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Q: How much does it cost to do a photo session? A: I currently do not charge a "sitting" fee. I do have equipment that does need to be replaced or updated from time to time such as printers, so donations are accepted but not required.
Q: How much does it cost to get prints? A: I have a "How much for Prints" section on my website at: http://youngaloha.com/prints
Q: Where do you take the photos (where are the photo sessions held)? A: I take the "studio" photos in the living room of my home which I transform each time I do a photo session. The process take about 45 minutes for me to set up which requires the moving of furniture, the setting up of all the lights, and the setting up of the background. It then takes me about ½ hour to put everything away after a session. For this reason, I ask that anyone who has scheduled a session to give me at least a 24 to 48 hour notice if they can not make the session. Either email me or call me.
MY LIVING ROOM WHEN SET UP - LIGHTS (above) BACKDROP (below)
Q: Do you have lots of fancy backgrounds like in the mall photo studios? A: NO, not at present. My background right now is just black (see above). I do occasionally use virtual backgrounds (taking photos in front of a green or blue screen and then having the background added in the computer), but it's not perfect. I have not actually been in a mall studio so I don't know if they use actual backgrounds or virtual. Q: How are you different then a mall studio or a professional photo studio? A: The mall studios are in the business to make money and to herd people in and out as fast as they can. Pro Photo studios are for profit businesses, the longer your session (and the more outfits you wear) the more expensive it gets. My photo sessions differ from the these in that you will have my full attention for as long as it takes to make beautiful photos of you. (I'm also a whole lot cheaper). You can also change into many different outfits or wear nothing at all (see section on topless/nude photos below) if that is your wish. Q: Can we do my Photo session somewhere outside, in a park, or up in the mountains? A: Yes, I have great lighting equipment at home for total control of the lights. Going away from that into the field, outside, a park, or wherever, means not having that control. If you wish to do your session somewhere else, it will need to take some planning as to where and what time we are all available plus have permission to use that area. I personally do not have any places that I know of to just go to an outdoors session. I've had some do a session near a lake (within the city) or out at Lake Mead. Red Rock Canyon is a pretty place; I did one session for a CD cover up in the Ghost Town at Bonnie Springs. The main point here is to know where you want to do the session and planning it all out if you prefer a location outside of my "studio". I also may need to charge for Gas if the location requires driving a distance away. If a larger area is needed for large groups, then another indoor location can be choosen as long as there is electricity for my lights. Another option is outdoors after dark, (again as long as there is power).
Q: Can I bring my Boyfriend / Girlfriend / Husband / Wife to the photoshoot to just watch? A: Unless you have already made arrangements to be photographed WITH your boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife then I would prefer they not come to the session. In order to get the best possible poses/photos, I will need your total attention. Someone you brought who is just "watching" the session is a distraction and the photos will come out that way. I treat everyone as a professional so there is no need for a chaperone. The exception to this, are children who need a parent present during the session, (see next question).
Q: I'm under the age of 18; do I need a parent present at the session? A: If you are under the age of 10 then I do request that a parent be present, however with some exceptions, most of my "models" (ages 10-17) are friends of mine and I know their parents. If it is OK with your parents, I have no problem with you having a session without your parents present. However, you WILL need permission from your parents to even do a photo session. If they feel more comfortable being present, then that is their call as your parent or guardian. Either way, the parent will need to sign a Model Release (minor) document. It is a legal document that protects both the minor and the photographer. Click here to view/print a Model Release: Minor document. (You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to view it)
Q: I am 18 years old (or older); do I need to sign a Model Release: Adult document in order to do a photo session with you? A: Yes. The model release is a legal document that protects both the model and the photographer. I use a standard release that is very similar to any other photographers release forms. It is especially important to have a release form on file if I am creating a website for you in Youngaloha Photos. One of the few things you can do at the age of 18 is to be able to sign legal documents/permission forms without having your parent's permission. In some cases, I have even make this into a special event (or ceremony) of signing your first legal document. Click here to view my Model Release: Adult document. (You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to view it).
Q: What kind of Photo Sessions do you offer? A: There is no limit to what kind of photos I take. Usually, I will just take photos of you with whatever costumes or clothing you have brought. I like to think that I specialize in Hula Photos (especially Hula Kahiko). If you bring school clothes then the poses would be based on that theme, if you bring swimsuits then that would be the theme, etc. You can bring whatever you want to be photographed in. Here are just some of the "themes" I have shot: Hula Kahiko: Ancient Hula. Hula dancing before the coming of the white man to the islands. The costume is usually natural looking, (flower leis, Maile (leaves), simple wraps "around the waist"). Ancient Hawaiian females wore little more then tapa cloth around their waist. They were topless for the most part covered only by lei and maile. Toplessness is determined by age and or desire (see topless questions below). These are more serious but can be a lot of fun. I have many pareos, grass skirts, coconut bras, lei, flowers, maile, etc. for use in dressing "Hawaiian", or you may bring your own. Hula Auana: Modern Hula. Hula after the coming of the missionaries. This can be pa'au skirts, or full dresses. These are more contemporary poses. Lots of smiles. Graduation / Senior Photos: formal/casual and/or cap & gown Fashion: All types, it depends on what types of clothing the model brings with her. Portfolio: For the aspiring model or dancer - many different types of poses in many styles of dress. These photos can be shown to perspective agencies or clients. Maternity: Photos of "Mommy". I've done "growing" series (mommy showing belly month to month) and the formal 3rd trimester session with mommy and sometimes with Daddy and siblings. Also in this category is the one month after photos of Mommy and Baby. Family: I don't have a lot of room in my "studio" but have taken family photos of up to 5 people. I have also traveled to homes and set up in a "bigger" room. Calendar: A gift for the whole year. This can be a very long session or a series of sessions, where I photograph you in different outfits and/or costumes for each month in the year. These can be G rated (gift for family and friends) or more on the sexy side (gift for boyfriend or husband to be). Milestone Years: (see below)
Q: How long does a photo session last? A: It depends on what kind of photo session you are having. If you are doing a typical multi-change of clothes photo session then it could be from 2 to 4 hours long (sometimes longer). This gives us time for you to change, put on makeup, take a break from time to time, slow down a bit and really take great photos, along with time to look at the photos at the end and possibly burn them to a CD. If you are only doing one thing, say just a Hula Kahiko session, then it would be from 2 to 3 hours. A calendar session could run from 5 to 10 hours (which we could chop up into multi sessions over several days). A portfolio session could also be from 5 to 10 hours and could even be at multiple locations. I will strongly suggest that your session last at a minimum of 2 hours.
