F. A. Q.
F R E Q U E N T L Y A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S
A considered reference for our work, process, and final deliverables.
***FOR OPTIMAL EXPERIENCE WE RECOMMEND VIEWING THIS SECTION ON A DESKTOP OR TABLET***
C O M M I S S I O N S &
MENUS
HOW COMMISSIONS ARE BUILT
"How do your commissions work?"
Commissions are built around time and intention.
Each project begins with a minimum amount of time required to produce the desired work, then expands based on scope, location and creative direction.
Rather than offering preset packages, our commission menus highlight the simplicity of, "if there is time, we can do it."
Menus provide clear options for extending or adjusting coverage as desired, making them customizable to get the exact photographic sessions you want, without paying for extras, add-ons, or redundant experiences.
Simply put, our commissions are primarily time-based because we can cover any event in any style or take almost any kind of photograph, as long as there is time to do so.
"What are menus, and how do they replace traditional packages?"
Menus replace traditional packages by stripping coverage down to what actually matters: time.
They function much like a dinner menu, where each tier reflects a defined range of hours, and in some cases capacity. These tiers exist because different amounts of time require fundamentally different levels of work, preparation, and creative investment.
We believe there is value in simplicity and transparency. Rather than hiding prices behind bundled language or abstract "collections," our menus make it clear that commissions are built around time, skill set, and equipment invested.
C O M M I S S I O N S &
MENUS
how commissions are built
"How do we know which menu is right for us, and how much time we need?"
The right amount of time depends on what all you want photographed, and how you want it approached.
We encourage clients to consider their itinerary, what they'd like documented, and how they'd like it photographed (e.i. more editorial focused, more documentary focused) then browse the menus that best align with that vision, or browse all of our menus and consider new possibilities for your photography and overall flow of the day.
As long as enough time is booked, we can cover everything from "getting ready sessions" to "grand exits" and all the other events in between. That said, considering your itinerary and how much total time you'll need is the primary factor in choosing how many hours you'd like to work with us and which menu best suits you.
Commissions are intentionally flexible in their simplicity.
Anything listed in the "additions" section may be added to a commission up to 30 days prior to the event, and will be applied directly to your remaining balance.
Adjustments are handled easily and administratively on our end- no restructuring required.
In necessary or time-sensitive situations, changes may also be made closer to the event, or even day-of. In those cases (like adding an extra hour, or an after-hours session to photograph an impromptu after party), additional coverage or services are invoiced afterward.
If what you envision doesn't fit neatly within a single menu- or it "crosses tiers" so to speak- talk to us. If there is time to do it well, chances are we can make it happen.
"What can be added or adjusted within a commission?"
I N V E S T M E N T S &
B O O K I N G
THE PRACTICAL PATH TO WORKING TOGETHER
"How do we begin the booking process?"
It starts with an inquiry.
Once we hear from you, we'll respond with our short pre-booking questionnaire. This helps us understand the general scope of your event or session so we can guide you toward the appropriate menu and starting point.
(Nothing is locked in at this stage- scope can grow or shrink later without issue.)
After the questionnaire, you'll receive access to our your custom booking portal via email. There, you'll select your desired amount of time, any applicable add-ons, and submit a 30% retainer to secure your date on our calendar.
If any questions come up during this process, we encourage clients to text or call us for quick clarification, or email us for more formal communication. If your goal is to secure a date promptly, we recommend booking once you're comfortable with a starting structure, as we're well accustomed to refining details and making adjustments as plans evolve.
"What secures our date on your calendar?"
Your date is officially secured once the 30% retainer is submitted through the booking portal.
At that point, the date is locked on our calendar and removed from availability.
A booking means we are fully committed to you.
We will decline other inquiries for that date, and begin planning around your work specifically.
I N V E S T M E N T S &
B O O K I N G
THE PRACTICAL PATH TO WORKING TOGETHER
"How do payments work after booking?"
Payments are made through your booking portal.
After your 30% retainer secures the date, the remaining balance may be paid at your leisure, as long as it is settled 30 days prior to your event.
You can access your portal through the original booking email by clicking Get Started, or request a new link from us at any time.
The portal is also customizable, so you can upload photos, leave notes, review details, and communicate with us directly all in one place.
"What can we expect once we're officially booked?"
After booking, you'll receive a confirmation email, followed by an initial phone call.
This conversation is a chance to get to know you, understand what the day ,means to you, discuss overall visuals & approach, and answer any questions you may have.
