Listen, I get it. When it comes to photographers, there are a lot to choose from. The Omaha area is ripe with amazing photographers with different specialties and services. Many of them are my friends and respected colleagues!
So, why ME?
Well, that's ultimately for you to decide. These are your memories and images that you want captured. I encourage you to look at my portfolio and galleries to see what kind of work I deliver and if what I do is what you are looking for. That's the best way to decide on what photographer will work best for you.
Plus, i'm a complete goofball, so i'm fun to be around anyways!
We are often our worst critics. We tend to only see our perceived flaws.
But here is the thing - you are not unphotogenic! You just need the right photographer! *wink*
I think a lot of the problem with photography in the past was it was too static and impersonal. My approach is to #1) get to know my clients and what they need, #2) tailor the setup and compositions so that they are comfortable and confident, and #3) direct their poses and stances so that their attributes are highlighted and the areas they feel insecure about are minimized.
Also, I will never tell you to smile. I will be a complete goofball and make myself look like a complete idiot if that is what it takes to get a GENUINE smile and expression from everyone.
When you look at your photos, I want you to see the best you possible.
Honestly, the earlier the better! Preparation is key for both myself and my clients, and the earlier you book with me, the better the chance you will secure the date and time that you want! Also, my pre-payment plans help with financing your shoot and the earlier you book, the more we can spread your payments out to make fitting your session into your budget a breeze! I HIGHLY recommend the pre-payment plan for birth and wedding clients.
This is an amazing question that I wish was asked more. It needs talked about. Historically, photography has never served people of color as well as it did those with fair skin complexions. There have been great strides made in making sure that new technology captures the beauty of melaninated skin colors, and its about damn time!
As a woman whose family is of varying skin colors and tones, this is very important to me. I am fair skinned, my partner is dark skinned, our five children are a vast array of tones and colors, my mama is a beautiful red brown... This presents challenges to make sure all skin tones are shown in the best way possible, but its a challenge I am here for! Families are diverse and beautiful and they should be portrayed as such in their images. I encourage you to scroll through my portfolio and galleries and see how I capture the beauty of melanin Kings and Queens!
Turn around for delivery of photos is 1-2 weeks, although during busy seasons it can take 2-3 weeks.
For weddings or high volume deliveries, turn around is 90 days guaranteed, although usually delivery is within 30-60 days.
The session fee is what I charge for the shoot, the prep, the editing and the delivery. It is the minimum price you will pay for services with me. Additional locations, outfits, images, time, and more complicated edits will cost additional fees, which I will always be open and honest about. I will make sure you understand what is included and what additional options there are and the prices of those.
Session fees are non-refundable, because if the session doesnt happen, that means ive put in time, effort, work, and prep for something that ultimately didn't happen. It also means that time slot is blocked out, and other clients can't take that spot. So, if it doesn't happen, not only do I lose the money I could have made from that session, but I lose all other potential work that could have taken that spot.
I understand that things happen though. Communication is key, and if you need to reschedule, LET ME KNOW. You wont have to pay an additional session fee for rescheduling one time, and the sooner you let me know, the sooner I can fill that slot, so that nobody loses out in the process.
All sessions come with professionally edited high resolution images, although the amount varies by service. Please refer to the Investment page for more details. Your gallery will have double to triple the amount of images you receive, and you can choose your favorites to download. If you want more than what is included in your session, let me know! Additional images are $18 each, or the entire gallery can be purchased for a 20% discount.
I'm here to make this process as easy and pain free as possible for everyone involved!
I accept credit cards, cash, check, and I offer pre-payment plans to help you budget and plan for you shoot!
50% of the session fee must be paid in order to secure your booking date, and the other 50% is due 48 hours prior to the session.
For album and print orders, the entire order must be paid in full before I send off for the prints to be made.
I get these questions a lot!
When you purchase your digital images from me, they come with a Print Release. This print release allows you to have the images printed at any lab of your choice for your own personal use. I retain all copyrights, as these images are my artwork. Just like you can buy a Picasso or Michaelangelo and it doesn't make it any less their artwork, the same is true of my own artwork.
For corporate or commercial work, I grant royalty free licensing for branding and marketing use.
I never sell or give out RAW files. Its not a complete product and not representative of the work I do. Capturing the images is only the first step in the process, and I will not hand over incomplete work. Even if I did, it would not cut the cost down for you. In fact, if I ever did sell my copyrights, it would increase your cost exorbitantly.
Of course, communication with clients is key. If something unfortunate were to happen, clients will be given either the option to reshoot or a backup photographer can be called.
Hey, life happens. I get it! Especially with Covid still an issue, I understand that sometimes, for everyone's safety and health, rescheduling is necessary.
