FAQ
General Questions
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I work mainly with headshots and branding portraits. My goal is to create images that look natural, sharp, and confident, something that really fits who you are and what you do.
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All my sessions are on location. I bring the lights, background, and setup to you, ensuring a clean and professional result right where you are.
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Yes, I work across the San Francisco Bay Area. Sessions within San Francisco include travel at no extra cost. Locations outside the city may include a travel fee. You can check the Session Pricing page for more details.
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I use both. Natural light works great in many spaces, but I bring lighting when needed to keep everything consistent and natural so you look your best in every shot.
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That depends on the session you choose.
Essential Session: one outfit and one final image.
Professional Session: two outfits and three final images.
Extended Session: two or three outfits and five final images.
If you’re unsure what to bring, I can help you decide so we get the most out of your time. -
Yes, you can review the photos as we go. I shoot tethered, connected to an iPad or laptop, so you can instantly see your images and make small adjustments on the spot.
Booking & Scheduling
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Sessions are available Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM. Weekend bookings may be possible depending on availability. If you’re interested in a weekend or late-afternoon session, please send me an email to check availability at least two to three weeks in advance.
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It’s best to book at least two to three weeks in advance to make sure you get your preferred date. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible, depending on my schedule.
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Most sessions take between one and two hours, depending on the session type and location. That includes setup and wrap-up time.
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Once we agree on a date, I’ll send you a quick confirmation with the session details and a link for the retainer payment. Your session is officially booked once the retainer is received.
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Yes. A 50% retainer is required to secure your session date. The remaining balance is due on the day of your session, before the final images are delivered. You can find full payment details on the Session & Pricing page.
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If something comes up, please get in touch as soon as possible. You can reschedule your session once without losing your retainer, as long as you give at least 48 hours’ notice. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice may result in a forfeited retainer.
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If the session is outdoors and weather conditions make it difficult to shoot, we’ll reschedule for another date at no extra cost. I’ll always keep an eye on the forecast and communicate with you before the session.
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Yes, sessions may be rescheduled or canceled under specific conditions, such as illness, unforeseen events, or when a deposit or confirmation hasn’t been received. I’ll reach out right away and we’ll choose a new date that works for you. Full details are listed on the Session & Pricing page.
Payments & Policies
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Yes. A 50% retainer is required to secure your session date. The remaining balance is due on the day of your session, before the final images are delivered. The retainer confirms your booking and applies toward the total session cost.
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Retainers are non-refundable. They cover the time reserved for your session and preparation. However, if you need to reschedule and provide at least 48 hours’ notice, your retainer can be applied to a new date within the next 60 days.
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Payments can be made through Zelle using my phone number, through PayPal, or in cash. Please confirm your preferred payment method in advance.
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The remaining balance is due on the day of your session. The final images will be delivered once the full payment has been received.
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Travel within San Francisco is already included. For sessions outside the city, a travel fee may apply depending on distance. Please check the Session & Pricing page for details about travel fees and additional costs.
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Please try to arrive on time so we can make the most of your session. If you’re running late, the remaining time will still count as part of your session, as bookings are scheduled back-to-back. If you’re more than 20 minutes late without notice, the session may need to be rescheduled and will require a new retainer.
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Session prices shown on the website are final and already include any applicable taxes. Most of my work is delivered digitally through an online gallery, so sales tax usually doesn’t apply. However, if you request a physical product such as a USB drive, memory card, hard drive, or printed album, California law requires sales tax on those items, and it will be added to your total.
During the Session
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’ll set up the lighting and a suitable backdrop if needed, and then we’ll do a quick test to find the best light and angle before starting. I’ll guide you through the process so it feels easy and efficient.
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Yes. I'll make minor adjustments for posture, hands, and angle, and I’ll coach expressions so you look natural and confident.
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Choose outfits that match your brand or the purpose of the photos. Solid colors work best. Try to stay away from stripes or detailed patterns that can look too busy on camera. Make sure clothes are clean, pressed, and fit comfortably. Keep accessories simple. If you use brand colors, bring one option in that tone. Hair and grooming should be clean and neat. If you’re unsure, bring two options and we’ll pick on set based on your session limits.
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Yes, within your session limits. The Essential Session includes one outfit. The Professional Session includes two outfits. The Extended Session includes two or three outfits. If you plan to change, please have everything ready, and we’ll keep the flow quick.
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Yes, one person is fine for support or quick feedback. Please keep it to one guest so we can stay focused.
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Yes. I shoot tethered to an iPad or laptop, allowing you to see your images in real time and make minor adjustments on the spot
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That depends on the session you booked. The Essential Session includes one setup in one location. The Professional Session allows up to two setups within the same space, such as different rooms, lighting styles, or background options. A nearby second spot can be considered if it’s within short walking distance or on the same property, like your office building or home. The Extended Session includes the same flexibility for setups and may also include an additional nearby location, depending on distance and timing.
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Bring your outfits, any small props that fit your brand, and a quick touch-up kit if you use one. If you wear glasses, bring a microfiber cloth. For outdoor sessions, consider a jacket or lint roller just in case.
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No problem. Short breaks are fine. We’ll pause, reset, and continue without losing the rhythm.
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Hair and makeup services are not included. Since all sessions take place on location, it’s best for clients to arrive photo-ready. If you’d like professional styling, you’re welcome to arrange it on your own before the session.
Editing & Delivery
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final retouched image is delivered within 24 hours, or within 48 hours if you select the upgraded version with two images. For the Professional Session, one image is delivered within 24 hours, and the remaining two are delivered within 48 hours after you make your selections from the proofing gallery. For the Extended Session, one image is also delivered within 24 hours, and the remaining four are delivered within 48 hours. All final images are sent through a professional private online gallery.
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Your final images are delivered through a professional private online gallery where you can view, download, and share your photos in high resolution. You’ll receive an email with a direct link as soon as your gallery is ready.
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Yes. After the session, you’ll receive a proof gallery with unedited previews so you can choose your favorites. Once your selections are confirmed, I’ll edit those images according to your package.
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No, I don’t deliver raw or unedited files. Every image you receive is carefully adjusted for color, lighting, and overall look to make sure it reflects my style and professional quality.
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Yes, light retouching requests, such as minor skin fixes or adjustments, can be made after delivery. Additional edits beyond your package may include a small fee, depending on the amount of work.
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Most sessions are delivered in color. Black-and-white versions can be created upon request. Because each conversion is edited separately to maintain the right tones and contrast, they require additional time to deliver, approximately 24 extra hours for Essential Sessions and up to 48 extra hours for Professional or Extended Sessions. They may also include an additional fee if you’d like the full gallery in black and white.
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color balanced and retouched to match the look of your full gallery. Adding filters or heavy edits can alter the tones and overall quality of the image. If you need a specific adjustment, just let me know and I can take care of it for you.
Licensing & Usage
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Yes. You’re free to use your final images for personal branding, websites, social media, LinkedIn, press kits, and any other professional use related to your business or career. You don’t need to credit me, but it’s always appreciated if you do.
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The copyright remains with the photographer (Jair Solano Photography), which is standard in professional photography. However, you receive full usage rights for personal and professional use, meaning you can use the photos anywhere without restrictions, as long as they’re not resold or redistributed to third parties.
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Yes. You can submit your images to press, blogs, or publications that feature you or your business. Please let me know before publishing so I can provide any additional details or credits if needed.
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If another vendor or business partner would like to use your images for their own marketing or website, that requires a separate license. Just let me know, and I can provide a quick usage agreement for them.