BEFORE THE SHOOT

Why should I choose Gina Mizzoni Photography?
You will receive a custom experience – from start to finish – for a competitive price. Gina Mizzoni Photography only books a select number of clients at a time to ensure more time for each client – before, during and after the session.

How much does it cost?
Sessions start at $150, and include a separate sales tax and shipping fee. See Investment for more details.

How far in advance should I book my session?
We recommend at least four to six weeks in advance.

What can I expect prior to the shoot?
After you’ve scheduled and paid the 50% upfront session fee to secure your spot, you will receive a simple “Client Questionnaire” form. By filling out this form, you will express your desires for the session and allow me to begin planning a custom experience for you.

During the planning process, we will discuss poses and concepts you like.

I will be available to answer questions you may have prior to our shoot, and will ensure that we’re both prepared for the big day. The best way to communicate with me, during the planning phase, is via email at Gina@GinaMizzoni.com.

How do you accept payments?
All payments are made via PayPal. Details are sent to you at the time of booking.

I’ve scheduled a Family Portrait session with you, which includes a two-hour session. I’m a little concerned that our session may have to be cut short due to a potential toddler tantrum. What if that happens?
When working with children, I always want to book the time of day when your child is at his/her happiest. For the little ones, after nap time is highly recommended. I always work to get amazing quality images from the moment I hit the shutter. No photo session is exactly the same. It is uniquely YOU and yours. 

Is there a specific time of the day that you recommend for outdoor shoots?
Ideally, two hours before sunset, as this would allow us to take advantage of the “Golden Hour” (when outdoor afternoon/evening lighting is at its most beautiful). If, for whatever reason, you are unable to book during that time, necessary adjustments will be made.

And, for you early birds out there – don’t forget the other ideal time for photography, which happens one hour after sunrise. Morning shots can be absolutely stunning!

The weather forecast says that it might rain during our shoot. Should we reschedule?
Any rescheduling due to the weather is completely at the discretion of Gina Mizzoni Photography. Sometimes, cloudy days can result in the richest and most ideal lighting situations. Always assume that the show will go on, unless you hear otherwise from me. In the event that our session is cancelled due to weather, we will simply reschedule to another date.

Do you ever shoot inside of a client’s home?
Absolutely! And, in such cases, I arrive a little early to set up.

What do you recommend I wear to the shoot?
It depends on the type of shoot – but definitely something that’s YOU… and simple is ALWAYS better. For group photos, I recommend fun colors and patterns that coordinate well and express the personalities of each individual. For boudoir sessions, you’ll want to choose wardrobe options that make you feel like a sexy bombshell. For all sessions, stay away from logos and loud graphics. Ladies, avoid sleeveless unless you’re super confident about your arms.

I will send you a complete list of what to wear/not wear prior to our shoot, so that you may plan accordingly. In the meantime, check out (and follow) my What to Wear board on Pinterest for inspiration.

Do you provide hair and makeup services?
Not at this time. However, I can make affordable recommendations.

I’m not really photogenic, so I’m a little nervous about our session. Do you have any tips to help me prepare?
Remember: YOU are beautiful just as you are. And, it is YOU we are capturing. Rest assured that I will help you to relax and come out of your shell… and will capture your most flattering self.

Here is a great tip to help you prepare: Practice some poses and facial expressions in front of the mirror at home.

Do you photograph pets?
As long as it’s a well trained pet, absolutely!

What if I need to cancel?
If you wish to cancel prior to our session, you must provide at least 24 hours notice, and your session will be rescheduled to another date.

I see that you’re a “Vegas Lifestyle Photographer.” Do you accept work from out of state?
While I’m based in Las Vegas, Nevada and primarily work with clients here, I have taken on out-of-state assignments in the past and would do it again in a heartbeat. For more details, contact me at Gina@GinaMizzoni.com.

