happen but since I currently only offer a limited number of shoots per week, it makes rescheduling sometimes difficult. I highly suggest you try to stick to your scheduled session. If you absolutely must reschedule, it may take longer to get back on the books.

Cancellations/Rescheduling requests made 3 or more business days before your scheduled session: Your retainer may only be transferred ONCE to a new shoot day. Afterwards, a new retainer will be required.

Cancellations/Rescheduling requests made under 3 business days before your scheduled session: Your retainer will be forfeited and a new retainer will be required to re-book.

No Shows: If you no show for our session, you forfeit your retainer and the ability of rescheduling with me.

I do reserve the right to refuse to work with anyone who does not respect my time and efforts to serve all of my clients fairly.

Do you offer Re-Shoots or Refunds?

I do not offer any refunds. This includes being unsatisfied with your clothing, hair and/or make up or how you perceive yourself in the images. I like to show samples of the images as I am taking them. It is your responsibility to be honest with me and to please speak up if you would like us to adjust or change something during our session. This ensures you are getting what you are wanting AND what you need. If you are still not satisfied and wish to reshoot, you will be responsible for paying for another full session fee.

*THE ONLY EXCEPTION FOR A REFUND IS IF "Samantha Sharpe Photography" NEEDS TO CANCEL IN ENTIRETY. Refunds will be subject to a 3% digital processing fee.

Do you offer any discounts?

I periodically throughout the year run promotions and specials! However, you will need to be following me on social media or be signed up to my newsletter to know when discounts will be available!

Can you help me break into the industry?

While I have worked with agencies to help scout for new faces/new talent, I do not provide meetings or agency referrals. It would best that you do your own due diligence and research to find the right agency and/or manager that would be an appropriate fit for you.

*Be aware and avoid scams! Agencies should never ask you for money upfront for representation!

Do you work with children?

At this time, I work with talent that is 16 years of age or older. Parental or legal guardian supervision will be required for minors BUT I will not allow parents on set to take cell phone images or to direct their children. These sets are meant to be fun, silly, joyful but if your child does not feel comfortable during the shoot due to helicopter parenting, I will end the shoot immediately and no refund will be issued.

Do you do maternity/ newborn/ wedding/ boudoir/ engagement/ couples/ seniors/ family photoshoots?

I do not offer photography for these types of services.

What Social Media are you on?

I am only on Instagram (@SamanthaSharpePhotography) and on Facebook (@SamanthaSharpePhotography) and Pinterest. I am NOT on any other social media outlet at this time.

Is there anything else I need to know?

I want to ensure my sets are a safe space for all clients and crew. Racism and hate have no place at any of my sessions. I believe that Black Lives Matter, that we need to stop AAPI hate, that we need to uplift the LGBTQIA+ community and end all forms of white terrorism. I want to ensure this is inclusive environment. Anyone speaking any form of hate speech on my set, our session will end immediately, no refund will be given, no rescheduling will be available and you will be reported to your agent or manager as they always do ask how sessions went.

To all my future trans/non-binary/gender nonconforming clients, please feel free to let me know your pro-nouns so I can ensure your images represent you properly!

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me.