Questions, answered
Prices, booking, turnaround and what to expect from a session with Chivo Photos. Something missing? Ask us.
General
- What kinds of photography does Chivo Photos offer?
- Portraits and professional headshots, weddings, elopements, couples and engagement sessions, family portraits and maternity photography, outdoors or in a rented studio.
- How much does Chivo Photos charge?
- Headshots start at $295. One hour sessions start at $595: the Love Story couples session, the Family package and the Maternity package. The Portraits package starts at $850, the Elopement package is $2,000 and the Wedding package is $3,200. For a session in a rented studio, the studio's rental fee is added and confirmed before you book.
- Do you have a studio?
- We do not keep a permanent studio. For studio sessions we rent a professional studio that suits you and your location, between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The studio's rental fee is added to the session price, and we confirm the total before you book. Outdoor sessions have no extra fee.
- What areas do you serve?
- We are based in Columbia, Maryland, between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and work mostly around those two cities and the Maryland communities in between. We are happy to travel further when a session or wedding calls for it; tell us where and we will plan it with you.
- How soon will we get our photos?
- Your finished, retouched photos are delivered to your own online gallery within two weeks.
- Are the photos retouched?
- Yes. Every photo we deliver is retouched, and all of them are shared in your own online gallery.
- Can we bring our kids or pets?
- Yes. We are more than happy to include children and pets, and we have some special tips for those sessions. Just let us know in advance.
- How do we book?
- Send us your date and a few details through the inquiry form and we will confirm availability. A signed agreement and a retainer reserve your date: 30% for weddings and elopements, 50% for portrait sessions. The balance is due two weeks before a wedding or elopement, or on the day of a session.
Portrait photography
- How much does a portrait session cost?
- The Portraits package starts at $850. It includes a two hour session, retouching of every delivered photo, and more than 100 photos in your own online gallery. For a session in a rented studio, the studio's rental fee is added and confirmed before you book.
- Do you photograph headshots and graduation portraits?
- Yes. Graduation and personal portraits use the two hour Portraits package, from $850. Professional headshots have their own shorter package: up to 45 minutes, in a studio or outdoors, two looks and five retouched photos, from $295.
- Where do portrait sessions take place?
- Outdoors and on location around Baltimore and Washington, D.C., or in a professional studio we rent for your session. For a session in a rented studio, the studio's rental fee is added and confirmed before you book.
- What should I wear for my portraits?
- Solid colors that fit well and feel comfortable work best, and bold patterns can be distracting. Bring a few outfits for variety. Our guide to preparing for a portrait session covers outfits, hair, makeup and props in more detail.
- We are not comfortable in front of a camera. Is that a problem?
- Not at all. We look for natural expressions rather than stiff poses, and we guide you with simple prompts so you are never left wondering what to do.
Headshot photography
- How much do professional headshots cost?
- The Headshots package starts at $295. It includes a session of up to 45 minutes, two looks, and five individually retouched photos in your own online gallery. For a session in a rented studio, the studio's rental fee is added and confirmed before you book.
- How long does a headshot session take?
- Up to 45 minutes, which is enough time for two looks and for you to relax in front of the camera.
- What is the difference between the Headshots and Portraits packages?
- The Headshots package is a focused session of up to 45 minutes with two looks and five retouched photos, from $295. The Portraits package is a full two hour session with several looks and more than 100 retouched photos, from $850.
- Where do headshot sessions take place?
- Outdoors at a location around Baltimore and Washington, D.C., or in a professional studio we rent close to you, anywhere between the two cities. For a session in a rented studio, the studio's rental fee is added and confirmed before you book.
- What should I wear for a headshot?
- Solid colors that fit well work best, and bold patterns can be distracting. Bring two options, such as a jacket and a more relaxed top, so you have a formal and a casual look. Our guide to preparing for a portrait session has more detail.
- Are headshots retouched?
- Yes. Each of your five delivered photos is individually retouched, with natural results that still look like you.
Wedding photography
- How much does wedding photography cost?
- The Wedding package is $3,200. It includes up to six hours of coverage by two photographers, retouching of every delivered photo, and more than 500 photos in your own online gallery.
- Why do you work as two photographers?
- A wedding happens in several places at once. With two of us, one can stay with the couple while the other photographs guests, details and candid moments, so we capture all the special moments of the day.
- How many photos will we receive?
- More than 500 retouched photos, shared in your own online gallery.
- Do you offer wedding albums?
- Yes. We can design a photo book from your wedding photos. Let us know if you would like a quote.
Elopement photography
- How much does elopement photography cost?
- The Elopement package is $2,000. It includes individual planning meetings, up to three hours of photography, retouching of every delivered photo, and more than 100 photos in your own online gallery.
- What is the difference between the Elopement and Wedding packages?
- The Elopement package covers up to three hours and delivers more than 100 photos. The Wedding package covers up to six hours with two photographers and delivers more than 500 photos.
Couples photography
- How much does a couples or engagement session cost?
- The Love Story package starts at $595. It includes a one hour session, retouching of every delivered photo, and more than 50 photos in your own online gallery. For a session in a rented studio, the studio's rental fee is added and confirmed before you book.
- Is the Love Story session suitable for engagement photos?
- Yes. Couples book it for engagements, anniversaries and save-the-date photos, or simply to have good photos together.
- Where do couples sessions take place?
- Outdoors or in a rented studio, wherever suits the two of you. We photograph around Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and a favorite park or neighborhood makes a great setting.
Family photography
- How much does a family session cost?
- The Family package starts at $595. It includes a one hour session, retouching of every delivered photo, and more than 50 photos in your own online gallery. For a session in a rented studio, the studio's rental fee is added and confirmed before you book.
- Where do family sessions take place?
- Wherever your family is comfortable: a favorite park, your neighborhood or a rented studio. We photograph around Baltimore and Washington, D.C..
Maternity photography
- How much does a maternity session cost?
- The Maternity package starts at $595. It includes a one hour session, retouching of every delivered photo, and more than 50 photos in your own online gallery. For a session in a rented studio, the studio's rental fee is added and confirmed before you book.
- Can my partner and children be in the photos?
- Yes. Partners, children and pets are welcome. Just let us know in advance who is coming.
- Where do maternity sessions take place?
- Outdoors or in a rented studio. Gardens and parks around Baltimore and Washington, D.C. make beautiful settings, especially in spring.