FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL
No. However I have a partnered studio at one of the most convenient locations in Sheung Wan with a spectacular sea-view! (We can also shoot at the studio of your choice if it’s more convenient for you as long as sufficient lighting equipments are provided.)
My studio is from sky to sea! (I started out as a street and travel photographer so everywhere can be my studio!)
Since I spare the cost of renting a studio, I invest back to my photography gears and knowledge to continuously level up the quality of my work for you!
About Copyrights:
In Hong Kong, the person who creates the image will be the first owner of the copyright. When you work with a photographer (or any artists), you are purchasing the service and the usage rights granted by the photographer.
Here’s an analogy: you won’t tell the others that you composed a song just because you bought the copy on Apple Music.
You will be allowed to use the photos for personal use, or for company’s internal use (e.g. sharing photos on social media/ website).
About Usage Rights:
Unless you are permitted by the photographer, you will not be allowed to create derivative works from it (i.e. you can’t alter the photos, resell or claim the ownership of the photos).
Therefore, please discuss with me if you have any specific uses of the photos to avoid copyright infringements.
About Raw files:
Just like a chef will not give away uncooked ingredients to their customers, I do not give away unprocessed raw files to my clients.
You have a great smile 😊 so why not?
If the photos go well with the vibe of the website and social media platforms, we may display the photos!
That said, if you are a very private person and would like to have controls over the sharing of the photos, you can pay for the exclusive rights of the edited photos.
In short, it is the act of finding the perfect spot for your photoshoot that fulfils you wishes and needs!
I will also look at the light and follow the sun to evaluate when’s the best time to shoot and how we can enhance the photos with the existing lights (and additional lights when necessary).
I am constantly expanding my library of photoshoot spots (some popular, some discreet, some indoor, some outdoor) all over Hong Kong!
If you understand the meaning of “No makeup makeup”, you will understand my retouching style: I elevate your facial features and minimise the blemishes on your face.
The only difference between me and a makeup artist is that I use digital tool like Photoshop while they use brushes!
When you book a session with me, you are also booking the photo processing time right after our photoshoot.
I focus on only one to two projects at a time so that I can pay my full attention to you.
Hong Kong’s weather in summer time can be quite unpredictable, under bad weather condition, depending on the scale of shoot, we can:
- For individual photoshoot (outdoor):
We can decide to proceed the shoot or not up to 2 hours before the photoshoot. We will re-schedule under poor weather conditions (e.g. the sky gets too dark, rain and typhoons).During rainy season, I will also ask for a backup date if it is very likely to rain on the day of our shoot.
- For team headshots (outdoor):
We will decide whether we reschedule the photoshoot 24 hours prior to the shoot.During rainy season, I will also ask for a backup date if it is very likely to rain on the day of our shoot.
- For indoor shoots (both individuals and teams):
We will decide whether we reschedule the shoot in the morning at 9am (or 2 hours before the shoot) under black rain signal and typhoon no.8 and 10 signal.During rainy season, I will also ask for a backup date if it is very likely to rain on the day of our shoot.
Yes (24 hours notice) and No.
It all depends on your luck and the availability of me, my assistant, my MUA(makeup artist) and the studio!
When you book earlier, you will have a higher chance to secure your favourable time slot and also have more time to prepare for the shoot!
So if you don’t want to risk, book earlier!
Around 3-6 months depending on how quickly my hard drive and online storage need to be cleared up.
It’s advisable that you download the photos once they are delivered!
PayMe, FPS, Bank Transfer, Credit card (2.9% service fee by REAP Finance)
There are a list of questions that will guide you to figure out your desired location in the enquiry form at the bottom of each page.
I will then suggest photoshoot locations or scout locations for you after reading your answers!
We can communicate in Cantonese and English.
I understand Mandarin pretty well but I am not that fluent in expressing myself with this language.
I used to understand and speak German pretty well but that was years ago, I can probably still communicate with the kids when necessary during the photoshoot though.
FOR MYSELF
From the intention of the shoot, to the posing, to the style, they will give you 2 different experiences.
My LinkedIn Profile Pictures:
Intention:
You ultimately need one photo for your LinkedIn profile that will make people really want to click on your profile.
Posing:
I will focus on your facial expression to show that you are a trustworthy person. I will also make sure you have a good posture!
Style:
Less is more. The background of your headshots is going to be simple and clean (usually blurred) and you will be the centre of the photos. The photos are bright and evenly lit.
My Social Profile Pictures:
Intention:
You want a series of photos of yourself to encapsulate a special moment of your life.
Posing:
I will find out what feels most natural to you and bring it out in the photos!
Throughout the shoot, instead of making you stand still and hold the pose, we will be moving a lot and I will capture your candid moves.
Style:
It can be a lot more versatile than LinkedIn headshots, yet they will still be natural and authentic.
There will also be a greater variety of compositions and backgrounds throughout the photos.
