FAQ

Experience That Transforms Your Brand’s Visual Story

With over 30 years of expertise in the commercial photography industry, Sheri Oneal brings unparalleled experience to every project. She understands how to create high-end imagery that not only captures attention but also deeply engages your target audience, fostering strong brand loyalty.

Whether you arrive with a fully formed creative concept or need expert guidance to develop one from scratch, Sheri has the proven ability to bring your unique visual identity vividly to life.

Every professional photography service with Sheri Oneal includes a seamless and transparent process designed for your success:

  • Dedicated Communication: Easy access via email, text, and phone from start to finish.
  • Expert Guidance: Benefit from experienced coaching, clear communication, and a thorough understanding of your project details.
  • Technical Mastery: Leverage extensive photographic knowledge, advanced lighting techniques, and the use of high-end, up-to-date professional gear and software.
  • Streamlined Workflow: Enjoy convenient online proofing, precise color correction, optimal exposure control, and professional retouching.
  • Efficient Delivery: Receive your final high-resolution images via direct email download or FTP delivery with fast turnaround times.
  • Convenient Transactions: Easy digital invoicing with multiple flexible payment options.
  • Secure Backup: Your valuable images are safely backed up digitally for future peace of mind.

Getting Your Photography Estimate: What You Need to Know

When seeking a photographer, you’ll find a wide range of options and pricing. To ensure you make the best decision for your project and truly understand the value you’re receiving, it’s crucial to know what questions to ask and what information to provide. 

Ready for a tailored estimate, comprehensive proposal, or general price range for your photography project?

Step 1: Ask For A Price Quote

Connecting with Sheri is the first step toward bringing your vision to life. You can reach out by phone or email to discuss your project requirements. To help us provide you with the most accurate and tailored estimate, please be prepared to answer the following questions:

1. Project Overview: Please provide a brief overview of your photography needs and what you hope to achieve with the images.

2. Scope of Shoot: How many different photo setups or wardrobe changes do you envision? If you have one, please include a photo shot list.

3. Location Preference: Do you prefer to shoot in Sheri’s studio, or would an on-location shoot be better? If on location, do you have a specific place in mind, or would you like assistance with location scouting?

4. Desired Image Count: What is the estimated final number of retouched images you’d like to receive after the shoot? Sometimes this differs from the shot list because you may need multiple angles OR more than one image per shoot, location, or wardrobe change. Knowing the final count helps Sheri understand the post-production time required. It is ok if you’re unsure, a per-image price can be outlined in your proposal.

5. Your Budget: Do you have a specific budget you need to work within? Being transparent about your budget upfront helps ensure we can deliver a solution that meets your financial parameters. Photography pricing varies significantly based on experience, inclusions, and service quality, and I believe in clear, honest communication from the start.

6. Image Usage: How do you plan to use these images? Understanding their intended use is a crucial factor in determining the final project cost.

Send an email about your project to get started!

Understanding How Photography Pricing Is Determined

Sheri Oneal Photography believes in transparent and fair pricing. While some services are offered as packages, the majority of Sheri’s projects are custom-quoted to ensure you receive a price that accurately reflects your unique needs. She considers your project’s goals, the final image count, and how you plan to use the images.

With over 30 years of experience, you’re guaranteed the highest quality of professional service, stunning imagery, and a stress-free experience. Sheri is often able to find ways to optimize costs based on your specific project details and requirements.

Pricing variables often include:

  • Shooting time
  • Number of final retouched photographs
  • Intended image usage (e.g., PR/Marketing, Publishing, Advertising)

Stock Photography Pricing

Looking for an image already captured? Sheri’s stock photography offers a cost-effective solution. These are high-quality images available from her extensive library, priced comparably to high-end industry stock providers like Adobe Stock or Shutterstock, based on your specific usage needs.

Assignment Photography Pricing

For PR/Marketing, Publishing, and Advertising assignments, Sheri’s pricing is tailored to your specific project. She factors in:

  • The number of photo setups
  • The quantity of final retouched images
  • The total time involved for the entire job
  • The intended image usage

After thoroughly understanding your project details, Sheri will prepare a detailed proposal or estimate. Once all details are agreed upon and signed, the planning for your shoot begins.

Unlike many photographers who charge a flat half-day or full-day rate, Sheri’s pricing is customized per job. This often provides an advantage to clients, ensuring you only pay for the precise amount of work required, rather than an arbitrary hourly block. Sheri’s base fees for assignment photography start at $400.00 and adjust upward from there. Please note that additional expenses such as props, backdrops, styling, and location scouting are billed separately.

Headshot Photography 

Whether you need a polished corporate PR headshot or something more expressive and creative, Sheri offers custom headshot packages designed for your individual needs. You can choose between standard studio headshots with multiple backdrop options or dynamic environmental headshots, which can be shot on location or with our mobile studio setup.

PR Headshot package rates begin at $250.00 and are customized based on factors like:

  • Your specific requirements
  • The final number of retouched images
  • The intended image use
  • If the shoot is on location or in the studio

Discounts on bulk packages are available, starting with 5 or more individual packages per visit or booking.

Image Use Pricing

Understanding how your final image(s) will be used is a critical component of pricing and must be determined in advance of the photoshoot. The final cost is contingent on the type of image use needed (e.g., advertising, marketing, publishing, packaging, personal). While usage can be expanded later, an additional fee may apply based on the revised terms.

Step 2: Let’s Discuss Your Project!

Once I have a good understanding of your project’s parameters, I will schedule a free consultation. This can be by phone, email, or video chat, ensuring I have a crystal-clear understanding of your goals, what’s involved, and any budget considerations. During this discussion, I will review the information you’ve provided and address any additional costs that might arise beyond the core photography services. For instance, will you need:

  • Props or special backdrops?
  • Unique scenery or locations?
  • Wardrobe, styling, or makeup artists?
  • Additional crew services?

