What can I expect a session to be like with you?
Above all, my goal is to play and have fun. I like to say I do real photography for real people. So whether we’re doing a wedding, family pictures, actor headshots, or fashion photography, I try to keep the mood light and stress-free. I’m not worried if the kids get dirty or refuse to smile, or your dog barks at the cars. I’m the type of person who laughs off those things and just appreciates the opportunity to photograph it all. Bottom line, I’m inspired by YOU. My goal is to capture your personality and I enjoy nothing more than to hear you say “Wow! I love that shot.”
Let me start by admitting that I’m not a “traditional” portrait photographer. I don’t do perfect Sears type photography. So if that’s what you’re looking for, I’m probably not the photographer for you. BUT if you want beautiful, fun, and most importantly, authentic pictures of you and your family, well then I’m the gal for you!
Can we take photos in your studio?
My studio is the world! I typically shoot all natural light and in the outdoors at a location of your choice. If you’re looking for a formal studio setup, I can refer you to some great photographers who do that kind of work.
What are your rates and packages?
Ala Carte Prices:
- $175 per hour of photography (includes DVD of low-resolution images)
- $50 per hour for second photographer
- $100 for DVD of high-resolution images
- $9.99 for individual high resolution digital negatives
- Custom printed hardcover books starting at $75
- Custom wedding albums available starting at $300
- Custom slideshows starting at $100
Rita Quinn’s Half Day Wedding Package: $750
- (3) hours of photography
- (1) photographer
- (3) 8×10 prints
- (1) 11×14 print
- (10) high resolution digital negatives of your choice
- Online gallery (avail for 60 days)
- DVD of all low resolution (web ready) images
Rita Quinn’s Full Day Wedding Package: $1500
- 6 hours of wedding photography
- Second photographer
- Engagement session
- Custom printed 8.5×11 guest book (10 pages)
- Online gallery (avail for 60 days)
- DVD with all low resolution (web ready) images
- (3) 8×10 prints
- (1) 11×14 print
- (25) high resolution digital negatives of your choice
Engagement Package: $300
- (90) minutes of photography
- Up to (3) wardrobe changes
- Up to (3) different locations
- Online proof gallery
- (1) 11×14 printed image of your choice
- (3) Digital negatives
- (1) Custom 10 page guest book
High School Senior Portraits: $150
- (60) minutes of photography
- Up to (2) wardrobe changes
- Up to (2) locations of your choice
- (40) wallets of (1) selected image
Headshots: $100
- (30) minutes of photography
- (2) wardrobe changes
- (1) location of your choice
- (3) digital negatives
Quick Family Portraits: $125
-(30) minutes of photography at the location of your choice
-Online proof gallery (avail for 60 days)
-(1) 5×7 print
-(1) 8×10 print
-(3) digital negatives
Standard Family Portraits Package: $200
-(60) minutes of photography at the location of your choice
-Online proof gallery (avail for 60 days)
-Archive CD of low resolution images
-(1) 8×10 print
-(8) wallet prints
-(3) digital negatives
Will I receive a copy of the high-resolution digital files on DVD?
If you decide to purchase a package from me, I usually include some digital images. If you would like to own all of the high resolution digital images from your session, you may purchase the archive DVD for only $100.
If you only have a few images you really want to own, you may purchase individual digital images for $9.99 each. If you choose to purchase images individually, you will able to download them directly from your gallery. The files you receive will be color corrected and edited in Photoshop. I reserve the right to use images I take in future promotions, advertising, etc.
What about low-resolution versions? I wanna share my pics with my friends on facebook and in my blog.
I love sharing too, so I give you ALL your low resolution images for FREE! Your online gallery will hold the complete set from your session. From there, you’ll be able to download any images you want and tweet and facebook to your heart’s content.
When will my images be ready to view?/strong>
Wedding clients can expect to see a note from me with a link to their gallery within 4 weeks from the date of their event. All other clients usually are notified within 1-2 weeks.
But I need my pictures now?
Sometimes life comes at us fast. Okay, so I stole that from the credit card company, but it’s true, right? I know this is particularly true for actors who sometimes need their headshots right away. So if you need your pics right now (within 48 hours), I charge a small rush fee of $25. (Not available for wedding clients.)
