Portraits:

How long have you been doing photography?

Art has been my passion since 6th grade. I owe it all to my 6th grade art teacher Mrs. Morris. She saw my potential and encouraged me to continue on with it. I received a scholarship and enrolled in college as an art major. I took several photography classes (before digital made its debut), but time spent in the dark room was not my thing. So I changed my major to elementary education and became an art teacher. Two years ago, I picked up the camera again (loving that I can edit on my computer instead of a dark room) and it has turned into a small side business for me as I am still a teacher in a local school district close to my home. 

Where are you located and do you travel?

I am located in Gilbert, Arizona, but serve the surrounding areas of Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, and Phoenix. I do travel, however there is a $0.58 per mile travel fee for locations over 35 miles away. Outside of Arizona, the client covers airfare for photographer(s), hotel and transportation costs.

How do I pick a location?

I am an on-location, natural light photographer. Your location is an important piece to consider for your session. So ask yourself what type of look you are going for: formal, casual, nature, desert, greenery, urban, architectural, etc.. Once you decide on what look you are going for we can brainstorm some specific spots. If you are unsure of what you would like, I can give you several options to choose from. I am ALWAYS open to new and unique places!

When should we schedule our portrait session?

The best time of day to shoot portraits is during the Golden Hour. That is roughly the first hour of light after sunrise and the last hour of light before sunset, although the exact duration varies between seasons. During these times the sun is low in the sky, producing a soft, diffused light which is much more flattering than the harsh midday sun. 

What should we wear?

It's so important that people don't stick to the traditional thing of everyone wearing one color. Just like your family, what everyone wears should be diverse. Show your personality through your outfits. These are photos you will have for years!

• White isn't the only neutral:  When you are wanting to go neutral with your outfits remember white isn't the only neutral. Men wearing a light blue oxford and a woman in a blush dress is still neutral. Other neutral options: black, tan, blush, light blues, nudes, navy, gray. Spice up your neutrals and go with textures & patterns.
• Don't be afraid of color & pattern:  Colors and patterns can really make your photos a masterpiece. Always make sure there is a balance between patterns and solids. For example in a family photo shoot, maybe the Dad is wearing a stripe shirt, the daughter is wearing a floral dress, the mom and son are in solids. When picking colors, think about what colors go with the feel of your photo shoot. If you are going for a light and airy feel, be sure to pick lighter colors. Go with deeper more rich colors for that downtown urban feel. 
• Layers:  Wear your jewelry, cardigans, boots over jeans, belts, scarves, hats and any sort of texture that will add interest. Layers add so much personality to your photo.
• Lay out your outfits:  Once everyone has decided on what to wear, lay each outfit on your bed. Ask yourself if they compliment or work well together in most posing aspects of the photo shoot. 

Can I bring props to my photo session?

You are always welcome to bring any props you desire and we can incorporate them into any shot.

How long until we receive our finished images?

Currently, I am a teacher by day. So after a full day of work, I come home and start editing your images each night. It usually takes about two weeks, if I don't have any big events at school to which I will inform you at the time of booking your session.

Can I share my photos on Facebook, Instagram, etc...?

Absolutely! You can share your images on any social network you take part in. I only ask that you give a shout out to Valerie Thomas Photography when posting your images anywhere online.

What does it mean when you "edit" an image?

I go through each image and adjust the lighting, contrast, color and anything else that is necessary to help your image look beautiful.

Do you retain the copyright for the photos?

Yes. As your professional photographer, I will retain copyright of all images I shoot, however I always provide an official copyright release for you allowing unlimited personal use and printing of your photos.

Weddings:

How much do you charge for weddings?

*Please see refer to the wedding packages on my "sessions" page.

How many photographers do you bring with you to a wedding?

*Please see refer to the wedding packages on my "sessions" page.

How many pictures will we receive?

The number of photographs taken depends on many things: the number of guests, hours of coverage, type of events, hours of dancing, and so on. I will take A LOT of photos. I then edit them down to the very best by eliminating the blinks, the flash misfires and those awkward expressions. However, I do leave the funny ones in because I appreciate them and assume you will too!

How soon after our wedding will our photos be ready?

Typical turn around time for wedding images is around 2 months.

Do you retain the copyright for the photos?

Yes, as your professional wedding photographer, I will retain copyright of all images I shoot, however I always provide an official copyright release for you allowing unlimited personal use and printing of your wedding photos.

Do you require a deposit and if so, when is final payment due?

To hold your date, you will need to select one of my wedding packages and pay a non-refundable $500 retainer that is applied towards your final balance. The remaining balance is due 14 days prior to the wedding date.

Should we give you a shot list before the wedding?

Other than a list of family groupings, I do not need a list of things to photograph. My job is to photograph every detail I see at your wedding. Looking down at a list will only hinder me from seeing what is in front of me.

Do you shoot the rehearsal dinner?

Typically, I do not unless requested for an additional cost.

Do you help us plan out our wedding day schedule?

Yes, if you are working with a wedding planner, I will work with them closely to make sure I have enough photo time to ensure you will have a relaxed day with plenty of photographs. If you are not working with a planner, we can work together to create the best schedule for your day.

Do you need a meal at our reception?

Yes, for any wedding 6 hours or longer. We would love a meal. We need some nourishment, too! My only request is that the venue knows we need to eat at the same time you are eating so we are able to continue your coverage as your night proceeds.

What does it mean when you "edit" an image?

I go through each image and adjust the lighting, contrast, color and anything else that is necessary to help your image look beautiful.

Do you travel and what is your fee?

I  am located in Gilbert, Arizona, but serve the surrounding areas of Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, and Phoenix. I do travel, however there is a $0.58 per mile travel fee for weddings outside the Phoenix metro area. Outside of Arizona, the client covers airfare for photographer(s), hotel and transportation costs.

If my event lasts longer than expected, can you stay? Is there an additional charge?

I will notify you when we have about 30 minutes of coverage left and if you'd like me to stay longer, I am always happy to keep shooting. I do charge an additional $100 per hour if we go over in coverage.