For most sessions, I recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance to ensure availability. For events and graduation sessions during peak season (May-June and November-December), I suggest booking 1-2 months ahead. Rush bookings may be accommodated based on availability.
Cancellations made 48+ hours before your scheduled session will receive a full refund of any deposit. Cancellations within 48 hours of your session may be subject to a 50% cancellation fee. However, I understand that emergencies happen, and I'm always willing to work with clients to reschedule when possible.
Yes, I offer weekend sessions by appointment. These tend to book up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so I recommend securing your weekend slot well in advance. There is no additional fee for weekend bookings.
To reserve your session date, I require a completed booking form and a non-refundable deposit (typically 25% of the session fee). The deposit is applied to your total balance, with the remaining amount due on the day of your session. Once I receive your deposit, you'll receive a confirmation email with all the details of your booking.
If weather conditions are unfavorable for your outdoor session, we have two options: reschedule to another available date at no additional cost, or move to an indoor location. I closely monitor weather forecasts and will be in touch 24-48 hours before your session if weather appears to be an issue.
Session duration varies by service: Professional headshot sessions typically last 30 minutes. Portrait sessions run 1-1.5 hours. Graduation sessions typically last 1-2 hours. Event photography varies based on the event duration. I never rush sessions and ensure we have enough time to capture all the images you're looking for.
Yes! Most sessions include 1-2 outfit changes. Portraits and graduation sessions typically allow for 2 outfit changes. For headshot sessions, we can accommodate a quick change of shirt/jacket/accessories. If you'd like additional outfit changes, please let me know in advance so we can schedule appropriate time.
Absolutely! Personal props can add meaning and personality to your photos. For graduation sessions, items like diplomas, tassels, or school memorabilia work well. For portraits, consider items that represent your hobbies or interests. Please let me know in advance if you plan to bring larger props so I can plan accordingly.
Turnaround times vary by service: Professional headshots are typically delivered within 48 hours. Portrait sessions are ready within 1 week. Event photography is delivered within 1-2 weeks depending on event size. Graduation sessions are completed within 1 week. Rush delivery is available for an additional fee.
All photos are delivered through a private online gallery where you can view, download, and share your images. The gallery remains active for 30 days, giving you plenty of time to download your photos. You'll receive an email with a link and password to access your gallery as soon as your photos are ready.
The number of final edited photos varies by service: Headshot sessions typically include 3-5 fully retouched images. Portrait sessions deliver 20-30 edited photos. Graduation sessions include 25-40 edited images. Event photography varies based on event duration, but typically includes 50+ images per hour of coverage. All images are carefully selected and professionally edited.
I don't provide raw, unedited files as professional editing is an essential part of my photography service and artistic vision. Each image I deliver is carefully edited to ensure optimal quality, consistent style, and professional results. The edited images you receive represent the best shots from your session, professionally retouched to my quality standards.
Most professional photographers charge $150–$400 per hour. Visuals by Joshua's rates start at $80 for portraits and $150 per hour for events — see the full pricing guide for details by session type.
I accept various payment methods including credit/debit cards, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, and cash. Deposits can be paid online through my secure booking system. Final payments can be made online prior to your session or in person on the day of your session.
Yes, I offer flexible payment plans for packages over $200. Typically, this involves an initial deposit, followed by 1-2 additional payments before your session date. Please contact me directly to discuss payment plan options that work for your budget.
My pricing is straightforward with no hidden fees. However, there may be additional charges for: Travel beyond 30 miles from Charleston or Bowie (charged at $0.58 per mile). Extended sessions beyond the package time. Rush editing for delivery under standard timeframes. Additional retouching beyond what's included in your package. Special location permits or entrance fees.
I offer several discount opportunities: Returning clients receive 10% off their next session. Referral discounts: Get 15% off when you refer a friend who books. Seasonal promotions are announced on my social media channels. Student discounts are available for college and high school students with valid ID. Group discounts are available for headshot sessions with 5+ people.
I provide photography services throughout the Charleston metro area, including Downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, James Island, Johns Island, Daniel Island, Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, and Summerville. I also serve the DC metro area, including areas like Arlington, Alexandria, Silver Spring, Bethesda, and other nearby neighborhoods. Travel to locations beyond these areas may incur an additional fee.
Yes! All packages include high-resolution digital images delivered via a private online gallery. From there, you can download your photos and order professional prints directly. I partner with professional printing labs to ensure your prints maintain the same quality and color accuracy as the digital files.
Yes, I offer a variety of high-quality print products including custom photo albums, canvas prints, metal prints, framed prints, and gift prints. All print products are produced by professional labs using archival materials. You can order these products directly through your online gallery, or I can help you design custom albums and wall art collections.
For headshots, solid colors work best, with simple necklines and minimal distracting patterns. For portraits, wear clothes that make you feel confident and reflect your personality. Coordinating (not matching) colors work well for group photos. Avoid large logos or text on clothing. I provide a detailed styling guide to all clients before their session with specific recommendations for your shoot type.
Absolutely! I provide complete guidance for posing throughout your session, regardless of your experience level in front of the camera. I'll demonstrate poses, provide clear instructions, and help you feel comfortable and natural. My approach focuses on flattering, authentic poses that highlight your best features while still looking natural.
Yes, additional retouching services are available for purchase. Basic retouching (exposure, color correction, blemish removal) is included with all photos. Advanced retouching (body contouring, extensive skin smoothing, background removal/replacement) is available for $5-10 per image depending on complexity. Just let me know which images you'd like enhanced and what specific adjustments you're looking for.
Yes, I maintain a comprehensive backup system for all client photos. During your session, I shoot with dual memory cards for instant backup. After your session, all images are stored on multiple secure hard drives and backed up to cloud storage. Your edited photos are archived for at least one year after delivery, so if you lose your copies, I can help recover them (though a small recovery fee may apply after 60 days).
I use professional-grade equipment including full-frame Mirrorless camera, a variety of prime and zoom lenses for different shooting scenarios, professional lighting equipment for on-location work, and professional editing software.
Yes! You're welcome to share your photos on social media platforms. I simply ask that you tag @visuals_by_joshua when posting. This helps me grow my business through referrals. While you have personal usage rights to your images, commercial usage rights would require a separate licensing agreement.
Absolutely. I'm committed to making my photography services accessible to everyone. Please let me know about any special needs or accessibility requirements when booking, and I'll work with you to ensure a comfortable and successful session. This includes selecting accessible locations, accommodating mobility limitations, working with sensory sensitivities, or any other specific needs.
If you couldn't find the answer you were looking for, feel free to reach out directly. I'm happy to provide more information about my photography services.
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