FAQs

What is a photo shoot with Slava Bowman Photography like?

A photo session with me is usually laid back, smooth and fun. My job is to make you feel at ease in front of the camera. Most of my photo shoots happen outside, I love using natural light. Once we start walking, I will ask you to stop at different locations and pose for a photo. I love letting people take a natural stance, so there won’t be much of “lift your chin this way, put your left arm on your right shoulder” type of commands. I might ask you to smile, though :-) The more we walk and talk, the more relaxed you are going to be, and the better photos we are going to get. When I see you are starting to get tired, I will probably notice one more “too-good-to-miss” location, take some last shots and thank you for a great photo shoot. Attention, couples: I will most likely make you hold hands and/or kiss!

I checked the weather forecast, and on the day of our photo shoot it’s supposed to be cloudy :-(

Nothing to worry about. Cloudy weather is actually the best for photos. The clouds act like a natural soft box, giving your skin a wonderful healthy glow. Unless there is a thunderstorm coming, cloudy weather is great for a photo shoot :-)

Important details you should know for your photo session.

Please give at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel your photo session. All sessions at this time are on location or in your home. The session fee covers the photographer's time and talent, post- production of the images (editing and retouching), and an online gallery that you can order prints/wall decor/merchandise from. If you would like to discuss anything about your session prior to the shoot, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

How early in advance should I schedule my photo session?

If you would like to book me for a particular date, one month in advance would be wonderful. For family and portrait photo sessions, 1-2-3 of weeks notice is always good, to make sure I am available. A lot of times I can accommodate last-minute photo shoots as well. If for some reason you have to cancel, please let me know at least 24 hours in advance. I usually try to arrange a rain date as well, because you never know with Missouri weather...

How long does it take to get my pictures done?

Normally, it takes me about two weeks to go through and edit your images. It might be a little sooner, it might be a little later. If you need your photos done urgently, please let me know in advance and I will do everything possible to deliver them to you in time. Please, allow a week for printing and shipping once you do your order through the website.

How do you pronounce your name?

My name is pronounced exactly as it is spelled. It means “fame” or “glory” in Bulgarian.

How can I prepare for my photo shoot?

Don’t be nervous. Having your picture taken is not scary at all (although I still get nervous if somebody is taking mine). My job is to make the photo session as enjoyable and fun as possible, your job is to be relaxed and be yourself. Ladies, you are beautiful and your pictures will look great. Wear comfortable clothes that fit well and make you feel good. Accessorize: head bands, flowers, bows, flowing cardigans, scarves, belts, etc. However, do not overdo it. Get some good night’s sleep prior to the photo shoot, and bring your smile with you. If you would like to discuss anything about your session in advance, e-mail or call me, I will be happy to help.

Can you edit photos in sepia and black and white?

Yes, I can. Normally, when I work on your photos I try to keep them as natural as possible. If you would like some different editing done, please let me know in advance and I will make sure that I do that. If there are photos in your gallery that you would like to see in black and white or sepia, feel free to e-mail me and I will re-edit them for you. The first 5 re-edits are free of charge.

A photo session with Slava Bowman Photography can be serious...

What to wear?

Wear whatever you are comfortable in. Avoid thin-striped shirts - they lend themselves easily to light distortion. The layered look is usually great for ladies. Dark solid color pants/skirt, a colorful top and a sweater is always a good idea. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. Belts, scarves, head bands, bows, flower pins, cute heels, tall boots - they all show well in photos. I am always happy to assist with outfit ideas/consultations.

Do you give a CD with high resolution images, so we can print photos ourselves?

I would rather you order prints through my website. It is not because I am making huge profit off of prints. It’s because most print labs in the area do not do the photos justice. The prints come out too dark, too green, too brown - in a word, not the way they are supposed to be. With that said, if you want to own your full resolution files, you can purchase a CD. Or, if you need a photo or two for a project you are doing, I will be happy to release the file for you. My print prices are VERY reasonable: if you like your photos, I want you to have prints of them. That’s the purpose of the whole photo shoot. I want you to be happy with the quality of the pictures that you get. P.S. The photos above were not taken by me, but they illustrate my point perfectly.

... or a lot of fun :-)

How early should I show up at my photo appointment?

Show up on time. Depending on the location, I might show up earlier to scope it out and find the best spots/light where I would photograph you. There is no need to show up half an hour in advance, just be on time.

Do you photograph weddings?

At this stage of my career, I do not book wedding photo shoots. I feel that there are some amazing photographers out there, who do this full time and who are phenomenal at it. Family gatherings, vow renewals, small parties - yes, feel free to call me for these. But not weddings. I cannot commit that far in advance /prefer more felxibility.

Contact me and book your session today! slavabowman@yahoo.com