Once that initial call is complete, we step back and allow for the planning phase to unfold.
As your plans solidify, we reconnect closer to the date (typically between three months and three weeks out) for a final call. This conversation focuses on confirming details, timelines, and ensuring everything is aligned for the day ahead.
G A L L E R I E S
HOW THE WORK IS DELIVERED, ACCESSED, AND PRESERVED
"What do we receive when the work is complete?"
Your gallery is delivered digitally via email and is accessible immediately upon delivery.
It remains live and accessible on our website on our "Completions" section for two years, and is password-protected by a private password provided upon delivery.
"How is the gallery delivered and accessed?"
You will receive a finished photographic body of work, delivered as a curated, high-resolution gallery.
Images are thoughtfully selected and fully edited, with unlimited downloads, personal usage rights, and access to professional printing and archival products that can be ordered directly through our print store.
Made with museum-grade papers, inks, and bindings, our print store produces the highest quality products designed to display and enjoy for a lifetime.
All galleries have unlimited downloads in both high-resolution & web-size images, and are equipped with personalized access to our online print store.
G A L L E R I E S
HOW THE WORK IS DELIVERED, ACCESSED, AND PRESERVED
"What happens when the two-year gallery hosting period ends?"
The number of photographs delivered depends on the scope, duration, and structure of your coverage.
Rather than guaranteeing a fixed image count, we deliver a curated photographic body of work that incorporates as many images as possible, while still telling a coherent, beautiful, and authentic story.
All delivered images include full personal usage rights. You may download, print, share, and archive your photographs freely for personal, non-commercial use.
"How many photographs will we receive, and what rights do we have to the images?"
You will receive advanced notice before your gallery expires, with reminders encouraging you and your loved ones to download and back up your files before the removal date.
Once the gallery is removed from our site, the work continues to exist within our internal archival systems. We take reasonable, ongoing measures to store and preserve completed work and maintain a "once a client, always a client" mindset.
So, while long-term storage cannot be guaranteed against events beyond our control, we keep open lines of communication for life. Should you ever need access to your images beyond the hosting period (due to loss, damage, or unforeseen circumstances) you are always welcome to reach out. If the work exists within our archive (and it should), we can and will help you recover it.
S T Y L E &
A P P R O A C H
HOW THE WORK IS AUTHORED
"How do you define 'editorial' and 'documentary' within your work?"
Documentary work is responsive and unscripted.
It prioritizes real events as they unfold, guided by timing, light, and composition rather than direction.
Editorial work is intentional and constructed.
It involves guiding shaping, and composing images with purpose (often through direction, setup, and use of light) to create photographs that are visually striking, technically mastered, and refined to withstand the test of time.
Both approaches rely on the same technical foundation. What separates them is whether intention is guiding the moment, or responding to it. One way we like to think about it is: one is about making a picture to be elevated and interesting, while the other is about taking a picture to freeze the moment and tell the story.
"What does editorial photography look like in practice?"
Editorial photography is about making images, not just observing them. It involves direction, intentional composition, and the thoughtful use of light, space, and posture to create photographs with presence and tension.
The process requires time and technical precision (setting, shaping, and refining an image much like a magazine set). The result is work that is visually compelling, technically mastered, and designed to hold attention, while remaining rooted in your story.
S T Y L E &
A P P R O A C H
HOW THE WORK IS AUTHORED
"What is your approach to documentary or 'candid' photography?"
We approach documentary photography with the motive of little to zero intervention of the moment unfolding, and maximum creative effort in composition..
This brings authentically documented moments that are shot perfectly and creatively so that the final images continue to captivate viewers visually for years to come, as well as honor the emotional weight of the actual happening.
To us, documentary-style means not to simply capture the unfolding of events, but to hold the entire emotional weight of the moment in one still image. To freeze time, with photographic excellence, and the most honor to the human experience.
"What factors determine the balance between documentary and editorial work?"
The balance comes down to three things: what you want, how much time we have to accomplish it, and where we are.
Documentary work moves with the day, while editorial work asks the day to slow down.
Your preferences are our North Star.
Time and space determine the path, which is exactly why coverage is built around flexibility, and why options like next-day portrait sessions exist (more on that in Coverage & Menus below), but the overall balance or percentage of each style we implement and execute in a day or session depends primarily on what your desired balance is.
