Frequently Asked Questions

Business Storytelling

How do I put together a mood board?

We’ve put together a template that we’ll send for you to use.

How should I prepare for my shoot?

I suggest that you have a notes app open on your phone and think about this: when you go to post a photo on social media, where are the holes, what kind of content do you need? Start chatting with your friends and those whose opinions you trust about ideas they might have for expressing your brand/business.

Also, send me an example of your branding colors before the shoot. This is really helpful for deciding on backdrops and other complementary colors (the mood board will be really helpful here!)

What about models?

You’re welcome to book & bring your own models. If you need recommendations, hit me up. We have a great resource list.

Should we shoot indoors or outdoors?

There’s pros and cons to each. Let’s have a call to chat about what’s best for you.

I’m working with a web designer/brand consultant. Should they be included?

Fantastic! It’s really important for how we approach your photoshoot. I always recommend including them in the process (help w/colors, styling, layout of pics for website and beyond). Doing your photoshoot and website simultaneously is a very symbiotic way to develop/elevate your brand.

What should I bring?

Please come prepared with a list laying out everything you want to shoot. This could include products and product information such as sizing, ways to wear/use the product, etc. If you’re planning to have models wear or use your product, make a note of what model will be with what product. You might also want to bring a whiteboard/chalkboard or poster board to superimpose words/images on later.

What if I just need product photography for my website?

Great, let’s chat! I definitely offer product only shoots but always think it’s great to include some images of you as well as your brand.

What kind of props, backdrops and/or furniture does the CJP studio offer?

We have 9-10 backdrop colors up at all times, multiple chairs to choose from in a variety of styles, multiple surfaces for product photography and more! Please reach out for more info.

Should I have professional hair & makeup done?

Yes, it’s always recommended to have a professional handle your hair & makeup to give you more bang for your buck. Check out the awesome makeup artists we recommend!

Should I get a manicure?

No need to get a professional manicure but if you don’t, make sure your nails are filed, cuticles are cleaned up and hands look as great as they can be.

How do I get prints after the photoshoot?

I create an online gallery where you can view, download and purchase all of your photos. The gallery is for you and whomever else with whom you wish to share it. We encourage our clients to buy their prints from the online gallery provided to ensure the quality of your images. The printing companies we use are vetted and reputable and we know they will print your photos at the highest level of quality.

Why do you charge travel fees after 10 miles?

Because Bay Area traffic.

Lifestyle & Fitness

What should I expect?

It’s all about you! Personality photos aren’t necessarily for work or your Holiday cards. You’re not wearing a uniform or outfit you only wear once a year. Personality shoots are about you jiving with yourself and letting me capture it.

What should I wear?

The outfits that are most you, the outfits you feel most comfortable and confident in. Always bring a few outfits (3-4 different looks/color options) and try on all your clothes before the shoot.

If you’re looking to get your face & hair done, hire a professional! Check out our awesome vendors here! Try to hang clothes and/or steam & iron before arrival. If not possible, bring someone with you to steam & iron (*studio does have a steamer).

Should I get a manicure?

No need to get a professional manicure but if you don’t, make sure your nails are filed, cuticles are cleaned up and hands look as great as they can be.

What does CJP have in the studio?

Make-up mirror, dressing room, clothing steamer, hangers.

How do I get prints after the photoshoot?

Why do you charge travel fees after 10 miles?

Because Bay Area traffic.

Business Storytelling

Why should I get headshots?

A good headshot can do wonders for your career, your online dating profile and your self esteem. We live in a visual world, an online world, a tech-heavy-image-driven-social-media-focused world. Don’t try to get by with that pixilated, poorly lit iPhone 8 pic that your bestie took for you in the way too distant past. Don’t be scared and stop putting it off. I promise you’ll be inspired when you see photos of your amazing and authentic self!

What should I wear?

Your “uniform.” That could mean a polo, apron and name tag, if that’s the photo you need. It could also be the clothes you want to represent your personal brand with. Dress to your industry standards and for your needs. Always bring a few outfits and try on all your clothes before the shoot. Ask your stylish friend to help you pick out the things that look best on you, research what other people in your industry wore for their shots and most importantly wear what makes you feel the most fabulous.

Try to hang clothes and/or steam & iron before arrival. If not possible, bring someone with you to steam & iron (*studio does have a steamer).

What should I bring?

Any tools of the trade – laptop for bloggers, microphones for podcasters, headphones for DJs, that sort of thing.

What kind of backdrops do you have?

