frequently asked questions
we found your photograph(s) on a website; can we use them?
It depends on the specific photograph(s) and intended use. Please contact me with the details to determine the one-time licensing fee and photograph’s availability.
do we need your permission to use a photograph?
Yes. ALWAYS YES. Every single time. It does not matter how, when, or what capacity. Photographs used without the owner’s explicit permission is illegal and subject to federal copyright law.
even if it’s a photograph of me or my business?
Yes, you still need the photographer’s permission. By law, the image itself belongs to the person or company who created it.
do you work for a specific company?
No, Photos by Amelinda is a freelance photography business. We are hired by businesses to provide photography services as a third-party contractor.
what types of photography services do you offer?
We specialize in food photography with on-location shooting. Our clients are local restaurants and media outlets needing photographs of specific dishes or beverages to display on websites, marketing materials, publications, and social media channels.
why should we hire a professional photographer?
Along with our full-service food photography and high-quality images, we are also bringing expertise, creativity, composition instincts, and a unique photography style, plus almost a decade of hands-on experience in the Las Vegas Valley’s food and beverage industry, working closely with chefs, restaurants, and hotels. As an avid cooking hobbyist and growing up around restaurants, Amelinda has a deep understanding and appreciation of food and its life from humble ingredients to a beautifully-composed dish that shines in her work.
why is photography so expensive?
It’s an investment. You’re likely seeking photography services because you want to advertise your food and/or restaurant. Whether it’s on your restaurant’s menus, your website, social media accounts, pamphlets, newspapers, magazines, or digital media, these photographs are a marketing tool meant to expand your business. As a restaurant, no one questions the necessity of menus, regardless of cost because you need them – it’s the cost of doing business. Photographs may not seem essential, but they have the ability to speak to people in ways words do not, and it’s well known that “you eat with your eyes first.”
how much are your photography services?
Our fee is determined artistically – we consider all factors involved in the project such as the number of dishes and/or beverages, the style of images requested, and the time required to complete the project (on-location shooting, post-production, and traveling, if necessary). A large scale project would demand multiple on-location shooting days along with several post-production days. The fee also includes an unlimited, non-exclusive license. We understand that cost is the top factor in hiring a photographer, so we greatly appreciate your consideration.
do you offer an hourly or daily rate?
No. Since our fee is established by the specific project’s needs, time is only one of many considerations.
what format are your photographs?
Everything is digital, so there are no prints available. Our photographs are delivered as high-resolution JPEG files that will be downloadable via link for one week. Any alternative formats and extended time frames are subject to an additional fee.
how are photographs edited?
This is an artistic decision that reflects our style and is at our sole discretion. Complex edits or special effects are not offered, and any supplemental editing requests may incur an additional fee or will be respectfully declined. Photographs are not allowed to be edited in a way that no longer represents our work.
when will the photographs be ready?
Typically within a week. However, post-production depends heavily on the size of the project and our calendar, so the estimated time frame will be determined prior to shooting and provided to you along with our other deliverables.
can we use the photographs on our website, menus, and social media accounts?
Yes! Our unlimited, non-exclusive license would allow you and your company unlimited use of images in all mediums with no expiry (non-transferable).
will the photographs belong to me or my company?
We retain the rights to all photographs and other materials produced during the project. This means that while you and your company are allowed to use the photographs as detailed in our license agreement, you may not distribute or sell the images to another party.
do we need to credit you when providing images to publications?
Yes, and we really appreciate it. Details are included in our license agreement. As a quick reference, photographs may be credited as “Amelinda B. Lee” or “Photos by Amelinda” whenever possible.
what’s your cancellation policy?
We do not require a deposit, however, canceled projects will incur a payment of up to 50% of the agreed upon fee. Rescheduling, within reason, will not result in a penalty.
do you have food stylist recommendations?
No. If you require a food stylist on set, that should be done at your discretion. The food will be photographed as presented with minor adjustments or suggestions, if necessary.
Still have questions? Contact us!