Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Welcome to the FAQ page—because who doesn't love a good Q&A session? I put together answers to life's most pressing questions (well, at least the ones about my services). But if you still have any unanswered questions, reach out. After all, clarity is just a question away.

Booking and Contact Information

  • Please head to the “Book Today” tab using the green button in the upper right-hand corner of your screen.

    If you're on mobile, tap the menu icon (the two lines) in the upper right, then select “Book Today” from the dropdown during the prompt screen.

    On the form, be sure to include:

    • Full Name

    • Participant Names (just first names or nicknames—I like to address everyone personally)

    • Preferred Date & Time of your requested session

    • Project Details (e.g., type of shoot, vision, desired outcomes)

    • Any Additional Info you'd like me to know ahead of booking

    What happens next:

    Once I receive your form, I’ll personally follow up to confirm availability, provide planning notes, and outline the next steps.

    To officially book your session, you’ll need to:

    1. Provide your Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App username so I can send an invoice request

    2. Submit a 50% non-refundable deposit

    3. Review and sign a service contract outlining your session details and terms

    4. Receive a receipt confirming your booking

  • Once your inquiry is received and your session is reserved, we’ll connect to confirm all the important details. I typically handle this via text or email for your convenience—but if you'd prefer a quick call, I’m happy to hop on one.

    We’ll cover:

    • Your vision and goals for the session (themes, styles, or specific shots)

    • Wardrobe ideas, props, and other creative elements

    • Location details and logistics (travel, multiple spots, or special considerations)

    • What to expect from the process, including editing and delivery timelines

    We’ll also finalize the contract and go over the scope of work. My goal is to make sure everything feels clear and easy, so let me know what communication style works best for you.

  • Upon booking, I will send you a contract outlining the scope of work, terms of the agreement, and all essential details, including:

    • Session date, time, and location(s).

    • Deliverables, editing scope, and turnaround time.

    • Payment terms and cancellation policies.

    • Travel, additional fees, and any add-ons discussed during our consultation.

    This ensures complete transparency and clear communication so both parties are aligned on expectations before the session begins.

  • Yes, rescheduling is free up to 7 calendar days prior to your booking date. After that:

    • 3-6 days before the shoot: $25 rebooking fee

    • 12-24 hours before the shoot: $50 rebooking fee

    Proactive communication is key! I appreciate courtesy, as I wouldn’t leave you hanging last minute.

  • If the weather decides to throw a tantrum—rain, overcast skies, or anything out of the ordinary—I’m happy to reschedule at no extra cost. I wouldn’t want to shoot in less-than-ideal weather either, and lucky for us, San Diego usually delivers on the sunshine.

    As long as you're flexible with timing, I’ll do my best to make it work and find a new day that brings the light we’re looking for.

  • You can reach out anytime at vencamilophotography@gmail.com—I’m here to make your photography experience smooth, stress-free, and fun.

    When you message me, please include your full name and as many details as possible. The more context you give, the better I can understand your vision and make it all come to life.

Services Offered

  • Absolutely! While I have a set of core services, I’m always open to new and personalized experiences. I like to think of photography a bit like being a Pokémon Trainer—I want to “catch 'em all.”

    If you have a unique idea or project in mind and don’t see exactly what you’re looking for listed, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to hear it and see how we can bring it to life together.

  • Your session fee includes:

    • The actual shoot

    • Editing services using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop (modest and mild editing is included in all bookings)

    • High-resolution, true-to-tone digital images

    • 30-45 minutes of preparation time, which may consist of location scouting, setting up equipment, and ensuring everything is ready. No one likes to rush, and I want to ensure my clients enjoy a seamless and relaxed experience.

  • At this time, I am fully digitally focused and do not provide physical prints or albums.

  • RAW files aren’t something I typically include—they’re large, unprocessed, and a key part of how I work behind the scenes to deliver a final, polished gallery. That said, I’m always transparent about my process, and I shoot in a way that supports my own creative workflow.

    However, if you’re set on having the RAWs and can provide a USB flash drive or memory card with enough space, I’m happy to share them with you that way—no additional fee.