First of all, I don’t own that boring marbled-blue backdrop that all your grade school portraits are taken with or a basic brick wall as a backdrop. We go bright orange, green, purple, black, or will cruise around the neighborhood for urban backdrops. There is no reason for your headshots to be stuffy! You can still be professional and have a personality.

What does CJP have in the studio?

Make-up mirror, dressing room, clothing steamer, hangers.

What about makeup?

Wear what makes you confident! Do bring your makeup to touch up your look. Need some professional help? Check out the awesome makeup artists we recommend.

How do I get prints after the photoshoot?

Could you do headshots for our whole company?

Definitely! Whether you all come to the studio or I come to you, this is something we do offer. Reach out for more info.

Why do you charge travel fees after 10 miles?

Because Bay Area traffic.

Weddings & Love

Should we buy a wedding album?

YES. In my experience, our Luxe Wedding Album is the best way to memorialize your special day. Your wedding album is what you grab in a fire or earthquake (along with your kids, spouse and wine collection!); it’s what you share with your grandkids and leave to your children. Having a physical book that contains your favorite images of your wedding is far more satisfying than a thumbdrive of digital files and unprinted images.

The quality of the albums we print for you are unlike your average photobooks. These albums are made to last a lifetime and come with a 100-year guarantee. They are the classiest way to enjoy timeless memories of your wedding day.

Having me design your book helps you get it done stress-free, in a timely fashion and at the highest level of quality. Get more info here!

What do you mean by “tangible memories?”

In a digital world, it’s easy to forget the value of creating tangible memories that will last your lifetime, your children’s lifetime and their children’s lifetime. Something real they can hold in their hands to remember you and your greatest moments. How many of you have had a hard drive crash, a cell phone get stolen, had something gone wrong with your cloud storage, or some other catastrophe that caused you to lose years of photos or precious data? I’ve experienced enough of this data loss in my life, and never had a fire or flood (knock on wood!) damage my photo albums. Not only that, but are my kids and grandkids really going to transfer, maintain, and update my hard-drive and dropbox accounts generation after generation? There is a case to be made that printed, archival-quality albums may survive longer because they can literally be handed from one person to another.

Having me design your book helps you get it done stress-free, in a timely fashion and at the highest level of quality. Get more info here!

Do you include high resolution images after all of your photography sessions?

Yes, in most of them. As a gift from me to you, when you purchase a wedding album or a prints package, we include the high resolution images as well. If the high resolution images are not included in the package you choose, you can buy them for a separate charge.

Having me design your book helps you get it done stress-free, in a timely fashion and at the highest level of quality. Get more info here!

Why the emphasis on printing?

Too often I’ve found that once people are in possession of their digital images, they look at their photos on their computers and then forget to print them. I don’t want your photos to only live on your computer or in the cloud (which I’m convinced may float away one day); I wish for you to memorialize these beautiful moments and hang them on your walls and hold them in your hands as albums!

How do I get prints after the event?

I create an online gallery where you can view, download and purchase all of your photos. The gallery is for you and whomever else with whom you wish to share it. The intention of the gallery is to encourage you to print your photos. We encourage our clients to buy their prints from the online gallery provided to ensure the quality of your images. The printing companies we use are vetted and reputable and we know they will print your photos at the highest level of quality.

Why do we need an engagement session?

In the world according to Chloe, you and every couple would have an engagement session. Why? Because you deserve to have amazing photos as a couple before the BIG day; you know, before the hair and make-up and in-laws and DJ and toasts. Photos that you, your kids (if you choose to have them) and friends will look at in years to come to see who you were when you were cool, hip and, dare I say, even edgy… back when you were just a couple, crazy in love, rockin’ your favorite outfits in your favorite places. Bonus: This photoshoot helps couples learn how to be comfortable together in front of the camera.

Can we give you a list of specific photos we want taken?

Of course! I’m dedicated to capturing every special moment that you’re envisioning. For best results, give me a printable shot list in advance, which I’ll bring on site for the shoot. Examples of specific shots you want are also welcome. Share your Pinterest page with me!

What is a “first look,” and should we do it?

A first look is when a couple sees each other after they’ve gotten ready but before the ceremony. Based upon your wedding itinerary, I can help you decide if the first look is right for you. A few advantages of the first look are that it allows you to have your formal intimate photos and wedding party photos taken before the guests arrive, leaving more time for you to enjoy the cocktail hour and your reception. Some couples find that it calms their nerves to see each other before the ceremony and it doesn’t take away from the moment you first see each other in the ceremony.

How far in advance do we need to book you?

