Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Headshots & Portraits
Click on any of the following links to jump over to the relevant sub-topics
Basics | Editing & Backdrops | Indoor Shoots | Outdoor Shoots
Being Photogenic / Camera Shy | Payments
Is there a limit to the number of poses?
There is not a limit on poses. I want you to have ample options when you pick out which images to print and use on your business profile or social media.
Is there a time limit for the session?
There's no time limit for the session however please let me know how long you can give for the session so that I can plan accordingly.
Basics
How many photos do you take in a session?
I usually shoot multiple headshots and portraits for each person in a single session so that you can select the headshot or portrait that you like, so that you have a choice. However that depends on how much time you can spare for the shoot.
What do you do with the photos I don't select/choose to buy?
I delete those photos anytime after you select the photos you want to pay for.
Can I have some headshots and some portraits in a single session?
Yes, you can.
Is there a limit on number of poses or outfits?
No, there's none, however it depends on the total number of photos you need.
I need photos for LinkedIn and Facebook. Can I have them in the required format and size?
Yes, you can!
Do I have to pay for all the photos you take in a session?
No! You only pay for the photos you select. I will show you all the photos, you can select what you like and pay for them. I will edit the photos you selected and give them to you.
Can you give me the photos I didn't select for free? (you are anyway going to delete them)
I CANNOT give away photos for free.
I delete them BECAUSE you are not buying them meaning that you don't need them. If you want them you are welcome to pay and have all of them.
Is there a limit on the duration of the shoot?
No, there's none, however it depends on the total number of photos you need.
Can I change my photo selection?
No, once you make a selection for the first time, the rest of the photos you didn't select will be deleted hence it is not possible to change your selection.
Photo Editing, Retouching & Backdrops
I follow a linear editing/retouching process which means once some changes are requested, subject to feasibility I do them and photos are finalized. There's no scope for going back to the original or intermediate stages in editing. This is to discourage indecision and dependence of editing as a means of achieving the intended look.
If the unedited/unretouched headshot or portrait is not good enough, no amount of retouching or editing is going to work. I would encourage you to prepare well without shortcuts and help me get the photos right in the camera then enhance them slightly by editing/retouching.
What is retouching? Why do you do it?
Purpose of retouching is to bring out the best of you. Not to make you look different or make you look like somebody else. Retouching is done to remove dark circles, acne, blemishes, blisters etc. but permanent features like moles and scars are not left untouched.
Please refer to preparation tips shared with you.
Can I have any backdrop color I like?
Yes, you can!
Can I have one photo in different backdrops?
Yes, you can! Each additional variant of a photo will be counted as additional photo for billing/charging purpose. In other words you pay for additional variants of a photo.
Can you make me look thinner or fairer?
No! I don't want to be a part of exercise where you resort to artificial means to project yourself in different light. Hence, as a matter of principle, I don't do photo manipulation to change the shape and structure of the body or body parts and change complexion of people to a different shade. I don't mean to be judgmental if you want this done.
Can I ask for changes to editing?
Yes, you can! When I share an edited version as draft (1st iteration), you can ask for changes after doing the same in one iteration (2nd iteration). After the second iteration the photos is considered final. I would encourage you to ask for any changes in one go and let me know the changes you need. Any more editing requests after the 2nd iteration will be chargeable.
Can you give more than 1 version of a photo?
Each photo will be finalized in 1 version - multiple versions of a photo is not my thing. However if you want more than one version of each photo (other than black and white version) with different backdrops or different style of editing in any manner that will be considered an additional photo and charged accordingly.
Do you retouch all the portraits?
Yes, I retouch all the photos you choose to buy. Once I send you the edited and retouched photos, you can ask for changes if any though 99% people are happy with the photos they see at this stage. However, once the changes you ask (if any) are done and given to you, retouching is finished - no more changes will be possible after that.
Indoor Photoshoots
Will you come to our office to take photos?
Yes of course! I will come to your office or home or outdoors to shoot your photos.
My home/office has poor indoor lighting, will that still work?
Yes, it works. I bring my own professional studio lighting. I need only minimal lighting to setup the studio. Photos will be taken totally with professional lighting with no dependence on ambient lighting in most cases. There are exceptions though.
My office (or home) is very small. Can we still do the photo shoot?
Yes, once I am at your office or home, based on space available and lighting, we can select the best location therein. If it is not deemed suitable, we can head outdoors for the shoot. Many of the photos in this gallery were shot in tight spaces, small offices, conference rooms or small apartments.
