How do I get in touch with you?
You can reach me by navigating to the Contact page and sending me a note from the form, by hitting the email button at the bottom of this (and every) page, or use my email address directly in a new email message: photosbynikkialexandra (at) yahoo (dot) com.
You can also reach me via carrier pigeon, though this is not recommended due to failures in their homing devices.
You can reach me by navigating to the Contact page and sending me a note from the form, by hitting the email button at the bottom of this (and every) page, or use my email address directly in a new email message: photosbynikkialexandra (at) yahoo (dot) com.
You can also reach me via carrier pigeon, though this is not recommended due to failures in their homing devices.
What are your rates?
Some details are on my Rates page, but please reach out via my Contact page for current 2022 rates. Be sure to include info on what session type you're looking for, as well as session duration! :)
Some details are on my Rates page, but please reach out via my Contact page for current 2022 rates. Be sure to include info on what session type you're looking for, as well as session duration! :)
Do you do consultations before our session?
Of course! An optional 30 minute (+/-) consultation is included in your package regardless of your session type/duration. This can be done over email, phone, or video call, and can be scheduled at a date/time convenient to you upon payment of the retainer securing your booking.
Prior to our session I'll also: email you with a reminder of the session date/time as we approach the day, share a quick one-sheeter that goes over a few details to be conscious of depending on the session type, and give you the opportunity to ask any questions that you may have before our time together.
Of course! An optional 30 minute (+/-) consultation is included in your package regardless of your session type/duration. This can be done over email, phone, or video call, and can be scheduled at a date/time convenient to you upon payment of the retainer securing your booking.
Prior to our session I'll also: email you with a reminder of the session date/time as we approach the day, share a quick one-sheeter that goes over a few details to be conscious of depending on the session type, and give you the opportunity to ask any questions that you may have before our time together.
When will I receive my photos?
Depending on the duration and type of session we had together, you can expect to receive photos anywhere from 1 week all the way up to 12 weeks. I bet that's not helpful though, eh? ;) That's okay - here's a breakout to give you a little more info:
- Weddings: Because I know how it feels to eagerly await wedding photos, teaser photos (up to 5 edited) will be sent to you within 2 weeks. All final images will be ready within 4-8 weeks, but could be anywhere up to 12 weeks depending on seasonality (busy season for weddings is typically May-October) and my current volume of bookings.
- Engagement: Online proofing gallery will be ready within 1 week (with a 1 day turnaround required for your selection), with final selected images ready within 2-3 weeks after proofing gallery selection.
- Portraits/Headshots/Branding/Lifestyle/Family/Couples: Online proofing gallery will be ready within 1 week (with a 1 day turnaround required for your selection), with final selected images ready within 2-3 weeks after proofing gallery selection.
**Please note that these turnaround times are estimates only, actual deliver times may be plus or minus a few days depending on individual circumstances of our session.**
Depending on the duration and type of session we had together, you can expect to receive photos anywhere from 1 week all the way up to 12 weeks. I bet that's not helpful though, eh? ;) That's okay - here's a breakout to give you a little more info:
- Weddings: Because I know how it feels to eagerly await wedding photos, teaser photos (up to 5 edited) will be sent to you within 2 weeks. All final images will be ready within 4-8 weeks, but could be anywhere up to 12 weeks depending on seasonality (busy season for weddings is typically May-October) and my current volume of bookings.
- Engagement: Online proofing gallery will be ready within 1 week (with a 1 day turnaround required for your selection), with final selected images ready within 2-3 weeks after proofing gallery selection.
- Portraits/Headshots/Branding/Lifestyle/Family/Couples: Online proofing gallery will be ready within 1 week (with a 1 day turnaround required for your selection), with final selected images ready within 2-3 weeks after proofing gallery selection.
**Please note that these turnaround times are estimates only, actual deliver times may be plus or minus a few days depending on individual circumstances of our session.**
Can you rush my photo edits please? I have [relatives/friends/gold fish/my 5th grade math teacher at her retirement party/the president] who really wants to see these images ASAP!
Every effort will be made to provide you with photos as quickly as possible, though as quality is my top priority (and rightly so - these will be photos you look back on for years to come!), I cannot guarantee accommodation for rush-requests or expedited turnaround times.