My policy is PLEASE COMMUNICATE WITH ME. I'm not unreasonable. Let me know what's going on. We can reschedule for when everyone is healthy.
The first reschedule is free. After that, if you need to reschedule again, there is a $75 fee that must be paid before I can put you back on the calendar.
I don't know your cousin/sister/friend/acquaintance or what kind of work they do...
My prices are set the way they are because I am a professional. This means I have professional equipment, I have professional expenses, and my cost of doing business must cover all of that as well as allow me to be able to provide for myself and my family.
I'm sure you will find hobbyist photographers who charge next to nothing. You will also find photographers who charge 10x what I do.
Just remember, you get what you pay for. And I will always work to make sure that the images you receive are worth every penny you pay for them!
Absolutely! My LLC is current and in good standing with the state of Nebraska, as well as my Nebraska tax license. I'm insured both through the Professional Photographers of America as well as business insurance up to $2,000,000.
If you are looking for a destination shoot, just let me know! I can make sure all paperwork needed to be done with the state/country of your choice is done and taken care of long before the big day!
I've dabbled in photography as a hobby for over 20 years but it wasnt until 2020 when the pandemic hit that I decided life is short, and I want to spend mine doing something I love. I've worked in retail and customer service for years, including in management roles, but I wasn't happy. Not because of the customers, but because of the companies I worked for. I felt like just another number... a robot who didn't matter. After all, if I left or something happened to me, they could just hire someone else. (And they did when I left - HA!)
So, since my kids were home and learning remotely, I decided I would do the same thing. I enrolled in college and I am 5 classes away from my AAS for Photography! Squee! I formed my LLC with the state of Nebraska in June 2021.
Sure, you can be a photographer without getting a degree. And there are lots of amazing togs out there who I deeply respect and admire who never went to school for it. I chose to go to school, though, because there is knowledge and experience I knew I couldn't get just from Youtube and trial/error. My Professors are all skilled photographers who have worked in the industry for years, in both the analog and digital fields. They have travelled the world doing shoots, worked with world renowned professionals, they have tenures at prestigious art schools across the country as well as teaching here in Nebraska. The ability to network, the exposure to some of the worlds best and most creative minds in the industry, as well as hands on learning of modern day techniques as well as historical processes and practices... Its amazing. I've never been so inspired and I'm honored to be among the community of professional photographers and creatives both in the Omaha area and beyond.
You may have heard it said, "You don't need a fancy camera to take good pictures."
This is somewhat true, but a bit misleading. It really depends on what kind of image you are trying to capture.
Cell phones these days have amazing camera capabilities, but they still are limited in what they can do. Especially if you need off camera lighting.
I have a wide array of gear that I use, depending on what kind of shoot I'm doing.
I have a Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless body, Canon lenses (50mm prime, 18-55mm zoom, 70-200mm zoom) that I use for most shoots. I do have a Vivitar 35mm film camera with lens that I use for B&W film processing. I still use my Canon Rebel EOS T7 for a backup camera body, or for a second shooter who needs a body.
For lighting equipment, I use Paul C. Bluff lighting softboxes and accessories, AlienBee400 and 1600s, and I do love my YongNuo speedlight.
These are professional level equipment investments so that I am able to give my clients the best images possible. If you are wanting something that I don't normally do, I'm willing to give it a go if you are! I love learning and challenging myself! (...or I can refer you to one of my photographer friends who has those capabilities!! I believe in community over competition!)
When booking a session, you agree to these terms of service upon paying your booking retainer fee. Any trade work agreed to by the photographer and another vendor is still subject to these terms and conditions.
DEFINITIONS:
This Agreement is between Tashena BhreAn Photography (“Photographer”) and [You] (“Client”) which includes Client’s principals, employees, affiliates and representatives. Client agrees that it has the legal authority to enter into this Agreement on behalf of its employer, company or organization. Photographer’s relationship with Client is that of an independent contractor.
“Image(s)” means the photographic material, whether still or moving, created by Photographer pursuant to this Agreement and includes, but is not limited to, transparencies, negatives, prints, or digital files, that were captured, recorded, stored, or delivered, in any type of analogue, photographic, optical, electronic, magnetic, digital, or any other, media.
USAGE RIGHTS AND OWNERSHIP:
Client acknowledges that Photographer is the Author of the Image(s) and also the first and sole owner of all copyrights of the Image(s). The Image(s) and all copyrights remain the exclusive property of Photographer without limitation. All usage rights to the Image(s) specifically granted by Photographer to Client appear on the reverse side of this Agreement.
IMAGES ARE LICENSED FOR SPECIFIC USE(S) AND ARE NOT SOLD.
