Jack Simpson Photography
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you book.
Answers to the most common questions about event coverage, headshot sessions, pricing, and delivery. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please reach out directly and we’ll respond same-day.
General Photography & Booking FAQs
Booking processes, payment methods, liability insurance, travel policies, and corporate procurement details for Jack Simpson Photography.
How do I book a photo session with Jack Simpson Photography?
Booking Jack Simpson Photography involves a simple process. Dates are held on a first-come, first-served basis upon receipt of a deposit:
- Submit project details via our contact form (date, location, duration, and usage requirements).
- Receive a custom quote within 24 hours.
- Review and electronically sign the project agreement.
- Pay a 50% retainer deposit to lock in your date.
- Finalize logistics, shot lists, run of show, and venue COI requirements before the shoot.
What locations and cities does Jack Simpson Photography serve?
Jack Simpson Photography serves the entire San Francisco Bay Area, including San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Palo Alto, San Jose, Napa Valley, and Sonoma.
We also travel for select corporate assignments across California and nationwide. Travel is billed at a standard daily rate plus travel expenses—with no day rate charged for travel-only days.
Is Jack Simpson Photography insured, and can you issue a COI?
Yes, Jack Simpson Photography carries a $2,000,000 general liability insurance policy through Lockton Affinity. We can issue a Certificate of Insurance (COI) naming your venue, building, or property management firm as an additional insured upon request.
What payment methods are accepted for photography services?
We accept ACH bank transfers, credit cards, business checks, and Zelle. Credit card payments are accepted with a 2.9% transaction fee.
Can Jack Simpson Photography provide a W-9 and complete vendor procurement forms?
Yes, a current W-9 is available upon request, and we regularly complete vendor onboarding and corporate procurement documentation. Submitting vendor forms early helps prevent administrative delays prior to your shoot date.
Does Jack Simpson Photography sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)?
Yes, we regularly sign client NDAs for unannounced products, confidential executive meetings, pre-launch venues, and high-profile attendees. We can also restrict gallery access and exclude images from public portfolios or social channels.
How long are event and headshot photo files archived?
Jack Simpson Photography archives all edited client photos for four (4) years. Clients can request re-issued gallery links if original files are lost or misplaced during this backup window.
What is your backup plan for equipment failure or photographer illness?
Every shoot includes duplicate backup cameras, lenses, lighting, and dual-card memory recording on site. In the rare event of primary photographer illness, an experienced associate from our vetted team covers the assignment.
Does Jack Simpson Photography offer non-profit or volume discounts?
We do not offer standard fee discounts, but volume pricing is available for recurring corporate accounts and multi-day bookings. For smaller budgets, we adjust coverage scope (hours, team size, deliverable speed) to fit your target spending limits.
What is the cancellation and rescheduling policy for photo sessions?
Policies vary depending on the service type booked:
- Events & Team Headshots: The 50% retainer deposit is non-refundable but can be applied as credit toward a rescheduled future date.
- Individual Headshot Sessions: Rescheduling requires at least 48 hours’ notice. Cancellations inside 48 hours forfeit the initial deposit.
Event Photography FAQs
Coverage, crew sizing, turnaround times, and corporate licensing for conferences, summits, and corporate events across the San Francisco Bay Area.
How much does corporate event photography cost in the Bay Area?
Jack Simpson Photography publishes transparent, upfront pricing: Corporate event photography starts at $300 per hour, with full-day coverage starting at $2,500. Pricing is customized based on duration, crew size, location, and delivery turnaround speed.
Contact us directly to receive a custom quote within 24 hours.
How many event photographers are needed for a conference or corporate event?
Crew size depends on attendee count, venue layout, and whether there are concurrent breakout sessions:
- 1 Photographer: Ideal for single-track events, keynotes, and receptions with under 100 attendees.
- 2+ Photographers: Required for multi-room conferences, concurrent breakout sessions, step-and-repeat headshots, or gatherings exceeding 100 guests.
Share your run of show with Jack Simpson Photography, and we will recommend the exact staffing required to cover your shot list efficiently.
Do you offer combined corporate video and photography coverage?