As the singular photographer/business owner here, I handle all photography/sorting/editing/retouching personally and do not outsource any element unless otherwise specified in a partnership/collaborative-booking.
Every effort will be made to provide you with photos as quickly as possible, though as quality is my top priority (and rightly so - these will be photos you look back on for years to come!), I cannot guarantee accommodation for rush-requests or expedited turnaround times.
As the singular photographer/business owner here, I handle all photography/sorting/editing/retouching personally and do not outsource any element unless otherwise specified in a partnership/collaborative-booking.
Do you watermark your photos?
No, I do not watermark any photos that I provide to you; you're paying for beautiful photos, not my signature or logo. :) I also do not watermark photos that are on my website portfolio; however, I do watermark any photos that I share on my own social media channels.
No, I do not watermark any photos that I provide to you; you're paying for beautiful photos, not my signature or logo. :) I also do not watermark photos that are on my website portfolio; however, I do watermark any photos that I share on my own social media channels.
Can I share your photos from our session on Social Media? Do I need to tag you?
While the photographer owns the copyright to photos that they take, as the customer - you have full rights to share photos received on any social media/website that you choose. More information on copyright laws in Canada can be found on the CAPIC website.
If you are happy with the finished product, it's always welcomed to tag my social handle (@photosbynikkialexandra) or website (www.photosbynikkialexandra.com) as the photographer in your post (no sweat either way though!). If edits are done above and beyond what I have provided to you, I also ask in good faith that you include a note stating as such if/when sharing/tagging me on social media.
While the photographer owns the copyright to photos that they take, as the customer - you have full rights to share photos received on any social media/website that you choose. More information on copyright laws in Canada can be found on the CAPIC website.
If you are happy with the finished product, it's always welcomed to tag my social handle (@photosbynikkialexandra) or website (www.photosbynikkialexandra.com) as the photographer in your post (no sweat either way though!). If edits are done above and beyond what I have provided to you, I also ask in good faith that you include a note stating as such if/when sharing/tagging me on social media.
Can you give me a nose job or remove [XYZ] in my pictures?
With Photoshop comes great responsibility. ;) So, probably not.
Small blemishes/acne will be removed/toned down as applicable (moles/birthmarks not removed unless requested). Teeth may also be lightened, wrinkles and laugh lines may be softened, and some minor adjustments to backgrounds due to the nature of public environments can be made.
However, as an ethical choice, I do not edit permanent and defining characteristic features. This includes, but is not limited to: body weight adjustments/enhancements, full removal of wrinkles, nose-jobs, chin-tucks, eye-lifts, etc.
With Photoshop comes great responsibility. ;) So, probably not.
Small blemishes/acne will be removed/toned down as applicable (moles/birthmarks not removed unless requested). Teeth may also be lightened, wrinkles and laugh lines may be softened, and some minor adjustments to backgrounds due to the nature of public environments can be made.
However, as an ethical choice, I do not edit permanent and defining characteristic features. This includes, but is not limited to: body weight adjustments/enhancements, full removal of wrinkles, nose-jobs, chin-tucks, eye-lifts, etc.
When are the booking fees due, and how do I pay you?
Payment method is e-transfer. Please reach out via the Contact page for all info on rates, and terms & conditions of bookings.
Payment method is e-transfer. Please reach out via the Contact page for all info on rates, and terms & conditions of bookings.
How do you deliver the final photos?
Photo delivery is done online; you will be provided with a download link once the files are ready for your viewing pleasure. :) On special request, a USB key can be provided. Photos are delivered as high resolution JPEG files.
Photo delivery is done online; you will be provided with a download link once the files are ready for your viewing pleasure. :) On special request, a USB key can be provided. Photos are delivered as high resolution JPEG files.
How many photos will I receive?
This depends on your session type & duration, please feel free to reach out to me via the Contact page for more information and approximate number of photos expected per each session type.
Can my [parent/friend/grandparent/partner/goldfish/the president] bring their phone/camera to document our session or take photos alongside you?