Q: What about photos taken of me topless (or nude)? A: I have no problem shooting models topless (or nude). It is totally a decision of the model (taking her modesty level into account). I treat these sessions with a very professional attitude since the goal is to take beautiful photographs and I want you to feel comfortable at all times. I have had some models who like the "Kim Taylor Reese" style of Hula Kahiko and others who just wanted a record as to how they "looked" when their bodies were in the best of shape. I have had some come and shoot photos just before getting married (I strongly suggest that you make sure this is OK with your future hubby - but it is still your decision). Here are my basic guidelines for posing topless or nude:
Q: I am 18 (or over), I want to do a session of Hula Kahiko and I want to "appear" to be topless. Do I actually have to be topless to do this? A: Yes! Even though computer technology can do many things, erasing strings, straps, covering coconuts, etc. is sometimes very hard and time consuming to do and never really looks very good. Although, I might consider otherwise for those under 18, if you are 18 or over and wish to "appear" topless then you must be topless. If you do not wish to be topless then you must put on coconuts or some other kind of covering which WILL show up in the final photo. Q: I am 18 (or over), Can I do a session showing sexy poses, lingerie, artistic nudes? A: Yes! This is a popular type of shoot. Q: Do you have lingerie that I can wear? A: No. Lingerie is a personal type of clothing that can not be shared. I do have fluffy white and pink rugs. Other "toys" will need to be brought to the session by the model. Q: Do you have a professional hair and make-up person such as they do at other studios? A: No, All make-up, hair, and "personal area" grooming would need to be done by the model herself or done at a professional salon before coming to the session. I do have mirrors and a lighted bathroom, (as well as a changing room).
Q: What are Milestone Photo Sessions? A: There are certain years as we grow up that are considered milestone years. These are the years that you really want to be photographed to show how you looked at different stages of life. Of course there are many more milestones past 21, those are usually classified under an event (i.e. Marriage, Maternity, First Job, etc.)
Here is what I consider to be milestone years:
Q: How do I arrange to have a photo session taken? A: If you are reading this, then you have probably already contacted me about doing a photo session. Go to Youngaloha.com and click on the Calendar button. Pick a date that I do not have grayed out and email or call me with the date and a time that you would like to do your photo session. If you have not contacted me yet then email is the best and quickest way. You can email me by clicking on webmaster Information and then clicking email webmaster.
Q: Can I see more examples of your photos? A: My website, Youngaloha.com, has 1000s of my photographs. I put a lot of my photo sessions up in the Youngaloha Photos section. You will need to get the password from me to view all the photos full size. You will find examples there and a few here (below). You will not, however, find any examples of nudes or models who are topless (with breasts showing). Here are a few examples you can see from here: [Ages 0-10] -- [Ages 11-17] -- [Ages 18 & over]
Q: Will I get a section in Youngaloha Photos after my session. A: If you want to be added to the Youngaloha Photos section of my website, you must fill out the Model Release and check mark and initial the section relating to the web site giving your permission. Then, in time, I will select a number of photos from your session, fix them up, and create a homepage for you. It will be password protected. I will then contact you to look over the site and make sure there are no photos there that you do not want to be there. If all is well, I will put in a link so that other's can come and view the photos. If you are under 18, then one of your parents must sign the release to be put up in the photos section.
Q: Can I get my photos in Black & White or Sepia? A: Yes. I shoot all photos on a digital SLR camera in color. I can then pop them into the computer and can quickly change them to B&W or sepia tone.
Q: How long will it take before I can see the photos? A: To see the photos right out of the camera, instantly. I just pop them on the computer and then can show you all the photos taken. It will take me between two weeks and a month or so before I can fix them up and possibly put them on the website. Printing photos takes precedence over the website and I will expedite the process for that.
Q: In what form will I get my prints? A: I use a Cannon i960 color printer and Cannon Professional Paper to make prints from 4x6 to 8x10 and whatever in between. I use my Cannon i9100 printer to print sizes 11x14 or 13x19. Sizes bigger then that will have to be sent out to an online photo service which will cost more and have shipping costs. |