  • Yes! These are some of my most popular bookings, especially in San Diego. For sun-focused shoots, I ask that we plan to begin at least 2 hours before sunset (e.g., if sunset is at 5:00 PM, we start at 3:00 PM). This ensures we’re not rushed and can fully enjoy the golden hour.

  • Yes, I have extensive experience working with young children, including those with learning challenges such as autism. I am a certified high school teacher in California with specialized training to support children with learning hurdles.

    • If your child requires additional time and attention, please let me know. I often extend bookings by 30 minutes at no cost because life happens, and I want everyone to feel comfortable.

    • Young children generally cap out between 20-40 minutes during photoshoots, which is perfectly normal. I work quickly and efficiently to ensure the best experience for everyone.

Payment

  • To book your session, payment must be made via Zelle, Cash App, or Venmo.

    Please include the following details in your payment note:

    • Full Name

    • Type of Shoot

    • Date of Session

    • Payment Status: either 1/2 (Deposit) or 2/2 (Full Payment)

    A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your session. The remaining 50% is due no later than 24 hours before your shoot. If the total booking fee is not paid in full, the session will not occur.

    Package Breakdown:

    The Executive Headshot

    • Total: $150 (Student Rate: $75)

    • Full payment is due at booking

    The Snapshot Session

    • Total: $300

    • Deposit: $150

    The Keepsake Collection

    • Total: $500

    • Deposit: $250

    The Signature Experience

    • Total: $1,000

    • Deposit: $500

    Once your payment is received, I’ll send a receipt confirming your booking details.
    Sales tax is included in all pricing.

  • Transparency is key. I do my best to clearly communicate, align expectations, and deliver a great experience from start to finish.

    I’m an all-inclusive service, which means your session fee covers editing, preparation, sales tax, and other standard services. Add-on fees are only applied when something falls outside the original scope of work and requires significant additional time or effort.

    Here are some potential add-ons, if applicable:

    • Excessive Editing – $150 per booking (e.g., removing crowds, background obstructions, heavy retouching). I’m proactive about identifying potential distractions ahead of time and will always encourage the path of least resistance. If we choose a location or setup that results in more intensive post-editing, this fee may apply.

    • Rebooking Fees

      • 7+ days prior: Free

      • 3–6 days prior: $25

      • 12–24 hours prior: $50

    • Group Size Over 15 – $100 flat fee

    • Travel Fees – $30–$60 for locations more than 30 miles from my home base

    • RAW Files – $500 if requested (or free if you provide a USB/memory card—see FAQ above)

    These fees will always be discussed with you beforehand, so there are no surprises.

  • I am based in San Diego County (Zipcode: 92124). There are no travel fees for locations within 20 miles of my base.

    • For distances exceeding 20 miles, travel fees start at $50+, depending on the distance.

    For out-of-state or international bookings, pre-paid accommodations for travel, hotel, and meals will be required as part of the booking.

  • Refunds are not issued for completed work. My goal is to deliver the best photos possible based on the scope of work and the parameters of the environment on the day of the shoot. If you are unsatisfied with the final results, I am happy to provide additional editing within reason to address your concerns and ensure your satisfaction.

    Refunds for Canceled Bookings

    If a booking is canceled prior to the shoot for unexplained reasons, a refund will be issued minus 10% to cover preparation time and administrative costs. I value the expertise and professionalism I bring to each project, and this fee reflects the years of experience, skill, and time committed to your booking.

    Extenuating Circumstances

    In cases of extreme, unavoidable circumstances, I understand life can be unpredictable. If your situation qualifies as an extenuating circumstance (e.g., death, canceled travel accommodations), I ask that you:

    1. Call or email me to explain the situation.

    2. Provide supporting proof of the circumstance (examples outlined below).

    Under these conditions, I am happy to allow for rebooking without penalty or, if rebooking is not possible, issue a full refund at my discretion.

    Examples of Extreme Cases

    Here are 10 examples of extenuating circumstances that may qualify for a full refund, along with examples of acceptable proof:

    1. Death of an immediate family member

      • Proof: Death certificate, obituary, or funeral service announcement.

    2. Severe illness or hospitalization

      • Proof: Doctor’s note, hospital discharge papers, or appointment confirmation showing incapacity to attend the session.

    3. Canceled travel accommodations (e.g., bus, plane, or train delays)

      • Proof: Confirmation email or receipt showing the canceled travel arrangements, such as an airline or train cancellation notice.

