Frequently Asked Questions

To book a session, please contact me through the contact form on my website, email me directly, or for certain sessions you can book a time and date directly through my booking link. We'll discuss your needs, available dates, and the type of session you're interested in. Once we agree on the details, I'll send you a contract to sign, and a 30% non-refundable booking fee is required to secure your date.

A non-refundable booking fee of 30% of the total cost is required upon signing the contract to secure your date. For standard sessions, the remaining balance is due no later than one business day after the photography session. For weddings, the remaining balance is due no later than one week before the wedding date. Failure to make payment as specified constitutes a breach of contract.

Yes, I offer flexible payment plans for certain packages. After the initial 30% booking fee, we can work out a schedule that fits your budget. Please contact me directly to discuss payment plan options for your specific needs.

Yes, I accept all major credit cards through my secure online payment system. I also accept Venmo, Cash App, and bank transfers.

Yes, Virginia state sales tax of 5.3% will be added to all photography services and products. This is required by law and will be clearly indicated on your invoice.

The 30% booking fee/deposit is non-refundable under all circumstances. For standard sessions, all other payments made beyond the deposit may be refunded if cancellation occurs more than 7 days before the scheduled session, minus any non-recoverable expenses already incurred. For weddings, installment payments may be refundable if cancellation occurs more than 30 days before the wedding date, minus any non-recoverable expenses. No refunds of any kind will be issued for cancellations within 7 days of standard sessions or within 30 days of weddings.

Yes, rescheduling is possible with advance notice. For standard sessions, a rescheduling fee of $25 may apply if rescheduled within 10 days of the original date. For weddings, a rescheduling fee of $300 may apply if rescheduled within 30 days of the original date. In the event of inclement weather or unforeseen events, rescheduling options will be discussed and accommodated to the best of both parties' abilities.

If the weather forecast shows a high probability of rain or severe weather conditions, we can discuss rescheduling options. I monitor the weather closely leading up to your session and will be in touch if concerns arise. In some cases, overcast weather can actually provide beautiful, even lighting for photos. If we need to reschedule due to weather, our rescheduling policy will apply.

I understand that emergencies happen. In cases of serious illness, injury, or family emergency, please contact me as soon as possible. While my standard cancellation policy applies in most situations, I will work with you to find a reasonable solution in genuine emergency situations, potentially waiving or reducing fees on a case-by-case basis.

Session lengths vary depending on the type of photography service. Portrait sessions typically last 1-2 hours, engagement sessions are around 1.5-2 hours, and wedding coverage packages range from 6-10 hours depending on your needs. Each session is customized to ensure we capture everything you're looking for.

Choose clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Solid colors or subtle patterns usually photograph best. For family or group sessions, coordinate your color palette without being too matchy-matchy. I'm happy to provide more specific guidance based on your session location and style preferences - just ask!

Yes, outfit changes are welcome! Most portrait sessions allow for 1-2 outfit changes or they can be added on for a small fee, depending on the package and time constraints. Please have your outfits prepared and organized beforehand to maximize our shooting time. For location shoots, I can provide a pop up changing tent if no changing facilities are available.

Absolutely! Personal props can add character and make your photos unique. Items that are meaningful to you or represent your hobbies/interests often make the best props. However, I recommend keeping props simple and minimal to ensure they complement rather than distract from the main subject - you! Please let me know in advance if you plan to bring larger props so I can plan accordingly.

Yes, pets are welcome! They're family members too, and I'd love to include them in your session. Please ensure your pet is well-groomed, trained, and comfortable around new people and environments. I recommend bringing a helper who can manage your pet when they're not being photographed. Also, please check that your chosen location allows pets before the session.

Yes, I offer seasonal mini sessions throughout the year. These abbreviated sessions (typically 20-30 minutes) are perfect for quick family updates, holiday cards, or when you just need a few fresh photos. Mini sessions are held at specific locations on set dates. They're announced through my email newsletter and social media, so make sure to follow me or join my mailing list to be notified of upcoming mini session dates.

I have many favorite locations throughout the Richmond area that provide beautiful backdrops for different styles of photography. Popular options include Maymont Park, Libby Hill, Brown's Island, and various spots along the James River. I'm also happy to photograph you in meaningful locations such as your home, a favorite cafe, or place that has special significance to you. During our pre-session consultation, we'll discuss location options that best suit your vision.