Client understands and agrees that it is not buying the Image(s) but is paying only for a license to use the Image(s) as specified on this Agreement. Note that buying the copyright to the Image(s) will always be much more expensive than any licensing fee.
The term of license begins from the date Photographer receives full payment of invoice and upon delivery of images.
Unless otherwise agreed, any rights granted are always non-exclusive, non-sub-licensable and non-transferable. Any Image(s) may not be used in a logo, corporate identity, trademark or other service mark.
The use of any Image(s) by Client will not constitute a work of joint authorship.
Copyright metadata contained within any digital file may not be altered, or removed, without the express consent of Photographer.
Unless otherwise agreed, Photographer retains the right to use the Image(s) for his self-promotion.
PHOTOGRAPHIC INTEGRITY AND ALTERATIONS:
Client will not make or permit any alterations, including, but not limited to, filters, additions, subtractions, or adaptations, with respect of the Image(s), alone or with any other material, without the prior express permission of Photographer.
Portrait sessions include editing which consist of changes to the color, crop, contrast, & exposure at the photographers discretion. Portrait sessions do not include retouching. Boudoir sessions include retouching done at the photographer discretion.
GENERAL LIABILITY AND RELEASES:
Photographer will take all reasonable care in the production of the Image(s) and the performance of this agreement. But Photographer will not be liable for any loss, damages, or costs, suffered by Client, or by any third party, arising from Client’s use of any Image(s).
Client will indemnify, defend, and hold harmless, Photographer, their contractors, and their representatives, against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses, including reasonable legal fees and expenses, that may arise from Client’s use of any Image(s).
Photographer is not responsible for obtaining model, property, trademark, copyright, or any other, releases in connection with the Image(s) unless specifically stated in this Agreement. It is Client’s responsibility to obtain all necessary permissions for any Image use that requires a release or other consents.
Should Photographer agree to deliver any releases, it is Client’s responsibility to determine whether such releases are suitable for Client’s purposes. Photographer gives no warranty or guarantee as to the legal validity of any release.
In any event, Photographer’s liability for all claims will not exceed the total amount paid under this Agreement.
PAYMENT:
Time is of the essence for receipt of full payment under this Agreement.
NO RIGHTS ARE GRANTED UNTIL PHOTOGRAPHER HAS RECEIVED FULL PAYMENT, INCLUDING, IF APPLICABLE, ANY LATE-PAYMENT CHARGES.
UNLESS OTHERWISE AGREED, THE USE OF ANY IMAGE(S) PRIOR TO FULL PAYMENT WILL BE CONSIDERED AN UNAUTHORIZED USE. CLIENT AGREES THAT THE REASONABLE AND STIPULATED AMOUNT THAT WILL BE PAID TO PHOTOGRAPHER FOR SUCH AN UNAUTHORIZED USE WILL BE DOUBLE THE INVOICE TOTAL.
Where usage rights before full payment are granted, Photographer reserves the right to rescind any such usage rights if Client fails to make timely payment.
All invoices are due upon receipt. Adjustments of amounts or terms must be requested within ten days of invoice receipt.
Photographer does not provide any receipts to Client. Photographer’s invoice will serve as Client’s receipt for work performed and services rendered. Bank transfer fees are the responsibility of the Client.
CREDIT LINE and COPYRIGHT NOTICE:
Placement of a credit line or copyright notice is required when posting the images on the internet. If a credit line or copyright notice is required but not actually provided, Client agrees that the amount of DOUBLE THE INVOICE TOTAL is the fair and reasonable compensation that will be paid to Photographer for the loss of recognition, or lack of copyright protection, resulting from the lack of, or an improper, copyright notice or credit line.
CANCELLATIONS AND POSTPONEMENTS:
A session fee is due to hold your session date. This fee is non-refundable. The remaining balance (packages and/or a la carte items) is due the date of your session. If you cancel your session fee is forfeited and may not be applied to another session. If you do not cancel and the photographer arrives at the location of the session you will be responsible for paying a cancellation fee of $99. If a new session is requested, booking will not be finalized until session fee AND a package selection are paid in full.
RESHOOTS:
If Client requires a reshoot, Client will pay Photographer an additional fee of one hundred percent of the fee stated in the quote or invoice for the original shoot, plus all expenses for the reshoot.
If a reshoot is required due to factors beyond the control of Photographer, including but not limited to, weather conditions, or acts of God, Photographer will not charge an additional fee and Client agrees to pay all expenses for the reshoot.
