# Frequently Asked Questions Canonical page: https://www.juliayatel.com/frequently-asked-questions/ ![Frequently-Asked-Questions-page-Julia Yatel, fashion brand and private clients’ photographer now based in Miami, Florida, USA.]() Dear clients, on this page you’ll find answers to most of your questions about a photoshoot with me. If the answer isn’t here, feel free to [ask me anything]() or share your ideas! 💛 #### [What services do you offer?]() I’m a fashion and lifestyle photographer based in Miami, Florida. I create fashion stories through [brand photo shoots](), [private photoshoots](), and [personal branding sessions](). I also photograph model portfolios and creative shoots for modeling agencies. My European style is about natural light, movement, and people who look alive in the frame. For small and medium-sized projects, I can take care of much more than the photography. Depending on what your project needs, this can include: - Getting to know you or your brand, your ideas, and the purpose of the shoot - Developing a visual concept and moodboard with you - Scouting locations - Helping select models - Bringing together the specialists needed for your US project, such as a stylist, makeup artist, hairstylist, assistants, or a videographer if video is part of the agreed plan - Planning props and accessories - Discussing makeup and hair, which I may also create myself for a small private session or capsule collection shoot if agreed beforehand - Photographing the story and guiding you or the models during the shoot - Selecting and retouching the agreed photographs - Thinking through how the photographs will work for your website, social media, or campaign In a larger production with its own team, I can concentrate on photography. I’m available for projects in Miami, across the United States, and worldwide by arrangement. #### [Who are your clients? Do you do private shoots? Do you shoot brands? Or just models?]() I photograph People. And I love my job. Yes, my specialty is fashion photography. Clients come to me for [brand photo shoots]() because of my vision and style. Models want an original portfolio. I work with beginners, experienced models, and modeling agencies on portfolios and creative agency tests. Another big part of my work is [private photo shoots](). I admit I’m lucky. Energetic, beautiful, and stylish clients come to me. In [my gallery](), you’ll see private clients who could easily be models. Sometimes, when I show those photographs as references, a new client doesn’t believe that the person in them isn’t a professional! You don’t need modeling experience to come to me. I’ll guide you through movement, posture, and expression, so you can stop worrying about what to do in front of the camera. For me, working together is about more than photos. Many clients come to mark a new personal or professional chapter. Some choose [personal branding photo shoots](); others want to discover something they haven’t seen in themselves before. I love that desire to go beyond the ordinary, whether I’m photographing a person or creating a story for a brand. If these words give you goosebumps or a warm feeling in your chest, perhaps my approach is just what you’re looking for. 💛 #### [Can you photograph a small capsule collection?]() Yes, and I love these small projects! A capsule collection of 5-7 items gives me a chance to work closely with its character: the fabrics, the shapes, the way the pieces feel when someone moves in them. I also photograph larger collections of around 10+ items. For all my [brand photoshoots](), I plan the location, looks, and team around what the collection needs. A small capsule can have a strong visual story of its own. #### [Do I need modeling experience for a private photoshoot?]() Not at all. You don’t need a modeling background or a collection of poses saved on your phone. Helping you feel comfortable in front of my camera is part of my work. I’ll guide you through movement, posture, and expression, and tell you what I see working. There is room to walk, breathe, laugh, and simply be yourself. I want you to recognize yourself in the pictures and perhaps discover something you hadn’t noticed before. You can see that approach in my [private photoshoots](). #### [Do you create model portfolios and agency tests?]() Yes. I work with new models, experienced professionals, and modeling agencies. If you’re starting out, I want your portfolio to give a sense of you: your expression, movement, and character. For an experienced model, I can create a new story or explore a side that is missing from the portfolio. For creative agency tests, I discuss the agency’s direction before planning the looks and setting. If your agency needs a few simple reference photos, tell me beforehand. Those can be discussed as part of a full photoshoot. The focus is on creating a thoughtful portfolio series in my style. #### [Are you a photographer or a makeup artist? What is your main focus?]() Photography is my main focus. I started my career in beauty more than a decade ago as a makeup artist and hairstylist. In 2019, I picked up a camera, fell in love with fashion photography, and started my photography project in Portugal. Today, I’m based in Miami and available for shoots across the US and worldwide by arrangement. That beauty background is still part of the way I see a photograph. I like to think through the whole look, and I often see the finished shot in my head long before I take it. Then it’s a matter of putting the pieces together like a puzzle: the person, the outfit, the hair, the mood, the light, and the location. For a small private session or a capsule collection shoot, I may also do makeup and hair if that’s what you prefer and the project allows it. For other shoots, I can bring in separate specialists. This is something to discuss while planning, so the right people and enough time are there for your project. #### [How much does your work cost per hour or day?]