Frequently Asked Questions

How much are your photography services?

The starting point for our services is the $700.00 session fee which includes guided photoshoot, professional hair and makeup, wardrobe consultation, reveal of images and one image.  We provide a luxurious high end experience for all of our clients throughout the entire process and our fees reflect this level of service and images created.

How soon can I be photographed?

We normally schedule about four weeks out at the earliest but we completely understand schedules are complicated. We can accommodate short notice scheduling on a case by case basis which may require additional fees.

What if I need to reschedule?

Yes, of course, we understand life happens and things change. Even with our busy schedule, we want our clients to be excited for their photoshoot and fully focused on it. Please let us know as soon as possible if you have an emergency or issue so we can work with you on rescheduling.

Is the session fee refundable?

Yes. The session fee is refundable up to seven days prior to the photoshoot.

How long have you been a photographer?

I’ve been a professional photographer for more than fifteen years and am a recognized  member of several professional photographer’s organizations. I’ve received multiple awards and have had my work published multiple times in magazines, books and websites.

How do you describe your photography style?

My personal style is continuing to evolve and I am drawn to experimenting with lighting, wardrobes and sets. When I work with a client, I focus on their personal style above mine. I’ve custom tailored photography sessions in a wide array of styles from modern to painterly.

Where are you located? What areas do you provide services to?

We currently have studio space in San Marcos, TX but consider ourselves to be international with past and future photography events throughout the United States and Europe. We have the ability to schedule sessions on picturesque locations throughout the world. We have previously photographed clients in Venice, Italy, Barcelona, Spain, Krakow, Poland, Italian Riviera, Switzerland and France. Please reach out as soon as possible to discuss as these sessions can take several months to plan. For these on location shoots, we can coordinate through phone calls, video calls and meet on location for the session.

Do you have an actual studio?

Yes, we currently have an office and studio space in San Marcos, TX. The studio space allows us to set up multiple sets, bring in vehicles, large animals and anything else we need to suit all of our clients needs. This enables us to set up full professional level production sets for a wide range of photography and state of the art images.

Can I rent your studio?

Yes* It’s definitely an option but something we would need to discuss to ensure it’s beneficial for all parties involved and fits into the availability schedule. This isn’t something we do often due to our busy schedule but it’s certainly possible.

Can we collaborate?

Yes. However, we can’t do this for everyone and anyone, it needs to be a true benefit for all parties involved. Please reach out so we can discuss this type of arrangement.

Do you provide training for photographers? Do you provide workshops?

Yes, please reach out to discuss possible options and upcoming events. We have provided training and also hosted other photographers/artists/creatives in our studio. We have also lead and participated in workshops throughout the US and Europe. Check out our website’s education page for more information at; https://shtookaatelier.com/workshops/

Can we have photographs taken outside or other locations?

Yes. Please reach out as soon as possible to discuss this type of request. Most of our sessions are conducted indoors at our studio or another studio location for a variety of reasons. However, we are more than willing and able to have an outdoor session or come to your location. We can discuss those options to determine what will work best to get the photographs you want. A location session would require us to travel with equipment, staff, wardrobes and props. Because of this, on location sessions would include additional fees. These sessions also can be difficult to hold specific dates on the schedule due to weather. We’ve learned, that for the majority of clients, the best option is a studio photoshoot.

How do I book a photoshoot?

The first step would be to reach out to us through the contact form, call, text or email. We will respond as soon as possible providing answers to questions and schedule an in person or online consultation. During the consultation we can discuss your photography needs in full detail and receive your session fee in order schedule your photoshoot. Once scheduled, we will provide additional emails summarizing the consultation along with details on the session location and how to prepare.

What’s included with each photoshoot?

Each photoshoot includes professional hair and make-up, wardrobe styling, guided photoshoot, instant reveal and credit towards one image or packages. For our portrait clients, we also offer custom gown draping, head pieces, jewelry and beautiful backdrops. For our branding clients, each purchased image is formatted into a “branding bundle” with multiple sizes and formats for easy use on all of their marketing, social media and websites. Each session is tailored to the client’s goals which are determined during the initial consultation.

