General FAQs
Where are you located?
Our studio is located in Houston, Texas in the Arts District near the Theater District.
What is the turnaround time on my gallery?
2-4 weeks. Let us help you plan accordingly so you know what date to book.
How many photos do you deliver? Do I get to choose my favorites?
Our sessions are meticulously planned. We work together with our clients to decide exactly what we’re shooting and how many photos they’ll be receiving from their session before we ever take a photo. We provide plenty of options in your final gallery, and you’ll choose your favorites from a larger gallery. For example, if a client books a session with 20 final photos, their gallery will contain 65+ photos to choose from.
How can I use my brand photos?
Included in your session fee is a website and social media limited image license. You can use your photos for those purposes, along with use in your marketing. When you want to use your photos for large scale advertisements, in licensed publications, or in print, you will be charged a separate licensing fee.
Are you insured?
Yes we are.
I want to book a professional videographer to shoot a brand video at the same time as my brand photos. Is this a good idea?
No. To put it simply, too many cooks in the kitchen. Sessions can take much longer for yhour photographer and your videographer, who are both trying to capture the same content; having to reshoot the same setups twice from two different professional imagery teams is tedious. We recommend booking two separate days of sessions, one with your pro video team and one with your pro photo team. If you’re looking for a Houston based brand video team, our top recommendation is Tripp Films. We love Nikki and the amazing service and products she provides!
Do you shoot film or digital?
Both. Lighting, content, and turnaround time all play a part in determining which medium we’re shooting for a particular session. Sometimes we’re all digital, sometimes we’re all film, but sometimes we use both in a session. If you have a particular interest in either, let us know and we can see what we can do for you at your session.
Can we photograph my brand session at your Houston studio?
Yes indeed. It’s included in your time with us, if you need an indoor space for your photos. That said, we’re also happy to shoot on-location at your workspace or at a rented session space.
Travel fees will be added to locations outside a 20 mile radius of our studio. If we’re photographing on-location with artificial lighting gear, there is a $200/ day setup fee.
Payment FAQs
What can I expect to spend on my brand session?
Our subscription sessions start at $X per session and our single sessions start at $X. We also offer a la carte iPhone video sessions which start at $X, and headshot sessions which start at $X.
Can I break my session total into different payments?
While some opt to pay the session total at once, you can totally break your session into separate payments.
Single sessions and headshot sessions are broken up into 3 separate payments: 30% to reserve your session date, a 35% payment, and a final 35% payment made 2 weeks prior to your session.
The number of subscription payments are comprised of the total number of sessions in the subscription. For example, if you book a subscription with us that includes 6 sessions, you will make 6 payments; one payment prior to each session. To book multiple subscription session dates at once for the peace of mind of having the dates on your calendar, you can pay $150 towards those sessions, and the remaining amount 2 weeks prior to the respective sessions.
A la carte video sessions are broken up into 2 separate payments: 50% to reserve your session date, and a final 50% payment made 2 weeks prior to your session date
How much will an image license fee cost if I want to use my images in advertising?
It depends on several different variables: how are you planning on using the photo(s), how long will your ad run, what size will the photo by in your ad, is it digital or print, is the ad regional, national, international, and much more. It is truly a case by case basis, so check with us before using your photos in any way other than for social media and website usage.
What if I want more photos from my gallery than I initially purchase?
You can purchase images from us for $60/ image if you decide you want more than you originally planned for.
If you’re wanting more than just a few extra photos, email us and we can chat about upgrading your collection.
Can I purchase the copyright from Lightbulb League?
While it is much more costly to the client to purchase the copyright outright rather than purchase an image license fee, purchasing the copyright to one or more of the images from your session is an option we can discuss with you.
It’s important for the client to understand that the cost of purchasing the copyright to a photo is drastically higher due to the lack of future income the photographer is able to make from that photo. You’re paying up front for art that the photographer is giving up, and could have used for years to advertise as their own to promote their business, amongst other lost income.
In most cases, the client doesn’t actually need to purchase the copyright to the image, and rather just needs to purchase an image use license from the photographer. If this is a topic you’d like to discuss, we’d love to chat with you about it.
Do you charge sales tax?
Yes, we charge Texas state sales tax since we provide an electronic products to our clients.
Subscription FAQs
Since it’s a subscription, do we shoot together every month?
Only if you want to and it’s plausible for you and your business. Most will find that isn’t a very sustainable shooting schedule for them, although we have found it’s been successful for clients with brick and mortar businesses that guarantee that there is content to shoot without a lot of planning involved. Most of our subscription clients shoot every other month, every 3 months, or every 4 months.
We can also work with you to plan a custom shooting schedule based around the needs of your business and your marketing plan. Send us a message if you’re interested in booking a subscription and we’ll help guide you in the right direction.
How long does a subscription session last?
Usually right around 2 hours.
Complexity of your session content, setups, styling, etc can make your session length vary slightly.
Can I switch up what we shoot for each of my subscription sessions?
Definitely. In fact, we recommend it!
