Frequently.Asked.Questions.
General Questions
Wedding Questions
Portrait Questions
Senior Portrait Questions
General Questions
Q. Where are you located?
A. We are located in Pleasant Hill, California but will travel for no extra fee anywhere in the Bay Area (Up to 50 miles). If your event is outside of the Bay Area, call us today for travel prices.
Q. What kind of equipment do you use?
A. I use all professional equipment and back up equipment. This is VERY important when hiring your photographer to know that if for some reason a piece of their equipment should fail that they have a professional and reliable back up. This is a list of what I have in my camera bag.
Canon 1Ds
Canon 1D mark II
Canon 1Vhs
Canon 28-78 2.8 L lens
Canon 70-200 2.8 L lens
Canon 2x extender
Canon 580ex flash
Canon 550ex flash
LightsphereII
Stofen Omni Bounce
Lumedyne minicycler
Sandisk 1GB compact flash card (7)
Q. Do you do Black and White photography?
A. Yes we do! Since I am 100% digital, everything is taken in color and then we select some of the images to be black and white that we know will look best. If you wish to see any of the images that have been taken in color converted to black and white, just let us know and providing they can be converted, we can do that.
Q. My company is having their annual party. Do you cover these types of events?
A. Yes we do. When you call, we will get an idea of the amount of people attending, the type of pictures that your company wants (posed, candids or both), post production needs (negatives, prints etc.). This will allow us to give you a good estimate of how much you will need to invest.
Q. How long does an average session last?
A. There are many factors that can determine how long a session will last. On average, I would say they normally last about one hour or so.
Q. Do you use film or digital?
A. I am 100% digital but if you have your heart set on film, I can do that too! (prices double when using film).
Q. How long before I get to view my images?
A. Normally it takes about 4 weeks before your images are ready to be viewed although they can be ready in as little as 2 weeks.
Q. Do you retouch your prints?
A. Normal retouching is included in the print price and is done only on the prints that you order. If you have a special request for retouching, please let me know before you order. If you need heavy retouching, it will be billed at the digital artwork rate.
Q. Can you change the background on a print if needed?
A. Yes. This is a digital artwork request and the rates for these services is $70.00 per hour with a half hour minimum. You can visit our before and after page to see some of our retouching and digital artwork for examples.
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Wedding Questions and Information
Your wedding day should be the most special and memorable day of your life and Creative Look Photography is here to document how the day unfolds from who attended to all of the expressions to every little detail of your wedding favors.
Our mixture of photojournalism, documentary and traditional styles allows us to capture all the details of your wedding day while also getting those “posed” must have shots. Combine this with our unobtrusive and professional attitude, Creative Look Photography will make you and your guests feel as comfortable as if you have known us for years.
After the music has ended, the flowers have wilted and the food has all been eaten… All you will have left to remember your special day is your wedding pictures. Creative Look Photography is someone you can trust your most special day with and be assured that everything will flow smoothly.
For more information visit our “contact page” and call today. You can also check your date availability by clicking here and then filling out our information page so we can help serve you better. We will respond with in 48 hours of your phone call or e-mail.
Our wedding packages start as low as $1,000.00 (3 hours coverage). Please call for more information and to check availability of your date. At that time we can discuss your wedding date and find out exactly what you are looking for in a photographer. If we are available on your date, we can schedule a time (24/7) to get together and chat about your wedding day in detail.
The negatives and original prints are included in select packages and are available for purchase on all packages.
Black and White is no additional charge.
We offer both packages and Ala Carte pricing for your conveinience. All packages can be custom designed to fit each individual couple.
Call us today at 925-787-1063 to set up a time for you to come in and chat while your date is still available. There is no cost or obligation to you for this.
Q. How much do you charge for a wedding?
A. Most couples invest anywhere between $1,000 and $4,000 for an average 6-8 hour wedding depending on what the post production needs are.
Q. How many pictures do you take?
A. The amount of pictures that I take is unlimited. I normally end up with about 500-1000 images at a 6-8 hour wedding.
Q. Do you travel?
A. Yes, I travel world wide. After the first 50 miles, travel fees will apply.
Q. My Aunt who lives in California recommended you for my wedding. I live in Arizona and wanted to know if you travel that far?
A. Yes, we will travel out of state for a wedding or any other event(s) that you may have. Please call for travel prices.
Q. How do I view my images?
A. There are a few different ways to view your images. You can either view them online for no cost or you can purchase an original portfolio with all of the images
Q. How long before I get to view my images?
A. Normally it takes about 4 weeks before your images are ready to be viewed although they can be ready in as little as 2 weeks.
