FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

These FAQs are here to provide clarity, transparency, while making everything easy and stress-free. By booking a session and submitting a deposit, you agree to the policies below.

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Where are you located?

 

QUICK BASICS

  • We’re located right outside Little 5 Points in Atlanta, GA.

    241 Maynard Terrace SE, Atlanta, GA 30316

  • Yes — we love to travel. We’re available for out-of-state and international bookings.

    Travel costs and fees apply based on location and project.

  • Email us through the Contact page and we’ll reply with available dates/times.

    Most clients book (& we recommend) min 2 weeks ahead, but if you need something sooner, tell us — we’ll do our best!

  • Please check your spam/junk folder (it happens a lot).

    Add us to your contacts to avoid delays.

    All communication: info@joshstringer.com

    Digital delivery only: joshstringerphoto@gmail.com

BOOKING & PAYMENTS

  • As soon as possible. We book first-come, first-served.

    Dates and times are not held without a deposit.

    Tip: Book at least 2 weeks ahead to avoid last-minute booking fees (when applicable).

  • All payments are handled digitally.

    We accept:

    • Credit & debit cards

    • PayPal (including Pay Later, when available)

    We do not accept:

    • Cash

    • Cashier’s checks / money orders

    • Personal checks

  • Your remaining balance is due 72 hours before your session start time, unless your invoice states otherwise.

    If the balance is not paid by the deadline:

    • the session may be canceled and treated as a no-show

    • payments may be forfeited

    • no images, proofs, downloads, or edits will be delivered until paid in full

CANCELLATIONS, RESCHEDULING & EMERGENCIES

  • A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your date and time.

  • We understand that schedules can change, and we’ll always do our best to work with you where possible. Because your session time is reserved exclusively for you — including studio time, staffing, and preparation — rescheduling is not automatically free.

    General guidelines:

    • All cancellations forfeit the deposit

    • No-shows forfeit all payments

    • All sales are final

    Rescheduling is not automatically free because your time is reserved.

    Rescheduling with 14+ days’ notice (may qualify):

    • With 14+ days’ noticeand valid documentation (doctor’s note/emergency), your deposit may transfer one time

    • The new session must occur within 30 days

    • Only one approved reschedule per booking

    Without approved documentation:

    • A new deposit is required to book a new date

    Same-day cancellation or reschedule:

    • The time cannot be refilled

    • Full repayment of the originally booked session (including any hair & makeup fees) is required to book again

    Work conflicts, auditions, callbacks, travel, or schedule changes generally do not qualify for free reschedules.

  • In rare situations beyond anyone’s control (serious illness, power outage, natural disaster, etc.), we’ll work with you to reschedule or credit your session where possible.

    Liability is limited to rescheduling at the studio’s discretion.

  • Life happens — but sessions must start and end on time.

    Please email us immediately if you’re running late.

    Up to 15 minutes late: we shoot with remaining time (no refunds or make-ups)

    30+ minutes late: session may be canceled and treated as a no-show

    • If the schedule allows, a same-day reschedule may be offered for a $100 fee (not guaranteed)

WHAT’S INCLUDED & HOW IMAGES WORK

  • It depends on your package.

    Your invoice and website listing show exactly what’s included.

    Always included:

    • Proof gallery (unretouched previews for selection)

    Not included unless stated:

    • Retouched final images

    • Extra edits

    • Print products

    • Commercial licensing or buyouts

  • Proofs are for selection only.

    They may not be posted, shared, edited, filtered, or used publicly.

    Unauthorized use of proofs may result in fines or licensing invoices.

  • Very simple:

    1. You receive a proof gallery (each image has a filename and a number - DO NOT CHANGE THESE- this is how we find your images :)

    2. You email us the numbers you want

    3. We retouch and deliver via email

  • Included selections must be made within 30 days of proof delivery.

    After 30 days:

    • included edits expire

    • retouching is billed at standard rates

    • sessions older than 6 months may require archive retrieval fees and files may be purged

  • Actor headshots: $45 per retouched image

    All other sessions: $85 per retouched image (bulk pricing sent with proofs)

    Advanced editing: $120/hour

    (background swaps, tattoo removal, heavy wardrobe fixes, etc.)

DELIVERY, RESENDS & ARCHIVING

  • We begin processing the day after your session, once payment is complete.

