COVID - 19 PROTOCOL & SAFETY MEASURES
Safety is the most important thing to me. And with the way 2020 treated us, I make sure that in 2021 we stay responsible, careful, and safe at all times! To stay true to this statement, these policies will take place when having a photo session...
- A Covid-19 waiver will be included in clients contract.
- Temperatures will be taken and recorded by myself, assistants, and clients before scheduled photoshoot begins.
- Masks shall be worn when meeting at specific photoshoot location.
- Masks will constantly be worn by myself and assistants.
- Masks will be worn by the client while they are not being photographed.
- Hand sanitizer and other disinfectants will be on site of photoshoot.
- Props, furniture, equipment and space will constantly be disinfected before, during, and after photo sessions.
If you are feeling sick or ill before the scheduled date of your photo session, please send me an email and I will reschedule. For any other information, please visit https://covid.ri.gov/
Where are you located?
For my photography services, I am currently located in North Smithfield, Rhode Island! I reach out to clients all over Rhode Island and areas in Massachusetts, but most of my work is done in Lincoln, Cumberland, Pawtucket, and Smithfield.
How do I book a photo session with you?
Send me an email! I would love to hear from you, just let me know on how I can help and what images or specific packages you are interested in.
For easy access,
What should I wear?
Wear whatever makes you feel YOU! I know that it's easier said than done, but it's so important for you to come to your photo session comfortable and confident.
As for specific tips on attire, take a look at this DO's and DON'Ts list I have created to really narrow down that perfect outfit...
Fun Colors
Jewel Tones
Different Textures
Layers, you can always layer up or layer down!
Detailed jewelry
Do's
Don'ts
Big Logos
Busy Patterns
Big Jewelry
Do you have any advice for me to prepare for my session?
I'm always willing to help you feel ready for your photoshoot! Different types of sessions will need different types of preparation...
Senior Photos, Portraits, & Headshots
- Make sure to try on your outfits you plan on wearing before the day of your photoshoot, and iron or steam any clothing that wrinkles easily.
- If you are doing your own hair and makeup, do a trial run a couple of days before the shoot for practice!
- Prepare to have the proper undergarments as well. Instead of a bright or patterned bra, try to come wearing neutral colored undergarments.
- Try not to worry so much about finding the perfect shoe, I'll be focusing each shot on you and not what's on your feet.
- Clean and file your nails , and try to avoid chipped nail polish.
- For facial hair, be freshly shaved with a new razor, shaving cream and a moisturizing after-shave lotion to avoid bumps and redness. Trim up your board, sideburns, moustache or goatee, especially looking for wiry stray hairs. Even if you have some light facial hair (particularly around your lip or chin), indulge in a waxing in advance of your shoot – even barely-there light facial hair will be noticeable in your photos. Men and women both, pluck and clean up those eyebrows.
- If you plan on getting a fresh hairdo, have that appointment 2 weeks before your shoot. Sometimes a fresh color and cut can be harsh, so waiting it out can tame the big change.
- Make sure to keep your lips moisturized the week of your photoshoot with Chapstick. If your lips ever need some exfoliation to get rid of any dry skin, combine some sugar and honey on a toothbrush as a lip scrub!
- Keep up a comfortable and easy skincare routine throughout the week. Sometimes we think it's a good idea to pamper ourselves before our big day by applying a brand new facemask or treatment, however, putting new products on the skin can be a big risk for any flareups or breakouts. So try to keep the skincare routine as simple as possible.
- Get some sleep! Make sure you're getting at least 6-8 hours of snoozin' so you can feel energized and confident for your photoshoot.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the week, not only will you feel great, but radiate and glow from within.
Children and Family Photoshoots
- Make sure the family plans out the outfits they will be wearing 2 weeks before their session. I recommend picking a color palette for everyone to follow, and letting each family member express themselves while staying in that color palette. That way they won't feel so stuck in a box with one color (for example, red), they will get to have more options with a palette (ex. warm black, pale pink, Davys Grey, Blue Gray, Rubine Red) . To create your own palette, head over to coolors.com!
