Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where are you based?
A. We are based in Waiuku, we will give the complete address to our clients who have booked their private shoot.
Q. Do you travel around New Zealand or go to Australia? Are you coming to Rotorua?Hamilton? Etc...
A. We really appreciate the feedback we get in getting asked to come to town and places around NZ, and we wish it was as easy as just packing up and traveling.... however there are many things for us to consider, travel and accommodation, misc expenses - this can be very costly..... Working from our base in Auckland is much easier.
We will make our intentions known on our Facebook page if we look to visit a place. If we don't, it means we don't have plans to at the moment.
However, if you are a good organizer - and can find a venue, a way to pay for flights/accommodation, ( vehicle if needed) and two days of fully booked work- in which we will reward you, please pm us or email us - we would happily consider a proposal to come to your town or city...
Q. What are your prices?
A. Standard prices:
$99 SITTING FEE + $70 per person and $60 child (12 and under) in portrait.
Q. Do you have any promotions or packages at the moment?
A. Mother's Day Promo: Half price SITTING FEE, pay $50 instead of $99 (May's sittings only)
Q. Do you accept part payments?
A. Yes, we also accept part payments, if you are wanting to pay it off bit by bit; Images will be released when full payment is made. How fast you want to pay it off is completely up to you. Just let us know what arrangement you wish to make.
Q. How do I book?
A. Please send us a Facebook message, OR an email
www.facebook.com/nativeartzportraits
email: [email protected]
Please let us know.
- Size of group (e.g 2 adults 3 kids)
- What cultures you were wanting
Bookings are confirmed with a $50 deposit (to secure your spot)
The outstanding amount can be paid on the day via cash, electronic transfer or Eftpos. Can provide receipts on request.
We also accept part payments, if you are wanting to pay it off bit by bit; Images will be released when full payment is made. How fast you want to pay it off is completely up to you.
Q. When are your next private shoots?
A. We usually like to have sittings once a month, on a Saturday...
December
And we’re back on! After a long break to take care of some personal matters, we’re excited to return to doing what we love most. We’ll be running photo shoots over the next couple of weeks, just in time to have your images ready as beautiful Christmas gifts.
Please send us a message to check our availability!
Q. What does the price include?
A. Sitting includes:
- 1 x photographer - 1 x wardrobe/stylist
- 30 mins - 1 hour shoot time
- Access to Maori wardrobe, Moko stencils, and accessories (we'll help dress you).
- 1 x Hi-res digital image (not a physical photograph)
If you prefer, you may bring your own special Korowai, taonga, adornments or accessories you would like to wear in your portrait.
Q. So what happens at a shoot?
A. It can be quite nerve-racking for people new to photoshoots - it's an easy process, you'll be greeted by the team, we will explain what we will do and confirm details of the sitting.
You have a chance to ask any questions before the shoot. Customers will then be dressed by our wardrobe team, when ready the photographer will arrange customers into a suitable composition (customers then can let the photographer know what kind of portraits they'd like (e.g. Family one, only kids, individuals, etc...)
Photos taken (we take a few shots). The customer gets to choose the images they want. Done!
(Taking the photos is the shortest part. Getting dressed takes the bulk of the time.)
Q. How can I choose my image and can I purchase additional images?
A. We will upload your Hi-Res images to your very own gallery, you can access your gallery using a unique password, and there you can download your complimentary Hi-Res digital image.
If you want any additional images you can download them for only $50 each.
The advantage of having the original Hi-Res images is that you can print them anywhere you’d like, eg. Canvas, photo books, mugs, phone cases, etc... Also, you’ll be able to share them online through social media, emails, etc. (you can print your image into a surface as big as A3 size).
Q. What happens if I want to have more than one photo on the day? E.g Family shot, all the boys, mum, and dad, etc..?
A. Each standard sitting comes with one complimentary(free) digital image. For additional shots (digital images) are $50 each.
Q. What's the largest group you can do? Can you do 20 in one shot?
A. No. Probably 8-9 is the biggest size in one shot. 6 is a comfortable amount. Then it would depend on the logistics of the group - adults and children.
Q. How big are the Hi-Res digital images?
A. The digital images are taken at 18 Megapixels and usually can fit up to an A3 image size unless specified.
We have also used on A2-A1 canvas, without losing much resolution.
The image file size is usually around 7-10MB - quite large files.
Q. So when do I get my digital image? Do I get it straight away?
A. No. Photos taken on the day will need to be processed/edited, a lot of work is done behind the scenes to download and upload images ready to view. We aim to process images ASAP but understand they could take at least 1-2 working days. Please check with the photographer at sitting when images will be available.
Q. So do you send out photos?
No. Instead we give you access to download the digital file straight to your desktop ( which you can then transfer to a USB stick and take to a photo kiosk). With the digital file, you have the freedom to print out as many times as you like, onto whatever you like - canvas, phone cover, Facebook profiles, email to family.
Typically traditional photographers would make money every time you wanted to print out an image - and what you could print out for $2 at the kiosk - would charge you $20. We can send out photos at request - it would just mean a greater cost to you.
Q. What if I want to represent other cultures rather than Maori?
A. We have mainly a Maori wardrobe, with a limited Pacific wardrobe, If you want to represent other cultures – please feel free to bring your own costume.
Q. What I need to bring to my sitting? Clothing? Hairstyle?
A. We encourage our clients to come clean and tidy and are welcome to bring any special Korowai, taonga, heirlooms or accessories they’d like to wear in their portrait if you don’t have anything you’d like to bring, it is ok, we will provide all wardrobe.
It helps if you wear dark clothing - boys' dark shorts. For ladies, we recommend wearing natural makeup and hair. We will only do minor hair styling. A dark tank top or strapless top helps.
Q. Do you do the Mokos?
A. Yes, we use stencils to apply the designs, it is very quick.
The use of Mokos in the portraits is at the client’s discretion. Traditionally children never had them, personally we like to keep them clean - however, for artistic expression, parents are free to use as they see fit.
Moko stencils designs are generic and do not carry any whakapapa or meaning, are used popularly for school kapa haka.
Q. Do you do make-up?
A. No, not usually, but we do have light make up on hand if required. Come as you wish to be photographed.
Q. What are the terms of using your services?
A. "Terms: Native Artz Portraits reserves the right to use any photograph in any form such as, but
not limited to, the use of advertising, reproduction, and copyright. All images are copyrighted by
Native Artz Portraits, even those you purchase. Prices are subject to change without notice and
are non- negotiable. Due to the custom nature of photographic products, no refunds will be issued. We can not warranty you will have the results and photographs you want when photographing kids 4 years old or under. By hiring/using Native Artz Portraits, you agree to these terms."