While I understand that photo sessions can be exciting, cameras and cell phone cameras are not permitted to be operated during our photo session. If you have your heart set on having candid photos of our session and "behind the scenes" moments captured, let me know prior and we can have my assistant take a few quick-snaps with your phone while we're between shots (or better yet, we can bring out a second camera for those candids). The goal, however, is to make sure we're making the most of our time together, and that in all photos your attention is directed towards my camera for the best results. After all, that's what you're paying for. :)
This depends on your session type & duration, please feel free to reach out to me via the Contact page for more information and approximate number of photos expected per each session type.
Can my [parent/friend/grandparent/partner/goldfish/the president] bring their phone/camera to document our session or take photos alongside you?
While I understand that photo sessions can be exciting, cameras and cell phone cameras are not permitted to be operated during our photo session. If you have your heart set on having candid photos of our session and "behind the scenes" moments captured, let me know prior and we can have my assistant take a few quick-snaps with your phone while we're between shots (or better yet, we can bring out a second camera for those candids). The goal, however, is to make sure we're making the most of our time together, and that in all photos your attention is directed towards my camera for the best results. After all, that's what you're paying for. :)
Do you keep my photos after you've sent them to me? Can you re-send them to me if I've lost them/forgot to download them a year after the session?
Many photographers, myself included, do save photos for upwards of 6-12 months (or more) in an external hard drive filing system. I cannot guarantee that your photos will remain available long-term; however if requested - and if they're available - I will do my best to send you an additional copy.
Please note that any requests for re-sending of files more than 3 months after final delivery will be subject to a $50 (+HST) administrative fee due upon request.
It is your responsibility to ensure you download the photos once they are ready, and that you back up your files as needed. I highly recommend the 3-2-1 method for storing important digital items such as cherished photos:
3 copies of your data (1 main and 2 back-ups), saved on 2 different media types (1 external hard drive, and 1 computer), and 1 off-site in the event of a disaster (a USB key saved at a friend's/family member's home, safety deposit box, etc.).
Many photographers, myself included, do save photos for upwards of 6-12 months (or more) in an external hard drive filing system. I cannot guarantee that your photos will remain available long-term; however if requested - and if they're available - I will do my best to send you an additional copy.
Please note that any requests for re-sending of files more than 3 months after final delivery will be subject to a $50 (+HST) administrative fee due upon request.
It is your responsibility to ensure you download the photos once they are ready, and that you back up your files as needed. I highly recommend the 3-2-1 method for storing important digital items such as cherished photos:
3 copies of your data (1 main and 2 back-ups), saved on 2 different media types (1 external hard drive, and 1 computer), and 1 off-site in the event of a disaster (a USB key saved at a friend's/family member's home, safety deposit box, etc.).
What happens if your camera/memory card fails after our photo session?
As all photographers do, I regularly test and ensure my camera gear, and memory cards, are in full working order prior to any booking. The camera I use holds 2 memory cards, so I use this feature to create a back-up in the event one card fails.
My first course of action after our photo session is to place one of those cards into a weather sealed case separate from my camera. Next, I go straight home to upload the entire photo set onto two different external hard drives. I also upload a copy into 'the cloud'.
Unfortunately, sometimes technology can get the best of us regardless of all our efforts. In the very rare event that a technological issue prevents me from being able to provide you with any photos, the following will be provided:
- Weddings: a full refund is provided as those memories can never be re-captured, along with a complimentary 1 hour family photo session at the date and reasonable time of your choosing.
- All other session types: a complimentary re-do of your session at the date and reasonable time of your choosing.
Any re-shoots are subject to availability, but I will do my best to accommodate your schedule.
As all photographers do, I regularly test and ensure my camera gear, and memory cards, are in full working order prior to any booking. The camera I use holds 2 memory cards, so I use this feature to create a back-up in the event one card fails.
My first course of action after our photo session is to place one of those cards into a weather sealed case separate from my camera. Next, I go straight home to upload the entire photo set onto two different external hard drives. I also upload a copy into 'the cloud'.
Unfortunately, sometimes technology can get the best of us regardless of all our efforts. In the very rare event that a technological issue prevents me from being able to provide you with any photos, the following will be provided:
- Weddings: a full refund is provided as those memories can never be re-captured, along with a complimentary 1 hour family photo session at the date and reasonable time of your choosing.
