Frequently Asked Questions

Answers To The Most Common Questions

in Preparing for your shoot
Frequently Asked Questions

This posts answers all of the most common questions. If you still have questions after reading this, please shoot me a message at dennis@dennisdrenner.com.

What are your session fees?
Please scoot on over to my home page to see my latest session options and fees.  These packages cover the most common situations, but if your case is unique please let me know and I’ll happily work up a custom quote!

How can I make an appointment? When and how do I pay?
The easiest way to see my availability and make an appointment is to check out my scheduling calendar. I take a $100 deposit to hold the session. You can use a credit card or Paypal to make the appointment right on my calendar, or if you prefer I also accept Venmo (where my username is “@Dennis-Drenner”) . The remainder is due at the end of your session. (If you would prefer to transfer to my Bancolombia account please  let me know via email and I can arrange that).

What if I need to reschedule?
Your confirmation email has a reschedule link you can use to reschedule your appointment up to 24 hours in advance. Last minute cancellations will incur a $100 fee (i.e. you lose your deposit). I only allow one reschedule per session, so please consider carefully before booking.

Can you shoot headshots or portraits at my location?
Absolutely, I can bring my studio to you! This is ideal for busy people or for corporate shoots where I photograph many people at the same time. Please contact me for custom pricing if this is of interest.

I’m looking for a portrait that shows some of the background. Can you help with that?
Absolutely. I love doing environmental portraits and have done hundreds of them over the years. I used to be a regular portrait photographer in Washington, DC for outlets like the Washington Post and New York Times.  We can photograph you in your place of work, in a field with your cows or hanging off the skids of your helicopter. Whatever helps tell your story! Please email me for a customized quote for this type of job. I am also able to change the background digitally if that is a better option for you.

What to wear?
Wear solid or simple patterns, dark to mid-toned colors, avoiding bright whites and bold patterns. In your headshot we want the attention on your face, not on your clothing. Splashes of color (like a red shirt under a dark blazer) are good. Ideally, bring a few options– different shirts, jackets, ties, jewelry, scarves.

Blouses for ladies should not too low cut or they could end up being cropped entirely out of the frame (and it will look like you are doing a naked headshot shoot!) We can also deal with this issue by using clips to hike the blouse up a bit closer to your neck.

Makeup and grooming tips
I don’t usually recommend makeup for men. It can help, but unless you’re an actor or TV personality, the makeup is more likely to make you uncomfortable and isn’t worth the trouble. Men should pay extra attention to grooming their facial hair. I can’t give you a clean shave with Photoshop!

For women, keep the makeup simple and flat, but a bit heavier than usual is OK as the camera takes some off.

If you want to work with a professional makeup artist, please let me know and I’m happy to recommend some of my local favorites. For individual studio sessions, most folks will arrange to have their makeup done off-site just before the session.

What happens after the shoot?
I shoot somewhere in the neighborhood of 400 images during a typical 45 minute session. After our shoot, I will narrow this down to 30-50 of the best images which I will put into an online gallery and deliver to you within two or three business days. At your convenience, you can let me know your favorite image for a retouch. Regular sessions include one free retouch, and additional retouches are just $25. I am usually able to get the retouched images back to you within two business days.

I’m on a super tight deadline. How quickly can I get my photos?
I usually take two business days to deliver your initial set of images. It takes another day or two to deliver final retouches of your favorite/s. For folks on a tight deadline, I can speed this process up, even delivering images the same day. Please let me know if you need me to go warp nine — I can usually help! (Rush service does incur a $100 additional fee).

So I get all the pictures?
Yes. You can download and keep all the photos in my final edit of approximately 30-50 photos and do what you want with them!

Can you do passport and visa photos?
Yes I can and they are included in my normal studio session, though you will have to get them printed elsewhere.

Can you do other types of shoots like engagement sessions or family portraits or events? 
Sure, please inquire and we can discuss. I used to be primarily a wedding and family photographer. You can see examples of that work here: https://www.instagram.com/dennisdrennerweddings