FAILURE TO PERFORM:
If Photographer is unable to supply photographic services due to illness, mechanical breakdown, accident, acts of God, or any other cause beyond their control, then Photographer will attempt to procure the services of another professional photographer to fulfill their obligations. If that does not succeed, Photographer will return any fees paid by Client and will have no further liability with respect to this Agreement, and Photographer will not be responsible or liable for any other damages beyond the amount of this Agreement.
This limitation of liability will also apply in the event that any Image is lost or damaged through equipment malfunction, or otherwise, without the fault of Photographer.
KILL FEE:
Provided that Photographer has executed the photography assignment in a professional and competent manner, Client agrees to pay Photographer all fees and expenses in connection with said assignment, whether or not Client uses any Image(s).
ARCHIVING DIGITAL FILES:
While Photographer may choose to archive the Image(s), it is Client’s responsibility to properly store and archive the Image(s) for the duration of the term of license. Photographer cannot guarantee the availability of any Image(s) beyond the date of first delivery to Client.
Client is aware that optical, magnetic, electronic, and any other, media for storing digital data are inherently unstable. Client hereby releases Photographer and his contractors, and representatives, from any liability for any claims, damages, or costs, arising from any media supplied by Photographer becoming unusable.
All digital files created by, or on behalf of, Client that contain any Image(s) will be deleted or destroyed within ten days after the expiration date of license.
Any requests for the photographer to reproduce images that were already delivered will incur a $100 archival retrieval processing fee.
DIGITAL FILE QUALITY:
Photographer is committed to providing high quality services. Unless otherwise specified, Photographer may deliver, and Client agrees to accept, the Image(s) encoded in an industry-standard data format that Photographer may select, at a resolution that Photographer determines will be suitable to the reproduction technology and use(s) for which the Image(s) is licensed.
Photographer uses cameras and monitors that are color calibrated to industry standards. But due to variances in other monitors, software and computer platforms, the Image(s) may display differently on other monitors. Therefore, neutrals will be set for mathematical neutrality and color will be adjusted for pleasing tonalities.
It is Client’s responsibility to verify that the digital data, including color profile, if provided, are suitable for reproduction of the expected quality and color accuracy, and that all necessary steps are taken to ensure correct reproduction. If the data are not deemed suitable, Photographer’s sole obligation will be to replace or repair the data, but in no event will Photographer be liable for poor reproduction quality, delays, losses, expenses, or consequential damages, resulting directly, or indirectly, from defects or errors in digital files or their use.
All editing is done at the photographer’s discretion. The photographer reserves the right to refuse any additional edits requested. Some images may only be produced in color or black and white at the artists discretion. If the client(s) wish to request additional editing of images this is done at a separate fee starting at $50 per image.
SESSION TERMS:
Sessions will be conducted at a location agreed upon by the photographer. The photographer will not trespass or use any property/locations that is considered unlawful to do so. The photographer is bound by any rules states for the property or location. If the Client wishes to shoot on private property it is the Clients soul responsibility to get authorization from the owner of the property. The photographer is not responsible for hazards at the location and the Client agrees to enter into the session at their own risk.
No other photographers/videographers are allowed during the session unless agreed to in writing by Tashena BhreAn Photography. Client or guest will refrain from taking cell phone images during the session unless agreed upon by the photographer. Continual violation after photographer has given a verbal reminder will result in photographer ending the session.
ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS:
Client may not assign or transfer this Agreement or any of the rights granted hereunder. This Agreement is binding upon, and inures to the benefit of, Client and Photographer, as well as their respective principals, employees, representatives, and successors. Client and its principals, and employees, are jointly and severally liable for the performance of all payments and other obligations hereunder.
No amendment or waiver of any items is binding unless set forth in writing and signed by the parties. E-mail and electronic signatures will be considered legal and binding. However, the invoice may reflect, and Client is bound by, Client’s oral authorizations for any additional Image(s), fees, and expenses, that could not be confirmed in writing due to the immediate proximity of completing the photography assignment.
This Agreement will be deemed to be a contract made under the laws of the United States and the State of California, and for all purposes will be interpreted in its entirety in accordance with these laws. Client specifically and irrevocably confers personal jurisdiction over it by the courts of the state of California. Client will pay all arbitration and court costs, reasonable legal fees, expenses, and legal interest, on any award or judgment in favor of Photographer.
If any provision of this Agreement shall be unlawful, void, or for any reason unenforceable, then that provision shall be deemed severable from this Agreement and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions.
In addition to oral and written agreements, placing a retainer fee for a future session and/or use of any Image(s) by Client will constitute acceptance of all the above terms and conditions.
This Agreement constitutes the entire and only agreement between Photographer and Client with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all previous agreements, understandings, and communications, whether oral or written, between the two parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.
-Tashena Gipson, Owner/Operator of Tashena BhreAn Photography