Successful environmental portraits make the audiences know about the people inside the frame immediately (e.g. who they are, what they do and where they are) as the subject connects strongly to the background. i.e. the background is as important as the subject.
Whereas for headshots, the subject is the main character and the background is just a supporting element inside the frame thus usually more simple or blurred.
For LinkedIn headshots, a softer sunlight early in the morning or in the late afternoon is more favourable as your face will be evenly lit.
Otherwise, anytime can be a good time to shoot! (A greater variety of looks can be created under strong sunlight as we can play with light and shadows!)
However, during midday, some of you may squint under strong sunlight! So make sure to pick the time that you feel the most comfortable with.
Come with a relaxed mind, iron your clothes and try to get enough sleep the night before!
If you need wardrobe tips, you are more than welcome to send me photos of your outfits before the shoot! I will also look for backgrounds that go well with your clothes!
FOR MY STARTUP
It’s a personal choice as I admire those who are innovative and take the courage to disrupt in their industry!
And so far I haven’t seen any photography services tailored to startups so I want to show my appreciation by creating one!
If you like the style of Not Just A Headshot and want to freshen up your image, you are welcome to make a booking with us!
Retouched headshots:
<15 people: 4-5 business days
>15-50 people: one week
>50 people: one to two weeks
Event photos:
2 business days
Branding photos:
3-5 business days
You can also accelerate the process by adding a rush fee (fill out the typeform to find out the estimated price of your projects!)
Team headshots:
I have the capacity to take in 2 team photo sessions per month, so it’s advisable to make your booking 1 month in advance (or at least 2 weeks in advance!)
Event photos:
For a small scale event (party, evening opening etc), you can book 1-2 weeks in advance.
For bigger events (exhibition, open day, business conferences etc.), you should confirm the booking 3-4 weeks in advance.
We will need sufficient time to discuss the shot list, rundown of the event and for a site visit.
Branding photos:
At least one month in advance so that we have sufficient time to meet, plan and carry out the photoshoot.
You can calculate the estimated price of your project by using the typeform at the bottom of the page (https://notjustaheadshot.com/for-my-startup/)!
Before the shoot, we will hop on a phone call in which I will walk you through the process and also arrange the logistics with you (e.g. you may need to reserve a space for us to set up the office studio for you)
You will also receive a customised photoshoot guideline which includes the rundown, photo style, timetable and wardrobe recommendation so that everyone will be on the same page.
No. Unless “Work-mad-for-hire” is requested (An additional fee will be applied for that purpose), the intellectual property and copyrights of the photos shall always belong to the photographer.
You will receive a contract from us that outlines the terms of use that are legally granted to you (e.g. type of image use and license, licensing fee, duration, use limitations, editing rights, sublicense rights etc) for the photographs from your photo session.
1) Employees and Employers of the your company.
2) If you are purchasing on behalf of your client then your client can also use the content.
3) Subcontractors who use the content for any production or distribution process that is related to your final project ONLY.
Commercial use: No
Editorial use: Yes. Please include “@Not Just A Headshot” under or adjacent to the content
Event photos usually feature real people in real time in real locations. While you can use the photos editorially, if you intend to use the photos commercially, it is advisable that you inform the person inside the frame.
You may find images that suit the vibe of your company in stock photo sites like getty images. It is indeed convenient as they have tons of photos that are ready to use.
However, there are still some limitations:
-You are not able to include your products inside the photos
-The people inside the photos may not be similar to your targeted audience
-You may spend a lot of time to look for the right one from the ocean of photos on these sites
-You are not only paying the photographer, but also to the agency that you could have spent on strategising and customising a shot list tailored to your company’s needs with the photographer
If you want photos that 100% fits your needs, you should build a customised photo library:
-Have photos that match with your brand aesthetics
-Choose your style, models, props, location, etc.
FOR MY SOLO BUSINESS
6 years ago, I came across a book called “Don’t get a job…Make a job” and I have been figuring out how to make a job all on my own ever since. I want to get to know more solopreneurs and support each other, so I created this offer!
Also, I would love to create a set of visual representation of your brand so that you never run out of photos!
Your story is interesting and worths letting the world know about you!
While I will take the lead of the regular shoots, our photoshoot is going to be a lot more collaborative and strategic.
It is the outcome of learning about personal branding, design thinking, sales, psychology, marketing, UX and of course photography!
I love getting to know my clients and learn about the small details of your business so that I can turn your vision in reality, I want to make sure we are able to show the uniqueness of your craft!
During the call, we will dive into your vision, your brand aesthetics and so much more!
It is also the time for building rapport so that you will feel even more comfortable in front of the camera as you are already more familiar with me!
Approximately 3-4 weeks in total!
From the talk to idea generations: around 1 week
From idea generation to photoshoot: 1 to 2 weeks to prepare
Photos ready: 5-7 business days after “the business kickstarter kit” photoshoot/ 7-10 business days after “let’s scale your business” photoshoot!
