Frequently Asked Questions about

our Houston Professional Photography

Michael Carr Photography
5701 Woodway Dr.
Ste 108,
Houston, TX 77057

713-461-2862

1) Do you have a studio?
Yes, we are a Houston professional photography studio located in a commercial office building in the Galleria/Tanglewood area at the intersection of Woodway and Chimney Rock. Our studio is fully equipped with a separate meeting area, digital darkroom, camera room, and private waiting area/lounge area and private changing area. We have over 20 different muslin and canvas backgrounds to offer, along with French inspired antiques that work as props for your portraits.  All the amenities you would expect from a professional photography studio.

2) Why invest in quality professional photography?
Invest in quality photography to preserve precious moments and capture milestones in life. Photographic images are meant to be printed and are a way to continue and share your family’s legacy for future generations to come. Quality, custom photography by a specially trained portrait artist is not for everyone. We give our clients personalized service, our creative commitment, and only use professional grade camera gear and professional lighting equipment.

We are priced accordingly to offer top of the line products and services to all of our clients. For example, there are discount stores, department stores and boutiques. We are the “boutique” of Houston Professional Photography studios with a fine art product line and stellar service.

3) I see the designation CPP after your name. What does that mean?
CPP is an abbreviation for Certified Professional Photographer. CPP certification is only offered through the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). CPP’s must pass a written exam as well as submit a photographic portfolio to a panel of photographic judges, demonstrating their technical knowledge of photography and the use of lighting techniques.

The information below is directly from the PPA website explaining the CPP standard and why it is important:

“These days, photography is practiced by anyone with a smartphone, but it’s mastered by few. When it comes to those once-in-a-lifetime moments—when you’ve got one shot at getting it right—you better make sure the person behind the camera is a pro. A proven professional photographer that is.

There’s no greater proof than when the letters “CPP” follow a photographer’s name. They designate a Certified Professional Photographer, someone who is putting in the extra work to stay above the rest. It assures you of this photographer’s professional knowledge and experience, while also declaring that photographer as one who has achieved and maintains a higher standard”. You can read more about CPP here.

4) How much is the session fee?
In Studio Session fees start at $250+tax. On location session fees vary based on travel distance from studio. All Portrait Sessions have a minimum portrait order requirement. Call us and we can discuss the various options we offer. Portrait order minimums are due and payable at the time of your session, no exceptions.

In Studio Business Portrait Session fees start at $299+tax. Call us and we can discuss the various options we offer.

5) What days and times are available for my session?
Houston professional photography Sessions are scheduled Tuesdays-Fridays. Sessions may be scheduled between 9:30am-4:30pm, and are by appointment only. We do offer portrait sessions on Saturdays, and some evening time slots. Please ask for details.

6) How do I book my session?
Call the studio 713-461-2862 and we can help you with this. To book your session a non-refundable session retainer equal to the session fee is required to secure your session time. Sessions may be rescheduled or cancelled up to 48 hours (2 business days) before your session without incurring a charge.

7) What if I am running late or need to reschedule my session?
Please call us at 713-461-2862 so we can help you. If you are running late for your studio session, we will try and work you in as best as possible. However, if you will be more than 15 minutes late we cannot guarantee we can work you in and adjust our other sessions that are scheduled after you. So please be on time for your session to avoid any late fees and cutting your session time short.

8) Can you recommend someone for make up and hair?
Yes. We have a salon nearby we work closely with. Or if you prefer, we can make arrangements for an artist to be on site for your session. We can discuss this option at the time of scheduling your session.

9) What do I wear for my portrait session?
We always recommend having a clothing consultation before your scheduled portrait session. We can discuss suggested attire for your session over the phone, or you may schedule an in person appointment. We want to make sure there is harmony in your overall portrait with regards to the location, background as well as clothing. Here are a few general guidelines for clothing:

• Wear clothes that are comfortable, that make you feel confident and look your best.
• Make sure your clothing fits you well. Try your clothing on weeks before your session! Clothing that is too big or too tight will be obvious in the photos.
• Simple and classic clothing styles are recommended.
• Clothes should be clean, neatly pressed and should look new or like new.
• Solid colors always work well. Avoid busy patterns—stripes, plaids, and floral patterns.
• Do not try a new hairstyle before your session. You may want to let it grow-in a bit or get used to styling a new cut first.
• Do not try/use any new product on your hair, face or body the day before or a few days before your shoot, just in case you have a bad reaction to the product.
• Tans and sunburns will show in photographs. If you are planning to be outdoors before your session, keep this in mind when initially scheduling your session. Removing or blending sunburn marks is considered advanced retouching, and can be costly.

