GENERAL QUESTIONS
Why should I hire a professional photographer?
A professional has the right gear and can artistically compose a stunning image with intent, balance, and design in mind.
When the conditions are challenging, a professional has the technical ability, speed, and accuracy to light and time their compositions.
We know where to go for great backgrounds and what time of the day to go there for the most flattering light. You’ll also get the added value of our guidance. A professional photographer can look at different aspects of the shots and tell you what might need to be changed, moved, smoothed out, tilted, or adjusted in any way. A true professional is confident enough to let you know if the shots being taken are working -- or not.
A professional understands complicated camera functions, exposure settings, and how to best use their camera accessories and off camera lighting. We have post-production skills and can enhance your photographs using professional photo editing software. Often there is so much to this craft that is overlooked because our market is over-saturated in the digital age. But it's the details in photography that are truly important... the stages before, during and after your photo shoot are all critical to the final product.
How long have you been in business?
CatsMac Photography has been in business for over 10 years. Click here and scroll down to read our bio and learn all about us!
How much are your photography services?
All our general photography pricing is available online. Just click on our investment tab here.
Birthing photography is handled on a case by case basis. If you are looking for labour and birth photos, please email us at [email protected] to discuss your need. For weddings, we have various packages right from an elopement up to a full day wedding. Again please email us for a list of our services.
Do you have insurance?
Yes, yes, yes! We carry business liability insurance.
I hate how I look in photographs and feel super awkward - can you help?
Oh my gosh YES! Most adults dislike having their photos taken. We are here to make you comfortable and help guide you with posing. And depending on the type of photo shoot, we will be talking about all factors that make up your photo shoot - the location, the date, the time of day, the lighting, the props, etc. In fact, if we are working together, make sure to check out our what to wear section of our blog:
And in terms of feeling awkward, we get that we are just meeting each other. But rest assured, one of the most common compliments from our clients is that we are super friendly and laid back. You will be comfortable, we promise!
Do you backup or otherwise secure images for protection?
Yes! We have several external hard drives as well as cloud storage. We keep your photos on file for at least a year, if not more. However, we do encourage you to download your photos as soon as you receive them and also back them up as well.
Do you have a studio?
We do have a studio that we rent on occasion for certain sessions, like boudoir and cake smashes. but most of our sessions are held on location (mainly on our 5 acre property in Cobourg). We also travel to you at a location you like. Our newborn lifestyle session are held at your home.
BOOKING A SESSION
How do I reserve a date for a photo session?
To book a date for your photo session, we require a signed contract and a non-refundable reservation fee to reserve your day/time. Just email us at [email protected] to inquire more.
Are deposits / retainers refundable?
First off, there is a difference between a deposit and a retainer/reservation fee.
A deposit is just an advance payment towards a photography service and if the service doesn't take place, the client receives their money back. A retainer/reservation fee is an advance payment used to secure the timing of the services to be provided.
We provide a service that is scheduled in advance. Securing some payment at the time of booking is a way to validate that our clients are serious about working with us. A retainer/reservation fee (and you'll see these are the words used in our contracts) is a way to clearly identify that our time is valuable. If a client books our services in advance, then backs out at the last minutes, it means that we've held that specific day/time for them and have not been able to book additional work. This means a loss of income and business for us. This is why a retainer/reservation fee is non-refundable.
What happens if our photo shoot falls on a rainy day?
The only bad day to a photographer is a rainy day! Cloudy or overcast lighting is excellent for photography, so do not be dismayed if you wake up to a gray sky. Diffused light from gray and cloudy skies lays beautifully over the curvature of the face and body, reducing or eliminating harsh shadows. And, you can mimic sunlight on cloudy days too so it's the ULTIMATE flexible lighting condition.
A beautiful sunny day has it's benefits too – warm sunlight on the right angles can create beautiful glowing effects, and it also heightens the vibrancy of colors.
If we find the weather is poor, namely RAIN or excessive WIND, we will discuss rescheduling. And no worries about your retainer/reservation fee – it will be carried over to your rescheduled session date.
What’s your cancellation/rescheduling policy?
If you need to cancel your session your retainer/reservation fee will not be returned, UNLESS another person can fill your spot. You may transfer your session to someone else (i.e. another family member or a friend) but please let us know who will be attending in your place.
If you or your child is ill on the day of your session, your session will be rescheduled to another day/time and your session fee will be applied to the new date (only you have one reschedule allowed). If the session needs to be rescheduled due to illness of the photographer, the retainer/reservation fee will be applied to a mutually agreed upon rescheduled date.
For cancellations due to bad weather, you will receive an email from us to let you know your session needs to be rescheduled and we will discuss another day and time suitable for all of us.
PHOTO SESSION QUESTIONS
When will we get our finished prints?
Depending on your session with us, it normally takes about 1 - 2 weeks. Peak season, such as Christmas and Fall, may be a bit longer. For weddings, your photos will take 6 - 8 weeks.
How early should I arrive for my session?