The best light for outdoor photography typically occurs during the 'golden hours' the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset. This low-angled sunlight creates warm, flattering light and soft shadows. For this reason, I generally schedule outdoor sessions to begin 1-2 hours before sunset or shortly after sunrise. In some locations, mid-morning can also work well. I'll help you select the optimal time based on our chosen location and the season.

Yes, I may use film photography as part of your session, either at my artistic discretion or as specifically agreed upon in advance. Film photographs have inherent characteristics including grain, unique color rendition, and potential imperfections that are part of the artistic medium. Development and scanning of film may extend delivery timelines. Due to the nature of film, fewer exposures may be taken compared to digital, with a focus on quality over quantity. In the event of film loss or damage during processing, my liability is limited to a partial refund proportional to the film photography component of the package.

I work with a variety of film stocks, each chosen for its specific qualities and how it complements the subject and lighting conditions. For color work, I frequently use Kodak Portra (160, 400, and 800), Fuji Pro 400H, and Kodak Ektar 100. For black and white, I typically use Kodak Tri-X, Ilford HP5, and occasionally Ilford Delta for its fine grain. Medium format (120 film) is my primary film format, though I sometimes use 35mm for specific aesthetic goals or shooting situations.

Yes, I offer instant photography as an add-on service for most sessions and events. I work with both Polaroid and Fujifilm Instax systems to create unique, one-of-a-kind instant photographs that you can take home immediately after your session. Instant photos have a distinctive, nostalgic quality that many clients love. This service must be arranged in advance as it requires specific preparation and materials. Additional fees apply based on the number of instant photos requested.

I use professional-grade equipment that allows me to create high-quality images in any environment. My digital kit includes full-frame Sony A7IV and A7CII cameras with a selection of premium Simga and Viltrox lenses. My film equipment includes a Mamiya R67 medium format and Olympus OM-4 film bodies. For lighting, I use a combination of natural light and Godox strobes with various light modifiers. I always bring backup equipment to ensure continuous coverage regardless of any technical issues.

I primarily work with natural light and strobes, seeking out the most flattering illumination for each subject and scene. For outdoor sessions, I schedule around the 'golden hour' when possible - the time shortly after sunrise or before sunset that provides warm, directional light. For indoor sessions or challenging lighting conditions, I supplement with professional studio lights and modifiers to create beautiful, controlled illumination. My approach prioritizes soft, dimensional lighting that enhances your natural features while creating visual interest and depth in the images.

Yes, I offer studio services with various background options including solid colors, textured backgrounds, and green screen for composite work. Green screen photography allows us to place you against any digital background during post-processing. This is perfect for themed portraits, corporate headshots with branded backgrounds, or creative conceptual images. Please note that green screen work involves additional post-production time and may incur extra costs depending on the complexity of the final images.

For standard sessions, you can expect to receive your fully edited photos within 2-3 weeks after the photography session. For weddings, the delivery timeline is 2-4 weeks. This timeline represents our standard delivery schedule but may extend due to high seasonal volume, technical issues, or other circumstances beyond our control. If you require your photos sooner, rush delivery options are available for an additional fee.

Yes, if you require your photos sooner than the standard delivery timeline, I offer rush delivery options including: 1) Rush Full Gallery Delivery that prioritizes your project in my editing queue, and 2) Preview Images where a selection of edited highlight images can be delivered quickly while the remainder of the gallery follows the standard timeline. Rush delivery services must be requested and agreed upon prior to the photography session, and additional fees apply.

Your final images will be delivered through a private online gallery where you can view, download, and share your photos. The gallery remains active for at least 2 years, and you can download high-resolution digital files directly from this platform. For physical products like albums or prints, separate delivery arrangements will be made.

Basic editing including color correction, exposure adjustment, and basic retouching is included in all packages. You will have 7 days from delivery to request any reasonable adjustments to the edited photos. Extensive retouching, object removal, or special effects may incur additional charges. Not all images taken will be delivered, as I use professional judgment and artistic discretion in selecting and editing photographs.

My basic editing process includes color correction, exposure adjustments, contrast enhancement, and simple retouching (like removing temporary blemishes). For portraits, I focus on creating a natural, flattering look while preserving authentic skin texture and features. My editing style emphasizes a timeless, clean aesthetic that will look beautiful years from now, avoiding trendy filters or heavy processing that might quickly date your photos.

