the PLAYBOOK



INTEL, LOGISTICS, & QUALITY CONTROL.

This is where the details live. Below you will find the answers to frequently asked questions, our booking policies, and the Official Print Guide to ensure your photos look as good on your wall as they do on your screen.


SECTION 1: THE PROTOCOL (FAQ)


BOOKING & PAYMENTS

Q: HOW DO I SECURE MY DATE?

A: Dates are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. To officially lock in your spot on my calendar, a 50% non-refundable retainer is required at the time of booking. Until this retainer is paid, your date is still open for others to grab.


Q: WHEN IS THE REMAINING BALANCE DUE?

A: The remaining 50% is due 3 days (72 hours) before your session. I will send you an automated email reminder with a link to pay. Note: We do not accept payments on the day of the shoot. We want to focus 100% on the athlete, not on handling transactions at the field.


Q: IS THE RETAINER REFUNDABLE?

A: The retainer is non-refundable because it reserves your specific time slot and prevents me from booking other clients. However, life happens! If you need to reschedule, your retainer is transferable to a new date as long as you give me at least 48 hours' notice.


Q: DO I HAVE TO PAY A RETAINER FOR "THE FIT CHECK" OR MINIS?

A: For "The Fit Check" and Mini-Sessions (sessions under $200), 100% payment is required upfront to book the slot. Since these sessions are shorter and often back-to-back, full payment ensures the schedule runs smoothly.


Q: DO YOU SELL PRINTS?

A: No. We are a 100% Digital Studio. We believe you should own your assets, not rent them. Every session includes high-resolution digital files and a Print Release. You have the freedom to print them wherever you want (though we strongly recommend using our "Approved Labs" listed below).


Q: DO YOU TAKE ACTION SHOTS DURING THE GAME?

A: Generally, no. During the game, my primary focus is on Videography & Game Film.

However, occasionally I will shoot from the sidelines to capture high-intensity action moments. My signature photography work remains focused on Editorial Portraits—controlled lighting, posing, and "Media Day" style setups. I create the posters; I don't just document the plays.


Q: WHAT SHOULD MY ATHLETE WEAR?

A: Come ready to play.

For "Fit Check" / Individual Sessions: Full game uniform (clean), cleats, and any accessories they wear on the field (gloves, visors, towels).

For "Big Stepper" Sessions: Bring a second look—letterman jackets, streetwear, or practice gear work great for a moody vibe.


Q: WHAT IF IT RAINS? (THE WEATHER PROTOCOL)

A: We play in the dirt, but we don't shoot in the downpour.

Overcast/Cloudy: We shoot. Clouds act as a giant softbox and actually make for incredible lighting.

Light Rain/Drizzle: We shoot. It adds texture and grit to the photos.

Heavy Rain/Lightning: We reschedule. The safety of your athlete (and my gear) comes first. A call will be made 2 hours before the session.


Q: WHAT IS THE TURNAROUND TIME?

A: We edit for impact, not just speed.

Individual Sessions: 2-3 Weeks.

Team Media Days: 3-4 Weeks (depending on roster size).

Need it faster? Rush delivery is available upon request for an additional fee.


Q: CAN YOU PRINT MY SENIOR BANNER FOR ME?

A: Yes. While I am primarily a digital studio, I know Senior Night can be stressful. If you prefer not to order online, I can have high-quality vinyl banners printed locally for a coordination fee. I handle the ordering process, and you pick up the finished banner locally.


Q: CAN I SCREENSHOT THE PHOTOS?

A: A screenshot is a copy of a preview. It reduces the quality by 80% and makes the image look pixelated and blurry. Do not post screenshots. Use the download link to get the crystal-clear HD file. Your athlete deserves the high-def version.


SECTION 2: THE PRINT GUIDE

YOU SECURED THE ASSETS. NOW KEEP THEM LEGENDARY.

You have invested in high-end, editorial sports photography. These files are color-graded with a "Dark & Moody" aesthetic that standard drugstore printers cannot handle.


THE GOLDEN RULE:


DO NOT PRINT AT WALMART, CVS, OR WALGREENS.

The Issue: These 1-hour labs use "Auto-Correct" machines designed to brighten family snapshots. They will ruin the lighting of your sports portraits, turning the deep blacks into muddy greens or grays.

The Fix: Use the professional labs listed below. They ship directly to your house and guarantee color accuracy.


APPROVED LABS

FOR PRINTS & CARDS (4x6, 5x7, 8x10) > MPIX.com

Why: The industry standard for pro quality.

Pro Tip: Choose "E-Surface Paper" or "Deep Matte" for a non-reflective, editorial look.


FOR WALL ART & CANVAS > SMALLWOODS.com

Why: Their framed canvases fit the modern home aesthetic perfectly.


FOR VINYL BANNERS (Senior Nights/Homecoming) > VISTAPRINT.com

Why: Durable, outdoor-grade vinyl that handles high-contrast colors well


CONCIERGE SERVICE (LOCAL PICKUP) Don't want to deal with uploading files and shipping? Let me handle the hassle. I can coordinate professional banner printing through a trusted local vendor here in the Proctorville area.

  • The Service: I handle the file formatting, sizing, ordering, and quality check. You just pick it up when it's ready.
  • The Investment: Cost of Banner + Coordination Fee.
  • How to Order: Just ask when you book your session!


SECTION 3: THE LEGAL


OFFICIAL PRINT RELEASE Every download includes a personal Print Release. This authorizes you to print your images for personal use (banners, graduation announcements, gifts, social media).



Allowed: Printing unlimited copies for yourself and family.

Not Allowed: Selling the images for profit, entering them into contests without permission, or applying social media filters over the edit.