Hi there! If you're here, you're either about to hire me for a photo session, or are considering me. Either way, thank you! Please scroll below to understand what you will be receiving for your price, and what agreements I need from you.

If you've already reviewed my price page, you'll know that my pricing model is based on the length of your shoot; $120 for a 30 minute session, $230 for a 60 minute session, etc. I also have a $60 micro session for 15 minutes, which is available exclusively at Edgerton Park in New Haven/Hamden, though this can also be flexible up to 5 miles for a fee. 
The following is applicable to Personal photography only. For Commercial photography, please contact me.

Excluding the $60 mini session, my price includes up to 25 miles of travel from my home in New Haven. For distances outside this range, travel fees may apply and I will discuss with you on a case by case basis. (Wondering where to have your photoshoot? Check out this post for ideas, and you can always ask me for my suggestion list! Need inspiration on what to wear? Click here!)

As well, my price includes your chosen session time, of course, as well as fully retouched images. I guarantee roughly 20 final photos per 30 minutes, or 40 per 60 minutes, and weddings are bumped up to 50 final photos per hour. Black and white versions are included with your album!
Note that these numbers are only guaranteed for time of continuous shooting; pauses in shooting due to multiple outfit changes, etc, may alter the final number of photos. For newborns, I guarantee 10 per 30 minutes, but I do try to get more when I can. (Click here for how to get the most out of your newborn shoot!)
Also included with your price is a beautiful online viewing gallery on Pixieset like these. This album allows you to share your gallery with friends and family online, and you can also download all images with your PIN number for high-res image file to print and share.

Turnaround: While I do my best to deliver your photos as soon as possible, I cannot guarantee exact delivery dates, as they are based on how many clients are currently in my queue, and how long your session was. If there are currently no clients ahead of you whose photos need to be processed, turnaround time is usually only 1-6 days. However, if I have had many appointments that week, I process and edit photo sessions in the order I receive them.
Turnaround times for wedding albums are subject to a case by case basis and I will discuss with you the estimated timeline for your gallery during our email consultation. Thank you for your patience!

Copyrights: I give you permission to print your photos for personal use and I reserve the copyrights. Of course, you can share them on social media. If you do remember to, I always really appreciate being tagged/credited! As a courtesy I'd ask that you please don't put filters over your photos; we photographers make calculated decisions when editing your album and our work is a direct representation of our product.
I reserve the right to use your photos within my portfolio and to promote my business. I do not give permission for my work to be published commercially for things like magazines and other publications for profit without my consent and negotiation. Acceptable personal use falls under: social media profiles, personal business cards, personal/company website, and of course things like wedding invitations, stationary, and general photo albums. 

​Artistic Discretion: It's very important when choosing a photographer, that you be sure to look through their portfolio to get a feel for their editing style. Photographers are not one-size-fits-all; like artists, one photographer will edit very differently from another. My black and whites are stark and dramatic, my color images are rich, deep, and even a bit moody at times, while my headshots are a bit more fresh and crisp – this is exactly what some people are looking for, and yet also not for everyone. If you have a very particular vision for your photos and my albums don't quite line up with that, you may need to continue your search! I can guarantee you a gallery that is styled consistently with my current portfolio, however I can't edit like another photographer. I can only edit like me!
This is why it is an integral step to look over my galleries before we work together. During the post-production process, I as the photographer will be using my best judgement to curate the photos we are going to use, and then retouch them in the same manner displayed in my portfolios. Your trust in me to do this is part of our agreement, as I do not offer re-edits or raw images.

Airbrushing: Likewise, I do not include airbrushing in my pricing. While I do my best to spot-remove pimples and other small blemishes, as a whole I support natural and raw beauty. This is also what keeps my prices more affordable and allows me to deliver you this quantity of final photos. 

Next up: Boring legal stuff that I want you to read and understand anyway!

Retainer/Booking fee: First and foremost, in order to book with me I require a retainer fee upfront, which you can read all about here. The retainer fee is half of the final total (excluding the $60 mini shoot, which is paid in full to book the date), which reserves the Client's appointment in my calendar, and prevents me from scheduling any other customers for their slot. The retainer fee is non-refundable due to cancellation to account for monetary loss to the business.
If the Client chooses to cancel, the Client will forfeit the retainer fee.
​
Postponement and date changes are based on future availability at the time of notification, and also require a $30 fee if notification is 7 or less days (for standard sessions). For weddings and elopements, postponement requires a $100 fee if notification is under 60 days. This applies to each postponement.