Outdoor Photoshoots
When and for who the outdoor headshots ARE suitable?
If are not too uncomfortable in front of a camera, outdoor headshots are for you.
If you want natural backdrop rather than studio like shots, yes, outdoor headshots are for you, no doubt.
If you are short on time and want it quick and simple, this is for you, sure.
If you are not keen on headshots with different attires, this is for you.
Is it okay to choose Outdoor headshots if you are on tighter budget?
No, that's not a good idea. Don't choose the type of headshot based on the budget. The difference is not much anyway.
Why don't you do outdoor shoots in June, July, August and September months?
These months tend to be very humid and hot and make it very uncomfortable for both you and me as we will be sweating profusely. Sweat makes people's faces shine in an unflattering manner and clothes will be drenched too making it totally unsuitable for outdoor shoots.
When and for who the outdoor headshots are not suitable?
There are certain cases where outdoor headshots are not suitable.
First and obvious is if the outdoor headshots don't suit any specifications you may have or if you prefer to have solid color backdrop.
Second: if you think you are not comfortable in front of the camera and need help posing, outdoor shoots are not suitable because we will be on a tight timeline and there is not going to be enough time to help you with posing.
Third: If you want to change attire mid way through the shoot and want headshots, outdoor shoots are suitable because there will be no way you can change with adequate privacy. Some men don't mind changing sitting inside a car in which case it is okay, otherwise attire change is not possible.
Are you going for outdoor headshots because there's no place else to get photos done?
If you do, please let me know. We can rent a studio. Don't choose outdoor headshots just because there are constraints with shooting indoors at your home or office.
Can I change my attire during the outdoor shoot?
It is tricky. There will be no privacy to change clothes. Some men don't mind changing in a park, outdoors or sitting inside a car in which case it is okay, if you can't do that, it won't work.
Please note that you can just change jacket/blazer comfortably outdoors without needing privacy, you can decide if that works for you.
Let us discuss and let me help you choose right kind of shoot. I am happy to discuss and guide you through out.
Being Photogenic / Camera Shy
I don't know what to wear for the shoot. Can you help me with that?
Yes, I will work with you to make the shoot a successful one. I put together a detailed guide to grooming for both men and women - click here to see that. If you still have any questions you can always get in touch with me.
I hate having my photo taken. How will you make me look good?
There is no such thing as photogenic! There are bad poses, unflattering angles, and tense faces. I can and will help with all of that and more. I will guide you through the posing of every shot I take.
I am camera shy. Will you help me in posing?
Yes, of course! I will guide you in bringing out your best for a headshot or a portrait. None of my customers are models - please check this gallery - all these are people just like you.
I don’t look like a model. In fact, I strongly dislike my ________(nose/chin/any thing else) and am worried it will ruin my pictures. Is there a way around this?
You absolutely do not need to look like a model, and none of the people in the photos in the gallery are models. We can work around anything about your appearance that you’re uncomfortable with. If you have something specific that you’re self conscious about, (as well as anything about your body that you love and want to focus on!) let’s chat about it before your session gets started so I can be aware of it as I shoot.
Payments
When do I need to make the payment?
An advance is to be paid to book a slot/ block my calendar. The balance is to be paid after the shoot on the day of the shoot. Full payment needs to be realized before delivery of photos / videos / album / prints etc.
Can I pay the balance amount after delivery of photos / videos? or
Can I make partial payment now and pay the balance after I receive the photos as agreed?
I am unable to offer this facility at this time. Full payment is to be realized before completion of the final deliverable (photos / videos / album / prints).
How to make the payment?
You can pay by cash or by any UPI or bank transfer using IMPS or NEFT.
Can we get an invoice? What are the applicable taxes? Are the taxes included?
Taxes are not included in the price and are charged extra. Yes, you can get an invoice which will always be a tax invoice. As per GST Act, 18% is the tax on photography services.
Will you deliver photos / videos if I make the full payment before-hand?
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How can I trust you?
I understand your legitimate concern regarding my trustworthiness because you haven't dealt with me earlier or might have had bad experience with other service providers earlier. Please note the following:
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My commitment to my process and my reputation is far greater than any amount of money a customer pays me
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In years of providing this service, I never slipped on my obligations to deliver as agreed - thanks to the point 1.
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The voice of my customers is a testament (click here) to who I am and how reliable and trustworthy my services are.
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We all need to make a leap of faith in order to get what we need - hope you we are on same page on this.
If you still can't be sure about this, you will be able to find other photographers (though not as good an outcome).