The number of final images varies depending on the type and length of your session. For a standard 1-hour portrait session, you can typically expect 30-50 fully edited images. For weddings, you'll generally receive 50-75 images per hour of coverage. These numbers are estimates and may vary based on the specific circumstances of your session. I focus on quality over quantity, carefully curating a gallery that tells your story beautifully rather than delivering an overwhelming number of similar shots.

I don't provide RAW or unedited files as part of my standard packages. The edited images you receive represent my complete creative vision and professional standards. Unedited files are essentially like undeveloped film and aren't representative of my final work. If you have specific concerns about image selection or editing style, please discuss them with me before or during your session so I can better understand your preferences.

Yes, select images from your gallery will be provided in both color and black and white versions when the image particularly suits a monochrome treatment. If you have specific photos you'd like to see in black and white that weren't provided that way, just let me know, and I can usually accommodate these requests within your 7-day revision period after gallery delivery.

I offer a curated selection of high-quality print products including traditional photographic prints, canvas wraps, metal prints, and framed wall art. For weddings and special events, I create custom-designed albums using archival materials that will last for generations. All print products are produced by professional labs that meet my strict quality standards for color accuracy, material quality, and durability. You can order these directly through your online gallery or contact me for custom orders and package pricing.

Your online gallery will remain active for a minimum of 2 years from the delivery date, giving you plenty of time to download, share, and order prints. After this period, the gallery may be archived. If you need access to your images after the gallery expires, a reactivation fee may apply. For this reason, I strongly recommend downloading and backing up your full-resolution images as soon as possible after gallery delivery.

Yes, I partner with professional photo labs to offer high-quality prints in various sizes and finishes. Professional prints offer superior color accuracy, contrast, and longevity compared to consumer labs. You can order prints directly through your online gallery or contact me for custom print orders. While you're welcome to print your digital files elsewhere for personal use, I strongly recommend professional printing for any images you plan to display or give as gifts.

I offer several styles of handcrafted, professional-quality albums. My signature albums feature lay-flat designs with thick pages, premium cover materials (leather, linen, or velvet), and customizable cover options. I personally design each album to tell the story of your session or event, and you'll have the opportunity to review and request changes before production. Albums are heirloom quality, designed to last for generations, and come with a manufacturer's warranty against defects.

I retain full copyright ownership of all photographs captured during our sessions. As the client, you are granted a non-exclusive license to use the photographs for personal, non-commercial purposes. Any commercial usage requires prior written permission.

Yes, you may print photographs for personal use only. However, you may not sell prints or digital files, submit images to contests or publications, or use them for commercial purposes without written permission. For best quality results, I recommend ordering prints through my professional lab options I can recommend

I may use selected photographs from your session for promotional purposes, including my website, social media platforms, and advertisement materials. This helps me showcase my work to potential clients. If you have privacy concerns, please discuss them with me before your session, and we can specify any limitations in our contract.

Commercial use includes any use of the photos for promotional, business, or for-profit purposes. Examples include using the images in advertisements, on business websites, in brochures, product packaging, or selling/licensing the images to third parties. The license you receive as a client covers personal use only, such as sharing with friends and family, displaying in your home, or using for personal social media profiles that aren't primarily business-focused.

Yes, you are welcome to share your photos on your personal social media accounts. I appreciate photo credits/tags when possible, but they aren't required for personal use. If you're using the images on a business account or for professional purposes, please contact me first to discuss commercial licensing options, as this falls outside your standard usage license.

While photo credit is not required for personal sharing, I greatly appreciate it when clients tag or mention Stephen Lawson Photography when posting on social media. Proper credit helps potential clients find my work and supports my small business. When sharing images on social media platforms, simply adding '@stephenlawsonphotography' or a similar tag is a wonderful way to support my business.

The digital files you receive are provided as finished products, and I kindly ask that you do not re-edit them with filters or other adjustments. Applying filters or heavy editing can misrepresent my work and brand. If you need specific edits or adjustments, please contact me directly and I'll be happy to work with you to achieve the look you're seeking. This ensures the quality and consistency of the images associated with my brand.

Yes, I respect clients' privacy wishes. If you prefer that I don't share your images publicly, please let me know before your session, and we can include this limitation in our contract. You can request complete privacy or specify certain images that may be shared. There is no additional fee for privacy requests, though I appreciate being able to share some images from our work together when possible, as my portfolio is built on real client sessions.

