Glossary
Photography terms, in plain words
Fifteen terms you may see on a price list or in a booking message, with what each one means at GKPhoto.
Short answer
This glossary defines the terms clients ask about most: print release, retouching, retainer, mini session, golden hour, all-inclusive, rush delivery and travel fee. Each definition is short and says how GKPhoto uses the word. Each term links to the page that uses it.
The terms
Print release
Permission from the photographer to print your photos anywhere and to share them. At GKPhoto it comes with every session. The photographer keeps the copyright. This is general information, not legal advice. What is a print release?
Retouching and editing
Editing adjusts a whole image: color, exposure and crop. Retouching is extra work on the person, such as a temporary blemish or a flyaway. Headshot packages list retouched images, and other packages list edited images. What all-inclusive covers
Retainer
25 percent of the price. It reserves your date and is not refunded if you cancel. It is part of your price, not an extra charge. The balance is due on the day of the session. Rescheduling and weather
Mini session
A short session for a small group. The GKPhoto family Mini is $225: up to 20 minutes, 1 location, up to 5 people and 10 edited images. Seasonal minis have their own price and dates. Family sessions
Golden hour
The hour before sunset, when the light is warm and soft. Faces look flattering and shadows are gentle. The time changes every day, and the golden hour calculator gives it for any date and spot. Golden hour calculator
Blue hour
The soft, even light just after sunset, before full dark. It works well with lit buildings, string lights or a lake. It is darker than golden hour, so it suits shorter sessions. Golden hour calculator
All-inclusive
A price that includes edited digital images and a print release, before tax. Travel beyond 10 miles from Apex, NC sales tax and add-ons are separate and shown in your quote. What all-inclusive covers
Edited digitals
The finished image files you download from your gallery. They are full resolution, and the print release lets you print them anywhere. Delivery times
Environmental portrait
A portrait that shows a person in a place that says something about them or their work, such as an office, a shop or a studio. The Personal Brand package includes a headshot plus an environmental frame. Personal branding
Usage and copyright
In general, the photographer who takes a photo owns its copyright. Your print release is a permission to print and share, not a transfer of ownership. For a special use, such as an ad campaign, ask first. This is general information, not legal advice. What is a print release?
Rush delivery
A faster delivery option. Rush 24-hour delivery adds $100 to a session. Ask for it when you book, because it changes how the editing is planned. Delivery times
Travel fee
A charge for distance from Apex. The first 10 miles are included, 10 to 25 miles adds $50, 25 to 50 miles adds $100 and beyond 50 miles is a custom quote. Wake County page
Personal brand session
The Personal Brand is $395: about 45 minutes, 2 to 3 outfits or backdrops and 5 retouched images, plus a headshot and an environmental frame. It suits a website, an About page and social posts. Personal branding
On location
A session at a place you choose, such as your office, your home or a park, instead of a studio. GKPhoto has no studio. Office and home sessions need no park permit. Photo studio near me?
Turnaround
How long the gallery takes. Portraits arrive in 48 hours. Events, weddings and large jobs take 2 to 3 weeks. Rush delivery shortens the wait for a fee. Delivery times
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is a mini session?
A mini session is a short session for a small group. The GKPhoto family Mini is $225: up to 20 minutes, 1 location, up to 5 people and 10 edited images. Seasonal minis have their own price and open on set dates.
What is the difference between editing and retouching?
Editing adjusts a whole image: color, exposure and crop. Retouching is extra work on the person, such as a temporary blemish or a flyaway. Headshot packages list retouched images. Other packages list edited images. A colleague should still recognize you.
What is golden hour?
Golden hour is the hour before sunset, when the light is warm and soft. It flatters most faces and keeps shadows gentle. The time changes every day. The golden hour calculator gives sunset and a suggested start time for any date.
What does all-inclusive mean?
It means a price that includes edited digital images and a print release, before tax. Travel beyond 10 miles from Apex, NC sales tax and add-ons are separate and shown in your quote. Each package lists its own image count and length.
What is a retainer?
A retainer is 25 percent of the price. It reserves your date and is not refunded if you cancel. It is part of your price, not an extra charge. The balance is due on the day of the session.
Keep planning
Next step
Questions about a term?
Send a message and I explain it in plain words.
Prefer to talk first? Call 919-917-3015 or see pricing.
Updated