INFO

Here, you will find some basic information about shooting with me.

I’d like you to know that my job when you’re in front of my camera is to make you feel comfortable, confident and authentic. In return for hiring me as your photographer, I will be honest with you, make sure you have fun, and make sure I capture the best version of you.

I will give you everything that I’ve got if you give me everything you’ve got. Most of all, I want you to leave my studio happy. If you’re happy, I’m happy.

FAQS

WHAT IS RETOUCHING AND WHY SHOULD I HAVE MY PHOTOS RETOUCHED?

Retouching is not required. It is a process where a professional retouch artist “polishes” up your selections so that you look your absolute best. Whether that’s minimizing some blemishes, redness in eyes, softening wrinkles, removing fly-away and frizzy hair, etc., retouching can be a part of your entire presentation.

DO YOU SHOOT INDOORS OR OUTDOORS?

All sessions are in my studio in San Francisco’s Dogpatch (Potrero Hill) neighborhood. Outdoor, on-location shoots may be requested in advance, but incur an additional fee. Contact me to discuss, richard@richardshiu.com.

WHAT IS A LOOK?

A look is a change of wardrobe and backdrop.

CAN YOU HELP ME DETERMINE WHAT LOOKS TO SHOOT?

I can help you with your looks if you don’t have an Agent or Manager. We can discuss what’s involved once you reserve a date.

HOW LONG DOES A SESSION LAST?

Actor/Model packages typically about 2 hours, or 3 hours if you select makeup or grooming.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY PHOTOS AFTER WE SHOOT?

My turnaround time to send you an online gallery of print and web-ready JPG files from our shoot is approximately 1 - 2 weeks. I remove all bloopers, lighting tests, misfired flashes, etc. I will color correct and crop all the images to my style. I suggest downloading all the images within 30 days from the date of receiving your gallery. If images are requested after 30 days, there is an archive retrieval fee of $100.00.

IF MY COMPUTER CRASHES AND I NEED THE PHOTOS FROM OUR SHOOT, HOW DO I GO ABOUT GETTING THEM?

I keep an archive of our shoot for three years from the date of our shoot. The first month after you receive your online gallery, your photos are available for downloading. After one month, I archive our entire session. If you request photos from my archives, there is an archive retrieval fee of $100.00. To avoid this fee, download all of your images as soon as possible after you receive your gallery. And back them up to a thumb drive or external hard drive. I only keep photo sessions for three years, because let’s face it, you’ll want to take new photos after one or two years anyway.

WHO OWNS THE IMAGES WE SHOOT?

As the creator of the images, I own the copyright. Any third party usage must be approved by me.

DO I HAVE TO HIRE YOUR MAKEUP ARTIST?

Professional makeup artists are trained to do makeup for photography. I suggest having your makeup and hair done. If you do not book an artist, I ask that you have your make-up/grooming and hair done before you arrive at my studio.

HOW DO YOU TAKE PAYMENT?

When you book online, a 50% deposit is requested to secure your booking. The balance is due at the end of our session via cash or Venmo/Zelle (cash is preferred).

CANCELLATIONS:

Please do so within 72 hours of your shoot so as not to forfeit your deposit. Deposits are non-refundable but may be applied towards a future session.

WHERE IS YOUR STUDIO?

I am located at 2642 Third Street, between 22nd and 23rd Streets in San Francisco. Close to the 280 Freeway and the T Muni line. Metered street parking is available. Once you arrive, call my cell phone at 415-336-3120. Texting is fine, but calling is more immediate.

You may have more questions than I’ve answered here, so I encourage you to contact me and I will answer all of your questions.

richard@richardshiu.com or 415-336-3120.