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Frequently Asked Questions

Photoghraphy

When is the best time of day to book an outdoor photo session with you?

What should we wear to one of your family photo sessions?

What else do we need to do to prepare for a family photo session?

What photography equipment do you use?

What else can you shoot?

Design

How does your design process work?

Why do I need a Graphic Designer? Can't I just do it on my own in Microsoft Word or Powerpoint?

Do you use Mac or PC?

Do you provide copywriting services?

What is your main design style?

 

Q: When is the best time of day to book an outdoor photo session with you?
A: A general rule of thumb is to aim for evening (after dinner) or earlier in the morning (before 11:00 am). But it depends largely on the season.

Q: What should we wear to one of your family photo sessions?
A: First guideline is to be comfortable. In order to get the most natural look we can, you should be able to relax and that starts with your clothing. Avoid loud colors, patterns and logos. It's great to match a little, but don't go overboard.

Q: What else do we need to do to prepare for a family photo session?
A: Bring a blanket, small snacks for the kids, maybe a family book or a comfort item can work well to contribute.

Also, be prepared to help contribute to pose and combination ideas. Dan wants you to be involved creatively too! If you are thinking you want a specific photo, go ahead and let him know. But please also come prepared to trust. :)

Q: What photography equipment do you use?
A: I use a Nikon D300 and D40x, an 18-70mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm; a few filters here and there and a bunch of other accesories. I also have a full mobile lighting studio which I can use to light nearly every situation I need.

Q: What else can you shoot?
A: Dan has excelled in taking photos of people in the past, but he also has plenty of experience shooting corporate, events, industrial, landscape and product photography. If you want to see if he can take a stunning photo of something...you have only to ask.

Q: How does your design process work?
A: We first discuss the client's needs, target market, and uses for this project by answering questions in a Creative Brief. I then ask for samples of existing projects that the client likes or dislikes to get an idea of their taste.  Sometimes the client already has a design concept in mind.  Other times, they have no idea what they want.  Either way, I make sure I collected enough information before I begin work. It is pretty much my standard to provide a few concepts of the job before we move forward. 

Q: Why do I need a Graphic Designer? Can't I just do it on my own in Microsoft Word or PowerPoint?
A: There are a number of reasons. Read on for my thoughts.

1. A Designer Saves Time

You know your job and do it well. A graphic designer is a professional who knows their field as well. They know about things like bleed and trap, type-safety and imposition so that you don't have to. A graphic designer can turn your ideas into reality in a short time, leaving you free to do what you do best.

2. Improves your image

We've all seen business cards prepared on a home printer using perforated paper and the impression they leave. Professionally designed graphics and materials will convey an image to your customers of expertise that they can trust.

3. Ensures you stand out in a crowd

Every day we're bombarded by advertisements all vying for our attention. Your best defense against becoming a part of the noise is through great design that captures your audience's attention. And the best way to ensure you get that eye-catching design is to hire a graphic designer.

4. Saves Money

It makes sense that doing things yourself will save you money. Unfortunately, in the world of printing that sometimes isn't the case. Unless your file is prepared precisely the way it needs to be for printing, you may find that it costs more to prepare the file for printing than it would to simply hire a designer to do things from the start.

5. Knows the Software

Some people would have you believe that with Photoshop they can do anything. And the truth is that you can do anything with Photoshop – poorly. No single program can handle all the jobs needed to create quality materials and a designer knows how to put each program to its best use for quality results every time.

After years in business, Dan has helped individuals and business both small and large. He has the knowledge and experience to make your projects a success. Dan prides himself in creating strong design solutions for all your projects in a time frame that fits your schedule.

By keeping up on all the latest techniques and equipment constantly he makes sure that you always look your best by keeping your best interest in mind.

Q: Do you use Mac or PC?
A: Both, although I prefer Mac.

Q: Do you provide copywriting services?
A: Unfortunately no, I do know people who are extremely talented in this area, however. Generally, I prefer the client to provide fully approved content ready to use.

Q: What is your main design style?
A: Minimalism. I think less is more and you need to give the content a chance to "breathe". This increases readability tenfold.

 


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Did you know that Dan has entered in numerous photo competitions and has been voted top ten in the recent
Metro Photo Challenge?
It's true!

More, if you wish

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