Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of photography do you specialize in?

I am an editorial and advertising photographer who specializes in interior and architectural photography for commercial and residential spaces. I also provide lifestyle branding photos for those clients looking to elevate their brand and move away from the standard headshot.

What is interior and architectural photography?

Interior photography highlights the interior design of a space including selections on a new build or renovation and furnishings and decor once a space is finished. Architectural photography focuses on the exterior details as well as structural aspects of the interiors of a space.

How is interior photography different than real estate photography?

Real estate photography is focused on showing a space in its entirety. This translates into shooting at wide angles with a focus on the overall flow of one space into another. In real estate, styling is generally depersonalized so that the home will read as a blank canvas for you to imagine your own belongings there. In contrast, interior photography is focused on very personalized furnishings and decor that make a space unique to the homeowner.

What is branding photography?

A branding photography session is a lifestyle portrait session that shows the client at work and in their environment rather than isolated against a static background.

How much do you charge?

There are many factors that go into determining the price of a photoshoot: image use being the largest component. The larger the list of usage requirements, the more the image license will cost. Some advertising / larger corporate clients opt for full rights to images. This raises the price of the shoot significantly. Most smaller business clients opt for limited use of the images: website, social media, promotional brochures, and collateral as well as editorial. If you have a project in mind, get in touch to discuss the particulars of your project and I can get you an estimate.
How long does a photoshoot last?

A typical luxury real estate photoshoot lasts between one and three hours. An empty new home for a builder will also take between one and three hours.

Do you help with styling?

Absolutely! If you've ever been on a photoshoot for interior design, you know that what you see in person is very different than what you see through the camera lens. I am always happy to provide a consult prior to the shoot to suggest what items may need to be on hand during the shoot for styling. In certain cases, such as when a project is up for publication, I may recommend a stylist from my network to help you with your project.

How many photos do I get?

If your project is a commercial shoot, then the number of final photos you select is determined in advance. There is a Creative Fee and then per image licensing fee for these shoots. The estimate is sent in advance for approval. If your project is for a small business (e.g., interior designer, architect, home builder), there is no limit to the number of photos that will be delivered. I shoot until I feel the project has been sufficiently captured. I deliver all of the photos that have been captured once processed.

Is retouching included?

Basic post-processing is included. This covers exposure, color, contrast. Additional retouching is billed at $125/hour, e.g., removing electrical outlets, electrical cords.
Do you help with getting published?

Yes! If you have a project you would like to have photographed and submitted for publication, I am happy to pitch the project after the photos have been completed.

Do you travel for work?

Yes! I travel regularly to the coast of North Carolina, San Francisco, Charlotte, Virginia, and Maryland for my clients. I am more than happy to go further afield.

How do I schedule?

Feel free to drop me a line at info@catherinenguyen.com or reach out through my Contact page. Please include the date(s) you are interested in, how many projects we would be photographing that day, and a little bit about the number of spaces in each project. Please also let me know the intended usage for the images, e.g., website, social media, editorial.

What health protocols do you have in place?

We prioritize your health and comfort on our shoot days. Please let us know if you have any specific health requirements in advance so we can make the appropriate arrangements.

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