    Typical turnaround: 2–3 weeks

    Rush delivery (24-hour) is available for an additional fee.

  • Yes — please save your files in multiple places (back-ups)

    Resend fee: $55 per request

  • We keep images for at least 6 Months (barring rare technical failure).

    Optional guaranteed archival:

    $75/year

    If you return later and files are still available, archive fees may apply per stored year plus retouching costs.

RETOUCHING RULES & ARTISTIC CONTROL

  • All retouching is done in-house to maintain quality and consistency.

    Light cropping is fine.

    Please avoid filters or edits that alter skin tone or color, especially for casting.

    While we welcome reasonable retouch notes, final artistic decisions regarding lighting, composition, and retouching remain at Josh’s discretion to ensure consistency with our portfolio and professional standards.

HAIR, MAKEUP & SET RULES

  • Our set is closed.

    If you use your own artist, you must use them before your shoot and arrive camera-ready.

    Artists interested in becoming preferred collaborators may submit portfolios for review.

  • Hair & makeup is booked as a bundled service.

    Skipping one does not change the rate — the artist’s time is still reserved.

DURING THE SHOOT

  • It depends on the session and number of looks.

    A safe planning rule is up to 1.5 hours per look so nothing feels rushed.

  • A look is any visually distinct version of you.

    If you change anything that would reasonably make casting directors, clients, or the public see you as a different version of yourself, it counts as a new look.

    This includes changes to:

    • clothing or layers

    • hairstyle

    • facial hair

    • makeup level or style

    • accessories (glasses, hats, jewelry)

    • overall character, tone, or “type”

    Final determination of what constitutes a look is made by the photographer to ensure fair timing and image quality.

  • Upgrades are always welcome.

    Significant downgrades or removals of major add-ons are generally not allowed once booked, as time and team members are reserved.

  • Yes — BTS is welcome.

    Please do not film or photograph lighting setups, modifiers, or technical layouts.

    If BTS accidentally shows the setup, we may ask you to crop or adjust before posting.

    Show the vibes, not the spellbook. 😉

  • Yes, and you’re not awkward, you’re just human. 😄

    Direction is included in every session. I don’t just stand there clicking a button and hoping magic happens, I coach you through all things that casting actually responds to. (not as in dept as the Masterclass, but you’d be surprised of how much you’ll learn with us.)

    Think of it like this:

    You bring the talent. I help you aim it.

PETS & STUDIO ENVIRONMENT

  • Yes — we love pets. We also have two studio cats.

    Please let us know in advance so we can plan safely.

    If your animal damages anything, you’re responsible for repairs.

    Last-minute pet arrivals may require a fee or may not be possible.

COPYRIGHT & LICENSING (CLEAR + SIMPLE)

  • No. Josh Stringer / JAS Productions retains copyright (industry standard).

    You are purchasing a license to use the images based on what you booked.

    Custom licensing and full copyright buyouts are available.

  • Think of licensing like choosing an ice cream cone:

    Small cone – Actor Headshots - Casting platforms, agents, personal actor website, actor social media

    Medium cone – Branding / Editorial - Personal branding, press, business profiles, limited promotion

    Large cone – Commercial / Advertising - Ads, conventions, events, merch, paid promotions, large-scale marketing

    If you purchase a larger cone, you’re allowed to use the image in all the ways below it.

    If you purchase a small cone, you can’t use the image for larger purposes without upgrading the license.

    If you’re unsure which cone applies, email us before using the image — we’ll guide you.

    Designers & third-party use

    If a designer, editor, production company, or third party will be using your images, they must be properly licensed.

    Sharing images with third parties does not grant them usage rights unless specifically licensed.

  • Actor headshots include:

    • Casting platforms (Actors Access, Casting Networks, IMDb, etc.)

    • Personal actor promotion on social media

    • Personal websites and portfolios

    • Agent/manager submissions

  • Actor headshots may not be used for:

    • Convention banners, booths, or posters

    • Merch, branding, album covers

    • Paid ads or sponsored posts

    • Event promotions or ticket sales

    • Business branding, coaching, services, or products

    • YouTube/podcasts tied to paid offerings

    • Editorial features

    • Press campaigns

    • Advertising

    • Marketing materials

    • Brand partnerships

    • Promotional graphics or posters

    Unauthorized commercial use may require takedown and/or invoicing at double the appropriate licensing rate.