My approach blends documentary-style coverage (capturing genuine moments as they unfold) with artistically directed portraits. For most of your dayceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and candid momentsI work unobtrusively, anticipating moments before they happen. During portrait sessions, I provide gentle direction to create natural, flattering images that still feel authentic to you. I believe the best wedding photos capture both how your day looked and how it felt. My goal is creating a comprehensive visual story of your wedding that brings back all the emotions and details each time you revisit your images.

Absolutely! I love photographing destination weddings and have experience shooting in a variety of locations both domestically and internationally. For destination weddings, I typically arrive at least two days before your event to scout locations, check lighting conditions, and ensure I'm well-prepared. My destination wedding packages include my travel and accommodation costs for transparency in pricing. I'm also happy to photograph welcome dinners or farewell brunches as add-ons to provide complete coverage of your destination wedding experience.

Absolutely! I come prepared with multiple camera bodies, lenses, flashes, and memory cards to ensure that equipment failure doesn't impact your special day. I take all reasonable precautions to prevent equipment failure and will attempt to secure replacement equipment if needed.

I take my commitment to your wedding day extremely seriously and have never missed a booked wedding. However, I maintain a network of professional photographers with similar styles and experience levels who can step in if I were to face a true emergency. Your contract includes a clause detailing this contingency plan. I also carry backup equipment for all critical gear (cameras, lenses, lighting) to handle any technical issues. Rest assured that I take every precaution to ensure your wedding is beautifully documented regardless of unexpected circumstances.

For weddings within a 50-mile radius of downtown Richmond (1001 E. Byrd St.), there are no additional travel fees. For locations beyond this range or requiring an overnight stay, travel expenses including transportation, accommodation, and meals will be added. These costs will be outlined and agreed upon in advance.

Yes, I'm happy to assist in creating a photography timeline for your wedding day based on my experience. About 4-6 weeks before your wedding, we'll discuss your specific needs, must-have photos, and venue logistics to develop a practical timeline that ensures we capture all important moments while maintaining a comfortable pace for you and your guests. For the most successful timeline planning, you should provide a detailed shot list and identify a family member or friend who can help gather people for group photos.

Wedding venues often present lighting challenges, from dim churches to harshly lit reception halls. I come prepared with professional lighting equipment and the technical expertise to handle any lighting situation. For dark venues, I use a combination of fast lenses, camera bodies with excellent low-light performance, and on/off camera flash when necessary. I always scout locations in advance when possible to anticipate lighting challenges and plan accordingly. My goal is to create beautifully lit images regardless of the conditions while remaining unobtrusive during your celebration.

Absolutely! I believe the small details you've thoughtfully included in your wedding day are important parts of your story. I dedicate time to capturing elements like your rings, invitations, flowers, table settings, cake, and other decorative details that make your wedding unique. To ensure I have adequate time for detail photos, please allocate time for these in the schedule and gather important items in a central location when possible.

Family photos are most efficient when well-organized. I recommend creating a specific list of desired family groupings in advance, prioritizing the most important combinations first. Designating a family member or friend who knows most relatives to help gather people is extremely helpful. I work quickly but thoroughly through family combinations, typically allocating 30-45 minutes for this portion of the day, depending on the size of your family and your specific needs.

Yes, many of my wedding packages include a complimentary engagement session. These sessions are a wonderful opportunity for us to work together before your wedding day, helping you become comfortable in front of my camera while creating beautiful images you can use for save-the-dates, wedding websites, or guest signing books. Engagement sessions typically last 1-2 hours at a location of your choice in the Richmond area.

Whether you need a second photographer depends on several factors: the size of your wedding, your venue layout, and the complexity of your timeline. For weddings with more than 100 guests, multiple locations, or when you want simultaneous coverage of bride and groom preparations, a second photographer is highly beneficial. They provide alternative angles, capture reactions and moments I might miss, and generally ensure more comprehensive coverage. For smaller, more intimate weddings at a single venue, one photographer may be sufficient.

I believe that successful weddings require good communication among all vendors. Prior to your wedding, I reach out to your planner, DJ/band, videographer, and venue coordinator to introduce myself and discuss logistics. On the day of your wedding, I collaborate closely with these professionals to ensure everything runs smoothly while capturing all key moments. My goal is to work harmoniously with your entire vendor team while remaining unobtrusive and adaptable to any schedule changes that may occur throughout the day.

