INVESTMENT.
I get it. Photography can seem expensive. When I first started, I charged supeerrrr low rates because I, too, thought folks charged a little too much. (Don't get me wrong - I still pride myself on my rates being very affordable). However, the more I photographed, the more I realized that photography is much more than the final pictures you receive. It's also the time preparing, brainstorming poses and scouting locations, expensive equipment, the actual time spent taking your pictures, travel, hours of culling, and hours of editing.
Think of your photos as an investment. You want to hire someone you trust to deliver those images that you will cherish forever.
Generally, I charge around $250 per hour of shooting. However, depending on the type of session, there may be minimum rate. Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
Pricing & Packages
Couples
All weddings include an engagement session, so this is more for couples looking for a fun date night or nice photos together! You'll receive unique prompts that result in some candid photos.
1 hour ($200) is the minimum rate a couples session.
starting at $200
Weddings
Wedding packages start at a minimum of 8 hours of coverage. Rates increase depending on if you need more hours and/or travel. All weddings include a complementary engagement session.
$2,000 (8 hours) is the minimum rate for weddings.
starting at $2,000
Elopements
Elopement packages start at a minimum of 2 hours of coverage. Rates increase depending on if you need more hours, will be traveling outside of Indianapolis, or want to add an engagement session.
$500 (2 hours) is the minimum rate for elopements.
starting at $500
Cap and Gown
Grad sessions have become my fav! The minimum rate will vary based on group size. Groups of 2-4 require 1 hour. Groups larger than 4 require 1.5+ hours. Mini sessions (30 minutes) can be booked on Monday-Thursday evenings (individuals only).
starting at $150
Seniors
Senior sessions start at a minimum of rate of $500 (2 hours) to ensure enough time for outfit and/or location changes. Senior sessions do not include any printed images. You will receive an online gallery that you can download and print however you wish.
starting at $500
Branding
Need some updated shots for your business's website/social media? Let's do a branding session! Let your personality and passions shine through your marketing content. Sessions start at a minimum rate of 1 hour. Rates increase if more time is needed.
starting at $250
Lifestyle Newborn
I take a lifestyle approach to newborn sessions. It's preferred that these are done at your home or in a space that brings in natural light.
To ensure some sweet shots of your little one, 1.5 hours ($300) is the minimum rate for newborns.
starting at $300
Families
Need some updated family photos? I got you!
Family sessions start at a minimum of 1.5 hours to ensure we have enough time to take photos of everyone in your family. Rates may increase based on group size and location.
starting at $300
Events
Event photography includes any kind of event other than weddings. A birthday party, bridal shower, work event, etc. You will receive a mix of posed smiles and candid images from your event. Event coverage starts at a minimum of 1 hour.
starting at $250
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
How do you photograph people?
I'm a sucker for candid photos. When you shoot with me, you'll be given several fun and unique prompts that will result in some genuine, authentic photos. We'll do some posed photos, too! I like to bring humor, authenticity and a relaxed attitude to photoshoots to help clients have fun and feel comfortable. Photoshoots should not feel like a production (unless you want them to!). They should feel comfortable and authentic.
Where are you based and do you travel?
I'm currently located in Indianapolis, IN. I'm able to travel within a half hour of Indianapolis for no additional travel fees. I will charge a mileage fee for anything beyond the half hour radius of Indy.
My rates apply to all destination locations, but would also include the cost of travel/accommodations.
What is your editing style?
Feel free to scroll through recent images on @tjd.creative to get a recent and current feel for my style. I do not change my editing style for each client, so make sure you love my work before booking! No harsh feelings if you dig another editing style (like bright and airy) and want to go with another option. I get it!
It's important to know that factors such as location, the colors you wear, lighting, weather, etc. all impact the final images. Despite using the same editing style and color hues on all galleries, your final product could look pretty different from another shoot due to all the variables at play.
When and how will we/I get our/my photos?
Turnaround times will be clearly stated in any proposal/contract, but you can typically expect your gallery back within 3 weeks for mini sessions, between 3-4 weeks for 1-2 hour sessions, and 10 weeks (around 2 months) for weddings. Weddings receive a handful of day after previews (you gotta have something to post!) and another batch of images in a 1 month preview gallery.
You can download all the photos from the gallery but also share them, choose your favorites, and also order prints! I do not watermark photos. They're yours to print and post as you wish.
Please note that as I work through your gallery, I may share sneak peeks on social media! Sharing a sneak peek does not mean your full gallery is done yet. Also, you may notice that a shoot that was done after yours (like a mini session) is delivered before your gallery if yours takes a little more work (like a wedding). I promise to send them as soon as they are finished within the promised timeframe.
How many pictures will we receive?
This varies by shoot, but you can expect to receive approximately 30-40 edited, high resolution photos per hour of photography.
Traditional weddings can expect anywhere from 300-500 edited, high resolution photos.
Mini sessions can expect anywhere from 15-20 edited, high resolution photos.
When are you available?
Photography is not my full-time gig, so availability is limited to evenings during the week and weekends. I prefer a weeknight over weekends for sessions under 2 hours.
As for time of day, lighting is our best friend, so I recommend an hour after sunrise or 1-2 hours before sunset for outdoor shoots. These times will give you the best quality photos and have the best chance of avoiding super harsh shadows/sunshine. If daytime works best for you, we will want to pick a location that provides some shady spots! Just know that time of day will ultimately impact the vibes of your images.
Do you share RAW or unedited images?
I do not share RAW files. I want to deliver you the best of the best images from our session together.
How do I get in contact with you?
The quickest way to get in contact with me is through direct message on my Instagram account (@tjd.creative). You can also fill out my contact form on here which goes to my email.
Please be patient with responses. It may take me a few days to get to you since this is not my full time gig, but I promise I'm not ignoring you! If it's been over a week and you have not heard anything, please ping me again. Sometimes, things go to spam or are hiding in a separate folder. I will never be upset if you send me another message! Regardless, just know I am NOT ignoring you.
What kind of touchups do you make?
I will not touch up or photoshop anything that's not temporary. I can take out a pimple or stray hair here and there, but do not make any other edits to someone's appearance.