() First, what kind of hour are you thinking of? An hour discussing the idea, creating a moodboard, scouting locations, and preparing for the shoot? An hour retouching afterward? Or the hour with a camera in my hands? Or the hour of retouching pictures after the shoot? Even then, can you imagine my alarm clock ringing in the middle of your photoshoot and me saying, “Your hour is up. Would you like to extend it?” Sorry, I can’t imagine that. 🙂 That’s why I quote for the project as a whole. My work includes much more than the time spent taking photographs: the preparation, knowledge, experience, attention, and creative energy I put into it. I agree on the scope and schedule with you beforehand, with time for the photographs the project needs. My reputation, the quality of my work, and your happiness with the result matter deeply to me. #### [What are your standard rates?]() Every project is different. So are the people and brands I photograph. That’s why I don’t have one standard rate for a photoshoot in Miami, or for a project elsewhere in the US. When you come to me, I take time to understand your request and discuss the details with you. From the idea, location, and style to possible solutions and experiments. How many looks or collection items are involved? What team is needed? What finished photographs do you need, and will the project involve travel? Only when I understand the project and the resources it calls for can I prepare an individual proposal for you. #### [Why does a photoshoot with you cost more than some other options?]() Because the price reflects my vision, creativity, quality of work, and all the attention and energy I put into each client. You’re paying for much more than someone arriving with a camera. The work begins with the first discussion of your idea and continues through preparation, the shoot, and the final photographs. My returning clients tell me they love the whole process, not just the result. The anticipation, the preparation, the shoot itself, and the joy of seeing the photos. On the next shoot, there’s already a connection. The energy has its own rhythm, and that trust leaves more room for experiments and the courage to go beyond the usual. For a client, a shoot can feel like a breath of fresh air, with a little adrenaline. I love that feeling! I put a lot of myself into creating it. If that kind of experience matters to you as much as the photographs, you’ll understand what stands behind my price. #### [Do you offer discounts?]() I give a fair price from the beginning. I don’t quote a higher amount just to play a game and then offer a discount. If a client asks for a discount, my first thought is that I haven’t explained the value of my work clearly enough. My approach won’t be the right fit for everyone. If you don’t see a meaningful difference between my photographs and another photographer’s work, choosing the person whose style and price suit you better makes sense. That’s my honest position. I put my creative energy into the project, and the price is a fair exchange for that work. I have a special affection for my returning clients and the trust that grows with each shoot. For me, that relationship is much more personal than a few percent off a price. #### [What additional costs could be included in the project that I may not be aware of?]() My approach is 100% transparency in the project budget. I don’t want hidden costs to become an unpleasant surprise for you. I prepare an individual proposal for every client, with a clear explanation of what’s included and what is optional. The photography, number of looks, and finished photos are agreed for your project. Makeup and hair can also be part of the plan, but they aren’t automatically included in every shoot. Depending on the idea, the optional costs may include: - Additional looks beyond the number initially planned - Video for advertising or social media, if you’d like to discuss it as part of the project - Additional finished photos beyond the agreed selection - Other project participants, such as models, a stylist, makeup and hair artists, assistants, a florist, or a videographer - Location rental - Photo shoot permits, where the chosen location and production require them - Transportation and travel for a shoot outside Miami, elsewhere in the United States, or abroad - Team meals for a full-day shoot, if needed I include the relevant items in your proposal so you can see the full picture before deciding. No unpleasant surprises halfway through a beautiful project. #### [How early should I book a photo session? How do I do that?]() I recommend booking your session one or two months before your preferred shoot date. But that’s only my recommendation, life is different) If you’re planning a trip to Miami or have a special date in mind, the earlier you write to me, the better. And if only one particular date works for you, it’s perfectly fine to ask six months or even a year ahead. Send me your idea and preferred dates. I’ll check my availability and discuss the details with you. For a photo shoot elsewhere in Florida, across the United States, or abroad, I also plan the travel before confirming the arrangements. I reserve your date once the project is agreed and the 30% retainer payment is received. I have a simple, honest rule: the first client to make the retainer payment gets the date. #### [Can you help with the selection of the location?]