For couples considering an unplugged ceremony (where guests are asked to put away cameras and phones), I fully support this decision. Unplugged ceremonies allow guests to be fully present and ensure clean, unobstructed shots of your important moments. If you choose this option, I recommend including a note on your invitations, wedding website, and having your officiant make an announcement before the ceremony begins. I can provide suggested wording for these announcements based on what has worked well for past couples.

I come prepared with clear umbrellas, rain gear for my equipment, and experience photographing in challenging weather conditions. Rain doesn't have to ruin your photos - in fact, it can create unique, romantic opportunities. We'll discuss backup plans during our pre-wedding consultations, including identifying covered outdoor areas or indoor locations with good natural light. If needed, we can also plan to capture some portraits during breaks in the weather or schedule a post-wedding session in your wedding attire when weather conditions are more favorable.

Yes, for wedding coverage, I require a vendor meal during the reception, preferably when wedding guests are eating their meals to ensure no important moments are missed. This helps maintain energy levels throughout your full day of coverage.

Yes, Stephen Lawson Photography LLC carries comprehensive business insurance including general liability and equipment coverage. This ensures both my business and your event are protected. Many venues require photographers to have insurance, and I'm happy to provide proof of insurance to your venue if needed.

I'm based in Richmond, Virginia, and regularly serve the entire Central Virginia region including Charlottesville, Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, and Washington D.C. I'm also available for destinations worldwide with appropriate travel arrangements. Travel fees may apply for locations beyond a 50-mile radius of downtown Richmond.

Popular wedding dates (particularly in spring and fall) often book 12-18 months in advance. For portrait sessions, I recommend booking 2-3 months ahead, especially during busy seasons (spring and fall). However, I occasionally have last-minute availability due to rescheduling, so don't hesitate to inquire even if your timeline is shorter. The sooner you reach out, the better chance I'll have availability for your preferred date.

Absolutely! I encourage potential wedding clients to schedule a consultation (virtual or in-person) before booking. This gives us a chance to discuss your vision, review my portfolio in detail, and ensure we're a good fit for each other. For portrait clients, consultations are optional but always welcome. Building a rapport before your session often leads to more authentic, relaxed photographs.

My photographic approach blends classic portraiture with candid photojournalism. I create timeless, authentic images that focus on genuine emotion and beautiful light. While I provide direction when needed to ensure flattering poses and compositions, many of my favorite images come from unscripted moments. I avoid heavy editing trends or stylistic choices that might look dated in a few years, instead focusing on a clean, timeless aesthetic that will look as beautiful twenty years from now as it does today.

Absolutely! I am committed to celebrating love in all its forms and proudly serve clients of all sexual orientations, gender identities, cultural backgrounds, and religious beliefs. My goal is to create a comfortable, affirming experience for everyone I photograph while capturing the unique essence of your relationship and celebration.

I believe what sets me apart is my combination of technical expertise, artistic vision, and genuine connection with clients. I'm particularly known for my ability to make even camera-shy individuals feel comfortable and natural, my meticulous attention to detail both during shooting and editing, and my hybrid approach using both digital and film photography when appropriate. I limit the number of clients I take on each year to ensure every client receives personalized attention and a premium experience from our first consultation through final delivery.

Yes, I offer gift certificates for all my photography services. These make thoughtful presents for weddings, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. Gift certificates can be purchased in any amount or for specific packages, and can be customized with a personal message for the recipient. They are valid for one year from the date of purchase and can be emailed or provided as a physical card, depending on your preference.

Yes, I provide professional photography services for businesses and organizations. My corporate services include headshots, event coverage, product photography, architectural/real estate photography, and custom imagery for websites and marketing materials. Commercial projects are quoted individually based on usage requirements, complexity, and licensing needs. Please contact me directly to discuss your specific commercial photography requirements and to request a custom quote.

Please don't hesitate to reach out directly with any questions not covered in these FAQs. You can contact me through the contact form on my website, by email at info@stephen.photography, or by phone at (757) 816-7566. I typically respond to all inquiries within 24-48 hours during business days. For urgent matters related to upcoming sessions, please indicate this in the subject line of your email or text message.