- Keep the clothes comfy, especially for the kids. The more comfortable they are the better their spirits will be! -- - For younger children and toddlers, bring an emergency bag with snacks and small toys to ensure that they will stay interested and excited throughout the session. It's always a great idea to bring an extra change of clothes just in case if any accidents or spills occur.
- During summer months, stay hydrated throughout your session bringing water for the family.
- Really stay in the moment with you family during the shoot and try your best not to stress. Keeping this experience light-hearted and fun will really shine through in the finalized images. And sometimes it's a good idea to take a small break. That way everyone can regroup and refresh themselves to keep the energy in the photos up!
- Make sure the entire family is well rested. It's important to get at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep a night.
Do you do hair and makeup?
I do offer makeup application services for headshot/portrait services. A 45 minute add-on makeup service will cost $50. Mask and gloves are worn during this service, as well sanitization of products before and after each use.
This package also incudes hair touchups during their photo session. Clients must come to their photoshoot with their hair done, however, products and grooming will be kept up during their time to make sure the style is consistent throughout their session.
Where do your photo sessions take place?
For indoor sessions, images are created at The Dance Factory in Lincoln, RI.
For outdoor sessions, images can be created anywhere with great weather! Some of my favorite locations to create great images include Gateway Park, Lincoln Woods, and Roger Williams Park! Pick the location of your choice and we will make it happen!
(A travel fee is included if outdoor location is farther than 40 miles from North Smithfield)*
Do you back up your files?
Absolutely! I back up all of my precious images to my SD card, my flash drive, my hard drive, and a private online folder that you will have access to for 100 days from date of purchase for the customer to have access to.
That way if anything happens to your images, I always have them backed up to another device/folder.
What is your cancellation policy?
To cancel a photoshoot session, I must be notified 1 week in advance before the scheduled time. Not notifying 1 week in advance will result in having to pay for service. Registration fees will be non-refundable.
What happens if it rains on the day of my outdoor shoot?
Hey! Nobody will rain on our parade, but if it weather conditions are extreme I will gladly reschedule your photo session as soon as possible to your most convenient date of availability.
How long do photo sessions last?
Photo session times differ package to package, depending on how many images you would like to be done.
Take a look at my to select how long you would like to have during your session with me.
How long will it take until I receive my photos?
The turnaround time to receiving your purchased and completed images will vary project to project, however, the most common amount of time is usually 2-3 weeks (14-21 days).
How will I receive my photos?
All of your purchased and additional proof images will be received through an email from me! In that email, there will be a link to access your private, password protected, online album. Once you open that album your images that are included in your package purchase will be ready to download with a simple click!
How many photos will I get back after my session?
Depending on which package you select, the most amount of images you can receive in a package goes up to 30 images.
You will also be able to purchase any other images that you wish to purchase from the proof photo album. What's the proof photo album? The proof photo album are watermarked images that were not included in your original package, but optional photos that can be purchased through me.
Each additional image that wants to be purchased will cost $10.00.
To take a look at services/packages,
Can you edit my photos?
Of course! That is what I do!
I make sure I sell and share my best work to my client with the best quality, light, and shadow, all while making sure the image is natural and clean.
Can I post my photos on social media?
Please do! Once you receive your images, you should show them off!
Make sure to tag me and my Instagram page, @zoegillisphoto .
Can I receive all of the unedited photos?
Unfortunately, no. As a photographer, I want to make sure that I am giving the best of my work and a factor in that is the editing process. Clients will receive all of the proof photos to look at through a watermarked image, and if they wish to purchase any additional photos, they may do so!
Each additional image that would like to be purchased not included in their original package will cost $10.00.
When is my payment due?
In order to secure a session with me and book their photoshoot date, a non-refundable $25 .00 registration fee will be included in their initial contract to sign.
Once the client's photoshoot has wrapped, payment will be received through cash, check, Apple Pay, Zelle, or Cashapp.
Do you accept credit card payment?
Payment through cash or check is preferred, however, I also accept payments through Apple Pay, Zelle, or Cashapp!