FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How do I book a session?
A: First things first, send me an email or message through the website and tell me a little about your event. Let me know the date, size, what you’re looking for, and any budget parameters you think I need to know. If I’m available, which I hope I am because your event sounds awesome (I can already tell it sounds awesome), I’ll send you my pricing. You’ll pick out a package or various à la carte options, and I’ll draw up a contract for you to sign. Then you’ll return the contract with a deposit and we’re in business!
Q: Why aren’t you booking weddings anymore?
A: Long story short, family reasons that necessitate more flexibility than wedding bookings can accommodate.
Q: Where are you located? Will you travel?
A: I’m in Boston but will travel all over New England, and beyond if needed. Travel fees will come into play when I need to go beyond a certain radius from Boston but they are really reasonable.
Q: How much is the deposit?
A: 50% of your session fee is due in order to book. Retainers are nonrefundable, but I can put retainer payments toward rescheduled sessions if things don’t go as planned.
Q: Before I’m signing contracts and sending deposits, I feel like I should know you a little better. What’s your deal?
A: Understandable! Michelle Schapiro Photography is me, Michelle Schapiro. Nice to meet you! I’m a Boston-based photographer, with experience in both film and digital, and I’ve been shooting professionally since 2011. I‘ve shot weddings, family portraits, engagement sessions, headshots, events, even an all-LBGTQ fashion look book shoot once. I love what I do and I’m game for most everything. If you have more questions, just ask. Before booking, of course I’d love to meet (or zoom) with you. And check out the About section for more information about my business.
Q: What kind of gear do you have?
A: I shoot with Nikon professional bodies and lenses. I'd be happy to extoll the virtues of my gear any time! Just ask.
Q: Do you shoot in black and white or color?
A: I shoot in color. As I'm going through your photos and applying my adjustments, I select some photos to present in black and white. The bulk of your photos will end up in full color, but there are some images that just call out for conversion to black and white. I try to keep my images as clean and classic as possible, so I don't typically apply any filters or specific treatments during the editing process.
Q: Do you do prints/albums/coffee mugs with my face on them?
A: Of course! I offer some really beautiful prints in a variety of finishes and paper types from a professional lab. I can do anything from standard sizes to super large prints. The world is your oyster, print-wise, and I urge you to take advantage, even if just for one enlargement to hang in your hallway and gaze upon adoringly. As for albums, I offer bound book-style albums and some really beautiful high-end leather-bound books with lay-flat pages. And obviously, I can get you a coffee mug with your face on it. You deserve it.
Q: Can I look at my photos online?
A: Of course! I will host your photos in a gallery on my site. You can share the link with family and friends, and everyone is able to order prints from me or just view the photos. I post occasionally on Instagram, so make sure to follow me over there for previews of your photos.
Q: When will I get my photos?
A: Typically around 2-4 weeks after your session. This will vary, obviously, since I am a human rather than an editing robot, but that’s always my goal. A lot of times I am actually able to get edits done ahead of schedule, but in the peak summer and fall months, sometimes it takes longer.