FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/DISCLAIMERS:
Bookings are made on a first come, first serve basis. Deposit is needed to hold your date and time.
Prices do not include any entrance fees. Entrance fees must be paid by client. *Prices do not include travel. Please inquire about how much the travel fee will be for your desired location.
$100 Non-Refundable Deposit Required to hold your date and time. This fee will go toward the total shoot amount, which is due the day of the shoot. Accepted forms of payment: Venmo, Zelle, Paypal, Wise, Credit Card, and Cash (USD and JPY). If using Paypal or Credit Card to pay for the deposit, the deposit will include an additional 5% for Paypal processing fees.
Rescheduling/Cancellations: The date may be rescheduled ONLY IF both client and photographer agree to new date/ and time. If client chooses to cancel the session, the photographer keeps the deposit.
Please plan to arrive at the meeting location 10-15 minutes before the actual start time to get settled. Many people in Japan get lost :) . Also if we are both there early we can go over shoot goals and get acquainted with one another before we start!
Rain: Photoshoot will occur even if there is rain. Light rain is ok for photos. Photoshoot is only cancelled if there is emergency or severe weather warning for typhoon. If the client decides to cancel the shoot, then there is no refund on the deposit. If client and photographer BOTH agree on new date/time then it is possible to change the date/time with no extra fee.
As you know, cherry blossom season is very busy in Japan. I will try my very best to photograph you with cherry blossoms in the photo but I do not photoshop all of the people in the background out of the photo.
I cannot promise cherry blossoms to be in full bloom on your booked date, but I will try my best to find a good location where it is in bloom..
Locations for cherry blossom sessions will be finalized about 3-5 days before the day of the shoot. The location will be in Tokyo unless the client and photographer and client agree upon another location.
BEFORE BOOKING YOUR PHOTO SESSION:
I am looking into doing something different from what is listed in your package list. Is it possible to create my own package?
Please contact me if you have any specific requests and I can try to tailor a package for you!
What locations do you shoot at?
All kinds! And all over Tokyo and Japan; Once a deposit is received then I do a consultation with you to discuss what location(s) fit your desires and your personality. There is somewhere beautiful to shoot all year around here in Tokyo and Japan!
Can you travel outside of Tokyo for my shoot?
Yes, I can travel further with an additional fee to cover transport and extra travel time.
I am interested in booking a session. How do I make a reservation and make a deposit?
To reserve your date, a $100 deposit is required. Acceptable forms of Payment: Cash, Check, Venmo, Credit Card, or Paypal(*Credit Card and Paypal incur a 5% service charge + international fees = $105 deposit) You can send your $100 deposit through:www.nathalieaprilphotography.com/pay (Must deposit $105 because of fees) www.venmo.com/mrsnathalielim ($100) Please note that because the deposit secures your booking date, it is non-refundable regardless of circumstances. In the case of severe weather/ natural disaster (ie. typhoon) beyond anyone’s control I will refund the deposit. Thank you for your understanding!
What is the Payment schedule like?
The rest of the balance is due the day of the photoshoot. Acceptable forms of payment are: Cash (yen or USD), Venmo, Zelle, Credit Card, Wise, or Paypal. Photos are not edited until the rest of the balance has been received.
AFTER YOUR BOOKING HAS BEEN MADE/ BEFORE YOUR SHOOT
When should I arrive to my photoshoot?
Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shoot start time so we can meet each other, get acquainted, and talk about photoshoot goals!
What if I’m late for the photoshoot?
I usually ask clients to meet 10 minutes before the official shooting time. This is so we can have a few minutes to discuss photo session goals and it also serves as a small cushion for being a little late. As I often have other commitments on one day, I do rely on a reasonably prompt starting time for the sessions. If the client is late, unfortunately the time is taken away from the shooting time. If extra time is needed for the shoot, then it is $100 for every 30 minutes added.
What if it’s raining the day of my shoot?
Usually we see what is happening on the day, as often the weather changes unexpectedly in Tokyo. In the case of rain, we still shoot in the rain and there are many convenience stores that sell clear umbrellas for about 700-900 yen. These umbrellas are great for letting light in on your faces for the photos. If it is torrential rain/ typhoon then we can consider an indoor location. If the client decides to cancel the shoot, then there is no refund on the deposit.
Who is responsible to pay for entrance fees?
If the location you want your photos at have an entrance fee, you are required to pay it for yourselves as well as for the photographer. Most gardens cost about 200- 400 yen.
What if I want the photoshoot to last longer?
This may be possible, depending on my schedule. It is at a rate of $100 extra per half hour, with approx 50 extra photos per half hour.
What should I wear?
The #1 thing I like to tell my clients is to wear something that you feel CONFIDENT in. Here are the rest of my tips:
1. Clothing is not everything when it comes to a photo session... but it can definitely add something to it too! So do take some time to think about it and prepare.
2. If there is more than 1 person in the shoot, consider what you will all be wearing as a set.
3. Think about the location of the shoot and the season it will be. This may help you with choosing color schemes and themes.
4. If in doubt, please feel free to ask me if you need specific advice. I love choosing outfits!
What should we bring?
I recommend that you bring as little as possible, because I often photograph my clients as they walk from one location to another, to get some of those candid shots. Sometimes there are lockers where you can drop things off at so you can leave it there too. If you have to bring an extra bag or two, please choose something that you wouldn't mind being in the photos. ^_^
Do you offer hair and make up services?
Unfortunately no, but I can recommend a few people who can do hair and makeup after a booking with me is made.
AFTER YOUR PHOTO SHOOT
When will we receive our photos?
About 3 weeks; if during cherry blossom season (March to May) or Autumn season (November to December) then please wait 2 months.
Do you offer prints?
No, just high resolution JPEG but you can order prints through your gallery.
Do you give RAW files?
No, just high resolution JPEG
Do you do Touch-Up and Editing?
Color correction, changing to black and white, minor distraction removal is included complimentary. Major Digital enhancements, including for example removing of people, swapping heads or people in shots, hair coloring, etc are not included and considered major digital work (pricing for this starts at $70 per hour). Thanks for your understanding.
Will images be used in a portfolio?
Yes. Sometimes I like to show a few photos from sessions as part of my portfolio and for marketing purposes. Names are not mentioned to protect your privacy.
Can I share the photos on social media?
Definitely! But please don't forget to tag your photographer appropriately ^_^
Facebook: @Nathalie April Photography
Instagram: @NathalieAprilPhotography