A hundredth of a second here, a hundredth of a second there--even if you put them end to end, they still only add up to one, two, perhaps three seconds, snatched from eternity.
~ Robert Doisneau

FAQ INTRODUCTION

Please visit my Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page often to see the continued additions and changes. Let me know if there is a feature that you want to have me add to my Stephen Bruno Photography website in general and specifically to this page.

In the very near future, (probably by August 2009) I will have a PDF file that you can download with all of the updated Frequently Asked Questions. When complete, the information will be more comprehensive and thorough.

GENERAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What photography services do you offer?

My professional photographic services include traditional, modern, documentary and eccentric style photography. I offer quality portrait photography for weddings, individuals, pregnancy, newborns, children, teenagers, family, couples, senior citizens, engagement, military, musicians, friends, pets, equine, and more. Additionally my photographic services include corporate and special events, architecture, realty and more.

I sell Limited Edition signed photographs. Each picture is numbered and hand signed. When the series runs out, I do not produce any more.

I also offer high priced artwork to collectors and connoisseurs of the fine arts.

What is different, special, or unique about Stephen Bruno Photography?

My photography is different in that I have specialized skills and knowledge in a variety of photographic areas rather than specialization in a single area. I bring this combined expertise to each diverse area from portraiture to wildlife and nature photography.

Who created and maintains your website?

I have created this website (with the occasional advanced technical assistance), and I have taken over the customizations myself.

What methods of payment do you accept?

For your convenience, I accept Cash, Master Card, Visa, Discover, and American Express. Additionally, you can pay by PayPal and Google Check Out. Of course, I also accept prepayments by Check or Money Orders and Certified Checks. I apologize but I do not ship COD.

Do you offer gift certificates?

Yes I do. You may purchase gift certificates in whatever configuration you desire. I will prepare the handsome gift certificate with your name, indicating the amount of the gift and mail (or email) it to whomever want.

Do you have a business philosophy?

My business philosophy is to provide you photographic services that exceed your expectation.

What is the most rewarding part of your photography?

Regarding wildlife and nature, it is meaningful to me to feel the special bond of the wilderness. I especially feel honored to share a moment or longer with wildlife in their natural surroundings. Another privilege is taking human and animal portraits. Each of us has several novels worth of stories. My portraits present short stories that are my honor to share.

How do you view photography?

I recognize it as an art form and see myself as an artist.

Who are your favorite photographers?

A few of my favorites include Annie Leibovitz, Paul Strand, Margaret Bourke-White, Eve Arnold, Edward Weston, Dorothea Lange, Alfred Stieglitz, Bruno Morandi, Steve McCurry, David Duchemin, Ami Vitale, and Manuel Alvarez Bravo.

Who were your early artistic influences?

M.C. Escher. I remember purchasing several Escher prints and attempting to reproduce his amazing drawings.

Are you an on-location or studio photographer?

I am an on-location photographer. I prefer to show the inner essence of who you are in a natural setting that is conducive to embracing your different personalities rather than the structured studio. For shoots that require it, I rent studio space.

Do you use assistants for your portrait photography?

No. I do all of the photography, digital processing, and logistics myself without any assistants. When a client is interested in the photographic process, I offer them an opportunity to become an assistant during their photo school.

You offered me free prints from your website when I met you on one of your photo shoots. There must be some string attached right? Do you ask for donations or something?

No, the prints really are free. I would not accept a donation or other gift of gratitude for my prints that I offer as gifts. When I receive directions, locations of wildlife or other subjects, valuable information, quality conversation, or any other kindness I do offer free prints.

I met you in public taking pictures of something that is not on your web site. How do I purchase prints of these photos?

Send an e-mail to me with a detailed description providing:
• The approximate date
• The location
• What I was photographing that day

Do you accept speaking engagements about photography?

Yes, I do accept limited speaking engagements about photography depending on the engagement and for a pre-determined fee, which may include travel expenses.

Are there times that you are unable to take photographs outside?

The three conditions when I do not shoot photographs outside are during heavy rain, thick fog, and high winds. In the event of heavy rain, thick fog, and high winds, please calls me ASAP! Please e-mail a number where I can contact you during the day of the shoot.

What are your business hours?

Monday through Friday: 10am - 6pm (10am - 9pm in winter) by appointment only
Saturday: 11am-4pm (10am - 9pm in winter) by appointment only

Email Me or call 415 314-5191 to make an appointment.

What kind of photographic equipment do you use?

My current digital SLR cameras include the:
• Nikon D300 DX 12.3MP
• Nikon D80 10.2MP
My lenses include the:
• Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6G AF VR Nikkor SLR
• Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor
• Tamron SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspherical [IF]
• Sigma 500mm f/4.5 EX APO HSM

Do you use filters?

