General Questions

1. Do you shoot film or digital?
2. What is your fax number?
3. What do you photograph?
4. Do you shoot gay and lesbian weddings and portrait sessions?
5. Is there anything you won't photograph?
6. How long do you keep copies of the images after you've given them to me?
7. Do you keep backups?
8. How far in advance should we book our session?

Payment Questions

1. Where can I send signed contracts?
2. What forms of payment do you accept?
3. Is there a deposit?
4. Are there any refunds?
5. Do you offer any kind of payment plan?

Questions About the Shoot

1. Who will be capturing my photos?
2. Where will the pictures be taken?
3. Can I get a second photographer?
4. Do you need to know who, or how many people, will be in the pictures?
5. Do you do video or audio work?
6. How far will you travel?
7. What happens if there is bad weather on the day of my shoot?
8. What should I wear to the shoot?

Questions About the Photographs

1. Do I get to keep my negatives?
2. How will you deliver my photographs?
3. How long before I will see my photographs?
4. Do you provide proofs?
5. I'm having trouble downloading my Image Pack, what should I do?
6. Can facial belmishes be removed?

Questions About Classes

1. What are Petruzzo Photography Classes?
2. How do I register for a class?
3. Who will be teaching the class?
4. How long are the classes?
5. What skill level is this class designed for?
6. Can I choose to be in a class with people my own age?
7. Where will the classes take place?
8. Do any of the locations have Metro stops nearby?
9. Will there be restrooms available?
10. Will I get to select which class I want to attend?
11. How many people will be in each class?
12. Is there an age limit?
13. What if the weather is bad and the class is cancelled?
14. What if I register for a class, but cannot make it on the day of the class?
15. Does my camera have to be digital?
16. Is my point and click camera sufficient, or do I need a DSLR?
17. Will you be giving instructions on how to operate my specific camera?
18. Will I be taking pictures during the class?
19. Do I have to know anything about taking pictures?
20. Do I need to bring something to write on?
21. Will there be any kind of child care available?
22. Can I bring my pet?
23. Will I get tips for photographing my pets?
24. Will classes be offered in any other languages, sign language for example?
25. Is there any kind of post-class follow up?

General Questions

1. Do you shoot film or digital?

   Digital only.

2. What is your fax number?

   Signed contracts and other fax related correspondence can be sent to (303) 586-6035.

3. What do you photograph?

   We primarily photograph weddings and portraits. We are also available for editorial content, photo journalism, commercial real-estate and commercial product photography.

4. Do you shoot gay and lesbian weddings and portrait sessions?

   Yes. Our job is to create beautiful images that reflect our customer's love for one another, not to judge people based on who they've choosen to love.

5. Is there anything you won't photograph?

   We will not shoot pornography or images which are strongly sexually suggestive. Artistic nudity, in good taste, is okay.

6. How long do you keep copies of the images after you've given them to me?

   The images from your shoot will be kept indefinitely. After about six months, they may be archived and will no longer available for quick access. However, should you need us to retrieve them for you, that can be arranged.

7. Do you keep backups?

   Yes! A local backup is performed several times a day. Additionally, about once a month a backup is performed, then detached from all computer systems and kept in anti-static, temperature controlled storage.

8. How far in advance should we book our session?

   How much notice you need to give us varies a great deal by the season. Typically 6 weeks is plenty of time, during holiday seasons, you may want to allow more time.

Payment Questions

1. Where can I send signed contracts?

   Signed contracts can be faxed to (303) 586-6035.

2. What forms of payment do you accept?

   We accept VISA, MasterCard, checks and cash. Some credit card payments will require a 1% processing fee. Checks should be made out to Petruzzo Photography.

3. Is there a deposit?

   Weddings require a 50% deposit at the time of signing. The session fee associated with portraits is due at the time of scheduling.

4. Are there any refunds?

   The fees associated with wedding and portrait sessions are non-refundable. However, should you be dissatisfied with a print order for some reason, please contact us so that we may correct it as soon as possible.

5. Do you offer any kind of payment plan?

   For wedding and event photography, the deposit is collected at the time of scheduling and the remainder no less than 10 days prior to the wedding date. For portraiture, there is currently no payment plan option.

Questions About the Shoot

1. Who will be capturing my photos?

   In many cases, I (William Petruzzo) will be capturing your images. However, we are a team of photographers. Once you have scheduled your session, a photographer will be assigned to you and you will be notified. This is never a reason for concern. We have a very cohesive style which has consistently been praised by clients, regardless of the photographer shooting.

2. Where will the pictures be taken?

   We do not work out of a studio. Our studio comes with us. Your photographs will be taken in a mutually agreed upon location. Check out our article on choosing a good location for yourself, as well as some of the locations we visit frequently here.

3. Can I get a second photographer?

   Definitely. If your event or shoot is large enough or complicated enough, we will contact other photographers to help keep the stress off you. However, if you would like to hire another photographer independent from us, it’s important that you discuss that with us first. In some situations independent photographers can interfere with each other. That would jeopardize the quality of your photographs.

4. Do you need to know who, or how many people, will be in the pictures?

   Yes. If you’re looking for portraits, knowing the number of people being photographed will help us to more accurately estimate how long the shoot will take and what kind of equipment will be needed. If it’s for an event, having an idea of how many people will be there is also very helpful. It enables us to come prepared so you get the best pictures possible.