We internalize your preferences through conversations, phone calls, and questionnaires. These tools help us gage how much or little of each approach you'd like, and how much time will be needed to accomplish your unique blend of styles.
T E R M S &
C O N D I T I O N S
THE STRUCTURE BEHIND THE WORK
"Do you have a contract we can view before booking?"
In lieu of traditional contracts, our work is governed by clearly defined Terms & Conditions. These Terms & Conditions outline scope, payment, image rights, responsibilities, and protections for both parties.
They are available to read at any time here:
They will also be presented again within your booking portal.
By submitting your booking and payment, you acknowledge and agree to these Terms & Conditions.
"What is your cancelation and rescheduling policy?"
In practice, we approach changes with flexibility and good faith whenever possible. We make every reasonable effort to reschedule coverage in cases of unforeseen circumstances, including weather-related events, travel limitations, or personal emergencies.
When rescheduling is possible, payments are typically applied as credit toward a future date or alternate use.
Because dates are reserved exclusively and time is removed from our calendar, payments are non-refundable. Full cancellations are rare, and are only considered when rescheduling is not feasible for either party.
Specific scenarios, limitations, and force majeure provisions are detailed in our Terms & Conditions, which govern all bookings.
T E R M S &
C O N D I T I O N S
THE STRUCTURE BEHIND THE WORK
"What should we know before clicking 'Submit' in our booking portal?"
Before booking, we encourage you to review our Terms & Conditions, which govern all commissions.
They are provided in full prior to booking and are acknowledged when submitting your booking portal.
"What responsibilities do clients hold under the agreement?"
Clients agree to provide accurate event details,
secure required access and permits, communicate in a timely manner, ensure reasonably safe working conditions and access throughout the coverage period, and maintain an understanding that environmental factors outside anyone's control may affect coverage or outcomes.
We also ask that clients communicate openly with us throughout the process about any preferences, cultural or religious considerations, comfort needs, or physical limitations that may guide how we work together creatively and logistically.
We strive to create a respectful, supportive environment and welcome this communication so we can plan thoughtfully and work safely for everyone involved.
E D I T S
THE DETAILS & DECISIONS
"Are RAW images included or available?"
No, RAW images are not included or available.
They remain the photographer's working files, and are not delivered.
Only the fully edited, high-resolution images are provided unless otherwise agreed to in writing.
"What edits are included in the final delivery of work?"
Final delivered images include professional color correction, exposure and contrast adjustments, file balancing, and consistency across the full gallery.
Skin retouching and minor cleanup (such as small blemishes, stains, or wardrobe fixes) are included as part of our normal workflow.
Some images may be delivered in black and white when photographed or edited with that intention.
Both color and black-and-white versions of the same image may be included at no additional cost and selected at our creative discretion.
E D I T S
THE DETAILS & DECISIONS
"Can additional or specialized retouching be requested?"
Additional or specialized retouching may be requested, including things like braces removal, body-related adjustments, more detailed skin work, or wardrobe-related fixes.
Any additional editing fees are handled on a case-by-case basis and depend on the scope of the request.
For example, specialized edits on a small number of images may not require any additional charge, while more extensive edits across many images (such as repeated edits on a primary subject like the Bride or Groom) may involve a small additional invoice.
"Are revisions or re-edits available after delivery of work?"
Delivered work is considered final; however, we understand that things can occasionally be missed or may not be received as intended.
If something stands out or feels off, we're always open to a conversation about possible re-edits and why they're being requested.
Small adjustments post-production are often handled free-of-charge as part of our client satisfaction policy, while larger or more time-intensive revisions may require a custom invoice, similar to additional retouching.
T R A V E L
HOW WE MOVE
"Which regions/destinations are included without additional travel fees?"
Travel expenses are included throughout our primary Western regions. Those areas typically include the following:
- Southern Idaho (generally from Boise all the way to the Teton border)
- Sun Valley and Ketchum
- Northwestern Wyoming (including Jackson & Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Star Valley, Pinedale, Cody, etc.)
- Southwestern Montana (including Bozeman and Big Sky)
- Northern Utah (including the greater Salt Lake City area and Park City)
These regions are considered part of our standard service area and do not require additional travel fees
"When do travel fees apply?"
Travel fees apply when an event or session takes place outside the regions listed in the previous answer.
However, some destinations we work in frequently have set travel fees listed on our elopement travel menu, which apply universally.