Yes, Jack Simpson Photography provides dual event photo and video services. We assemble unified production crews to capture still photography alongside video assets for sizzle reels, social media clips, keynote recordings, and PR press kits.
Do you perform pre-event venue walkthroughs or site visits?
Yes, venue site visits are available upon request for an additional fee. However, because Jack Simpson Photography has covered extensive venues throughout San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and Napa Valley, formal site visits are often unnecessary. We assess lighting and spatial requirements in advance based on your event venue.
What is the policy if an event schedule runs behind or starts late?
We include a complimentary 15-minute grace period for schedule overruns. Our team arrives early to set up before your official start time. If coverage extends past the 15-minute grace window, additional coverage is billed at our standard hourly overtime rate.
How quickly are event photos delivered after the shoot?
Standard turnaround for fully edited event photos is 2 to 5 business days. We also offer expedited delivery services upon request:
- Same-Day & Next-Day Delivery: Fast turnaround for immediate press and social media publishing.
- Instant On-Site Delivery: Real-time image delivery during live events, supported by an dedicated on-site editor.
In what file format and platform are event photos delivered?
Photos are delivered via a private, high-resolution digital online gallery. Clients and media teams can download images in both high-resolution JPEG formats for print and optimized web formats for digital platforms.
How many edited images are delivered per hour of event coverage?
Jack Simpson Photography delivers approximately 50 to 75+ professionally edited photos per hour of coverage. The final image count varies according to event duration, activities, speaker line-ups, and guest attendance.
Are images color-corrected and edited prior to delivery?
Yes, all delivered photos undergo professional color correction, exposure adjustment, and cropping to ensure a consistent visual standard. High-end portrait retouching for executive headshots or keynote speakers is available upon request.
What licensing and commercial usage rights are included with event photos?
Every standard event booking includes a full corporate media release for your organization’s internal and external communications (websites, social media, press releases, newsletters, and pitch decks).
Commercial Paid Advertising Requires Separate Licensing: Paid advertising campaigns, billboard placements, sponsored media placements, or third-party sponsor marketing require custom commercial licensing.
Can we provide a specific shot list or run-of-show schedule?
Yes, we encourage clients to share shot lists, creative briefs, and run-of-show schedules. Providing key VIP lists, priority speakers, and sponsor requirements ensures our team captures all essential brand deliverables.
Can we share event images with media, sponsors, and social channels?
Yes, your corporate license grants full digital publishing rights across company social media channels, websites, blog posts, and editorial press distributions. Photo attribution to Jack Simpson Photography is appreciated whenever feasible.
Headshot Photography FAQs
Pricing, scheduling, wardrobe guidelines, studio footprint, retouching standards, and delivery details for corporate teams and individual headshot sessions.
How much do headshot sessions cost with Jack Simpson Photography?
Individual headshot sessions start at $500, while corporate team packages start at $1,200 for a half-day.
- Individual Sessions ($500): Includes a 1-hour session, 2–3 outfit changes, and 3 fully retouched digital images.
- Corporate Team Rates ($1,200+): Half-day or full-day options customized by team count, location setup, and delivery scope.
Do you offer group and corporate volume headshot rates?
Yes, volume pricing is available for corporate teams and large groups. Packages are customized based on attendee counts, multi-day needs, and site locations across the San Francisco Bay Area.
Where do headshot sessions take place?
Headshot sessions take place on-location across San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Oakland, and the wider Bay Area. For corporate clients, we bring a complete portable lighting and backdrop studio directly to your office or venue.
How much space is needed for an in-office mobile studio setup?
An ideal studio footprint is 20 x 20 feet to comfortably accommodate backdrops, softbox lighting, tethered displays, and subject positioning. Conference rooms and open offices work best, though mobile gear can adapt to compact rooms or lab spaces when necessary.
How many people can be photographed during a team headshot day?
Jack Simpson Photography typically photographs 10 people per hour during team headshot sessions. Each person receives about 5 minutes in front of the camera. Gear setup and breakdown take approximately 30 minutes each.
Who manages scheduling and time slots for corporate headshot days?
