Frequently Asked Questions
Where are your favorite/go-to places to shoot?
In Sioux Falls, personally, I love Arrowhead Park and Sertoma Park. Those are my top two because they have such beautiful and diverse backgrounds, but there are so many other good spots! There is a bridge on 57th and Western, Cherry Rock Park, The Japanese Gardens—I can make just about anything work for a background! I even did the #hobbylobbychallenge with a model and it’s still one of my favorite photos of all time! *pictured with the red roses*
My piece of advice in this is to think about what you might want in your photos. If you genuinely don’t care, I will definitely help you pick the best spot for that time of year. But, if you do care, decide if you want tall grass, a path, a bridge, lots of trees in the background, water, etc. It will really help in the decision making process for settling on a location for your photos. Also, many of my photography packages for each type of photoshoot I offer includes more than one location! So that’s something to consider too. (:
What time of day do you like to shoot? Why?
I definitely prefer golden hour and sunsets! I just cannot get over a good sunny glow behind you in your pictures! I will do shoots when it’s not sunny obviously, because as much as I wish I could control the golden hour, I cannot promise that golden glow. But, I will still deliver the best photos I can with the weather provided.
How would you describe your photography style in one sentence?
My photography has rich, vibrant colors, with natural hair movements in the wind, and is something that looks like YOU do on a normal day.
Do you do candid or formal posed shots?
I do a bit of both! I definitely do lean more towards posed shots first, but that’s because I personally love when everyone is looking at the camera! If you want more of a candid session though, I can definitely do that—you just have to let me know. (:
How do you deliver the finished gallery?
Currently I use Pixieset! I send you a link with your gallery images and you have the ability to download them right from there. It even allows you to favorite them as well.
Do I get the print rights to the photos?
Yes, I will give you a signed print release for your photos from me. However, I request you give credit to me when you do share them, so tag the photos like this: @bvzstudio on social media, and do not crop or add a filter to the photos. There are absolutely no exceptions to that.
Do you travel outside of your city/state?
Yes! I am willing to travel most anywhere in the world if you cover my travel costs. I have driven anywhere from 1 to 5 hours and I have also flown almost 1,000 miles to do a photo shoot. I absolutely love to travel!
Do you help with outfit styling or have any recommendations on what to wear?
Yes, I always encourage all of my clients to send me a few pictures or at least give me colors of what they are wearing. I do this to help guide you if you want it, but also to scout out the best locations to best compliment your clothing choices! I love a variety of colors in a picture more than anything, but if you do want to do one color for a shoot, that’s fine too! I have my opinions and can definitely share them, but ultimately you are the one that will cherish these pictures and hang them on your walls, so you should love your outfit choices too!
I am glad I found your website, but what if I don’t want my family on social media or on your website?
I have a model release that you sign allowing or not allowing me to use you/your family on social media (or any advertisements or things like that), and I will respect whatever decision you choose!
How long have you been in business doing photography?
I started bvzstudio (originally bvzphoto) back in 2016. I’m pretty sure the first photo I took professionally was my best friend Paige’s pregnancy announcement with her first baby, Ridgely! (pictured with the pumpkin below) and now they have four kids…WHAT IS LIFE?! It is so fun to look back and see how far my photography has come and all the fun adventures along the way. Every shoot is truly special to me, and when I look back on each one, I have such fond memories! But truly, I love capturing moments that can never be recreated—and I am so incredibly HONORED by every single person who allows me to be their photographer, even once.
Can I give you a shot list of pictures I would like captured during our session?
Yes, I definitely encourage this, especially for families and seniors! But, just know I cannot recreate a photo exactly, but I will do my best to have that moment for you! I believe these four photos were photos Ellie asked to sort of “recreate” from different photo ideas she had and she was very happy with how they turned out!
What is your turnaround time like?
My goal is to get you a sneak peak within 30 days of your photoshoot. Normally it is faster than that, but when busy season comes around and I have 25-35 photoshoots in a month, it’s just not possible with all I have going on. I try to be so respectful of my family time with my husband, son, daughter, homeschooling our son, and being the assistant homeschool band director too. Your full gallery will be delivered within 60 days of your photoshoot. If your photoshoot is near a holiday, add 1 more week onto that turnaround time. I know you are so excited to get your photos back, and I am so excited to get them to you! I will always keep you updated if something changes.
Do you offer prints?
Yes! I have a wide variety of print packages (and custom packages as well). Just ask for more details.
How do I know my date is available?
Just ask! I’d love to put a calendar on my website, but my schedules changes too much for that right now. I am normally very responsive to messages, so I can check my calendar and get back to you as soon as possible.
How do I book a shoot with you?
Yay! Please reach out and clarify what session you want, along with what date you are looking for and we will get something set in stone on the calendar! (: