Does the photographer take pictures via screenshots?
Nope. You will control the camera settings and trigger remotely. Images are captured by the software to a local SSD.
How about moving the camera around?
The camera is normally mounted to a camera stand which is on wheels. We can raise and lower the camera for you, as well as repositioning the stand to get you the angle you want.
How does the photographer communicate with the assistant and the model?
Depending on what phone you have we will use FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, or whatever video conferencing software is generally available. Our preferences are FaceTime and Zoom. We have a paid Zoom account so there are no time limits, and we have high-speed Internet.
What camera settings can the photographer adjust?
- Shutter Speed
- Aperture
- White Balance
- Continuous or single shot
- ISO
While the photographer could adjust other settings we find it to be more effective to change other settings on the camera for you. If you are using a zoom lens you will need to ask the assistant to zoom in or out.
How does the photographer compose the image?
Since the phone will be positioned next to the camera you’ll be able to see what the shot will look like, other than the zoom. Capture One provides Live View mode as well, so you can see the shot directly through the lens if you so choose. Capture One also provides a focus tool so that you can control the focus. We normally have the camera set to back button focus so that you don’t have to keep refocusing if your subject stays in the “sweet spot” within your Depth of Field.
What kind of image quality can I expect?
The camera is normally set to capture RAW images at the largest size. This is sufficient for most purposes.
What about natural light?
We have a large rollup garage door in our studio and, depending on weather and the type of session, we can roll it up to allow natural light to be used. Because it gets very hot in Austin from May through October we recommend that it be used sparingly for the good of the model during those months.
I’m used to working alone with my model. Why do you provide an assistant?
Being photographers ourselves, we understand this. Rapport and the ability to communicate and connect are important.
The assistant is there because there are just some things you cannot do for yourself remotely, like moving the camera or props. Because the assistant is skilled in working with models and clients you will find that they do not interfere with your normal way of working and quickly become mostly invisible to you.
In order for you to feel comfortable, we offer a 30-minute “warm-up” session so that you can become accustomed to this way of working and to working with our assistants.
What equipment does the photographer need?
You will need a computer that the remote control software can run on (we use TeamViewer). You will need a smartphone or other smart mobile device to see the model and to communicate with the assistant.
What software does the photographer need?
You will need a browser and the TeamViewer software, which is a free download. We will provide the information you need to take control of our computer.
Because we do most of our communication before and after your session via email you will need an email account.
Does the photographer need to install Capture One or Lightroom or something?
Nope. You will use whatever software you normally use for importing, cataloging, and processing images. We will send you the RAW files, which you will access as if they were on a memory card or hard drive once you’ve downloaded them.
Does all of this work if I’m on a PC? On a Mac?
Yes to all of these. Since all you need is the remote control software on your computer, you’re covered.
TeamViewer is available on:
- Windows
- MacOS
- Linux
- Chrome OS
- Raspberry PI
- Android
- IOS
How can the photographer be sure all of this will work?
Once you have reserved your time and paid your deposit we will schedule a time the day before your session (or earlier, depending on schedules) to check it all out and make sure it works for you.
What is the availability of the studio?
This varies. We will do our best to accommodate you within our schedule. We are generally pretty flexible.
How long does a session typically last?
We require a minimum commitment of two hours. You are welcome to reserve the studio for longer.
How and when does the photographer receive the images?
We will send the RAW files via one of the Internet services (Dropbox, Google Drive, WeTransfer, and so on) within 24 hours of the session.
Will the photographer receive all of the images?
Yes! Good, bad, blank, whatever – we’ll send you every single one just as if you were pulling the card out of your camera.
How much does this cost?
The studio fee is $75/hour ($150 minimum), which includes all of the equipment and the assistant.
If you arrange the model, then the model fee is up to you and the model. If you ask us to arrange the model for you we’ll do our best to negotiate a favorable rate.
If you need an HMUA or other services we’ll do our best to arrange that for you as well. We know some of the best in the area.
If you need special props or wardrobe we will get you quotes and leave it up to you to decide.
Note: we do not pay for any of the services or items you require. While we’ll make the arrangements for you it is up to you to take care of payment directly with the service provider or vendor.