Who Shoots Does the session fee include you personally coming out to do the photo shoot where we are staying?

Yes, Tom Sapp is the primary photographer for your session unless otherwise agreed upon in writing before the session. We do have other photographers available if Tom Sapp is already booked or otherwise unable to shoot your event.
 
Duration of the session How much time does this include? I noticed on the services web page it states 6 hours of some type of photo, something, what is that? I want some pictures with myself and my daughter, my husband and her, the three of us and some of my parents.
  The session fee covers the time on the day of the session. Most sessions last around 1 hour for small groups and 2 hours for larger groups. Sessions take place at sunset or sunrise. We put 6 hours in case of weather to let subjects know you may need to block off time before the session to be flexible on the day of the event incase weather is not ideal. Cloudy days render beautiful portrait images if photographed before the last 2 hours of daylight to ensure the light is strong enough to produce a crisp clear image.

Also, the more images we create the more variety you will have to choose from. If you would like more than the average 2 hours we would be happy to provide the photography service time at no addition cost after the session fee has been paid. Areas where the sun shines directly onto the shooting area are exceptions to this offer. The reason we do portraits at the end or beginning of the day is to prevent squinting and harsh shadows. For an extended session the area would need to be in shade/shadow/indoors or on an overcast day.
 
Proofing Options
Is online the only option for placing an order?
  No, I would prefer if all my families were able to come into the studio to view and place orders. As a result of so many of my families come to this area to vacation I have found web proofing to be the best method. If possible it is better to come in to the studio to view your images on the studio's color calibrated monitor and projection system. This way you see the images exactly as they will appear on a printed surface. You can also have proof books made as well as printed proofs.
 
Viewing Large Groups online The large family group we have is hard to see online because the faces are so small, what can be done to verify everyone will look good in the print we order?

 

The best way to view large family groups is in the studio with me. I take several frames of each grouping so if someone looks better in one frame where everyone else looks better in another, I can do a head swap taking the desirable face from one image and putting it into another. There is no charge for this if you are in the studio with me. To do this over the web there is a charge of $25 per swap.

The website does have a zoom option to view the images larger. If this feature does not work to your specifications we can use email. To verify expressions over the web I can crop closer on the requested image and email you a close up of the faces in question.
 
Booking the date! How do you reserve a day and time?

To reserve a date I need a portrait agreement with a hand written signature meaning you can fill it out on the computer but the signature must be by hand. Once I have the portrait agreement and the session fee the date is yours.
 
When to shoot
What time of day is best for this kind of shoot? We will only be there for about a week but I want some sun (tan, not burn) before you shoot.
  The best time of day is just after sunrise or before sunset with clear skies. On cloudy days we lose light much faster making earlier in the day better for portraits. This is why I give 6 hours for portrait sessions. When I come earlier I can use studio strobes, window light or a shady spot to get beautiful portraits if it is too bright for direct sun. I prefer not to show up one hour before the sun is supposed to set. If the sky is cloudy at sunset the light quality degrades the quality of the images created.
 
Turn around Time for Prints and Products When will my prints come after I place my order?
  If you are ordering online using my lab's online ordering system MillersAlbums.com
The prints will arrive in 3 to 5 business days. If you need manipulation or you email your order to me for any reason the generally turnaround time is 2 weeks. When orders are received via email I never know how much I will have on the production list. Your order will be placed on the list in the order it is received. We try very hard to complete all orders within 2 weeks.
 
Contacting Tom In Tom's email it says his cell is for emergancies only? I need to ask a question about my order.
  If you have access to this FAQ you are either inquiring about, scheduled a session or have already been photographed. If you are reading this then you are welcome to call my cell anytime. Your satisfaction is my #1 goal. I am constantly shooting or running errands around town. Please do not feel you have to wait to have your questions answered. Call my cell phone right away 910-622-0391. The purpose of putting "emergencies only" is to prevent other vendors or event guests from taking the time I need to ensure your needs are met. My cell phone is for you, use it as often as you would like. I do turn my cell off during weddings, portrait session and shoots in general. If you get a voice mail greeting feel free to write an email to mail@tomsapp.com or call the studio at 910-794-9819. If my assistant is at the studio she might be able to answer your questions.
 
What to wear Do I have to wear white and kaki?
  You are welcome to wear anything that best fits your personality. A portrait is a story about the subject. The main rule to follow when choosing what to wear is to stay away from patterns and logos. Most families or individuals choose white and kaki because it is safe and easily accessible. White and Kaki work well in a beach setting because they are tones that are found in the environment. Other options found in the environment on a beach are pastels. The grass is light green, water is blue or turquoise, piers are generally dark brown, and many shells have a light orange hue. Any earth tones associated with water work very well in a beach setting.