- All other session types: a complimentary re-do of your session at the date and reasonable time of your choosing.
Any re-shoots are subject to availability, but I will do my best to accommodate your schedule.
Can you send me RAW/Unedited files instead of just the final JPEGs?
The TL;DR answer: No, I do not provide RAW/Unedited files when working directly with clients in standard portrait/headshot/wedding/engagement/family photography sessions.
The exception is in Lifestyle/Personal Branding sessions (this comes at an additional licensing fee of $1,000 (+HST) on top of the session rate and any other associated costs), as these photo sessions are typically utilized for marketing & advertising purposes that require brand-specific guidelines attributed to each photo.
To shed some light on this topic:
Asking for RAW files really is a tricky question, and the best way to answer that is: "would you go to a restaurant and ask the chef to give you a box of ingredients instead of the fully prepared meal?"
By asking for RAW/Unedited files, simply put, you are not receiving the full experience that you are paying for.
RAW files are the digital version of a film negative (sort of) that requires processing in software to become the final image you receive. Images that are SOOC (straight out of camera) are not typically for public consumption for a variety of both technical and artistic reasons. Unless stated in the contract/agreement, most photographers will provide you with the final (selected and edited) images only.
When working with a photographer, you're not only entrusting them to capture specific moments for you, but you're also trusting their guidance and experience when it comes to the more technical and aesthetic aspects of photography.
Behind the camera, your photographer is not just pressing a button; they are framing the image both in-camera and in-mind with the intent to crop/adjust/shift elements around in post-processing. Things like exposure, white balance, and colour are adjusted even in "lightly edited" images. Every final photo you receive has also typically been culled very carefully from many others that didn't make the cut (trust me on this: the "eyes half closed" and blurred photos between the perfect ones you receive are photos you do not want to see! And receiving 1000+ less-worthy duplicates/triplicates/quadruplicates of your final images will not be an experience you enjoy.).
Many photographers discuss this, and it's a hot topic as the majority of professional photographers out there do not provide RAW/Unedited files, but this article on Medium outlines some of the important factors to consider about RAW files along with some before & after edits as examples (RAW vs. JPEG) to show you the difference.
The TL;DR answer: No, I do not provide RAW/Unedited files when working directly with clients in standard portrait/headshot/wedding/engagement/family photography sessions.
The exception is in Lifestyle/Personal Branding sessions (this comes at an additional licensing fee of $1,000 (+HST) on top of the session rate and any other associated costs), as these photo sessions are typically utilized for marketing & advertising purposes that require brand-specific guidelines attributed to each photo.
To shed some light on this topic:
Asking for RAW files really is a tricky question, and the best way to answer that is: "would you go to a restaurant and ask the chef to give you a box of ingredients instead of the fully prepared meal?"
By asking for RAW/Unedited files, simply put, you are not receiving the full experience that you are paying for.
RAW files are the digital version of a film negative (sort of) that requires processing in software to become the final image you receive. Images that are SOOC (straight out of camera) are not typically for public consumption for a variety of both technical and artistic reasons. Unless stated in the contract/agreement, most photographers will provide you with the final (selected and edited) images only.
When working with a photographer, you're not only entrusting them to capture specific moments for you, but you're also trusting their guidance and experience when it comes to the more technical and aesthetic aspects of photography.
Behind the camera, your photographer is not just pressing a button; they are framing the image both in-camera and in-mind with the intent to crop/adjust/shift elements around in post-processing. Things like exposure, white balance, and colour are adjusted even in "lightly edited" images. Every final photo you receive has also typically been culled very carefully from many others that didn't make the cut (trust me on this: the "eyes half closed" and blurred photos between the perfect ones you receive are photos you do not want to see! And receiving 1000+ less-worthy duplicates/triplicates/quadruplicates of your final images will not be an experience you enjoy.).
Many photographers discuss this, and it's a hot topic as the majority of professional photographers out there do not provide RAW/Unedited files, but this article on Medium outlines some of the important factors to consider about RAW files along with some before & after edits as examples (RAW vs. JPEG) to show you the difference.
If there are any questions that I haven't covered here: