Why is there a different rate for commercial work?   Photography fees are based on usage.  Commercial usage is a vastly different cost and fee structure for the photographers. There are so many variables in pricing commercial work as to make that impossible via website.

When I schedule a photo session with you and buy either the prints or the digital files, do I also get the copyright to those photos?   No The copyright belongs to and will remain the property of the creator.    You may have the digital files, but that does not transfer the copyright.  You do have the right to reproduce the images for your personal use.  Giving a print or copy of the file to any family or friend is fine.  Giving one of your session to your boss to promote his company isn't.  Put one on your personal website is fine.  Putting it on your employers site isn't.  Ask first please.  It avoids a great deal of problems and misunderstandings.  IF you wish to have total control and ownership of the images, please make that known up front.  Expect the price to go up by at least 3 fold and likely more.  With that you own the image and the copyright.  A written statement to that fact will be provided.  

Do you use digital or film?  Actually I still use both at times depending on the situation and needs.  I still love black and white film.  For those curious about brands, my 35mm and digital SLR gear is Canon. (sorry Nikon users) I do have some medium format cameras and a view camera should the need arise, but 90+% of the work these days seems to wind up in digital.  Yet the more I use digital the more I am seriously considering returning to film.  For strictly black and white work, I prefer film, but digital black an white is available.

In a single word, tell me what makes for the most effective photo session?  That is easy.  Its communication.  Talk to me.  Tell me what you want.  Tell me what you like and don't like.  Though I can sometimes read eyes, I can not read minds.  Open communciation is the single most important element of any sucessful photo session.

What should I do the night before the session???  Rest and relax.  Don't go howling with the hoot owls that night, and expect soar with the eagles the next day.  A good nights sleep puts one in a good mood and no one really looks good with bags under their eyes.  Even the most beautiful people in the world don't usually look very good hung over.  

As I am getting ready to leave for the session, I come up with a great idea that we have not discussed.  This outfit was just so perfect on the rack I had to have it and would like to use it in the session.  Should I bring it??  Absolutely!!!!  A plan is subject to change and we will sit down before anything begins and discuss ideas that might have come to either of us since the planning meeting.  Time is a factor however.  If you add something here, you may have to leave something else off or add additional session time.  I might make suggestions but the decision is yours.

I have never been a fan of having my picture taken.  I usually get nervous.  How do I get over this???   You might be surprised just at how common these emotions are with people.  You shouldn't feel like you are the only one in the world that gets nervous when a camera appears.  Yet after the first few times the flashes go off, the nerves fade quickly.  When I used film I rarely found anything really great on the first roll, but that was ok.  You don't take just one.  This should be fun not a chore.

What else should I bring?  Well some CD's of your favorite music often is a good idea.  Some people bring a small cooler of their favorite beverages to sip on in breaks.

What if I get delayed in traffic that is beyond my control?  Just let me know.  Anyone that lives here can understand, but don't let me wonder whether or not you are going to show.  Just call.  Getting stressed in traffic isn't going to help you make good pictures.