What should I bring to a photoshoot?

Usually multiple wardrobe pieces in various colors and fits but, most importantly, STAY TRUE TO YOUR PERSONAL STYLE. It’s always better to bring more than not enough. If you like it and feel confident in it, bring it. We encourage clients to use their photoshoot as an opportunity to go “shopping” in their closet and don’t forget about your friend’s and family’s closets! The session is all about the client and capturing their true self and beauty. Our studio will assist with detailed planning and provide a post consultation email with a detailed list of everything needed for the photoshoot.

What if I don’t know how to pose or am awkward in from of the camera (what should I do with my hands)?

Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered through many hours of training, education and practice on posing. We have worked with hundreds of clients, kids, animals and fellow photographers and are experts in directing on set. We will guide you through the process and ensure you are comfortable and confident. We know all the tricks and techniques to bring out your best through posing and positioning from head to toe. This is also something we’ll discuss when preparing for your photoshoot. We can recommend and create wardrobes and poses to accentuate exactly what you want and ensure you look your best. Some of the poses we will use might seem a bit awkward or not how you’d normally sit or stand, but trust us, it’s going to look great in the final photographs. If you have any questions or concerns before, during or after the session, please ask. If you have any medical conditions or issues that could prevent you from doing certain things, just let us know. This will be an enjoyable process and we will ensure you look and feel your best.

What should I do if I want to be photographed but need to lose weight first?

Our studio is body positive. We can photograph anyone in flattering angles and show each of our clients how beautiful they are. We understand how vulnerable it can feel to be photographed in a body you are not happy with. Our posing, lighting and editing can easily make you look twenty pounds lighter if you would prefer that. Our goal is to provide you with beautiful images of your true self with the focus on the things you love. During the consultation you will have the opportunity to address any concerns regarding your appearance. We highly encourage you to be vocal about things you are not comfortable with. Our main goal is to empower our clients. We truly believe that everyone is beautiful the way they are and weight loss is unnecessary to create beautiful portraits.

What if I am awkward/ not photogenic?

Nope, not possible. You are photogenic and we will capture amazing images. We guarantee it. There is no such thing as a not photogenic person, just shitty photographers. We will get you incredible images that capture your true self and this will be a positive and enjoyable process from beginning to end. We are experienced professionals and know what to do. You will look great and we will guide you through the entire process to make it happen.

What types of photography do you do?

Our studio specializes in headshots, branding and portraits. For businesses, we can schedule on location head shots for all personnel. Our portrait photoshoots have included everything from individual portraits, families, high school seniors, pets and large animals like horses, cows and goats. We’ve even had pet chickens and baby alligators (not at the same time though) in the studio for amazing sessions. We are also available for breast feeding portraits, couple’s photoshoots, boudoir and fine art. Our studio space allows us the ability to create elaborate backdrops and props. We can accommodate large animals and vehicles into the studio.

What if I have a large office or group that need headshots?

Yes, we can accommodate large groups and customize the process. We have two basic options that have worked well with clients in the past. Option one would be to schedule a day for all the individuals to visit our studio for headshots. The second option would be to schedule a day at your facility for us to set up a mini studio and photograph everyone on site. Depending on your business and facilities, one of these two options may work better. Please reach out so we can discuss this in detail and figure out the best option.

Can you take professional images for my business?

Absolutely. We can create a library of images with headshots, candid shots and products. These will be images ready for use and will elevate your presence on social media, websites, printed marketing, billboards and business cards. We’ve even created amazing images for holiday cards to send to clients.

Can you take photographs of my products for my business?

Yes. We can combine this with your headshots and images with your products for all your social media, advertising and more. Just let us know what you need.

Why should I hire you as my professional photographer?

We have decades of experience taking amazing images. We are experts at working with our clients and meeting their needs. Our studio offers a full range of services from consultation, design to the final selection of images. We pride ourselves on providing an excellent experience. Our goal is to empower our clients.

Is there a way to make payments or purchase additional images later on?