The sooner the better. My schedule fills up fast and I don’t want to miss out on the honor of being your wedding photographer. Ideally, book your wedding photographer right after you book your wedding venue. That being said, if you call me the week before your special day and I’m available, I’ll do it!

When you inquire about a date, I’ll place a soft hold on it while we sort out the details and you pay the retainer to hold the date. If another couple inquires about the same date prior to you making your deposit, you still get first dibs and will have 48 hours to make any decisions before I open the date to others.

Do you travel?

Don’t settle for a photographer just ‘cause they’re local, and don’t rule me out just ‘cause I’m not. Photography is that one thing you will always have from your wedding day (other than each other). My passport is ready and I’ve traveled worldwide for portrait & wedding commissions. Check out some of those amazing weddings here. I have a burning desire to see the world, so let’s talk. Travel fees are based on travel time, transportation, airfare, hotel and other stuff we can talk about over a drink.

What is an Elopement?

Are you the kind of romantic who envisions a smaller, intimate wedding, what we industry folk call an “elopement?” Perfect! Whether it’s 30 people or just you and your lover, I’ll tell your story with energy, enthusiasm and eloquence. I’ve shot couples who traveled around the world to tie the knot at our iconic City Hall, or in Golden Gate Park or China Beach. With a backdrop like San Francisco, the possibilities are endless… and if you didn’t leave your heart in San Francisco, I’m just a plane, train or car ride away from wherever you chose to elope. You can see more here.

Families

What should we wear?

Put your best happiest self forward! Try on all your clothes before the shoot. Wear something flattering in your favorite colors! You want to look like yourselves in your photos so let your personalities shine through! Slightly darker shades will ensure that the focus is on your face, not on the bright shades in the photos. Be careful of large or bold patterns, they can be distracting, as can text on shirts. Yikes!

Lastly, be aware of the weather. Having been a Bay Area family photographer for so many years, I’ve learned that the weather can change pretty quickly. Wear something you won’t get upset about if it gets wet or dirty. If you think it might rain, bring umbrellas! It can make for a super cute family moment a la “Singing In The Rain” or “Africa” by Toto. Oh, and always bring an extra layer or two. If you want to wear heels or fancier shoes, think about arriving in sandals or sneakers and changing before we get started.

Having me design your book helps you get it done stress-free, in a timely fashion and at the highest level of quality. Get more info here!

What about makeup?

I know makeup trends come and go, but makeup looks best when natural, especially when it comes to foundation and bronzer. It’s best to accentuate your eyes and lips with some great eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick. This applies to you, gentlemen, who do your makeup too! Bring your makeup for touch-ups if needed. Here’s a link to the professional make up artists we love if you want to go that route!

What should we bring?

Bring ideas for a photo shoot theme. I always encourage parents to let their kids bring the thing they’re really into that year because it’s all part of making great memories.

How should I prepare my toddler for the photoshoot?

Bring props! Props and costumes can be a fun way to break the ice and help get everyone out of the awkward stage of stale smiles and, personally, I think that fun/funny pictures make the best memories anyways! You can also have them bring their favorite toy. In time they may want a photo of it, or you can use the photo to embarrass them in front of a girlfriend or boyfriend. It also doesn’t hurt to bring an extra set of clothes, just in case!

What does CJP have in the studio?

Want to do your family session at the studio? Great! We have 9-10 backdrop colors up at all times, a variety of chairs and props to choose from and great jams to enjoy!

How do I get prints after the photoshoot?

Should I buy an album?

Why do you charge travel fees after 10 miles?

Because Bay Area traffic.

Budoir

Why do a boudoir shoot?

We capture our professional and personal lives, why shouldn’t we capture our sexy and intimate lives, too? Boudoir photography can be an exciting gift for someone special, but it’s also a unique experience you’ll walk away from feeling sexy, powerful, and confident! We can go as moderate or edgy as you’d like; it’s completely up to you.

What should I wear?

Whatever makes you feel sexy! Common boudoir outfits are bra/panty sets, thigh-high stockings, corsets and heels. Completely nude is also an option and a great one at that! Have a robe on hand too! I have a variety of fabrics, chairs and props we can play with too! Try on all your clothes before the shoot.

What should I bring?

Props (use your imagination)! Let’s brainstorm together.

What does CJP have in the studio?

We have a heated private studio with a dressing room, 9-10 backdrops up at all times, big comfy chairs and couch.

What about makeup?

Wear what makes you confident! Do bring your makeup to touch up your look. Shoots can be a couple hours long so be sure to come prepared. Need some professional help? Check out the awesome makeup artists we recommend.