I prefer photographing with natural light. I sometimes use polarizing and graduated neutral density filters that help me record more accurately, what my eyes see.

What software do you use the most?

I use Photoshop CS4 the most, with several excellent plug-INS. I also use Capture NX, Portrait Professional Studio 8, Helicon Focus, and PhotoPerfect, Coral Painter 11, among others.

What is your workflow?

I always shoot RAW. After each photo session is completed, I back up my unedited files. Using CS4 Photoshop, Adobe Bridge, and other software, I edit the images to record what I observed. Then I create backups of each finished set of files. My website provider (SmugMug) saves three copies of each posted image in several different states for security.

Do you provide stock images?

Yes, I offer licenses for the following stock images:

1. LICENSE FOR COMMERCIAL USE:
A Low-Res (1MPix), perpetual, non-exclusive, non-transferable, worldwide license to use this image for permitted commercial advertising, promotion, brochures, packaging as part of a commercial website for promotional purposes (maximum 800x600pixels) use prints, posters, flyers, tear sheets for promotional purposes (not for resale) prints, posters, or other commercial display of image magazines, books, newspapers, other printed publications video, broadcast, and theatrical. See my Stock Images page for further information on Commercial licenses restrictions at http://www.stephenbrunophotography.com/gallery/5493933_ter9f#141476103_HkiRv .


2. LICENSE FOR PERSONAL USE:
A non-exclusive perpetual personal-use only (non-commercial use for display on personal websites and computers, or making prints for personal use) license to download and copy Low-Res (1MPix), with restrictions listed on the Stock Images page at. See my Stock Images page for further information on Personal Use licenses restrictions at http://www.stephenbrunophotography.com/gallery/5493933_ter9f#141476103_HkiRv .

Do you have a favorite photo?

Every shoot, I have a new favorite image.

A face devoid of love or grace,
A hateful, hard, successful face,
A face with which a stone
Would feel as thoroughly at ease
As were they old acquaintances,--
First time together thrown.
~ Emily Dickinson

PORTRAITURE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What style photography do prefer for your portrait photography?

I prefer the non-posed, candid, storytelling Photojournalism style rather than the Traditional posed, portrait style. I do provide Traditional posed portrait style for those who prefer it.

Do you take boudoir or nude sessions?

Yes. I do accept professional boudoir and nude portraiture sessions.

Do you shoot Glamour photographs?

Yes. However, I do not shoot the "Hollywood Glamour" fantasy type portraits. I prefer to shoot photographs that are glamorous while reflecting the essence of the individual rather than an overly retouched fantasy image shot to a strict formula.

What type of lighting do you use?

I prefer natural light whenever possible, supplemented by an SB-800 AF Speedlight flash attached to the camera.

What is your assignment day rate?

My fee depends on several factors including time, complexity of the shoot, travel and primarily usage, since you may use my licensed photos for different specific uses. Generally, the more extensive media exposure a photograph receives, the higher the fee will be for producing it. This way, you pay for only the usage that you need.

Do you charge travel expenses?

Yes, I charge travel expenses at the standard IRS mile rate of 48.5 per mile for every mile of the entire trip plus the $0.65 per mile one-way. I calculate the distance from my location with MapQuest. My clients pay me for one-night hotel accommodations for the locations that are 150 miles or more from my home.

How many photographs do you take during a Portrait Session?

I never count the number of photographs that I take. I stop taking photographs when I know that I have exactly what you and I want to produce the best images for prints.

How does the portrait session take?

Usually a quality portrait session lasts around an hour. If I need more time then I take it as long as it is convenient for everyone.

Do you charge extra for retouching?

No. Many professional photographers do charge you to retouch your photos. I believe that retouching is part of the photographic process of creating the highest quality images. My retouching includes softening lines, wrinkles, and shine. The retouching also includes removing or reducing your blemishes, bumps, light scratches, bruises, stray hairs, and the red from the whites of your eyes. My retouching is included free of charge for all of the images selected for reprinting or albums.

What are you unable to retouch?

Glasses glare and facial stubble are a challenge to touch up. Consider being clean-shaven if you do not want the stubble to show. Purchase a pair of frames similar to your usual ones but without lenses. On the other hand, you can have the lenses removed for the photo session. Do not wear your glasses to the photo shoot if they change in different lighting conditions.

How long do I have to wait after my portrait session to see my images online?

Typically, your images are available in your online gallery within one week of your session, and sometimes sooner.

Will the photo that I receive have similar quality to the one I see in the proof on the screen?