Yes. Our studio offers pre-payments (before the photoshoot) to help spread out the cost. During the reveal you will be able to decide on which images to purchase at that time and which images you would like to purchase within 60 days in accordance with our studio’s image storage policy.

When will we get finished prints and/or digital images?

Our studio may outsource the printing of some products to ensure they are of the highest quality. Some products are made in Italy and the process can take four to eight weeks, depending on the season. The holidays can be an especially busy time and could delay the process. Digital images can vary from as short as 48 hours up to ten business days, depending on the gallery size and level of editing required. Fine art and composite images can take longer due to the creative process required. We will work with each client for their individual timelines and provide them estimates for product deliveries. For clients with specific timelines or deadline requirements, please let us know as soon as possible so we can work on expediting the process.

How many photos will I get?

The session fee includes one image. The reveal will include all the images captured during the photoshoot for you to decide on how many you would like to purchase.

How long will a session take? 

It depends but we always say to plan for about three to five hours. We can provide a more accurate estimate during our consultations. Depending on your needs, it could be as short as thirty minutes but for the majority of session, three to five hours is an accurate estimate. It might seem like a long amount of time but it will go quickly and that time includes hair, make-up and outfit changes. We will do everything we can to prepare you and the space for the session beforehand to make it an efficient and streamlined process but great art takes time.

What about pets? Dogs? Cats? Other?

Yes. Our studio is animal friendly and we would love to photograph your pet. Those sessions require more preparation and flexibility. Your pet will not understand what’s happening and we will do our best to capture their personality and your relationship with them.  We highly encourage all pets to arrive well groomed with their favorite snacks and toys.

We can discuss all of this and any other people you’d like to have in your photographs. We frequently have sessions that include a variety of animals and other family members. A popular option for your session is to have other family members join later on for a group portrait. We often have woman that get individual photographs and, since they are looking their best with hair, make up and outfits, bring in the kids, spouse, partners or pets for a family photo to finish out the session. It’s a great way to get your photographs and some family portraits at the same time. The other family members would only need to come to the studio later on for a few minutes and would not need to be there for the entire session. Don’t have any animals or family members you want to be photographed with? We can bring some for you! Sort of kidding but we do have access to a variety of animals to include horses that could be incorporated into specific photo sessions.

Do you provide digital images?

Yes. All of our clients receive digital versions of their purchased images. Our headshot and branding clients will receive images in a format suitable for their marketing needs. Our portrait clients receive a digital copy of the prints they purchase to share through email or social media.

Do you provide RAW (unedited) files?

Yes. We can provide RAW images. Those images are significantly more expensive. Our studio would love the opportunity to provide our client’s with finish products (edited images) but we completely understand that you might need RAW images. Please reach out to discuss this if it’s something you or your business needs.

Do you backup or otherwise secure images for protection?

Yes. Our studio retains all RAW images and edits for up to 60 days. During the reveal appointment, we provide instructions on storing purchased images.

Do I get the copyright/ownership of my photos?

When you purchase an image, you have the right to use it for your business and personal needs. You can use the image for advertising, publishing and reprinting. When you reprint images, please be aware that the end result can vary due to printer calibrations. We only ask that client’s do not sell the images for advertising of third parties. For example, selling you beautiful headshot with amazing smile to a toothpaste company for their advertising.

What if I don’t like the images from my photoshoot?

Our studio has all the tools in place to ensure your satisfaction. In the decades of photographing a wide variety of clients, there has only been a very small percentage of clients that were not completely satisfied with their images. The majority of the time it was a result of the client not clearly expressing what they wanted from the images. Because of this, we reserve up to two hours of reshooting with no additional cost if warranted by the photographer.

Can I exchange digital images for different ones?

No, once you have received your digital images from your session there is no way to “retrieve” or exchange them. Before receiving your images, you will have an in person reveal which ensures you are able to look through all the images and select your favorite images. For clients who have a hard time deciding, we highly encourage them to bring a friend or family member to assist with this decision. Having a trusted friend or family member there can help provide a fresh unbiased look at the images and help in the selection process.