DURING THE SHOOT

What can I expect during the shoot?
A very natural and relaxed experience! At first, I usually have you pose in a way that feels natural to you, and then adjust and direct you as needed. You’ll be surprised by how little it feels like posing. Expect to have a blast!

Do you have an assistant?
It depends on the shoot. For child and group sessions, almost always!

Sometimes, my kids can be a little wild. Will you be keeping them in line during our shoot?
As a photographer, my number one priority is capturing beautiful and authentic images. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure that the child is safe and cooperative during our shoot. If you feel that bringing another adult or babysitter is necessary, then you are more than welcome to do so. Please let me know prior to the shoot if your child has behavioral issues. I will try my best to prepare. However, I cannot be held responsible for uncooperative models. Please make sure your child is photo shoot-ready 

What are the options for locations?
Pretty much anywhere – as long as it’s safe and legal. Studio sessions are also available. For certain locations, additional fees may apply.

Since I’ve already paid 50% of my session fee upfront to secure my date, when do I pay the remaining balance?
Your remaining balance is due on the day of the shoot. Of course, you may also pay it before the actual shoot day if you’d prefer.

AFTER THE SHOOT

What post-processing and editing programs do you use?
Photoshop and Lightroom.

I understand that you’ll be providing me with access to a private, password-protected proofing gallery. Will those images be edited?
Your proofing gallery images will feature some retouching and editing. Custom enhancements and editing to final images is solely at the artistic discretion of Gina Mizzoni Photography. Post-production editing styles may be discussed prior to the shoot. 

How soon will I be receiving access to my password-protected online proofing gallery?
Please allow up to 14 business days to receive a link and instructions to your password-protected online proofing gallery.

May I share my password-protected online proofing gallery with others?
Absolutely! Please feel free to share it with your friends and family, who may wish to place an order for purchase.

How long will I have access to my password-protected online proofing gallery?
You will have access for a total of 14 days.

After I’ve placed my order, how soon should I expect my digital CD and or prints?
Please allow up to three weeks to receive your order. Generally, I aim to get photos processed and shipped to you within two weeks; however, this may vary on a case-by-case basis. Ask me for more details.

I notice that you sometimes post client photos on your Gina Mizzoni Photography Facebook page. Will you be posting mine as well?
Shortly after our session, I may post one or a few of my favorite images from our session on my Gina Mizzoni Photography Facebook page. Feel free to tag yourself, and then use the photo as your profile image. You may not make any alterations to the image(s), and the Gina Mizzoni Photography logo must remain on the image(s).

Who owns the images?
Gina Mizzoni retains all rights to the images unless otherwise stated in writing. It is illegal to reproduce the images without written permission by Gina Mizzoni. Digital files may be purchased and then reproduced to certain sizes, and or web resolution images for social networking websites. However, please be respectful of the federal ownership copyright laws (see www.copyright.gov for a copy of laws and legal procedures).

TECHNIQUE & TOOLS

Nikon or Canon?
Nikon all the way!

What file format do you shoot in?
RAW. All edits are made to a RAW file, as it results in the highest quality image possible. Final digital product is saved as a JPG.

Just curious… which mode do you shoot in?
About 99.9999% of the time, I shoot in Manual mode. This allows me to completely control the exposure of the image, and capture what is true to my eyes at that moment. When I’m in a situation where I’m taking an action shot in constantly changing light (for example, chasing a dog or toddler through a park beneath moving clouds), I may switch to Shutter priority mode. Aperture priority mode may also be used in certain situations.

Do you offer private lessons or workshops?
Not at this time, as I’m currently focusing on the “shooting clients” side of my photography business. However, down the road, I would definitely LOVE to offer private lessons and workshops. In the meantime, I will share my knowledge, from time to time, on my blog.

Do you ever offer mini-sessions?
Occasionally, I do offer shorter sessions or “mini sessions.” Stay tuned for specials!

This F.A.Q.s page is subject to change. Please check back for updates.