FAQ's

Booking & Pricing

  • Booking is easy. Please see the “Availability” page to see what dates are available. Then select the “Book A Date” which notifies me of your interest. Once I confirm the date with you, I ask for a $100 deposit to hold the date.
  • While deposits are non-refundable, I will accept date changes as needed (and within my availability). Your deposit, while non-refundable, will also never expire for a future session.
  • Remaining fees owed will be collected depending on the payment schedule for your service.
  • My “Transparent Pricing” page will state the starting prices for my services. I understand that there is a lot that goes into determining exactly you want. I will work with you on the final pricing and packaging.
  • I do not have set package pricing for most of my services. I prefer to work with you and determine a price that is fair to all. I also do not price “a-la cart” items. Your needs will be met and priced accordingly.
  • Each of my services has a target as to the number of images included (see each service for more information). While my goal is quality over quantity, I use this number as a minimum that I will deliver.
  • There are no charges for wardrobe changes. However, changes of wardrobe do take time, but I will work with you to get as many images that I can. This can have an effect on the overall number of images provided at the end.
  • As part of my service, I will have 2 portable pop-up wardrobe changing stations for your use on site. These are simply enclosures and are not climate-controlled.
  • Once we settle on a date and planned services, I require a $100 deposit to hold the date.
  • While deposits are non-refundable, I will accept date changes as needed (and within my availability).
  • Deposits never expire for a future session.
  • I accept Visa & Mastercard via Stripe (both via my website and in-person).
  • I also accept Chime and Zelle.
  • Cash is always accepted 😊
  • My business is focused on location shoots (coming to you).  There is no charge for trips within 50 miles of Rockville MD (Zip Code 20850).  I will discuss possible travel charges for distances beyond the 50 mile radius and the services provided.

Session Preparation

  • Portraits: Please click <HERE> to download my Portrait Considerations guide.
  • Headshots: Please click <HERE> to download my Headshot and Corporate Branding Considerations guide.
  • If you want/need more information on color combinations, please click <HERE> to take you to Tailor Bros for an explanation on complimentary color choices for clothing.

Pay special note to color temperatures when considering clothing combinations and desires:

  • Warm colors are the fiery hues that make you feel alive – red, orange, and yellow. They’re perfect for making a statement and showing off your confidence.
  • Cool colors are calm and collected – blue, green, and purple. They give off a peaceful vibe and are perfect for a more subdued look.
  • Neutral colors are the backbone of any clothing choice. Black, white, gray, and brown are versatile and can be paired with any other color on the wheel.They’re like the glue that holds your outfits together.
  • While the guide provides a lot of good advice, it is just that, advice.  It is very important that you be you !
  • I currently do not offer hair and makeup services.
  • Please bring touch-up makeup with you. I will have items with me to help with fixes (mirrors, lint brushes, hair spray, etc), but you need to have your makeup for touch-ups.
  • My studio has been configured to be completely mobile, therefore I come to you or to a designated shoot location.
  • I shoot indoors or outdoors for all of my services (except drone, which is all done outdoors).
  • I will work with you on determining the best location for the type of service requested and images desired.
  • Trust me, I will work very hard to make this a fun and interactive experience for you, your family, or your group.
  • While it is very normal to feel uncomfortable when someone is pointing a camera at you, there are techniques to help you relax and help you look your best.
  • Confidence begins with having the right outfits for your images. Please download my Portrait Considerations guide <HERE> or Headshot and Corporate Branding guide <HERE> to help you look, and feel, your best !
  • Absolutely!  We will discuss all of the possible or desired props (or pets) that you wish to include.
  • Obviously including pets can affect the location of the session.

  • Mother Nature is unpredictable. If weather affects your session, we will reschedule or change the location as needed.
  • Drones, if planned, cannot operate in wet weather or high winds. We will work together to reschedule as needed or adjust the plan in case of bad weather.
  • If it is your wedding day, the show will go on and I will handle the weather. If your package includes drone coverage, drone services may not be possible. In that case, I will either refund the drone portion or schedule an alternate day for drone shots. I will work with you to make the most of the situation.

After the Session

  • My estimated turn time is one week (two weeks for weddings).
  • When settling on a date, I will provide you with a more accurate estimate (depending on my workload)
  • On my website you will find a link to my “Client Portal”. I will provide you with a password for your images.
  • On this site you will be able to make choices, download images, and purchase prints (depending on the services purchased).
  • While I will retain all of the RAW images from our session, you will be provided with JPEG images sized to your specifications. I will provide the sizes and orientations you requested and purchased when we finalized your agreement.
  • I will provide retouching to all images (exposure, color correction, and background adjustments)
  • If your images require more extensive editing, we will discuss the changes needed and if there are any extra fees.

  • RAW files are not images they are unprocessed data files.
  • If you require the RAW files, please let me know and we can discuss that before finalizing the session requirements.
  • AJ Murch Photography retains the copyrights to all of the photos, files and data provided.
  • I will provide a print release for all of your images so that you can print them on your own
  • Altering or using images for commercial use must be agreed to and listed in the contract for permission.  This will be fully addressed in the contract for  corporate branding sessions and headshots.

  • On the client portal you will be able to make professional prints as needed.
  • You can also take your JPEG files to any printer you wish for printing. However, I have chosen a printer via my client portal which will provide you the best prints available at a very competitive price.
  • I will also build/provide albums as requested. Pricing and details will be agreed to when setting a date and service.