
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are your rates?
My minimum rate for doing business is $400. Event photo and/or video rates are listed on the "Events" tab. Theatrical/dance rates are custom built per request. Factors that affect theatrical/dance rates are venue size, editing turnaround time, and usage. If I had to estimate, I would say an average starting rate for theatrical/dance requests is in the $500-800 range.
What is your standard turnaround time on delivering edits after the shoot day?
My standard turnaround time on photo edits is 2 weeks. I have additional rush fee options if you need them sooner than that, such as for a next morning press release. A first cut of video projects will also be delivered for noting within 2 weeks. There is less flexibility to rush this process, though you can always ask and I will see what I can do based on my availability at that time.
To guarantee a rush edit, a rush fee must be requested and agreed upon at the time of booking. Rush edits asked for on the day of the event are subject to my availability because I did not arrange my schedule to accommodate them, so I may have to refuse. If I have the capacity to provide last minute rush edits, a last minute rush fee will be greater than an at-booking rush fee. This is in an effort to incentivize transparency on both sides before work begins.
Can you do photo and video at the same time?
Yes and no. Yes, I am able to do both photo and video of the same event, with the clients understanding that we will have to agree on which one will be prioritized, as I am not able to give each 100% as a single person. No, I am not able to provide you the same number and quality of deliverables as one person that you would be able to get from hiring a separate photographer and videographer. However, I do offer my "Complete Coverage" package, which will provide both kinds of deliverables with a priority placed on one of the client's choosing, which is priced to be a more economical option than hiring two separate artists, while still honoring that I am providing two different services. This could look like more intentional photography coverage with a simple 30 second social-formatted video reel, or a more comprehensive 2-3 minute recap video with less photos.
What does it mean that you "specialize in theater and dance"? Do you take inquiries for weddings, engagements, family photos, etc.?
I take a very select number of lifestyle shoots each year, such as weddings, engagements, and family photos. I prioritize these select spots for my personal friends and family, but if you really want me to capture a milestone for you, don't hesitate to ask!
Do you do headshots?
No. I offer editorial studio sessions where we can do a mix of headshots in addition to personal branding photos, but I do not offer full sessions just for headshots.
My recommendation for an NYC-based headshot photographer:
Why do you have set rates for events, but not for theatrical or dance-related inquiries?
The scope of work is much more predictable for event coverage. Rates are based off number of hours covered. Whereas event coverage asks mostly the same thing each time, I've found that no two theatrical requests are the same. Because the requests vary so widely, I custom build rates in order to best suit each request and budget. I am transparent with clients about what factors will increase their rate and we agree in writing (via a signed contract) to what each party will bring to the collaboration before work begins so that expectations are clear.
How many photos do you deliver from a shoot?
I edit and deliver all "usable" images from almost all of my shoots - this includes production photos, rehearsal photos, event photos, as well as lifestyle photos. In other words, I will take out photos that are unflattering, eyes are closed, technical error on my part, etc. You will receive all photos that I believe could reasonably be used.
The only exception is editorial shoots, for which the client will receive 20 edits and 3 retouches included in their rate. Additional edits are available for $50 each and additional retouches are available for $75 each.
What are the different roles I could hire you for to help me create a film?
I am able to provide support as a Director, Director of Photography, Cinematographer, and Editor on film projects - or any combination of these.
Director: You have a budget and an end goal, but do not know how to bridge the gap. You want me to both generate and execute on a creative vision.
Director of Photography: You have an overall vision, but are not sure how to execute it or how it translates on camera. This is the most commonly requested role for dance films.
Cinematographer: You have a clear creative vision as well as a specific shot list for how to make it come to life, you just need me to handle the technical aspects of the camerawork.
Editor: Cutting together the final product. I both shoot and edit 95% of my projects. I am also available to edit footage from projects/events shot by someone else.
Do you work with kids and teens?
I LOVE kids and teens...maybe more than adults. I love to see the joy of unlocking creative potential in the next generation, and seeing them discover who they were made to be through creative expression. It is an honor to capture musical theater intensives, children's dance recitals, and arts education organizations. These are my favorite types of inquiries to get!
Will you work with organizations operating on net 90 or net 30 payment terms?
I will not accept net 90 payment terms. My business' payment terms are a 50% non-refundable retainer at the time of booking and full payment before the shoot date. Base fees assume client is able to meet this. I recognize that many larger companies have to jump through red tape and their businesses operate non-negotiably on net 30 terms. In this case, the start date of the project will be pushed to start after payment has passed through your financial processes, or a 20% surcharge of the project fee will be applied if your company requires net 30 payment after project has concluded.
Do you offer payment plans?
Available payment options are:
1. Pay a 50% non-refundable retainer at the time of booking (this is required to confirm a booking and block the time in my calendar from further inquiry) and the latter 50% paid before the shoot day.
2. You may pay in full at the time of booking if you find that more convenient.
I am more willing to negotiate on rates with clients who are able to pay in full at the time of booking!
Can I have the raw photos or raw footage?
I do not guarantee that I will sell raw photos or raw footage to clients; each request will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If I feel that distributing my raw photos/footage would not be damaging to my personal brand, I will offer that the client can purchase them for an additional charge of the original project rate. For example, if a music video rate is $1,000 and the client requests raw footage after the contract is signed, I reserve the right to refuse this request, and if approved, purchasing the raw footage would be an additional $1,000, on top of the already paid project fee. This is because you are buying me out of my intellectual property and I am relinquishing all control on how you or others you hire may edit or distribute it in the future. The goal of this business policy is to protect my creative reputation.
An exception to this is when a client negotiates for raw photos and/or footage during contract negotiations and the project fee will increase to reflect this (note that it will not be as expensive negotiated on the front end as it would be if requested later in the process).
What kind of projects have an additional creative fee?
See the above Q/A for the "Director" role: I feel that my strongest suit is helping other people's vision come to life. That being said, I am also available to hire as a director to both conceive of and execute on an idea. If your project requires me to direct or co-direct (i. e. create the vision, not just execute yours), there will be a creative fee added to the rate.
Do you offer archival filming of plays and musicals?
Yes, I offer archival filming of plays and musicals (including developmental readings), as well as indie pro-shots that could be used for historical archives or online streaming via digital tickets.
I also offer photography for readings of new works at all stages. I am more willing to negotiate on rates for projects in developmental stages.