() Of course. Discussing the location is one of the first stages of a project. Sometimes the whole idea begins with a place: the light on a beach, the lines of a building, or the atmosphere of a beautiful villa or yacht. I help you or your brand choose a setting that belongs to the story and works with the clothes, colors, and mood. Natural light is at the heart of my photography, whether the shoot is outdoors, in a stylish interior, or in a daylight studio. I can help plan a [private photo shoot]() or a brand project in Miami, elsewhere in Florida, or across the United States. If a visit to a new location would be useful, I discuss it during preparation so I can study the light and practical details and share recommendations and photos with you. #### [Do you travel for photo shoots outside Miami?]() Yes! I’m based in Miami, Florida, and I’m happy to travel for photo shoots across the United States. I can also arrange projects worldwide. [Tell me where you imagine your shoot](). A city, a beach, a beautiful house, or somewhere meaningful to you. I can help shape the idea around that place and discuss the travel and any team arrangements as part of your proposal. #### [What happens if the weather changes before an outdoor shoot?]() I pay a lot of attention to the light, so the weather is part of the conversation from the beginning. Before an outdoor shoot, I look at the forecast and think about the light and conditions at the location. If rain, strong wind, or heat could get in the way, I’ll talk it through with you. A different time or a beautiful interior may work better, depending on the idea and what’s available. Your comfort matters to me as much as the picture. #### [Do you photograph in interiors and studios as well as outdoors?]() Absolutely. I love natural light, whether it falls across a beach, through the windows of a villa, or into a daylight studio. A beautiful interior can have its own mood, and sometimes that becomes the beginning of the whole idea. I’ll look at the space, windows, and light before recommending it. For a private photoshoot, an interior can feel very personal. For a brand, it can become part of the collection’s story. The important thing is how that place works with you and the photographs you want to create. #### [How can I find a model for my brand photo shoot in Miami or elsewhere in the US? Can you help me?]() The right model, someone who fits the brand and the mood of the shoot, is half the success. I pay a lot of attention to this choice. A person can bring so much character to a collection. Yes, I can help you with model selection for a [brand photo shoot](). I look at the collection, the idea, and the kind of presence the photographs need. For a project in the United States, I can put together the team its size and goals require, with models, a stylist, makeup and hair specialists, and assistants as needed. There is one practical detail I always take seriously: agency photos may have been taken some time ago. Before a shoot, I check how the model looks now. I review current social profiles, ask for recent photos and a short video, or arrange a video call. I want you to feel confident about the person arriving on set. #### [Will I get retouched photos from you? Or do I need a separate specialist for the final touches?]() Yes. I retouch almost all my photos myself, and I’m proud of the quality of my work. I’m a perfectionist. I notice the small details, and I want each photograph to feel finished. Sometimes I wish I could do it faster, but quality has always been my priority. In fashion photography, the color of a whole series is part of the idea. It might be natural and soft, bright and stylized, built around one or two colors, or black and white. I choose the treatment that brings the story to life and makes the images feel like they belong together. For lifestyle photographs and brand projects where faithful product color matters, I work to keep the tones close to the original. Your dress, bag, or jewelry should still look like itself. I love beautiful color, but I also care about the piece you’re showing. #### [What do you mean by a European style of photography?]() For me, it’s about a stylish image that still feels alive. I love movement, a natural expression, the small gesture that makes you believe in the person you’re looking at. I pay attention to the clothes, composition, and light, but I don’t want the person to disappear behind a pose. I give direction, then leave room for something real to happen. Natural light is usually where I begin. You can read more about [my photography approach]() and explore [my portfolio]() to see how the photographs make you feel. #### [When will I receive my finished photographs?]() You’ll receive your finished photos in 1-2 weeks, depending on my workload at the time. I know how tempting it is to see everything right away! Choosing the strongest photographs, finding the right color tone for the series, and retouching each image are all part of the work you see in my portfolio. I’m a perfectionist, and that finishing work matters to me. If you have a campaign launch or another important date, please tell me before booking so I can discuss the timing with you. #### [Who selects the photos? Can I get the original or RAW files?]