These elements are typically added as expenses or subcontractor services and will be clearly itemized as an additional cost on your estimate.

Step 3: Estimate Approval & Agreement

Once I’ve finalized the details, you’ll receive a contractual email outlining the full estimate or proposal. This document is crucial to ensure both parties have a clear and complete understanding of the project’s scope, expectations, and costs. I’ll need a finalized agreement with a signed approval. For smaller jobs or those based on a set package price, a simple email overview may be provided instead of a full contract.

Please note that, depending on the job’s specifics and your location, a deposit may be required in advance to secure your booking.

Step 4: Scheduling Your Photoshoot

Once your estimate is approved, I’ll confirm and lock in a date for your project on our calendar. I’ll also discuss any necessary backup dates, especially for outdoor shoots where weather might be a factor. With your shoot date assigned, I’ll officially kick off the pre-production phase to ensure every detail is meticulously planned for a seamless and successful photoshoot.

Preparing For Your Shoot

To ensure your photoshoot is a resounding success, a little preparation goes a long way!

First and foremost, aim for a good night’s sleep before your session. Feeling rested will help you look and feel your best on camera.

Additionally, if you have specific ideas, poses, or elements you’d like to incorporate, please bring along examples or notes to share. Whether it’s a mood board on your phone or a list of must-have shots, being prepared will make it much easier to convey your vision and help us achieve exactly what you’re looking for.

Products & Props

If your shoot involves products or props, preparation is key to a smooth and efficient session. I highly recommend creating a checklist and packing everything the night before your scheduled shoot.

Photography pricing is based on a predetermined timeline. Being fully prepared ensures we stay on schedule, allowing us to maximize our creative time together. If the shoot extends due to unforeseen client-sourcing delays during the session, additional fees may apply.

Wardrobe

For headshots or any session requiring specific attire, wardrobe preparation is crucial. Please ensure your clothes are ironed, free of stains, and clear of any pet hair before your arrival.


While I do have a steamer, iron, and lint roller in the studio (please request in advance for on-location shoots), addressing these issues during your session can consume valuable shooting time. Being prepared ensures we stay on schedule and that your pricing is not affected.


For most business and lifestyle photos, I recommend subtle, mid-tone colors and form-fitting attire. It’s always a good idea to bring multiple options for variety. I generally advise avoiding busy or bold patterns, as these can be distracting. Additionally, solid black and pure white are often discouraged for print use, as they can lose detail and appear less dynamic than a range of mid-tone colors.

The Day Of Your Shoot

When you arrive for your shoot, I’ll start by scouting the location or selecting the ideal studio background. We’ll then finalize your wardrobe and props, and review any last-minute details to ensure we’re perfectly aligned with your vision.

Next, I will handle the technical lighting setup, along with any set design, propping, or styling details required before we begin.

Once everything is meticulously prepared, the photoshoot officially kicks off! With years of experience, I assure you that the process will be fast, efficient, and thoroughly professional. I’ll capture a wide variety of images, experimenting with different angles, lighting nuances, and subtle tweaks to provide you with a diverse selection of final options.

Throughout the session, I’ll offer professional coaching to guide you through the process. You’ll also have the opportunity to see how the photos are developing in real-time, allowing you to provide feedback and make changes along the way. This collaborative approach guarantees we’re meeting your project goals, ensuring you’ll be delighted with your final images.

After Your Shoot

You can expect to receive your image proofs 1-2 days after the shoot. Once the final image choices are determined, the retouching is generally completed within 2-3 business days. All images are captured in RAW format to ensure the highest possible quality and flexibility during the editing process. A rush fee may apply if you need them sooner.

Image Proofing

Usually within 24 hours, you will receive a custom private online gallery link to your unretouched images. Take your time selecting your favorite images based on our project agreement. This selection process is crucial, as these are the images we’ll meticulously retouch for your final delivery.

Edit & Image Prep

Once you’ve made your final selections, the retouching will begin. Your chosen images will undergo creative retouching, including precise corrections for exposure, custom color, white balance, and contrast, all prepared at my professional discretion.

Generally, retouching is completed within 2-3 business days after receiving your final picks, though this can vary depending on the project’s scope.

Image Delivery

Your finished, high-resolution retouched images are typically delivered in JPG or TIFF format with Adobe RGB color space (unless otherwise requested). I primarily use WeTransfer.com for secure and efficient delivery, and you’ll receive a direct email with your download link. For your convenience, images can also be uploaded to a shared Dropbox or a private FTP site if preferred.

Please note: To maintain the highest quality and artistic integrity, RAW files are not provided to clients.

Image Backup

Your peace of mind is important. All digital files are securely saved and backed up on multiple hard drives, both on-site and off-site. This ensures your precious memories are protected and available for any future needs.

Additional Team Services And Referrals 

Hair & Makeup Stylist, Wardrobe Stylist, Food Stylist, Set Design, Producer, Location Scout, Photo Assistant, Video crew, Casting Services, Art Direction

Possible Additional Expenses

Mileage, Travel Expenses, Crew Meals, Special Equipment Rental, Props, Backgrounds, Wardrobe  

Sales Tax

A +9.75% sales tax will be added to all invoices if the client resides in the state of Tennessee. Tax-exempt clients are required to provide a tax-exempt form in advance of final image delivery. 

Invoicing

Once the job is complete, an invoice is provided, and payment is due upon receiving digitally delivered images. Image use and Copyright are granted only upon full payment. A W-9 will be provided upon request from the client’s accounting.

Payment Options

ACH direct deposit, Cash, and Check payments are free. Venmo and PayPal may require additional fees. Mastercard or Visa requires a 4% credit card processing fee. 

Send an email about your project to get started!