How it works - the process

If you work with us, you're not just hiring a photographer, you're putting a team of experts to work on your behalf. The teamwork is the key. Watch us work and you'll see how different the role of the photographer is from the role of the creative consultant.

Before the shoot - preparation

Please discuss with your creative consultant each of the looks you're planning. Get their advice regarding outfits, accessories, etc., and discuss how to make it work with the location of the shoot. Have this discussion ahead of time, so you can come to the shoot well prepared, knowing exactly what you're going to do.

Put together everything you need for a particular look, and package it together, so you can grab it quickly when it's time to change.

The day of the shoot

Be well rested and arrive early. This is hard work, but great fun.

After the shoot

Proofs - Traditionally, we've printed contact sheets, but recently it's been making more sense to create a disk of proofs. If the client prefers printed contact sheets we're willing, but there are many advantages to going the disk route.

Especially if your shoot results in hundreds of images, computer users will have an easier time narrowing it down to favorites on the computer. Images on contact sheets are typically very small; it's easier to see slight differences with larger onscreen images.

It's up to you but either way, we'll get your proofs out to you promptly after your shoot.

Photo shoot pricing

The shoot itself is $300.00. This includes the photographer (Bill Coulter) the creative consultant, hair and makeup, the consulting discussions prior to the shoot, and our input after the shoot to help you decide which images make you look your best. Your proof disk or contact sheets are included and are yours to keep. If you need the proofs on a rush basis, there could be an extra charge for that.

Pageant photo shoots have traditionally been priced based on a number of different "looks." Three looks for $300 meant three different outfits and three different hair and makeup looks. Recently, we've relaxed this framework and allowed our clients to change as many times as they like within an overall two hour time limit for the shoot. Additional time and/or looks can be negotiated depending on our schedule and availability.

Print pricing

Natural photos are $60.00 each. That includes optimization in PhotoShop. Levels are adjusted for best brightness, contrast and skin tone. Color balance is adjusted. Minor retouching is included, if necessary to remove a blemish or some other minor problem. Your photo will be printed 8x10 borderless on high quality Epson Premium Luster Photo Paper.

Once you've purchased an image from us, 8x10 reprints of the same image are generally $10.00 each. We can also print a black & white conversion of the image for $10.00.

If you need prints on a rush basis, there could be an extra charge for that.

Retouching

Retouched photos (glitz headshots) are $150.00 each. That includes everything detailed above, plus retouching. 

Print sizes

Pageant photos submitted for competition are normally about 8.5 x 11 or 8 x 10. This is the standard print size we will supply at the prices indicated. If you have (or if you would like to purchase) a larger portfolio presentation case that will hold larger prints, we love to make larger prints, at any size up to 16 x 24. Contact us for advice and special pricing on larger prints, portfolio presentation cases and frames. We are now printing with our new Epson Stylus Pro 4800. This printer model represents a turning point in the technology of professional level ink jet photo printing. Read all about it on Epson's web site.

Quantity Discounts

• Spend $400.00 on prints and get one in-house composite at no charge.

• Spend $600.00 and get 12 prints for the price of 10.

You can combine these two offers. Order 12 prints from your shoot plus one composite for $600.00.

Composites (Comp Cards)

We do basic modeling style comp cards in-house and we're also happy to send images out for you. We've had especially good results from a particular graphics house that specializes in pageant comp cards.

Use of Images for Comp Cards

Images used for comp cards need to be images that you've purchased, not just proofs.

Black & White

Digital photos can be converted to B&W. We use an advanced conversion process in Photoshop's channel mixer to optimize tonal range for the best possible outcome. Our Epson Stylus Pro 4800 printer incorporates advanced black & white printing technology and produces outstanding B&W prints.

Model Release

We require a signed model release to protect everyone involved.

Camera, Lighting and Printing Equipment

We're currently shooting with an awesome Canon EOS 1D Mark II digital camera. We exclusively use Canon's "L" series professional lenses, including the EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM and the EF 24-70mm f2.8L USM.

Your outdoor portfolio shoot will employ supplemental lighting equipment including a Canon Speedlight with a fast recycling external power supply for on-camera fill-flash and may also employ the use of reflectors.

Your indoor shoot will utilize a collection of studio strobe units, light stands, softboxes, umbrellas, reflectors, modifiers and accessories primarily from White Lightning. This lighting equipment is also utilized for our pageant stage photography.

Images from the Canon 1D Mark II are 8.2 megapixels (2336 x 3504). These images can be cropped and still produce excellent image quality in 8.5 x 11 or larger prints. Ask us about print sizes up to 16 x 24, portfolio presentation cases and framing.

We are now printing with an Epson Stylus Pro 4800. This printer model represents a turning point in the technology of professional level ink jet photo printing. Read all about it on Epson's web site.