WHAT MAKES A GREAT SHOOT

  • Have fun — personality reads on camera.

    Also:

    • Get rest and hydrate the week before

    • Bring props, pets, or references if desired

    • Avoid last-minute cosmetic procedures

    Important: wardrobe, grooming, and preparation choices are the client’s responsibility.

    Dissatisfaction related to clothing, grooming, or preparation does not qualify for a refund or reshoot.

    Do not get Botox, peels, tanning, or aggressive treatments within 2+ weeks (ideally 30 days).

    Skin reactions may require paid advanced retouching or a reschedule requiring a new deposit.

  • We treat your headshots/ shoot like the marketing assets they are, not like a quick photo day.

    That means:

    • heavy direction (included)

    • real acting-based coaching

    • lighting + angles built around what we need, not ONE lighting tech for everyone.

    • industry-level quality (because… that’s literally what I do for TV/film too)

    You’re not just getting photos.

    You’re getting strategy, coaching, and images built to move your career forward.

  • The Master Class is not required, it’s for actors who want the session to go deeper.

    Every session already includes full direction and coaching.

    The Master Class option is for people who want extra time focused on things like:

    • branding and casting type clarity

    • expression range training

    • “what casting is actually reading”

    • refining choices so your headshots match your audition energy

    • feedback that helps beyond the shoot day

    In short:

    Headshots + career coaching + confidence boost.

    It’s for the actor who says:

    “I don’t just want new photos, I want to level up.” CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL BREAKDOWN OF WHAT THE MASTERCLASS IS

  • I don’t guess — I stay connected to the industry. 🎬

    I shoot for professional productions, marketing teams, and networks where images have to actually perform, not just look nice.

    Casting doesn’t need a photographer who has opinions.

    They need an actor whose headshots look bookable, current, and truthful.

    My job is to direct you into that.

RESHOOTS & REFUNDS

  • Do you offer reshoots or refunds?

    We do not offer reshoots or refunds due to personal preference.

    You’ll view images during the session — please speak up in real time so we can adjust.
    Reshoots are only considered in rare cases of technical failure or data loss. No refunds ever, all sales are final

CONSULTATIONS

  • Yes. Consultations are available for actors, photographers, and business owners.

    Rates:

    $500/hour (2-hour minimum)

    5-hour package: $2,000 (can be split into multiple sessions)

  • Our goal is to make your experience efficient, enjoyable, and stress-free while keeping expectations clear for everyone. These policies explain how sessions, image usage, and licensing work at Josh Stringer Photography.

    By booking a session, submitting a deposit, or making payment, you — and anyone working on your behalf (agents, managers, publicists, or collaborators) — agree to the policies below.

    ⭐ IMPORTANT LICENSING NOTE (PLEASE READ)

    All images created by Josh Stringer Photography are licensed, not sold, and remain the intellectual property of Josh Stringer under U.S. Copyright Law.

    Your actor headshot session includes a standard Actor Headshot License, which covers:

    ✔ Casting platforms (Actors Access, Casting Networks, IMDb)

    ✔ Personal websites & online profiles

    ✔ Social media & personal promotion

    If images are used for anything beyond that — such as marketing, advertising, publicity graphics, business branding, posters, merch, conventions, YouTube monetization, or any revenue-generating use — the image moves into a different license category.

    👉 A licensing upgrade means an additional licensing fee applies.

    This is normal professional photography practice and helps keep usage fair and consistent. If you’re unsure whether your usage needs an upgrade, just ask before posting — we’re happy to guide you.

    💄 HAIR & MAKEUP

    • Session rates include standard hair and makeup applications.

    • Extra services (excessive length, thick hair, washing, texturing, extensions, etc.) may incur additional charges and will be approved before work begins.

    • If you use your own artist, all work must be completed before arrival — our sets are closed and only approved personnel are present during shoots.

    • Same-day additions are subject to artist availability and a rush booking fee.

    ✨ RETOUCHING & PHOTO EDITING

    • Actor Retouching ($45/image) — blemish cleanup, light skin smoothing, minor flyaways.

    • ALL Other Sessions ($85/image — bulk pricing shared with proofs).