• Situations exempt from the postponement fee are due to inclement weather, such as rain, defined as it is legitimately raining and we cannot have our photoshoot, or inclement snow, defined as the roads are not safe to drive on. Safety first! However, if it is only sprinkling snow, or is foggy out, this may still qualify for a postponement fee. Overcast skies do not count as inclement weather (Read my post on why cloudy days are actually beautiful here!) Again, for inclement weather postponement, a new date will be selected based upon future availability.

Payment: The Client understands that any remaining balance for the photography (product) is to be paid before the receipt of final photo album. Under no condition will the download PIN or access to the photos be granted to the Client until all balances have been paid. 

Location Permissions: The Client will obtain all permissions necessary for Photographer to photograph at the event location (i.e, churches, cathedrals, museums where photography is sometimes not prohibited). Photographer has no duty to obtain permission of reception centers, churches, buildings, private properties, or other locations to operate thereon. Client understands and agrees that any failure to obtain these permissions resulting in fines to photographer, or which prevent photographer from photographing the event(s) is not the fault, liability, or responsibility of photographer and any fines will be reimbursed by Client.
The Client agrees to reimburse the Photographer for any necessary parking fees, entrance fees, or permit fees if the photoshoot venue requires them, which will be added to the final balance for the session.

Timeliness: The Client agrees to be no more than 15 minutes late to appointed shoot. In the case the Client does not arrive on time Client will be subject to a late fee of $30 if the Client still desires the full shoot time. If the Client is more than 25 minutes late, the session will be cancelled and the retainer fee forfeited by the Client. If the Photographer fails to appear at the photoshoot appointment,  the retainer fee will be refunded to the Client.

Kids: I love working with kids! Though it's good to note, kids don't always love working with cameras. Therefore, the Client understands that the Photographer cannot be held responsible for a lack of "perfect" photos due to a child's lack of interest/cooperation. The Photographer cannot be expected to be responsible for controlling or disciplining a child.  The Client understands that their support in encouraging and appeasing their child during a photoshoot is integral to a successful output of photos. In short, please do not wander off or give your phone attention and expect the job to get done without you. Your participation is needed! As a tip, I recommend snacks or incentives for your child to have a great shoot!

Guest Photographers (Weddings): The Client agrees that I will be the sole photographer at Client’s Wedding. The Photographer is in no way responsible for missed shots due to guest/alternate photographers.
This is because I want to give you the quality output of photos you deserve! We don’t want to run the risk of a guest photographer preventing me from capturing important moments, interfering with my vantage point, or distracting you as the couple.​

Artistic Discretion: The Client agrees that they have looked over the Photographer's portfolio and have found it to be acceptable for their purposes. Client understands and agrees that they are hiring Photographer to perform services in Photographer's own discretion and style. Client has no authority to control the manner in which Photographer takes or edits photos. The Photographer is in no way responsible for the Client being unsatisfied with how the Client looks in the final photos. Client has no right to rescind this Agreement in any way if Client is not satisfied with Photographer's product. 

Copyrights: I the Photographer, retain the copyright to all photographs taken, and allow the Client limited and non-exclusive, rights to use and print said photographs for personal use. I retain the right to use said photographs within my own portfolio and advertising. I do not provide RAW files or unedited files to the Client. 

Hello! If you're reading this, you may be either currently commissioning me for a pet portrait or considering commissioning me: either way, thank you! Scroll below to read all about my portrait policies.

5x7 – $110* 
8x10 – $135*
10x14 – $170
What is included with my watercolor portrait?
You will be receiving a completely original hand-painted portrait of your pet (head&shoulders) with a color wash background and a half-inch white border. 
For an additional pet, $75 will be added to your total. *indicates that the smaller sizes have a limit of 1 pet per portrait. 10x14 watercolors can accommodate up to two pets (when horizontal).

5x7 mini canvas – $120*
8x10 canvas panel - $150*
​16x20 canvas – $350
What makes oil different and more expensive than acrylic?
If you're looking for a more sophisticated or classical look, I would recommend oil above my acrylics, which have a more colorful pop-art vibe. My oils are priced a little bit higher than acrylics to offset the costs of materials, as oil paints tend to be more expensive, and because larger canvases can require quite a lot of paint. At the moment, I'm currently offering oils with a muted classical background.
As with acrylic paintings, each additional pet will add $75.
*The smaller canvases can only accommodate one pet, but the 16x20 canvas can accommodate up to 3 pets (when horizontal). 

​ ​Next up: Terms and stuff!

So now that we've reviewed prices, let's get into policies.

Before agreeing to a commission, I must approve of your reference photo to continue. Please visit this guide to help you meet the requirements for a usable photo! Remember, I only do head&shoulders in my portraits, no full bodies (unless of course, your pet is a fish or a hamster or other small animal.) 

Reference Photos
When it comes to reference photos, what I need is a good, sharp image of your pet's face. I need good lighting, which means natural light is best! If you can take your pet outside, please find a nice area in indirect sunlight (to prevent glare and overexposure). If your pet cannot go outside, please photograph them near a window wherever lighting is best in your house. I cannot accept photos taken in incandescent lighting! As well, I also need your photo reference to be of good resolution. This does not mean it needs to be taken with a professional camera by any means, most smartphones work just fine. However, I cannot use photos of low quality that appear pixelated, as I need details to complete your portrait. 

Booking Your Portrait
Before starting a painting, I require a booking fee (half of your final payment) upfront, which reserves your spot in line and time in my schedule (Please click here to learn more about booking fees!) This booking fee is absolutely non-refundable once work on your portrait commences. Cancellation of a painting after work has begun means you agree to forfeit your booking fee, which accounts for the time and painting materials that have already been spent on the cancelled portrait. If the Client desires to pay one lump invoice, the first half of the total is still considered to be the booking fee and the same policies apply for cancellation.
Your booking fee guarantees you a place on my waitlist, which is on a first come first serve basis. Sometimes you may be the first and only person in line, but sometimes (around holidays) this waitlist can be a little longer! Once your painting is complete, you will receive a preview of your painting and be asked for the remaining balance of your painting as well as shipping fees. Once payment is received, your painting will be shipped out within 3 business days (not counting Sunday). I accept commissions to be shipped outside of the U.S. on a case by case basis, so please be sure to let me know that you are planning to have it shipped internationally, and please note that the shipping costs will be greater than they are in the States. 
It's very important that you keep track of your package! As soon as I ship your painting I will always give you a tracking number, and I will do my best to track it with you. When you see that your package is out for delivery, make sure to keep an eye out to avoid letting the parcel slip into the wrong fingers while it's waiting on your step! 
As one more note, also be sure to never let a canvas lean against anything with protruding edges, i.e a coffee table corner. A canvas is made of fabric that has been stretched across wooden bracings, which means the middle of the canvas is fragile and can become easily dented when something pointy is pressed against the middle. As this is a custom and one-of-a-kind painting that took many hours to create, I cannot give full refunds and I cannot be responsible for damages of this nature.

Copyrights and Courtesies 
I reserve the copyrights to my paintings to use the images as needed in my portfolio and advertising. I do not permit the reproduction of my paintings, especially for sale. Of course, you are more than welcome to take pictures of your painting to post online and show your friends. I'd love to see it hanging in your home, and it's super cute if you take a photo of it sitting next to your real live pet. I'd love to feature it on my page!

​And finally, (and this is more of a courtesy than anything) what I need most from you is patience and autonomy! I don't often have much trouble in this department, however it happens on occasion. What's truly important is that you understand that I do my best to complete your portrait within 1-3 weeks, depending on size and complexity (and not counting other clients who have booked ahead of you). In the art world, this is a fairly quick turnaround time for a painting! However, please note that I do not guarantee end dates and I cannot work on your painting every single day. I also have a part time job as an art instructor, and as a photographer, and I also generally need time for myself as well! If it is a birthday gift or time sensitive, I always do my best to make arrangements to get it to you in time. 
I do make progress posts on my Instagram @meofsharick.art where you can watch me post updates of my paintings. While I do my best to post a couple times a week, I cannot guarantee to post every day. 
Lastly, please note that I do need a certain level of autonomy when completing your painting! My purpose as an artist is to make thoughtful decisions for you about how to deliver the best portrait possible. If I have a client who is overly controlling about the end result or hounds for daily updates, this can be a hinderance to the painting process. Also, I cannot "make portraits like this other artist" – I am me! If there is another (living) artist whose work you enjoy, please commission them. However, I can make exceptions for say, a Van Gogh-inspired portrait. Please take a look at my work to get the best idea of what your end result will look like. In short: I need your trust to paint in my ​style!

And that concludes my terms! If you have any questions for me, please reach out and let me know, as your questions may be helpful to others, and will help me revise my policies. Thank you!