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QUESTIONS
WHERE IS THE STUDIO LOCATED?
We’re nestled in historic Point Richmond (off Hwy 580 near the San Rafael/Richmond Bridge). After your session, grab lunch, dinner, or a local brew, browse the art gallery, or stroll the waterfront—this little gem is full of surprises.
You can learn more about what this hidden gem has to offer HERE.
Our address is 121 Park Place in Point Richmond
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A PORTRAIT SESSION?
Every session comes with:
An optional pre-shoot chat (we plan wardrobe, props—anything to make it feel like you)
A 45–60 minute in-studio shoot (on-location upon request and availability)
Full post-processing (color correction, editing, artistic edits)
Retouching, such as head swaps, etc., is an extra fee
Your final images delivered your way (digital files, prints, wall art—you choose!)
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK?
We’re usually booked 3–6 weeks out, but cancellations pop up. Reach out anytime, and we’ll see what we’ve got.
You can also see our calendar directly HERE
WHAT IF MY PET, KIDS (OR SPOUSE) GET DISTRACTED?
No worries! I’m patient and playful—if we need a quick break or a game of fetch, we’ll roll with whatever keeps them happy and relaxed.
CAN I BRING OTHER PEOPLE?
Absolutely! We encourage all guests to bring anyone special to them. There is an additional subject fee for more than 3 pets or 5 people of $35.
DO YOU CHARGE A SESSION/CREATIVE FEE?
Yes. Our standard session/sitting fee is $500 for up to 60 minutes in our studio or on-location, within 10 miles of Richmond. The fee includes a $150 credit to apply toward your purchase.
We offer special incentives to clients who participate in one of our Artist Projects. These projects involve granting permission for us to share clients' images in our displays and social media galleries, and selection is made through an application process. Contact us to inquire about current specials.
DO YOU REQUIRE A DEPOSIT?
A non-refundable booking retainer of $99 is required to secure your session. It will be applied toward your session fee or, for any promotional shoot where the session fee is waived, toward your product purchase.
WHAT ARE THE ARTIST PROJECTS?
The Artist Project is how I find my people — a small, hand-selected group whose stories I genuinely want to tell. Right now, I'm looking for women and their dogs who share that deep, ridiculous, whole-hearted love that only dog people understand.
If that's you, here's the deal: I waive my creative fee entirely, give you a full 60-minute styled session, and include a $150 credit toward your portrait collection. All I ask in return is permission to share your images in my studio and on social media. You become part of the Chickpea family, and I get to show the world what that bond really looks like.
I LOVE THEM ALL. HOW WILL I CHOOSE?
Many times, clients are genuinely surprised by how moved they are by their portraits (yes, tears of joy are a frequent experience). Our virtual in-person ordering and selection process helps clients decide and order with confidence. Even those who are more visual and who need to see something first before choosing it.
At your selection and ordering appointment, you'll be able to see your portraits as we guide you through this fun and poignant meeting. And, for those who do fall in love and need assistance with purchasing, several payment plans are available.
DO I HAVE TO PLACE MY ORDER WHEN I SEE MY PROOFS?
Yes, this is the time we set aside to advise you on getting the best from your photographs. All of the decision makers should be present. When you purchase a print product from Chickpea Portraits, we take the time to perfect the crop and colors of the photograph to produce the best possible result, and we guarantee the quality of that product. From smaller, intimate pieces to more grand custom artwork shared above a fireplace or behind a sofa, we do it all.
We have spent years curating our product range to suit modern tastes, lifestyles, and budgets. You can choose from fine art prints, metal and canvas wall pieces, and stunning acrylic portraits, in addition to digital image files.
I HATE PICTURES OF MYSELF. HELP!
You are absolutely not alone in that feeling — and honestly, you're in for a really good surprise.
Every portrait you order gets my full attention and the highest level of artistry I offer. For collections over $1,000, retouching is included complimentarily — and I mean the good stuff. Over the years clients have requested softened fine lines, stray hair removal, whitened and filled in teeth, braces removal, slimmed waists and arms, double chin reduction, clothing fixes, and more. If it would make you love your portrait more, just ask.
And yes — this goes for your dog portraits too. Whether it's just you and your pup or the whole family, you deserve to look and feel your best in every single frame. Your dog is already photogenic; let me make sure you feel just as good about how you look beside them.
But here's what I really want you to hold onto: your kids don't see what you see when you look in the mirror. They just see Mom. They see the family together. Family portraits are one of the most powerful nonverbal ways we can show our children they are loved and that this family is worth celebrating — and that message lives on your wall every single day.
If you're the one who's always behind the camera, or the one who dreads every photo — this experience was made for you. I'll use everything I know about posing and light to create portraits that are genuinely flattering and still feel completely, unmistakably like you.
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