5. Do you do video or audio work?

   At this time, we do not. However, we would be happy to refer you to skilled professionals in both areas.

6. How far will you travel?

   We will go as far as you need us to go. All travel within 35 miles of the zip code 21054 is included, and calculated based on the actual driving distance reported by Google Maps. It's also important to remember that the 'shortest distance' will sometimes attempt to route through a city, in this case, an alternate route around the city will be used. For destinations beyond that, there is a travel charge of $24, or $1.29 per mile, whichever is greater.

7. What happens if there is bad weather on the day of my shoot?

   While we prefer never to reschedule, in many cases involving bad weather, it is the best solution. We will discuss the options as the shoot approaches, and if possible, move foreword as planned by selecting an indoor location.

8. What should I wear to the shoot?

   What you wear for your shoot is entirely up to you. You should allow your clothing to express your own style and personality. For a more detailed look at what to wear to your shoot, check out the blog post Getting The Most Out of Your Portraits: Part One, Clothing

Questions About the Photographs

1. Do I get to keep my negatives?

   All portrait sessions and most wedding packages include medium-resolution digital negatives. With these files you are able to make prints up to 5x7". Full-resolution negatives can be purchased at your leisure from our Proofing & Printing store following your portrait session or event.

2. How will you deliver my photographs?

   Prints will be delivered by mail. Digital files may be downloaded in an online package.

3. How long before I will see my photographs?

   Photographs from portrait sessions are typically available for proofing within 10 days. Photographs from weddings may take up to two months.

4. Do you provide proofs?

   Yes. Your photographs will be available for proofing on our website in a special password protected gallery.

5. I'm having trouble downloading my Image Pack, what should I do?

   This is a problem usually caused by Internet Explorer. The solution is to try an alternative web browser, such as Firefox or Google Chrome.

6. Can facial belmishes be removed?

   Yes! This kind of adjustment will cost between $1 and $15, depending on how much work is required.

Questions About Classes

1. What are Petruzzo Photography Classes?

   We offer one day, two hour classes which are aimed at learning to use your own camera to take better images yourself. One on one, and private classes are also available. Please contact for pricing and availability.

2. How do I register for a class?

   You can register for classes online here. Provided there are slots available, registration is typically available for the next 12 to 18 classes.

3. Who will be teaching the class?

   The classes will be instructed primarily by William Petruzzo, head photographer and owner of Petruzzo Photography.

4. How long are the classes?

   Each class is 120 minutes long.

5. What skill level is this class designed for?

   Beginners.

6. Can I choose to be in a class with people my own age?

   No. At this time, classes will not be divided up by age and there will be no way to know for sure the ages of others planning to attend.

7. Where will the classes take place?

   Classes will take place outdoors in common areas. Currently, our class locations include Watkins Park, in Kettering MD, Old Town Alexandria in VA, and Allen Pond in Bowie, MD.

8. Do any of the locations have Metro stops nearby?

   Old Town Alexandria has a Metro stop available on Braddock Rd, however you may want to be prepared to take a cab or bus, as the remaining walk is about 1.5 miles.

9. Will there be restrooms available?

   Public restrooms will be available at the Watkins Park and Allen's Pond locations. Old Town Alexandria may have restrooms available in local shops.

10. Will I get to select which class I want to attend?

    Yes. Once available, registration will be online. You may select an available class that best fits your location.

11. How many people will be in each class?

    Classes will have a maximum of 10 people. However, some classes may have fewer attendees.

12. Is there an age limit?

    No. However, participants must be able to hold and have a basic understanding of how to use their camera.

13. What if the weather is bad and the class is cancelled?

    Any class cancellations, with the exception of severe emergencies, will typically be at least 24 hours in advance. You will be notified by email or telephone of the cancellation. Classes may be cancelled due to bad weather, including sever cold, severe heat, rain and snow.

14. What if I register for a class, but cannot make it on the day of the class?

    If you have already registered, we need 24 hours notice in order for you to retain your Groupon for future use.

15. Does my camera have to be digital?

    Yes. In order to provide meaningful feedback in the timeframe available, participants will need to be using a digital camera.

16. Is my point and click camera sufficient, or do I need a DSLR?

    Yes, whatever kind of digital camera you have will be just fine.

17. Will you be giving instructions on how to operate my specific camera?

    Unfortunately we cannot know all the intricate details of all digital cameras. You will expected to know how to use your camera, but we will try our best to field basic questions you might have.

18. Will I be taking pictures during the class?

    Yes, all participants will be putting their cameras to actual use during the class.

19. Do I have to know anything about taking pictures?

    You are expected to know the most basic of camera functions (on, off, where the shutter button is).

20. Do I need to bring something to write on?

    That's entirely up to you. If you think it will be helpful for you, please, by all means, bring it!

21. Will there be any kind of child care available?

    No. If you have small children, we ask that you please leave them with a baby sitter.

22. Can I bring my pet?

    No, please leave pets at home.

23. Will I get tips for photographing my pets?

    Most of the tips and tricks you learn will be applicable regardless of what you're photographing.

24. Will classes be offered in any other languages, sign language for example?

    Unfortunately, at this time, classes will only be offered in English and no sign language interpreter will be provided. However, if an interpreter is available to you, please let us know and they will be allowed to attend at no additional charge.

25. Is there any kind of post-class follow up?

    Unfortunately, no. Not at this time.