For ladies:

• Sleeveless blouses or tops by themselves are not recommended.
• Makeup- wear a little darker than you normally would. Avoid shimmers or products with lots of sparkle or shine.
• A fresh mani and pedi is recommended 1 day prior to your session. Select polish that is light in color tones (for manis).
• Hair highlights, color and or cuts should be done two weeks before your session.

 

Houston Professional Photography

10) When do I get to see my images?
You will have the ability to view some of your Houston professional photography session images actually in the camera room. The camera is tethered to a monitor thus allowing clients real time previewing of images. This is beneficial so you can check hair, makeup and clothing during the session and make adjustments if needed. For on location sessions we do connect our camera to an Ipad or computer so you can view a collection of images during your Houston professional photography session.

At the conclusion of your Houston professional photography session, we will schedule a time for your private in studio Viewing and Ordering Appointment. This appointment is typically scheduled within 5-7 days after your Houston professional photography session.

11) Can I get just a disc of images from the session?
We are a full service Houston professional photography Portrait Studio and selling printed Portraits is a large part of our business model. The printed Portrait products we offer are: Wall Portraits, Portrait Albums, Desktop Portraits, Gift Portraits, and Portrait Boxes. We know many of our clients are excited to share their Portrait images with family that may not live in Houston. To fill these needs we do offer low resolution non printable watermarked jpgs. These are available for purchase once you purchase specific Houston professional photography portrait products and a minimum order has been met. Please ask for details.

12) When do I get to see my images?
You will have the ability to view some of your session images actually in the camera room. The camera is tethered to a monitor thus allowing clients real time previewing of images. This is beneficial so you can check hair, makeup and clothing during the session and make adjustments if needed. For on location sessions we do connect our camera to an Ipad or computer so you can view a collection of images during your session.

At the conclusion of your Houston professional photography portrait session, we will schedule a time for your private in studio Viewing and Ordering Appointment. This appointment is typically scheduled within 5-7 days after your Houston professional photography session.

13) How do I know what size portrait I will need or should order?
During your in studio viewing and ordering appointment, we will help you decide as to which images you would like to order, as well as where they will be in your home. We have software that we can actually show your walls, with your Portraits shown on them, in the correct size. No guessing on a size, and hoping it will look ok on your wall! We also offer custom framing for your Portrait and have frame samples here for you to view and pre-order. In the end, this will save you a huge amount of time. This is why we offer Houston professional photography.

14) Payment Policy/When do I pay?
We do require a retainer equal to the session fee in order to reserve your specific date/time for your session. Payment is due in full at the time services are rendered unless agreed to in writing prior to the session. In addition to cash, we accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. We also offer payment plans on orders, no interest. Please ask for details!

15) What is your return/exchange policy?
Since we always review images with the client/subject as part of the session we do not have a return or exchange policy. We work with the subject to ensure that she/he is satisfied with the image selected prior to leaving the studio. There are no refunds for session fees or for Portrait orders.

Michael and Lisa Carr are full time Houston professional photography portrait artist specializing in creative and timeless family portraits both in black and white and color mediums. We offer environmental family portraits, at home portrait sessions in the Houston area, as well as in studio portraits. Michael Carr Photography is a full service professional photography portrait studio.

What this means to you is that we complete your portrait from the beginning to the finished phases: conception, capture and full artist embellishments to your final wall portraits. To learn more about our studio and our Houston professional portrait photography for your individual portraits and family portraits, visit www.michaelcarrphotography.com. 

We would love to connect with you! Call us for a no obligation portrait consultation at 713-461-2862.