We collaborate with your internal coordinator (HR, Office Manager, or EA) to establish a timetable. We recommend reserving 5 to 6 minutes per person with buffer time around lunch, and scheduling camera-shy team members early in the day to minimize wait anxiety.
Can you match existing corporate headshot branding and styles?
Yes, we routinely match existing corporate headshot styles. By reviewing your brand guidelines or past company headshots, we replicate lighting ratios, background tones, framing, and cropping for company-wide consistency.
How are future new-hire headshots matched to our current team?
We log precise camera focal lengths, lighting heights, backdrop codes, and crop dimensions for every client. This technical log allows new hires photographed months later to match existing team directories seamlessly.
What should employees wear for professional headshots?
Wear solid colors and well-fitted professional clothing. Guidelines include:
- Recommended: Navy, charcoal, black, white, or jewel tones (emerald, burgundy, royal blue). Well-tailored blazers, collared shirts, and classic necklines.
- Avoid: Busy patterns, prominent logos, outerwear (puffer vests), neon colors, and reflective statement jewelry.
How do you assist individuals who feel camera-shy or uncomfortable?
We combine active conversational coaching with real-time tethered screen feedback. Drawing on prior emergency medical paramedic experience in high-stress environments, photographer Jack Simpson puts subjects at ease quickly using natural dialogue and clear, gentle posture direction.
How do clients select final headshot proofs?
Images are selected live on site or via a private digital proof gallery. On-site selection on a connected monitor allows instant selection before subjects leave. Otherwise, proof galleries are delivered with a 5-day selection window.
How many image proofs and final retouched files does each person get?
Team sessions include 10 to 20 proof options and 1 to 3 retouched finals per person. Individual headshot packages include 3 fully retouched final images, with additional retouched photos available upon request.
What is the difference between standard and advanced headshot retouching?
Standard retouching polished appearance; advanced retouching alters complex pixel elements:
- Standard Retouching (Included): Color balance, exposure correction, temporary blemish removal, skin glare reduction, stray hair cleanup, and light tooth whitening.
- Advanced Retouching (Add-On): Eyeglass glare removal, deep wrinkle reduction, clothing wrinkle/lint removal, background replacement, body slimming, and head swaps.
What is the turnaround time for proof delivery and final retouched headshots?
Proof galleries are delivered within 3 to 5 business days, and final retouched files are completed within 5 to 7 business days following client selections.
How are final retouched headshot files delivered?
Final headshots are delivered via a password-protected online digital gallery. Downloads include both high-resolution print files and web-optimized images formatted for LinkedIn, company websites, and press kits.
Do you offer separate executive headshot sessions?
Yes, C-suite executive headshot sessions are tailored with additional shooting time, multiple outfit changes, and expanded posing variations suitable for press releases, annual reports, and speaking panels.
Can you run a headshot booth during a corporate conference or event?
Yes, Jack Simpson Photography sets up high-volume headshot stations during corporate events and trade shows. Learn more on our corporate event photography services page.
What is the key difference between a headshot and a portrait?
Headshots are tight, shoulder-up professional images; portraits incorporate wider environmental contexts. Headshots prioritize clear facial feature identification on uniform backdrops, whereas portraits explore environmental storytelling, broader framing, and creative compositions.
Do you shoot indoor studio and outdoor natural-light headshots?
Yes, both indoor studio lighting and outdoor natural-light sessions are available. Outdoor environmental sessions may require additional assistant fees depending on location complexity and lighting requirements.
Are hair and makeup services provided for headshot sessions?
On-site hair and makeup artists can be coordinated upon request. Professional camera-ready styling ranges from $150 to $350 per person depending on project scope and artist availability.
How far in advance should headshot sessions be booked?
We recommend booking 2 to 4 weeks in advance. Spring and autumn corporate event seasons fill up quickly, so earlier booking is recommended to secure preferred dates.
Is rush delivery available for fast headshot turnarounds?
Yes, rush delivery options are available for an additional charge. Same-day proof delivery and 24-to-48-hour retouched final turnarounds can be arranged for tight deadlines.
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