The proofs you see online are screen-resolution rep-presentations and are lower quality and resolution than the actual images from which enlargements are printed. This technology allows visitors to my website to view images that will load to their browser page quickly while still allowing top-quality prints.

Am I allowed to scan, reproduce, or save any of your online photos to my computer?

No. Reproducing or saving any of my images is a violation of federal copyright law.

Do you sell the copyright to your images? What are the fees?

I offer 'Reproduction Releases' (copyright releases) to my clients, allowing you to make prints and use the images on your website or as attachments in your e-mails. This release does not allow the images to be modified or sold for profit. The actual copyright remains the property of Stephen Bruno Photography. My reproduction release gives you the rights to the images. The cost to obtain this release varies based upon your intended usage.

Can I use your photos for a school project?

Send me an email asking to use an image, and most of the time I will be happy to provide the images for you as an educational and community service. Copy the web address of the photo you want into your email so that I can easily see which one you would like to use and state your intended purpose.

Can I receive a discount when I refer friends to you?

Yes. You will receive a 10% discount on your next order.

Do you offer multiple portraiture session discounts?

Yes. After your initial portraiture session, I offer you a 20% discount on all of your future photo sessions.

How do I make an appointment?

Email Me or call 415 314-5191 to make an appointment.

FAMILY TRAVELOGUE/REUNION PORTRAITURE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can our family or families employ you to photograph us on our family vacation or reunion?

Yes. I can accompany your family or families, and create a special candid photographic travelogue, reunion, or vacation to capture those wonderful memories in the most unobtrusive way possible.

Animals are such agreeable friends- they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.
~ George Eliot

PET PORTRAITURE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will you photograph my exotic pets?

Yes, as a wildlife photographer I photograph exotic animals and critters in the wild. I can easily photograph your pet Rabbits, Ferrets, Hamsters, Gerbils, Rats, Mice, Chinchillas, Snakes, Spiders, Hermit Crabs, birds, and more.

What are your thoughts about photographing captive animals?

Of course, I prefer the excitement of photographing wild animals in an uncontrolled, wild, and natural environment. Nonetheless, I see the value of photographing captive animals especially as an education process for children, the next generation of wildlife caretakers. I favor organizations that provide appropriate habitats and treatment for the animals. I provide clearly labeled captions that show the name of the organization.

Do you photograph my pet with props or a portable background?

No. I prefer to photograph your pets in their natural surroundings showing their true personalities. I focus on your pet and use the natural background to draw attention to them.

Do you photograph pets that are not well behaved?

Yes. I can photograph dogs, cats, and other pets who respond to basic commands. I have a special fondness for Pet Portraiture. I work with you to figure out a strategy that makes the session fun and relaxing for you and your pet. My diverse animal experience is especially beneficial during these times. I have been around horses, dogs, cats, birds, and other pet companions throughout my life.

Can my family members be a part of the photo session with our pets?

Yes. I can photograph your pets alone, and your pets together with you and other family members. They are, after all, family. There is a $25 charge for each additional pet.

What kind of pet photography do you do?

Being an avid animal lover, I shoot documentary style photos of your pets for a natural look, using available light and/or on-camera flash to record them as they normally are and to capture your pet's different expressions. Additionally, I observe and photograph their relationship with your family members.

Where do you photograph my pets?

I come out to your home and photograph them in your yard or other favorite location. For dogs, beaches, parks, and dog parks work well.

What should I have for the photo shoot?

Please bring your pet's favorite treats and squeaky toys.

How much do you charge?

Session fees are $200, which includes two hours with you and/or your pet. You purchase as many or as few prints as you like. Alternatively, you can order one of three packages, starting at $325, which includes an assortment of prints. Please see the pricing page for more details.

How many photos do you take in a typical session?

Generally, I take about 300-400 digital photographs. Frequently I take effective images right in the beginning of the photo shoot, and sometimes it will take longer. As long as your pet is cooperative and attentive, I will continue to take as many photos as possible beyond the 300-400 to achieve the mutual goals that we want.

How long is the photo shoot?

A Pet Portrait session usually lasts 2 to 3 hours, depending on how cooperative your pet decides to be and this includes a getting acquainted period to learn about your pet's likes and dislikes and personality, (and to know me) so I can capture a portrait that is not only beautiful but meaningful. Your pet usually lets us know when the photo shoot is over.

Do you photograph my pet with digital or film?

I began my photography career with film. I photograph exclusively with digital now.

COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do you shoot commercial photography?

Yes. I can shoot Advertising, Fashion, Food, Editorial, Architectural, Healthcare, Industrial, Product, Corporate, Events, Website Promotion, and Real Estate.

Visit here to see some of my images licensed for commercial photography promotion.