Events Beyond Your Control

• What if my son or daughter (or other person) doesn't play in the scheduled event (in other words they sit on the bench most of or the entire game)?
  • Obviously you've hired me to get action shots and that's difficult to do if they're not participating or are only given consolation time toward the end of the event because of a lop-sided win/loss. If this is the case, I'll gladly work with you to make arrangements for another event. If it happens a second time we can discuss alternatives or agree to refund your deposit.
• What if the event is cancelled for some reason?
  • This is beyond your control and I'll be happy to make arrangements for another event at a later date.
• What about inclement weather?
  • Most outdoor sports will be played regardless of weather unless there is a threat of lightning or severe weather in the area. However, camera equipment typically dislikes getting wet. While I do have protective gear for my equipment it can only do so much. In the event of heavy rain I may have to pack up my gear and wait it out. IF I do not get any shots or very many to work with then I'll make arrangements with you to shoot on another date (this is no additional cost to you). In the unlikely event of a heavy snow flurry I may also have to make arrangements for another date as snow, unlike rain, tends to make shooting much more difficult in terms of optimal results. In any case, you do not forfeit your deposit nor is there additional cost for scheduling another event.
• What if my star athlete is sick or injured?
  • As long as you give me advanced notice (even an hour before the event will do) that they will not playing due to illness or injury (or any other reason) then, no problem! We'll make arrangements for another time or I can refund your deposit if you desire.
• What if you (the photographer) are told to leave?
  • While I've never been asked to leave a sporting event before (there's always a first time for everything), I have been told I can only shoot from certain places or distances. In the latter case, this shouldn't be a problem; however, if it does cause a problem I'll let you know. I probably won't know until I'm able to review the shots on my editing system. In either case, I'll make arrangements for an alternate date at no additional cost or refund if you desire.

Events Within Your Control

• What if we don't show up for some reason?
  • If you didn't give me advance notice and I show up at the event ready to shoot and your star athlete is not there then you forfeit your deposit. If we make arrangements for a second date (a second deposit will be required) and everything goes well then we can work something out in the overall price to take into account the first deposit - it will not be a full refund though. Of course, I do understand that things happen so please contact me either way to let me know what happened -- while I need to consider my time I'm not inflexible or incapable of understanding hectic schedules or last minute emergencies.

Other Questions

• What do I (as the client) need to provide you prior to the date?
  • Obviously I'll need to know the date. :-) Other information that I'll need includes:
    • Location
    • What type of sport or event?
    • How will I identify the person I'm photographing? A jersey number is typically sufficient, a photograph of your loved can be helpful too but a jersey number is more easily spotted and should be all I need. If it's for a private league (CASL, for example) I'll also need to have a description of the uniform they'll be wearing so I don't shoot the wrong #5 the entire game. :-)
    • I will also need at least a week advance notice on the event you want covered if it's open to the public. Please also refer to the question below regarding making arrangements with event coordinators.
• Should I (the client) introduce you to my loved one?
  • You can if you wish but I recommend against this. You want candid shots and this is more easily accomplished if your loved doesn't know they are the subject of the camera. Additionally, when people know they are being photographed they (typically) tend to act less natural. Perhaps most importantly, I don't want my presence to become a distraction from the reason they are there in the first place.
• Do I (the client) need to be present at the event?
  • In all likelihood I probably won't even see you at the event. So you don't have to be present at the event yourself as long as your loved one is there.
• What sports or events do you cover?
  • Please see the coverage page for details on what I cover and don't cover.
• Do I need to buy you a ticket or pass?
  • No. I typically cover high school sports and would likely be covering a local event myself if not for hire. In the event that I cannot use my privileges in doing so I will purchase my own ticket/pass up to $25. If the event is exclusive (i.e., private) and/or the cost is greater than $25 to gain entry please let me know this advance so we can work out details.
• Do I need to make arrangements with event coordinators?
  • As long as the event is public then no, no special arrangements need to be made in advance. If, on the other hand, the event is private or being held on private property then we will need to work together to make arrangements with the event coordinators. In the case of a private event or event on private property the more advance notice you can provide the better.
• Should I tell the coach or anyone else that I've hired you?
  • If the event is being held on public land or is a public school event (such as a high school baseball game) you do not have to tell anyone though you may wish to inform the coaching staff as a courtesy or I can do this on your behalf if you desire -- though it's not necessary.
  • If the event is for a private league (CASL, for example) where professional cameras are not typically present you should inform the coaching staff as a courtesy. You may also want to consider telling other parents if you think they might get concerned about the presence of a photographer. I'll leave that to your discretion though.
  • While I try to be discreet there's only so much I can do. I'll most likely be shooting with two cameras one of which has a rather large lens and monopod. At high school sporting events this won't seem so odd and people typically pay little attention to me. At a private league event or sports for younger athletes I'll likely stand out more which is why I recommend informing the coaching staff and any parents you think may get concerned at my presence.
• Okay, so how does it all work after I've given you the particulars and you've taken the photos?
  • Great question! I will strive to get you initial results as soon as possible after the event. Depending upon my schedule and the number of photos it could take me 2-3 days to have proofs ready. I will at least let you know this shortly after the event (typically the same day).
  • The next step is that I will provide you a link to a private gallery where you can view the proofs. These will not be fully edited photos but will have rudimentary editing done in terms of crop, color, and exposure correction. I will be looking for your input on which photos you like and which you don't. Once you've made that selection those will be the photos that I will spend time doing professional editing. When I send you the link I'll also include what I'm after in this step as a reminder. There is no minimum or maximum number of photos that you have to select in this stage. Just keep in mind that the more photos I have to do final editing on the longer it will likely take to get to the next step. You are under no obligation to purchase final edited versions if you decide you don't like the end result. It is also not too late to make changes to any photographs as well (i.e., crop, color, or other minor adjustments such as distracting background elements, etc.). That said I'm not in the business of digitally altering what someone looks like (e.g., make them look thinner, taller, etc.).
  • Once I've finished the editing I'll post the final edits to the same gallery and let you know. Then we can discuss what you would like to purchase in terms of prints, a full package, and/or downloads
  • Once we have sorted out those details I'll provide you an invoice for the total cost and we can refine from there if you need in terms of which photos, number of prints and so forth. Once we've settled on a final invoice the next step will be payment.
  • Once I have received payment I will go ahead and place the order. You will receive confirmation of payment along with confirmation that the order has been placed with the lab.
  • Your prints and anything else you order will be shipped directly to you. I will also let you know the estimated shipping time on your purchase(s).
  • If you would prefer to do business in person and pay in cash that works as well and I can hand deliver your order and receive payment then.
  • If you purchase digital copies (as well as the included digital) those will be available for download within 24 hours of payment (or likely less).