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Contact information:

(360) 275-8095 or marianmurdoch@yahoo.com (please put "Photo Shoot" in the subject line, so I don't think it's spam)

What should I wear?

Solid colors are best, as they don't compete with the background environment. Unless you are going for a grunge look, stay away from torn/tattered jeans or shirts with holes. Three-quarter or full length sleeves are recommended, but not required. Avoid anything that will date the photo, such as T-shirts with band names, cartoon characters, etc. We will be shooting outside, so keep that in mind when choosing shoes. If you want to wear heels, wear slip-on shoes and carry the heels to the location. Bring changes of clothing if you want to shoot in different outfits. Remember, though, that we will be outside with limited changing facilities.

What about makeup?

Most makeup is fine. However, I have found that blue eyeliner/mascaras photograph very poorly. Bring your makeup with you for quick touchups. It is also a good idea to bring some tissues for blotting the face if necessary.

Can I bring props?

Sure! Bring anything you would like to use to express your individuality. If you would like to have a session involving firearms, I must know about it in advance and we would only photograph you with these items at my wooded property in Belfair (near Twahoh State Park). It is mandatory that the weapon be empty and it will be checked before the shoot begins. I will have an armed escort on the site at all times during a session involving weapons.

What if my child is a bit wild?

Let's try it! Sometimes the wildest kid makes for really fun shoots.

What if my teenager is cranky?

Cancel. I have no problem rescheduling to a date when we have a willing subject. Forced smiles do not make for good memories. I will not charge you a cancellation fee if your teenager, your child, or even you are not feeling up to the shoot. We all have bad days.

Do I have to sign a contract?

Yes. This contract protects your rights and mine. It is a standard form similar to those used by photographers worldwide.

Will you do photos in my home?

No. To protect my safety, I do not travel to the homes of others.

What happens if it is raining?

We can either reschedule the shoot, or we can find a different location.

Do you do "trade for print/CD" for aspiring models/actors?

Yes. Contact me and we'll talk.

How are you with "alternative lifestyles"?

I believe everyone should be treated with respect, no matter what their lifestyle.

Pricing:

Quite simply, you are paying me for my creativity, my time for the shoot, the time for post processing (removing blemishes, etc), and for a CD containing the best images from the shoot.

The cost of the above is $100/hr, charged in 1hr blocks. Most shoots involving children hardly ever go past an hour. In fact, they get tired after 30-45min.

Travel Time:

Free for travel to any location under 30min from my home (near Twanoh State Park in Belfair). $20 per 30min extra for distances above that.

Extensive Post Processing:

If you want to do a project that will take extensive post processing, there will be an additional $30/hr of processing charge. This usually only applies to special projects such as placing you into a fantasy setting or other highly specialized work. This does not apply to normal photo retouching for blemishes and minor defects. Sometimes I will be so inspired by a photograph that I'll do something like that just for fun and throw it onto your CD.

Form of Payment:

Checks or Cash due at the time of the shoot.

Why don't you provide actual prints?

Recent cost increases at labs would skyrocket the prices I would have to charge for prints. As part of my fee, I provide you with a CD containing the best images from the shoot, all retouched for blemishes, minor imperfections, etc. and you have the rights to have them printed at any lab. Please remember, however, that each lab has different color profiles and the images may look different from lab to lab.