Your Questions, Answered

I offer outdoor portrait sessions for families, individuals and couples across the Bay Area — family outdoor sessions, personal lifestyle portraits, and action sports coverage. All sessions take place outdoors using natural light. No studio, no artificial backdrops. Sessions start at $450 for 60 minutes.

We embrace whatever the day brings—rain, wind, fog, or sun can create some of the most dramatic, story-rich light. If conditions are truly unsafe (e.g., heavy storms), we'll reschedule at no extra cost. I scout locations that work well in variable weather, and we can always pivot to a backup spot.

Standard Session (60 min): 20+ edited images Extended Session (2 hours): 40+ edited images Full-Day Session (6-8 hours): 60+ edited images

All images are professionally edited, high-resolution, and delivered via a private online gallery with full personal print rights.

Wear what makes you feel good. Earth tones, blues, greens and creams all work well in natural settings — avoid busy patterns or large logos. Bring one or two outfit options if you want variety. For families, pack snacks and a spare outfit for the kids — it's always worth having.

I'll send a full style guide once you book. If you want the full breakdown now, read the What to Wear guide on the blog.

You'll receive your full edited gallery within 2-3 weeks. Rush delivery within 5-7 days is available for an additional $200 if you need images sooner.

Yes. All Bay Area locations are included in the session price. For destinations further afield — Big Sur, Yosemite, Sierra Nevada, or further — travel costs are quoted transparently and agreed upfront. I've shot in Patagonia, Norway, Japan and elsewhere for clients who wanted destination coverage.

Reach out via the contact form or email (matthew@matthewduncan.net). We’ll chat about your vision, pick a location/date, and secure the session with a deposit. From there, we plan together and meet at your chosen spot.

A 50% deposit secures your date. The remaining balance is due on the day of the session. I accept credit card, Venmo and bank transfer — details provided at booking.

Absolutely—pets and extended family are welcome! Just let me know in advance so we can plan for movement, energy levels, and the perfect location.

Yes. Some of the Bay Area's most beautiful locations — including Filoli in Woodside and Villa Montalvo in Saratoga — charge entry or permit fees. I hold a Filoli membership which covers my guests, so there's no additional cost there. Villa Montalvo requires a photography permit which is passed through to the client at cost. I'll always let you know upfront if a location has any fees attached.

No. Posing is my job. I'll give you direction throughout the session — where to stand, where to look, how to move — so you're never left wondering what to do. Most people feel awkward in front of a camera at the start and forget about it completely by the end.

All images include full personal use rights — social media, dating profiles, personal websites, printing, sharing. Commercial licensing for business or brand use is available separately. Get in touch to discuss your specific needs.

Yes — I carry professional and general liability insurance. If your venue requires a Certificate of Insurance (COI), just let me know in advance and I can have one sent over.