Since we all know that variety is the spice of life, we like to provide a multitude of of different photos; staged behind the scenes/ process photos, styled photos of your products, team headshots, photos of your workspace, etc. We work closely with you to plan out what will be happening at each of your subscription sessions.
Do you offer trials for subscriptions? I want to be sure I like the process and experience before committing.
No problem. You can book a subscription trial shoot at current subscription pricing.
If you decide you’d like to move forward with investing in a subscription, we will set up your invoice and contract accordingly. Should you decide you do not wish to continue with a subscription, you pay the difference of one of our single brand sessions resulting in the amount of photos you received from your subscription trial session.
How long does a subscription last?
The time span is 12 months to complete the number of sessions you’ve booked. We offer 3, 4, 6, and 9 session subscriptions.
Need help planning out or spacing your sessions in a way that works best for you & your marketing plan? Contact us. We love helping businesses make the best of their time with us.
Do you offer mail-in subscriptions where I can mail my products to you to style and photograph?
We have limited availability for these types of subscriptions. Just email us and we can chat about whether there are any openings.
Single Session FAQs
What’s the process of booking a brand photo session?
Step 1: We have a consult call to determine what you’re looking for, if we’re a good fit for one another, and chat about expectations. Consider it a first date to see if our businesses align well! Consultation calls usually last 30 minutes, and we’ll follow up with an email with our pricing and availability.
Step 2: You decide you’d like to book a session with us; hooray! You will choose how many photos you would like, and pick a session date from the dates of availability that we send you. In order to reserve your desired date, 30% of your collection total + a signed contract is required.
Step 3: Once your date is reserved and we’ve chatted about the kinds of photos your session will produce, it’s time to get to work! We will take the end vision of your session, and work backwards to source vendors, props, and products required to make your session a reality. Book any hair/ makeup, wardrobe stylist, florists, or other vendor appointments you’d like to play a part in your session. Preparing for your session properly can help to make your session a success, so let us know if you’d like help if you’re not well-versed in photo session prep.
Step 4: Shoot! We’re happy to host your session in our studio or join you elsewhere. Single sessions usually last around 3 hours with a turnaround time of 2-4 weeks.
Step 5: Once you receive your watermarked photo gallery that exceeds the amount of photos you’ve purchased from us, you will choose your favorites. We will do any final simple retouching and deliver those final photos to you. iPhone videos that come with your session are delivered via Shared Album.
Do you have smaller collections? I don’t think I need many photos.
Our single brand sessions vary in size, with the smallest collection including 8 final images and the largest including 50. If you have photo needs outside of that range, feel free to send us an email and we can chat.
How far in advance should I be booking?
Ideally, 2-5 months. This gives you time to plan, to book necessary vendors & appointments you might need for your brand session, source any items you’ll need for your session, and plan the content/ product listings/ websites/ marketing materials that you’ll use your new brand photos in. Our calendar typically books up about 2 months out, so the sooner you get the ball rolling, the better.
Where should my brand session take place?
It depends on the vibe you’re going for. Looking for a minimal blank canvas space to bring your brand’s personality into? Our studio could be a good fit.
Want a finished, homey, lifestyle vibe? Perhaps you should look into a different space such as your work space, a rented Airbnb or home studio, or elsewhere. We’re happy to help you figure out a location based on your vision.
Food + Drink or Product Session FAQs
What’s the difference between a single brand session and a food + drink or product session?
They are two very different sessions both in practice and end result.
During a brand session, the focus is primarily showing off the people and the processes of a brand; who you are, what you do, how and why you do it. From a technical standpoint, we are there to make YOU the star of the show. The goal of a well-executed brand session is to connect your audience to your brand via your photos, and create a sense of trust in your brand by showing them who you are.
During a food + drink or product session, our goal is to produce polished and on-brand final photos showcasing what you work so hard to create, whether it be products or food + drink. Smaller scale set design and styling is much more intricate in these sessions, and lighting is very precise.
My kitchen or workspace doesn’t get the best light; can we shoot at the Lightbulb League studio?
For smaller products and food + drink that would travel well, yes. Please note, we do not have a kitchen and open flame is not allowed in the studio. You’re welcome to assemble any dishes or products at the studio if transportation is not an issue for you.
We can also come to you and bring an artificial lighting setup, or shoot in a rented location if your space or our studio aren’t what you’re envisioning. Contact us and we’ll work with you to plan an ideal location for your session.
Do you have any items we could use as set dressing?
We have a limited prop styling inventory, so we recommend you bring along whatever you’d like in your photos. We’ll work wth you to determine some on-brand props that would make sense in your photos.
In many cases, we recommend the following for food + drink sessions: florals, fresh fruit, different plates and/or vessels, napkin options, stemware, utensils, table linens, some of the ingredients used in the recipe, etc.
In many cases, we recommend the following for product sessions: the tools used to create your product, small objects in a similar color palette, a background that appeals to your brand that we can use at your photo session and you can use at your workspace, any display methods you might use for your products, etc.
