Person performing acrobatic moves against colorful striped wall background in a sequence of action shots.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about my photo services. Service-specific FAQs are listed at the bottom of each service page. If you don't see your question answered, please contact me and I'll be happy to respond.

 

General

 

What if I have more questions during the process?

I'm always happy to answer questions via email. I also offer a call named "10 with Jenn," where you can book 10 minutes on my calendar anytime for questions, concerns, or reassurance.

Can I have the raw files?

No. The file size isn’t just large, but the raw by itself would look boring and washed out before the edits are made. It does not mean that it was bad photography. Raw files give the editor the ability to make adjustments without compromising the quality. To put it in a different perspective, you wouldn’t ask an illustrator for all of the drafts they drew up and threw away, you would want the final version.

My photography style page has an example of what a file goes through in the proofing and editing process.

What's your intellectual property policy?

For dogs and personal event photography, you receive a personal use license and print release. This means you can use the photos on your personal social media pages, make prints or albums, and include them in a personal email newsletter. You can't use them for commercial purposes or for resale.

For branding, headshots, and corporate event photography, you receive a commercial use license. You'll be able to use the photos on your business website, in press kits, and for online or printed marketing materials.

Whenever possible, such as photo publication in a magazine, I appreciate name credit ("Jenn Chen" or "Jenn Chen Media"), but it is not required. You can also link to this website and tag me on IG @thejennchen.photo or LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/thejennchen.

What are your rescheduling, cancellation, and refund policies?

For branding shoots, the $200 date reservation fee is nonrefundable.

Branding & events: Reschedules and cancellations are accepted without penalty if done two weeks before the scheduled session date (for cancellations, you'll receive a refund if you have made that payment already). If you cancel within two weeks of the session date, no refunds will be given for the payments you've already made. I'd much rather we reschedule than cancel. Inclement weather for outdoor events may be rescheduled without penalty within three months of the original date.

Dogs: The $550 retainer is nonrefundable; however, you may reschedule and transfer it to a different date. I know life happens, so I offer one free reschedule at least 48 hours before the session date. Inclement weather for outdoor sessions may be rescheduled without penalty within one month of the original date. In the unlikely event that you hate all of your photos, we'll schedule another shoot within two weeks at no additional cost.

What is your COVID policy?

If you or someone in your household has tested positive for COVID, please let me know ASAP. We can reschedule for a future date when you've recovered.

I'm updated on all vaccinations and boosters.

Do I need to tip you?

No, you do not need to tip me. If you feel like I went above and beyond and would like to tip me, there is space to do so when paying the invoice. I do not expect tips, and I don't rely on them, as my pricing is inclusive of all business expenses.

Booking

 

How far out do you book?

My books are open for 3-6 months out. But if you're planning further out, I'm happy to chat!

Do you travel?

I love to travel, and my passport is active and ready!

  • Travel within 10 miles of San Francisco zip code 94121 is included in all photography services.
  • Travel beyond the coverage area is $3 per mile. To calculate mileage, total the round-trip mileage from 94121 and subtract 20.
  • 50 mile drive away or 2+ hours: requires overnight accommodations, please email me to discuss.

Proofing

 

What are proofs?

Proofs are unedited, watermarked photos provided for you to review and select favorites from. After I've loaded all the photos from the session in, I'll cull out duplicates and those with half-closed eyes, and then correct them for white balance and tone.

What is Pixieset?

The software I use to deliver your online gallery to you. I love Pixieset because it allows for password protection, favorites lists, and easy downloading.

Why do you have a proofing step?

I've found that including clients in the photo selection process helps eliminate back-and-forth emails that may ask about what other photos were taken or if there's a slightly different angle available. The photos I love may not be the same as the ones you love and proofing gives you control over which ones I should focus on.

What can I do with the proofs?

Think of proofs as a rough draft. You can view the proofing gallery and share it with a friend to get a second opinion. You cannot download them or share them on social media, because they are not the final images.

What if I love more photos than what is allowed in my plan?

I'm so glad you love your photos! If you'd like to choose additional photos to be edited, you'll have the option to add them during the proofing step. Pricing will be per photo.

Payment

 

What is the payment plan?

In all cases, the payment must be made in full before you receive the download PIN for your gallery.

Branding: $200 nonrefundable date reservation fee. The remaining amount will be divided 50/50, with 50% due one week before the session and 50% after you receive your proofs. To put your images into my editing queue, the invoice must be paid in full.

Events: 50% deposit.

Expedited editing events: 100% upfront

Dogs: $550 deposit that's applied to your collection total, with the remainder paid during the selection call.

If you need a different payment plan than what is outlined above, please mention it during our discovery call or in your inquiry form.

What are the payment options?

EFT (E-check/ACH/bank transfer) is strongly preferred. Card payments are available by request.