() You come to me for photos in my style, right? 🙂 Choosing the images is part of that style, too. For most projects, I select the photographs myself, looking for the strongest moments and the images that tell the story together. If you’d like to take part in the selection, tell me. I can prepare a first selection for you to choose from, and then retouch and finish the agreed images. The number of final photos depends on your project and is set out in the proposal. Working with brands can be different. Some brands want finished photographs from me. Others have their own designers and retouchers who know the brand’s visual style very well. For those projects, I can deliver the shoot images for the brand’s team to select and finish. If you need RAW files or a particular delivery format, tell me during preparation so I can plan the right process with you. #### [I'm not sure I can choose the looks for the photo shoot. Who can help me with this?]() I can help. I love putting a look together: clothes, shoes, jewelry, accessories, makeup, and hair. It’s a little like a puzzle. Every detail has its place, and when the pieces come together, the whole image starts to make sense. For a small private photo shoot or a capsule collection of about 5-7 items, I can help develop the styling and, if you’d like, take on makeup and hair by agreement. You can also have separate specialists for those roles. The idea is to choose the people the project actually needs. Most clients bring or buy their own clothes. I don’t shop for clients as a personal shopper would, but you can send me the pieces you’re considering, and I’ll help you think through the combinations before the shoot. For a larger collection, such as 10-30 items, or a shoot with many outfit changes, I recommend a separate stylist. There is plenty to do: prepare and steam the clothes, choose shoes and accessories, help the model change, and watch every detail on set. This can be someone from the brand’s team or a professional brought in for the project. It lets me give my attention to the photographs. #### [What kind of makeup do you do?]() My style is natural, radiant makeup with a focus on beautiful skin. I love skin that looks alive in a photograph. Makeup for a photo shoot is different from everyday or event makeup: the products, textures, and application techniques all need to work with the camera and the light. Good makeup makes a real difference to the final image. If it doesn’t work on camera, it can mean hours of extra retouching later. And Photoshop isn’t a magician. Not everything can be fixed afterward. For a small private shoot or a small capsule collection, I can do the makeup and hair myself if that’s what you choose. I enjoy seeing the whole look through, from the first brushstroke to the final photograph. A separate makeup artist or hairstylist may be the better choice for another project. I discuss this with you during preparation. #### [Do you also style hair in addition to makeup?]() Yes. I create the styles clients often ask for in photographs: natural waves, curls, simple updos, half-up styles, and wet looks. Hair changes the mood of an image so much. Sometimes a small change during the shoot is all it takes to give the next look a different feeling. If I take on makeup and hair for your small project, I plan the styling and bring the products and tools needed for it. More complex hairstyles or a larger production may call for a separate hairstylist. I help decide what makes sense for your idea and the time available. #### [Are makeup and hair included in every photoshoot?]() Makeup and hair are optional. I do love bringing a whole look together: makeup, hair, clothes, and the mood in the frame. For a small private photoshoot or a capsule collection, I may take on makeup and hair myself if you’d like that and it suits the plan. Other projects need a separate makeup artist, hairstylist, or both. I’ll discuss the right setup with you and make clear what is included in your proposal. You don’t need to decide who does what before you contact me. #### [What kind of cosmetics do you use at work?]() My kit contains both professional and luxury brands. I’m a true makeup fanatic, and after more than 10 years as a makeup artist, I still get excited about new textures, techniques, shades, and formulas. There is always something I want to try. I work with brands such as Armani, Pat McGrath, Tom Ford, Dior, Charlotte Tilbury, Hourglass, Huda Beauty, Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier, Fenty Beauty, and others. I choose the products for the person, the look, and the way the makeup needs to appear on camera. If you have sensitivities or a product concern, please tell me before the shoot. Still have a question, or an idea you’d love to bring to life? Feel free to reach out by email, WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram, or the [contact form](). I’m here wherever it’s most convenient for you! 🙂 Email: [pro@juliayatel.com]() WhatsApp [Julia Yatel]() Instagram [Julia Yatel]() Telegram [Julia Yatel]() ### Send Me a Message [Complete and submit this form on the website](). - I am interested in: brand photo shoot; private photo shoot; collaboration; other question - I prefer to receive answer to: my email; my Instagram; my Whatsapp; my Telegram - here are my contact details to contact me (email, link to social media, phone number including international code, etc.) - my name - message with details of the request