Do you have different photography collections for me to choose from for my food + drink or product photo session?
We don’t. Each session is completely customized from beginning to end. How many products do you need photographed? Are we shooting in-studio or on-location? Are we using natural or artificial light? How complex is the setup and tear down? How many final photos do you need? These are all things we consider when creating custom quotes based upon your needs.
Do you offer photo clipping?
We offer photo clipping at an additional cost. Be sure to include that in your inquiry so we can include it in your quote.
Headshot & Branded Portrait Session FAQs
What’s the difference between a headshot and a branded portrait?
A headshot is a photo with a tight crop, usually from the chest up, showing a clear view of your face. Usually shot in a studio space with flattering and even light, in front of a mostly solid-colored backdrop.
A branded portrait can have a more candid appearance, and include more of your body than the average headshot. You could be in a work setting, a studio setting, or anyplace that could be on-brand for you. Lighting could be more creative or less traditional, and posing could be more relaxed.
Brand Session vs Branded Portrait Session: what’s the difference?
A headshot or branded portrait session is ALL YOU. Just you. No bells or whistles.
A brand session can certainly include a new headshot or branded portraits, but the focus of the session can be on other things, as well; your workspace, your products, staged lifestyle photos of you working/ creating, new menu items, seasonal offering releases, etc
Are hair, makeup, or wardrobe styling included in a headshot collection?
Yes! Headshot sessions are our only sessions that hair, makeup, and wardrobe styling is included! These are our only sessions where our client is guaranteed to be in front of the camera for 100% of the session, so we know the added value that styling services have here.
I just need ONE new headshot of myself for LinkedIn. Is this something you offer?
Our headshot collections come with either 2, 3, or 7 images. We will deliver more photos than that in your final gallery, and then you’ll choose your top 2, 3, or 7 images.
Can we shoot individual headshots of our team in our workspace? It’d be so convenient if you could set up at our office.
We would need to do a site visit prior to committing to this to determine if your office is optimally set up for our space and light requirements. We would also need to chat about number of team members and final photo numbers before giving the green light on a session like this. Send us an email if this is of interest and we can chat about details.
iPhone Video FAQs
Do you make Instagram Reels, TikToks, or YouTube Shorts for me?
No we do not. We simply capture and deliver the video clips to you. It is then your responsibility to stitch the clips together, layer with music, and get creative making content to share from your account.
Can I share the iPhone photos and videos on Instagram?
Yes.
I don’t need photos right now, but I would like Lightbulb League to come and shoot some videos of my space and our new products. Is this something you do?
Yes, just email us and we can chat with you about an a la carte video session starting at $637.
I saw an Instagram Reel I loved, and want something similar. Can I send it to you as inspiration for when you’re doing video at my session?
Yes! As artists we will never copy work/ inspiration you send us, but we’ll have you talk us through what you like about the video and try to apply those parts to the video we capture for you, whether it be panning across a room, a stationery camera while objects are being thrown across the screen, quick zooming into a object, or any other things you’d like to see in your videos.
What is the turnaround on the videos?
2-4 weeks. iPhone videos are delivered via Shared Albums.
Hair, Makeup, Wardrobe FAQs
Do you recommend I book hair, makeup, and wardrobe stylist for my brand session?
If you will be in front of the camera, absolutely yes. Even if you’re good at throwing together an outfit or doing your hair and makeup, hiring a professional crosses one more to-do off of your list, and allows you to focus on your job for the day: doing your best to stay calm, cool, and collected for your photos. The difference, both in how you feel and how you look, truly shows in your final gallery.
How many outfits can I bring along to my brand session?
It depends on which collection you choose. It ranges from 1 to 3 outfits.
Do you have any recommendations for Houston area HMU artists or wardrobe stylists for my brand session?
We have a short list of creative pros to help you look and feel your best for your session. Once you’re booked and the ball is rolling on planning your session, we’ll email you with our preferred list of vendors that offer Lightbulb League clients a discount on their services.
Do you have any do’s and don’ts when it comes to what to wear in front of the camera?
You can click here to get our two cents regarding lots of different clothing options being worn in photos.
I don’t really wear makeup. Would you still recommend I hire a professional makeup artist for my session? I still want to look like myself in my photos.
Yes. We promise it makes a difference. We even have a preferred makeup artist that we specifically send our no-makeup clients to because she does such an excellent job at bringing out your best features with a no-makeup makeup look.
Over the years, I’ve nailed down a very specific look and style when it comes to my clothing. Will a wardrobe stylist still let me have some control if I work with them?
We thought you’d never ask!
Wardrobe stylists offer different tiers of service, allowing you to let go of or hold onto as much control as you’d like when it comes to working with a stylist.
Even for our stylish and wardrobe-confident clients, we recommend at least chatting with a wardrobe stylist; their knowledge and history, tips and tricks, access to seemingly out-of-reach designer pieces to wear at your session, and recommendations, all while still pulling from your existing pieces you love in your closet, make your chat with them more than worth it.