FAQs

What kind of clothes should I wear?

For a portrait session I recommend being yourself and wearing what makes you comfortable. When it comes to couples and family photos I recommend a similar color palette for the clothing. Having one person all in dark clothing and another all in light is not going to come out to well in the photo. If you need more ideas I have a Pinterest board titled Photo Shoot Wardrobe Ideas with plenty of clothing scheme and color ideas.

Can you Photoshop me to look skinny?

While I do minor retouching for stray hairs and blemishes, I do not alter or exaggerate a person’s features when I edit a photo in post processing.

How long normally is a portrait session?

A portrait session usually runs around 45 minutes to an hour.

What is the best time to schedule a photo shoot?

The best light for a photo shoot is usually one hour after sunrise and one hour prior to sunset. That is not to say that is the only time I conduct photo shoots. I shoot at all times of the day but if you’re looking for dramatic skies and soft, warm light from the sun, the sunrise and sunset are the best times.

What do you use to edit your photos?

I use a combination of Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop with some plugins from Google Nik Software to edit my photos.

How long does it take to deliver the photos?

Like the prints, it usually take 1 to 2 weeks after the shoot. Wedding photos run from 4 to 6 weeks.

You took a lot of photos, do I get them all?

You will definitely hear a lot of clicking from the shutter of my camera during the shoot, but not every picture will make the final cut. To ensure that my clients receive the highest quality of photos I automatically delete all photos of closed eyes, weird facial expressions etc. and even then I narrow the photos down to the best of the best. You’re not paying for mediocre photos so why should I provide you with anything less?

Do you pose your clients?

If by posing you mean having you stand in uncomfortable positions while you contort your arms and legs into pretzel like conditions, then no. I prefer to capture natural actions and movements of my clients. Of course from time to time I will offer suggestions and coach my clients into poses that are natural.

Do you offer classes, workshops or mentoring?

At the current moment I do not offer classes or workshops. Hopefully in the near future I can. I do, however; offer mentoring sessions. If you’re interested in learning more about a mentoring session, please contact me at jc@jc-ruiz.com

What locations do you offer service to?

I offer service to Broward and Dade counties. Any locations outside of those two counties I add a gas surcharge to the total cost.

Do you shoot in JPEG or Raw?

9 times out of 10 I will shoot in Raw. Shooting in Raw provides me more freedom when it comes to post processing.

What types of payments do you accept?

I accept cash, money orders and all major credit cards. All photo shoots are subject to a 6% tax.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

In order to secure a date and time a 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.

Do I need to sign a contract?

Prior to any shoot whether portrait, wedding or commercial I require that a contract of services be signed as well as the appropriate model releases etc. These documents will be required to be signed at the time of booking me as your photographer.

What if I need to reschedule?

I understand life can be hectic and some unforeseen event can arise at any moment. I request that you contact me 24-48 prior to the shoot to reschedule at no additional cost. If you reschedule with less than 24 hours till your shoot you will forfeit your deposit and I would require another 50% deposit to secure your new day and time.

Do you have a studio?

At the current moment I do not have a studio, but I can rent a studio at an additional cost to you.

Can you make the weather cooperate?

I’m good, but not that good. I wish I could make the weather cooperate but here in South Florida we know all too well how fickle the weather can be. If the event weather cancels a shoot, I will reschedule immediately at no cost to you.

What rights do I have to the digital prints?

You have the rights to the personal use of your photos. This means you can post them on Facebook, or use them in a Save the Date if you link back to my website and credit me as JC Ruiz Photography – www.jc-ruiz.com. As the creator of the imagery I maintain the copyright, which means I reserve the right to authorize where the images can and cannot be used publicly. Please note that it is illegal to right click or screen capture and photo from the online gallery or any other images featured on this blog, make copies from prints, sell or alter images received in CD or print format. If you would like to use the photos for any other purpose please email me atjc@jc-ruiz.com to discuss further.

Do you take video?

I do not shoot video.

Do you shoot in black and white, or just color?

I shoot in color but I do make photos black and white during my post processing.

How do I view my photos after the shoot?

I will provide you with a link to your private gallery where you can view your photos from the shoot.

What is the best location for the shoot?

There really isn’t any one location that is best for the shoot. Here in South Florida we have a wide array of options from the beach to the Everglades to Wynwood etc. I normally offer the client a few location suggestions based on the type of shoot the client is interested in shooting.

What about Props?

I love props! I encourage my clients to bring props to the shoots. Props help lighten the mood and make the photo shoots more fun.

Is there an additional fee if we pay via credit card?

No. I do not charge an additional fee for payment via credit card.

What if we exceed our contracted time for our shoot?

IF the photo shoot goes over the designated and agreed upon time, the client will be charged for an additional hour at $200 per hour.

How do I reserve a date for our shoot?

After you contact me and I make sure the day and time you requested is available, I will send you over the contract defining the date and time. Once that is signed and returned along with a non-refundable 50% deposit, the date is yours.

Do you backup our images?

Absolutely. I back the photos up to an external drive as well as onto a DVD. You always have to have a backup for the backup!

What type of camera/equipment do you use?

I use Nikon camera and lenses. Don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with Canon, but a Nikon in my hand feels right.

How long does it take to get my prints?

It usually takes about a week to two weeks to get your prints after you’ve selected the ones you want to print.

What if I lose my CD/DVD of photographs?

If by unfortunate circumstance that you lose the CD/DVD of photographs, I would be more than happy to supply you with a new one for a fee of $50.

Do you provide the RAW files?

I do not provide the RAW files to clients. First because the RAW files are not the finished project and secondly because since I own the copyright to those photos, I do not want others editing them in such a way that it does not reflect kindly on JC Ruiz Photography and the vision that I have for the photos.