    4. Natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, floods, wildfires)

      • Proof: News reports, official weather advisories, or evacuation notices that directly impact the shoot location or your ability to attend.

    5. Unexpected legal obligations (e.g., jury duty, subpoena)

      • Proof: Official jury duty summons or legal documentation requiring your presence.

    6. Accidents leading to temporary incapacity (e.g., car accident)

      • Proof: Police report, insurance claim, or medical records confirming injury or inability to attend.

    7. Government-imposed travel restrictions or lockdowns

      • Proof: Official government announcements or travel restriction notices.

    8. Loss of home or displacement due to emergencies (e.g., fire, eviction)

      • Proof: Insurance claim, emergency response notice, or documentation from a relief agency.

    9. Pregnancy-related emergencies

      • Proof: Doctor’s note or hospital record confirming an emergency.

    10. Work-related emergencies (e.g., mandatory overtime or reassignment)

      • Proof: Employer letter or email confirming the work-related conflict and mandatory attendance.

    These examples are provided to clarify the kinds of situations that may warrant a refund or penalty-free rebooking. However, the final decision remains at my discretion. I aim to be compassionate and reasonable, and open communication is key to resolving any conflicts or challenges.

Session Details

  • I’m comfortable with groups of up to 15 people. For groups exceeding 15, there is an additional fee. Pets are welcome too at no addtional cost! If your pet isn’t fully trained, I ask that you monitor their behavior to ensure a smooth session.

  • Yes, I’m happy to accommodate multiple locations in a single session as long as they are within reasonable travel times. However, please keep in mind:

    • Travel between locations will eat into your booked session time unless additional time is purchased.

    • I encourage clients booking multi-location sessions to consider adding extra time to ensure we can capture everything seamlessly without rushing.

  • Please bring any personal items that make you feel confident and prepared, including:

    • A comb or brush

    • Hair product to tame stray hairs

    • Props or sentimental items you’d like in the photos

  • Hey, it happens—we’ve all been there. If you're not feeling your best on the day of your session (whether it's hair, outfit, or overall vibe), please let me know before we start shooting. I want you to feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera.

    That said, my expectation is that clients arrive prepared with the essentials to manage their look—think hair gel, hairspray, combs, brushes, or whatever you need to keep your hair camera-ready. Dozens of editing tools exist these days, but hair is notoriously tricky to retouch in a way that looks natural. You're investing in great photos, and showing up ready helps us make the most of our time together.

    I’ll always do my best to adjust lighting, angles, and basic retouching to help you look your best. I’ll also remind you about this in our confirmation messages so expectations are clear and you're set up for success.

  • Yes, quick outfit changes (less than 10 minutes) are welcome. If it takes longer, it may eat into your booked time, but I’m happy to accommodate minor delays.

  • While I’m not a professional fashion designer, I’m happy to discuss outfit ideas with you to ensure you feel confident. Additionally, I strongly recommend bringing a comb/brush and hair product for taming stray hairs, as they can detract from photos. Being proactive will minimize the need for editing.

  • At this time, clients will not be able to select the photos for editing. Based on my portfolio and the feedback from happy clients, I hope you trust that I deliver only the best images to meet and exceed your expectations. I carefully curate the final set of photos to ensure every image reflects the quality and essence of your session.

Deliverables

  • Inclusive to your final edits, you'll receive a Google Drive link with all your high-resolution images. If you’d prefer them emailed instead, just let me know. You can generally expect to receive your photos within 2 -3 weeks after your shoot, though I’ll always aim to deliver sooner when possible.

Usage and Sharing

  • Of course! My only ask is that you credit Ven Camilo Photography (@ven.camilo) and refrain from heavy editing or applying filters that alter my work.

  • My goal is to deliver photos you absolutely love. If you are not entirely happy with your deliverables, I will work with you to resolve it, whether that means:

    • Offering additional edits to better meet your expectations.

    • Providing a free shoot of equal value or less on a future booking as a courtesy for any dissatisfaction.

      • This can be gifted to anyone on your behalf if you’d like to

    The discount is valid for up to a year and can be applied to any applicable session.

“Showcasing Life One Moment At A Time”