Q. Can the negatives/digital files be purchased?
A. Yes. The negatives/digital files are included in select packages and you can also purchase them separately with our ala carte option.
Q. How far in advance should we book our photographer?
A. You should book your photographer as soon as you have the date set to ensure that your photographer is not booked up on that date.
Q. Do you have an assistant?
A. If the job requires an assistant, I will have some with me to help out and make sure the event goes smoothly. Not all events require an assistant.
Q. Do you do engagement pictures?
A. Yes we do, it is offered at no additional cost to you on select wedding packages and can also be purchased separately on packages that do not include it. If you want only engagement pictures, please call for prices.
Q. Do you do rehearsal dinners?
A. Yes we will do your rehearsal dinner. Please call for prices on this service @ 925-787-1063.
Q. Can you recommend a good caterer and/or DJ?
A. The caterer that we recommend is Wilma Lott Catering. I used to work for Wilma and Robert Lott, Robert is the chef and has some of the best wedding food out there. For Dj's, we recommend Strawberry Fields. These companies are both on our referrals list. Please visit my vendor page to view our recommended vendors.
Q. I have heard many different opinions on film VS digtal. What is your take on it?
A. Many photographers will tell you that digital is not there yet and this is just not true. While both formats have their pro’s and con’s, I feel that digital has definitely reached the same if not better quality as film. Some of the lower end camera’s do not have the quality that the higher end one’s do so you may want to ask your photographer what camera they use (I use Canon’s 1Ds 11.1 megapixels). By shooting digital, I am able to cut costs and pass on the savings to you so you can meet your budget. In my opinion, digital has more advantages that film does and I have listed some below (you have most of these options with film if you get the negatives scanned, but the cost to have this done will be VERY pricey and will reflect in the final cost.
Instant gratification
View more previews
Add missing guest(s) to pictures
Head swaps
Change background
Online viewing/purchasing
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Senior Portrait Questions and Information
Your senior year should be a time to be remembered. Creative Look Photography will capture what your life was like as a senior, so when you pull out your pictures years down the road, you will remember what your life was like at that time.
Each individual senior will get a personalized photo session tailored to their lifestyle. We do not take those boring, posed mug shot yearbook pictures like the contract/chain stores do. Your senior photo session will be the most fun and natural professional pictures you have ever had taken! Ask about our Ultimate photo session for great savings and the best value for your money. We have about 40 different selections to choose from starting at $70. This package is available for a limited time only, so call today and find out how to get FREE photo’s, a FREE dvd slide show, a FREE family portrait session and have your session fee waived! ($90 value). Every session is guaranteed.
Q. How many clothing changes should I bring?
A. The amount of clothes you wish to bring is up to you. We normally suggest at least 2 clothing changes, but you can bring more if you like.
Q. Can I bring my wakeboard for the portraits?
A. Yes! We encourage you to bring props along on the session to show what you were in to at the time you were a senior.
Q. Will the portraits you take go in my yearbook?
A. Unfortunately in California, the school districts are contracted with certain chain studios and you have to go their if you want your picture in your yearbook. This does not mean that you have to buy any of their prints. If you want something other than the boring mug shot photo's that the chain stores take, then you should come see us at Creative Look Photography.
Q. Can I bring a friend?
A. Yes you can! You can include your friend in a few of the poses with you, but not separately. If they want a separate portrait of them, they will have to book a separate session.
Q. What is your ambassador program?
A. I am always looking for seniors to be in this program. When you are one of my ambassadors and you refer 5 of your friends who get their portraits taken from me, I will give you an MP3 player. Basically, the more seniors you send my way, the better incentives you will receive. Please speak with me for more details.
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Portrait Questions
Q. How should I dress for my portrait session?
A. You should dress in Solid colors. Earth tones colors such as blues, browns and greens are best. If there is more than one person in the portrait, everyone should be wearing like colors. Remember to wear presentable shoes and socks as they may be in the portrait. Patterns are not recommended for your portrait.
Q. Do you offer gift certificates?
A. Yes we do! Gift certificates can be purchased in any amount by calling Tod @ 925-787-1063.
Q. Are my prints guaranteed?
A. As long as your prints are kept out of direct sunlight, they are guaranteed for a lifetime.
Q. How do I view my images?
A. When they are ready, I will come to your house/location and project the images on your wall so you can see them large. If it is easier for you, I can also put them online for viewing.
Q. Do you have a studio where you will take our portraits?
A. I prefer to take the portraits outdoors in natural lighting conditions as I feel it is much more natural flattering and relaxed. If you are looking for an indoor portrait, I will come to your location and do the session there in the comfort of your own home.
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