    • Photo Editing ($120/hour) — advanced work like fabric fixes, background changes, tattoo removal, or major adjustments.

    • Retouching and editing are not included unless stated on your invoice.

    📅 BOOKING, DEPOSITS & CANCELLATIONS

    • A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your date.

    • Remaining balances are due 72 hours before your session.

    • Cancellations or no-shows forfeit all payments.

    DAY-OF CANCELLATION & RESCHEDULE POLICY

    Same-day cancellations or reschedules require full repayment of the originally booked session fee, including HMUA fees. Because the time is fully reserved for you, the session must be rebooked at full rate.

    ALL SALES ARE FINAL

    Rescheduling

    • With two weeks’ notice and valid documentation, deposits may transfer once within 30 days.

    • Without approved proof, a new deposit is required.

    • Work conflicts or schedule changes do not qualify for free rescheduling.

    ⏰ LATE ARRIVALS & SHOOT TIME

    • Please arrive early for parking and prep.

    • Late arrivals reduce your shoot time.

    • Up to 15 minutes late: session continues — no refunds.

    • 30+ minutes late: may be treated as a no-show.

    • Same-day reschedules may be offered for a $100 fee if availability allows.

    🕒 HOLDING STUDIO TIME & EXTENSIONS

    • The time you book is the time reserved exclusively for you.

    • Extensions may be available at an additional hourly rate, pending availability.

    🔁 RESHOOTS & REFUNDS

    • No reshoots or refunds due to personal preference (“I don’t like how I look”).

    • Reshoots occur only in rare cases of technical failure or data loss.

    • You’ll review images during the session — please speak up so we can adjust live.

    ⚡ RUSH ORDERS & LAST-MINUTE BOOKINGS

    • Book at least two weeks in advance to avoid rush fees.

    • Sessions booked within 14 days may incur a last-minute booking fee.

    • Rush editing (24-hour turnaround) is available for an additional cost.

    🛡️ LIABILITY & STUDIO CONDUCT

    • Josh Stringer Photography is not responsible for personal injury, illness, property loss, or damage before, during, or after your session.

    • Clients assume all risks while on the premises.

    • Only essential personnel are permitted on set.

    • Any intentional damage to studio property is the client’s responsibility.

    • In rare emergencies beyond our control, sessions may be rescheduled or refunded at studio discretion.

    📷 IMAGE RIGHTS, PROOFS & FILE DELIVERY

    • Proofs are for viewing and selection only and are not licensed for public use, editing, or distribution.

    • Screenshots, RAW files, or photos taken of studio monitors are not approved images.

    • Unauthorized use of proofs or RAW material may result in licensing adjustments or correction fees.

    • Please DOWNLOAD and SAVE your files. Archive retrieval requests may include a $55 re-delivery fee.

    Full-resolution digital files are licensed only to the original purchasing client. Sharing files does not transfer usage rights.

    💼 LICENSING ENFORCEMENT & PAYMENT TERMS

    If images are used outside the granted license:

    • The usage will be converted to the appropriate licensing category.

    • An updated invoice will be issued reflecting the licensing adjustment.

    • Licensing invoices are due within 7 days unless otherwise agreed.

    This applies to clients and any representatives acting on their behalf. Continued unauthorized use may result in:

    • Removal or takedown requests

    • Additional licensing fees

    • Suspension of future bookings

    ⚠️ POLICY VIOLATIONS & CORRECTION FEES

    To protect the integrity of the work and studio process, unauthorized actions may result in licensing adjustments or correction fees, including:

    • Posting proofs or screenshots publicly

    • Using images photographed from monitors

    • Editing or altering images outside license terms

    • Sharing files beyond permitted usage

    • Posting BTS content revealing lighting setups, modifiers, or technical layouts

    BTS is welcome — just keep lighting diagrams and technical setups private to protect the studio’s intellectual property.

    Our goal is to make your experience efficient, enjoyable, and stress-free — these policies simply ensure fairness, clarity, and professionalism for everyone.

FINAL NOTE

Booking a session, submitting a deposit, or making payment confirms that you’ve read, understood, and agreed to these FAQs, our Studio Policies, and our Terms & Conditions.


If you have any questions not answered here, email us anytime — we’re happy to help! =)