Booking
How much does a session cost, and what is included?
Every session starts at $220. The exact quote depends on the type of shoot, the hours and the location, so I send a custom quote after you inquire. Every quote includes all of the photos from your session, delivered in full with no limit on the number, plus a set of edited photos. Travel outside my usual area is quoted case by case, extra retouching is $10 per 5 additional edited photos, and rush editing is $50. See starting prices on the Services page.
How do we book, how far in advance should we reach out, and is a deposit required?
Send me a message through the inquiry form on this site or through my Thumbtack profile, and tell me the type of shoot, your preferred date, and the location you have in mind. I reply within 48 hours with a quote. There is no instant online booking: once you confirm the quote, I confirm your date and we handle the contract and payment directly. I am happy to communicate in English or Mandarin.
A 50% deposit holds your date, and the remaining balance is due on the day of the session. I accept Zelle and Venmo. The deposit is not refundable, but it moves with you if you reschedule. If you cancel less than 7 days before the date, the remaining balance is still due. Weekends, graduation season and autumn fill first, so reach out as early as you can. Short-notice sessions are often possible, so it never hurts to ask.
Can we change the date?
Yes. With at least 7 days’ notice you can move your session to another date, and small changes are free. We agree on the new date and time together, depending on my availability. Changes inside 7 days are treated as a cancellation.
Where do you shoot, and do you travel?
Wayne’s Photography is based in Fairfax, VA. I shoot mainly around Fairfax and Northern Virginia, and in Charlottesville, where I went to school at UVA, and I serve the whole DMV area (DC, Maryland and Virginia). Once I know the kind of photos you want, I am glad to suggest locations. Sessions within about an hour of Fairfax are my usual range, and travel beyond that is quoted case by case together with the rest of your quote.
Can I book through Thumbtack?
Yes. Send me a message through my Thumbtack profile. Once you confirm the quote, I confirm your date manually.
The session
What should we wear?
Coordinate colors rather than matching exactly, skip large logos and busy patterns, choose clothes you can move in comfortably, and bring one change of outfit if you want some variety. If you would like a second opinion, send me a photo of your outfits before the session.
How long does a session last?
Portrait, couple and family sessions usually run about an hour. Weddings and events are quoted by the hour and can run up to 4 to 5 hours. Extra hours can be added when we plan the day.
How would you describe your style, and will you guide us in front of the camera?
I guide you the whole time with simple prompts and movement rather than stiff poses, and with children we take breaks and follow their pace. I shoot with Fujifilm cameras and build the look in camera, so the photos have a film-like, storytelling feel, with light editing on top rather than heavy retouching. I have been shooting for more than 5 years around Fairfax, Northern Virginia and Charlottesville.
What happens if it rains?
For outdoor sessions, we make the call together 48 hours before the shoot based on the forecast. If the weather is bad, you can reschedule once for free. Weddings proceed as planned regardless of weather. Light rain and overcast skies often photograph beautifully, so we can also shoot through it or move under cover, and if a second reschedule is ever needed we find a new date together, depending on availability.
For weddings: will you be the one shooting, do you bring a second photographer, and what is your backup plan?
You work with me directly from the first message to delivery, and I photograph every session myself. If you would like a second photographer for a large wedding, mention it when you inquire. If I ever cannot make it because of illness or an emergency, every payment is refunded in full and I help you find another photographer.
Do you speak Mandarin?
Yes, Mandarin spoken.
After
When will we receive our photos, and how many will we receive?
Every photo from your session is yours. All of the originals, with no limit on the number, are shared through a private Google Drive folder within 1 to 2 days of the shoot, so nothing is held back. The edited set of 30 to 100 photos follows within a week, and if you need the edits sooner, rush editing is available for $50.
The number of edited photos depends on the length and type of the shoot and is set in your quote. You can always add more edits for $10 per 5 photos.
Do we get the original or RAW files, and can we print and share the photos?
Yes. The originals are the full-resolution Fujifilm JPEGs straight out of the camera, uncropped and uncorrected. RAW files are not provided. You may print, share and post the photos for personal or commercial use at no extra charge. Copyright is shared between us, and I may use the images in my portfolio and on this site. I do not sell prints or albums, but the files are print-ready.