To view these menu prices for our most common locations, head over to |Commissions| and select |Elopements|.
From there, you should be able to scroll to see the Destination Menu, where you'll find the list of popular spots and their corresponding travel fees.
T R A V E L
HOW WE MOVE THROUGH THE WEST
"How is travel handled for destinations outside the normal region of coverage?"
For locations outside our included or frequented regions, travel fees are handled on a case-by-case basis.
We aim to keep costs as reasonable as possible and will provide a clear, upfront travel invoice or custom quote bases solely on distance, time, and logistics.
"How do seasonal and winter conditions affect travel fees?"
During winter or periods of severe weather, additional travel or lodging costs may occasionally be necessary for safety or accessibility.
When this happens, we keep added costs to the minimum required and handle them transparently.
Any changes are either added to the booking portal in advance when possible, or invoiced afterward if conditions change unexpectedly or day-of adjustments are required.
N A T I O N A L
P A R K S
WORKING WITHIN PROTECTED LANDSCAPES
"When do National Park permits become available?"
Permit availability is set entirely by each individual park. Dates, windows, and release schedules vary, and the only authoritative source is the National Park Service. All information about permits should be listed on their official website at: https://www.nps.gov/index.htm
In short though, permits become available when that specific park opens them, not on a universal timeline, and unfortunately not at all in our control.
Our best recommendation is to keep a sharp eye on the National Park Service website (NPS.gov) for any and all updates regarding the national parks, and securing special use permits within them.
"How far in advance can/should permits be secured?"
As early as possible.
National park permits are competitive and governed entirely by the park service.
Because of this, we strongly recommend checking NPS.gov early and often, as each park publishes its own timelines, rules and release schedules.
N A T I O N A L
P A R K S
WORKING WITHIN PROTECTED LANDSCAPES
"What is required for park access, and how long will that access last?"
To enter a U.S. National Park, you'll need a valid park pass purchased directly through the National Park Service.
The most common option is a standard entrance pass, which is typically $30 - $40, cover everyone in a single vehicle, and are valid for seven consecutive days. During that time, the same pass can be used across multiple national parks.
For those who visit the parks more frequently, the America the Beautiful annual pass is also available and provides unlimited access to all U.S. national parks for one year.
The acquisition of passes and fees are handled separately by clients and are not included in our pricing, or time calculations.
"How do National Park regulations affect photography, coverage, and logistics?"
National park regulations play a major role in how photography coverage works, so it's best to understand the logistics of working within these protected landscapes.
Here are just a few examples of things that we regularly navigate while working in the parks:
- Seasonal and time-based restrictions (including daylight hour shifts with the seasons, road access, weather, and wildlife)
- Locational competition (tourists, visitors, and other photographers all vying for the same photographic environments)
- National park restrictions and regulations (drone-use prohibitions and other equipment restrictions)
- Permit availability and capacity limits (some locations or time windows may already be fully booked or unavailable through the park)
- Unexpected emergencies that may cause partial or full closures of certain areas of the park (motor vehicle accidents, hiking/recreational accidents, wildlife activity, or other land-related incidents)
However, while national park regulations do shape logistics and decision-making, they rarely limit our ability to create meaningful and beautiful work.
We're deeply familiar with working in these western parks, comfortable adapting and leading in real time, and always come prepared with backup locations, ideas, and creative options so that the experience and images are minimally affected by these factors.
W A R D R O B E &
W E A T H E R
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE IMAGE
"What should we consider when choosing what to wear?"
We love this question so much that we created an entire wardrobe guide around it!
What you wear plays a huge role in storytelling, movement, and personal expression, and it's one of the most meaningful ways you get to show up as yourselves in your photos, and bring comfort/familiarity into them with you.
Because of how much it shapes the feel, flow, and story of the images, we've put together a dedicated guide to help you choose pieces that feel both intentional and true to you. You can find that guide here:
"How do you help protect wardrobe during inclement weather or rugged terrain?"
We plan with weather and terrain in mind and communicate clearly ahead of time about what to expect on the day.
When conditions are unpredictable, we come prepared with blankets and protective coverings, help manage trains, veils, and long garments, and encourage bringing extra layers or footwear as needed.
Occasionally we will have a few extra layers and even extra footwear available too, if the terrain and/or weather calls for it.
Our goal is to offer practical, hands-on support to protect your wardrobe while staying out of the way of the moment itself.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Email us directly at:
info@pineandpalmphotography.com