Can I order prints and enlargements from you?
You betcha. In fact, I actually recommend my clients use my print house if possible because your images are edited and calibrated to match their printers. This pretty much guarantees your prints will look great when you receive them. (vs. using walgreens or costco.) When you receive your link to your gallery, you’ll be able to order prints directly from there. Also, I’ve priced my prints very reasonably so you don’t have to worry about paying a ridiculous up-charge when you order from me. The print house I use is MPixPro.
Why do my pictures look different on my home’s monitor?
My monitors are color calibrated so that I can ensure that the final images you receive print properly. Most personal monitors are not calibrated and are set from the manufacturer to display colors much brighter and cooler (blue-gray tones) than the images actually are. If you have a concern about the exposure or color of any of your images, just let me know. I’m happy to work with you to ensure the final shots are perfect.
How should we prepare for our engagement session?
Your engagement session is your time. Together. No pressure. No time schedule. Just you and the person you love. Another photographer once told me, couples should think of their engagement session as a special “date” for themselves. It’s that time you set aside before your big day where you can just relax, laugh, flirt, and gaze lovingly into each other’s eyes while whispering sweet nothings. And since my style is more photojournalistic, my goal is to simply capture the love you both already share.
You can expect your engagement photography session to last about 90 minutes. I like to meet with you both at least a week beforehand to get to know more about your individual style and preferences. We’ll nail down a few locations that reflect the two of you. We’ll talk about wardrobe and the use of props to express your personalities. And of course, we’ll talk about you, your love story, and your big day.
How should we prepare for our family portrait session?
My best shots come from capturing the real you, and so you’ll never hear the words “Say Cheese” come out of my mouth. I want to see the chocolate on the face, the grass on the pants, and the tears from laughing too hard. I’ll work with you to find a great location that fits your family’s personality. Bring toys, squirt guns (just don’t hit the photographer), treats for the kids, and whatever else will make the experience fun and memorable. And nobody really likes getting all dressed up and stressed out over pictures (especially kids) so come dressed to have fun. And no matching colors allowed.
As we play, I might prompt you to look a certain direction or position your body a certain way. But at heart, I’m a photojournalist. I love natural settings, natural light, and natural smiles. But I’m also very inspired by fashion photography. I love the hip, the edgy, and the sophisticated. My dream is to create images that somehow combine these two worlds. Authentically beautiful.
How should I prepare for my headshot session?
I love working with actors. Just bring lots of attitude and however many changes of clothes you can fit into our time together. Again, we’ll find a location that offers lots of different backdrops. I personally love shooting by the University of Texas just for this reason. You tell me what looks you want and we’ll go get ‘em together.
How do I prepare for my fashion shoot?
In my dreams, I’ll grow up to be a fashion photographer one day. If you’re a model and want me to photograph you, just tell me your vision and we’ll work together to create something really cool.
Location… location… location!
I’m always being asked where the good locations to take pictures here in Austin. To be honest, I’m still trying develop my own list, but here’s a few places that have worked out great for me so far. If you have a favorite spot, let me know. I’m always interested in finding new places and building this list.
Austin Children’s Museum
201 Colorado Street
Austin, TX 78701-3922
(512) 472-2499
Laguna Gloria
3809 West 35th Street
Austin, TX 78703-1001
(512) 458-8191
Mayfield Park
3505 West 35th Street
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 974-6797
Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Avenue
Austin, TX 78739-1702
(512) 292-4100
Butler District Park
Butler District Park is located between Riverside Drive and Barton Springs road next to Palmer Events Center and the Dougherty Arts Center. If you’re feeling really playful (and it’s a hot texas day) come prepared to run around in the fountain!
Amy’s Ice Cream off Burnet Rd.
5620 Burnet Rd #A,
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 538-2697
First, if you want to get the kids to smile, ice cream is the ticket (plus it makes for great pics). Also this location has its own playscape and great colored chairs and tables.
What’s in your gear bag?
My main camera is a Canon 40D. I also have a backup Canon 20D. Lenses include:
Canon 50/1.4
Sigma 70-200/2.8
Sigma 10-20/4.5
Tamron 28-75/2.8
Speedlite 420 and 430
Various lightstands, reflectors, and umbrellas
How can I pay for my session with you?