Arriving 10 - 15 minutes early is ok. But please come prepared, dressed and ready. There are exceptions to this, i.e. Boudoir when you will need to change. For mini sessions, such as our Unicorn and Easter photo sessions, we do ask that you wait in the car until you see the session before you leave. That way, we are not inundating the horse and other animals with too many people around them.
How long will our session take?
This depends on what session you have. Newborn, boudoir and birthday cake smashes take longer. Our specialized mini sessions will indicate how long the photo shoot will be. They are usually 20 - 30 minutes.
What happens if we go over the contracted amount of time?
Sometimes photo session timelines are guesstimates. If we are approaching your end time and it appears we will not be able to wrap up by the contracted time, we will talk first. I will ask you at the end of your contracted time whether or not you would like to extend. If you would like to continue, we bill our hourly rate specified in your contract rounded to the closest 30-minute increment.
Do you include digital images?
Yes, all our sessions come with digital images. They are available for you to see on our website and, depending on the session, there will be a certain number that you can download, and anything over and above that will be available for purchase. We also sell physical copies of your photos, if you want. You can order them through us on our website. We use a professional photo printing lab in Toronto, and they will be delivered right to you door. You are, however, free to take your digital photos to a printing place of your choice.
Do I get the copyright/ownership of my photos?
This question creates confusion among clients and photographers alike. According to the Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators (CAPIC), Canadian photographers are now, by default, the first owners of the copyright of the images they produce, as are illustrators, musicians, painters and writers with their respective work. This applies to both photographs commissioned and paid by a client, and to photographs taken for non-commercial purposes. Clinic Read more here.
The Final Product
Are your photographs retouched?
Yes. The level of post-production depends on the genre and the need. For instance headshots require skin smoothing, blemish removal and teeth whitening. All photo shoots are carefully culled, light balanced, color balanced, and enhanced where possible. And others are retouched on an as-needed basis or by request. Select advanced retouching request may require additional fees. Your final photos are always finished and given to you with exceptional quality.
What retouching services are included and which require an additional fee?
General retouching services include removal of blemishes, removal of bags under eyes, and removal of fly-away hairs, for example. Advanced retouching usually requires more extensive time in Photoshop such as cutting out a subject to make the background transparent, removing entire objects from the scene, changing the size and shape of body parts or other objects in the scene, and adding objects to a scene. Removal of excessive acne, braces, tattoos and sunburn are also good examples. Advanced retouching is billed hourly and requires a custom guesstimate, as the time required ranges depending on the complexity of the project. Please inquire for a custom quote.
Why should I hire a professional photographer?
A professional has the right gear and can artistically compose a stunning image with intent, balance, and design in mind.
When the conditions are challenging, a professional has the technical ability, speed, and accuracy to light and time their compositions.
We know where to go for great backgrounds and what time of the day to go there for the most flattering light. You’ll also get the added value of our guidance. A professional photographer can look at different aspects of the shots and tell you what might need to be changed, moved, smoothed out, tilted, or adjusted in any way. A true professional is confident enough to let you know if the shots being taken are working -- or not.
A professional understands complicated camera functions, exposure settings, and how to best use their camera accessories and off camera lighting. We have post-production skills and can enhance your photographs using professional photo editing software. Often there is so much to this craft that is overlooked because our market is over-saturated in the digital age. But it's the details in photography that are truly important... the stages before, during and after your photo shoot are all critical to the final product.
How long have you been in business?
CatsMac Photography has been in business for over 10 years. Click here and scroll down to read our bio and learn all about us!
How much are your photography services?
All our general photography pricing is available online. Just click on our investment tab here.
Birthing photography is handled on a case by case basis. If you are looking for labour and birth photos, please email us at [email protected] to discuss your need. For weddings, we have various packages right from an elopement up to a full day wedding. Again please email us for a list of our services.
Do you have insurance?
Yes, yes, yes! We carry business liability insurance.
I hate how I look in photographs and feel super awkward - can you help?
Oh my gosh YES! Most adults dislike having their photos taken. We are here to make you comfortable and help guide you with posing. And depending on the type of photo shoot, we will be talking about all factors that make up your photo shoot - the location, the date, the time of day, the lighting, the props, etc. In fact, if we are working together, make sure to check out our what to wear section of our blog:
And in terms of feeling awkward, we get that we are just meeting each other. But rest assured, one of the most common compliments from our clients is that we are super friendly and laid back. You will be comfortable, we promise!
Do you backup or otherwise secure images for protection?
Yes! We have several external hard drives as well as cloud storage. We keep your photos on file for at least a year, if not more. However, we do encourage you to download your photos as soon as you receive them and also back them up as well.
Do you have a studio?
We do have a studio that we rent on occasion for certain sessions, like boudoir and cake smashes. but most of our sessions are held on location (mainly on our 5 acre property in Cobourg). We also travel to you at a location you like. Our newborn lifestyle session are held at your home.
BOOKING A SESSION
How do I reserve a date for a photo session?
To book a date for your photo session, we require a signed contract and a non-refundable reservation fee to reserve your day/time. Just email us at [email protected] to inquire more.
Are deposits / retainers refundable?
First off, there is a difference between a deposit and a retainer/reservation fee.
A deposit is just an advance payment towards a photography service and if the service doesn't take place, the client receives their money back. A retainer/reservation fee is an advance payment used to secure the timing of the services to be provided.
We provide a service that is scheduled in advance. Securing some payment at the time of booking is a way to validate that our clients are serious about working with us. A retainer/reservation fee (and you'll see these are the words used in our contracts) is a way to clearly identify that our time is valuable. If a client books our services in advance, then backs out at the last minutes, it means that we've held that specific day/time for them and have not been able to book additional work. This means a loss of income and business for us. This is why a retainer/reservation fee is non-refundable.
What happens if our photo shoot falls on a rainy day?
The only bad day to a photographer is a rainy day! Cloudy or overcast lighting is excellent for photography, so do not be dismayed if you wake up to a gray sky. Diffused light from gray and cloudy skies lays beautifully over the curvature of the face and body, reducing or eliminating harsh shadows. And, you can mimic sunlight on cloudy days too so it's the ULTIMATE flexible lighting condition.
A beautiful sunny day has it's benefits too – warm sunlight on the right angles can create beautiful glowing effects, and it also heightens the vibrancy of colors.
If we find the weather is poor, namely RAIN or excessive WIND, we will discuss rescheduling. And no worries about your retainer/reservation fee – it will be carried over to your rescheduled session date.
What’s your cancellation/rescheduling policy?
If you need to cancel your session your retainer/reservation fee will not be returned, UNLESS another person can fill your spot. You may transfer your session to someone else (i.e. another family member or a friend) but please let us know who will be attending in your place.
If you or your child is ill on the day of your session, your session will be rescheduled to another day/time and your session fee will be applied to the new date (only you have one reschedule allowed). If the session needs to be rescheduled due to illness of the photographer, the retainer/reservation fee will be applied to a mutually agreed upon rescheduled date.
For cancellations due to bad weather, you will receive an email from us to let you know your session needs to be rescheduled and we will discuss another day and time suitable for all of us.
PHOTO SESSION QUESTIONS
When will we get our finished prints?
Depending on your session with us, it normally takes about 1 - 2 weeks. Peak season, such as Christmas and Fall, may be a bit longer. For weddings, your photos will take 6 - 8 weeks.
How early should I arrive for my session?
Arriving 10 - 15 minutes early is ok. But please come prepared, dressed and ready. There are exceptions to this, i.e. Boudoir when you will need to change. For mini sessions, such as our Unicorn and Easter photo sessions, we do ask that you wait in the car until you see the session before you leave. That way, we are not inundating the horse and other animals with too many people around them.
How long will our session take?
This depends on what session you have. Newborn, boudoir and birthday cake smashes take longer. Our specialized mini sessions will indicate how long the photo shoot will be. They are usually 20 - 30 minutes.
What happens if we go over the contracted amount of time?
Sometimes photo session timelines are guesstimates. If we are approaching your end time and it appears we will not be able to wrap up by the contracted time, we will talk first. I will ask you at the end of your contracted time whether or not you would like to extend. If you would like to continue, we bill our hourly rate specified in your contract rounded to the closest 30-minute increment.
Do you include digital images?
Yes, all our sessions come with digital images. They are available for you to see on our website and, depending on the session, there will be a certain number that you can download, and anything over and above that will be available for purchase. We also sell physical copies of your photos, if you want. You can order them through us on our website. We use a professional photo printing lab in Toronto, and they will be delivered right to you door. You are, however, free to take your digital photos to a printing place of your choice.
Do I get the copyright/ownership of my photos?
This question creates confusion among clients and photographers alike. According to the Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators (CAPIC), Canadian photographers are now, by default, the first owners of the copyright of the images they produce, as are illustrators, musicians, painters and writers with their respective work. This applies to both photographs commissioned and paid by a client, and to photographs taken for non-commercial purposes. Clinic Read more here.
The Final Product
Are your photographs retouched?
Yes. The level of post-production depends on the genre and the need. For instance headshots require skin smoothing, blemish removal and teeth whitening. All photo shoots are carefully culled, light balanced, color balanced, and enhanced where possible. And others are retouched on an as-needed basis or by request. Select advanced retouching request may require additional fees. Your final photos are always finished and given to you with exceptional quality.
What retouching services are included and which require an additional fee?
General retouching services include removal of blemishes, removal of bags under eyes, and removal of fly-away hairs, for example. Advanced retouching usually requires more extensive time in Photoshop such as cutting out a subject to make the background transparent, removing entire objects from the scene, changing the size and shape of body parts or other objects in the scene, and adding objects to a scene. Removal of excessive acne, braces, tattoos and sunburn are also good examples. Advanced retouching is billed hourly and requires a custom guesstimate, as the time required ranges depending on the complexity of the project. Please inquire for a custom quote.
