Frequenty Asked Questions

Booking & Availability

How do I book a shoot?

To get started, fill out the Get a Quote form on the site. I’ll reach out within 24-48 hours to confirm availability and provide a personalized quote.

Does submitting the form guarantee my date?

Not yet — all bookings are subject to availability. A 15% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your session.

How far in advance should I book?

Ideally, book 2–4 weeks in advance. Graduation season and sports playoffs tend to fill up quickly.

What’s the booking process like?

Booking with me is simple and straightforward:
1. Explore my work here on the site or on Instagram to get a feel for my style.
2. Fill out the quote form with as much detail as possible.
3. I’ll follow up within 24-48 hours to confirm availability and send you a personalized quote (if enough info is provided).
4. Once we’ve finalized a date, I’ll send over a contract and collect the deposit to lock in your session.
5. Show up ready to shoot!
6. You’ll receive your edited digital gallery typically within 1–2 weeks(depending on the scope of the shoot), ready to download and share.


Pricing & Payment

Do you offer packages?

For some session types, I do offer packages but in general, I offer flexible pricing tailored to you, from quick portraits to full-day event coverage.

Is a deposit required?

Yes, a 15% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your shoot. It will be applied toward your total session cost.

What payment methods do you accept?

I accept Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, cash, and credit/debit cards.

Do you offer military or first responder discounts?

Yes, I proudly offer a discount for active-duty military and first responders. Just mention it during booking.


Session Types

What types of photography do you offer?

I specialize in:

  • Sports (in-game action, team photos, media days)
  • Portraits (lifestyle, headshots)
  • Senior & graduation sessions
  • Events (school events, birthdays, and small weddings)
  • & More!
Do you shoot for schools or teams?

Yes! I work with schools and athletic programs for team photos, media days, sports events, and general event coverage.

Can I book you for private events?

Yes. I do take on a limited number of events like birthdays and weddings each year. Include event details in your quote request.


Session Details

How long is a typical session?

Portraits usually run 45–90 minutes. Sports and event coverage vary based on your needs.

I booked a portrait shoot. How should I prepare?

Great question! To make the most out of your shoot and feel confident in front of the camera, here are a few tips:
Book any haircuts, grooming, or nail appointments at least a day or two in advance. You don’t want to feel rushed or deal with last-minute stress.
Have a general idea of the look or vibe you’re going for. Think about locations, outfits, and overall style. Feel free to send me inspiration — Pinterest or Instagram are great places to start.
Practice posing a bit ahead of time. It helps you feel more natural during the shoot, and I’ll guide you throughout as well.
Bring a friend if you’d like! Having someone with you can boost your confidence and make the experience more fun.
Most importantly, come relaxed and excited. We’re going to create something amazing together.

What happens if I’m late to my session?

Please plan to arrive on time for your scheduled session. If you anticipate being late, notify me as soon as possible.

Depending on my schedule, I may be able to make reasonable accommodations. However, if a delay exceeds 30 minutes, it may result in a reduced session length or fewer deliverable images, with no adjustment to the agreed fee.

If a delay exceeds 45 minutes without prior notice or significantly impacts the quality of the session, the session may be considered canceled and will be subject to the cancellation terms outlined in the contract.

Can I pick the location?

Yes! You can suggest a location, or I can recommend spots that fit your vision.

Can I bring outfit changes or props?

Absolutely. Just let me know on the Get A Quote form if you plan to have outfit changes so I can factor that into the planning.


Deliverables

How many images will I receive?

It varies by session, but I focus on quality and variety. I’ll give you an estimate when we confirm your shoot.

What’s the difference between Edited and Retouched images?

Edited images are included with every session and receive my standard professional workflow. This includes color correction, exposure and lighting adjustments, consistency across the gallery, and removal of minor distracting elements in the shot.

Retouching is an optional add-on and involves more detailed, image-specific work such as teeth whitening, blemish removal, skin smoothing, and stray hair cleanup.

I do not offer body modifications or alterations (such as changing body shape, size, or facial structure). My goal is to keep images natural and authentic while still polished and professional.

If you’re interested in retouching, just let me know during booking and I’ll walk you through the options.

Will I receive the RAW photo files?

RAW files are available upon request and are not included by default.

If requested, a select set of RAW images may be provided at my discretion. Not all RAW files will be delivered. This includes (but is not limited to) images that are blurry, underexposed or overexposed, test shots, duplicates, or unflattering shots.

RAW images are unfinished files intended for professional post-processing and do not represent the final quality or style of my work. If you’re interested in receiving RAW files, please mention it during booking so expectations can be clearly set in advance.

How do I get my photos?

You’ll receive an online gallery with high-res downloads and sharing options.

What’s the turnaround time?

Typically 1–2 weeks, depending on the session type. I’ll provide a clear delivery window when we book.


Other Info

What if it rains or I need to reschedule?

No worries! I offer flexible rescheduling for weather or emergencies. Just give me a heads-up as early as possible.

Can I use the photos on social media?

Yes, and tagging is always appreciated! You’ll have full personal-use rights to the photos.

Do you travel for shoots?

Yes, I’m based in Los Angeles but open to traveling for an additional fee. Let me know the location, and I’ll confirm if I can make it.

What is Carpenter Visuals?

Carpenter Visuals is the professional services brand and legal business behind Martin26Photos. All contracts, invoicing, and client bookings are handled through Carpenter Visuals.

Martin26Photos focuses on sports, creative, and personal work, while Carpenter Visuals is dedicated to portraits, events, and paid professional photography services.

Clients can expect the same level of quality, attention to detail, and care across both brands!

Ready to Book?