Question 1

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

We are located at:

147 17th Ave #A
San Mateo, CA 94402

We are searchable on google/apple maps. Our studio is located inside a building. Not ADA compliant. There are 2 flights of stairs.

Question 2

What are your operating hours?

Accepted Answer

Please visit here for our updated hours.

We are by appointment only, so make sure to book a slot ahead of time. Same day slots are available for booking (if available). Please text for same day slots.

Question 3

How do I make a reservation?

Accepted Answer

Please click "book" through our website. Select the package, date and time, then complete the booking with credit card payment.  You will receive a confirmation email once your booking is confirmed.

Any assistance please email info@fotogenicstudio.com

Question 4

What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancellations for a full refund are permitted up to 3 days after booking. No refunds are available for requests made after this period or for reservations within 3 days.

Rescheduling is allowed up to 24 hours before the reservation. Requests made within 24 hours may incur a $20 fee; contact us for assistance.

Any no-show sessions are not eligible for refunds or rescheduling.

Please text (650) 240-6097 or email us at info@fotogenicstudio.com for cancellation and rescheduling requests.

Question 5

Is there free parking?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We have a parking lot, and there's plenty of parking on the streets.

Question 6

Do you accept walk-ins?

Accepted Answer

We do not accept walk-ins at this time. However, you may book a same-day appointment if available! Please text us for same day bookings.

Question 7

What are your payment options? How do I make a payment for any additional services?

Accepted Answer

We only accept contactless payments.
Add-ons are paid at the studio.

Question 8

What is the maximum number of people I can bring?

Accepted Answer

Color Studio: 6 max
White Studio: 10 max

If you have more people, please check in with us before booking. We can fit more people in the room, however it will be a tight fit in the frame!

Question 9

Are pets allowed? How many pets can I bring?

Accepted Answer

Yes, pets are allowed as long as they are well behaved!
One pet is free in your session. Additional fee of $20 per pet applies. A maximum number of 2 pets per session.

Question 10

Are kids free?

Accepted Answer

Kids under 2 years old are free.

Question 11

Can we arrive early to our session?

Accepted Answer

Due to limited space, you will only be allowed to enter 10-15 minutes earlier to avoid overcrowding.

Question 12

What happens if I'm late to my session?

Accepted Answer

Please arrive at the studio on time or 10 minutes earlier to enjoy the full session. Arrivals over 10 minutes late may result in a shortened or canceled session, and refunds are not allowed. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise; however, late arrivals can impact other clients who have appointments. Please consider the travel time to our studio as well as any preparation time you may need prior to your session.

Rescheduling your session can only be made 24 hours prior to the reservation date. If within 24 hours, a $20 fee may apply. However, you are able to transfer your reservation to anyone who is able to make it!

If you no-show, you are not eligible for any rescheduling requests.

Question 13

Can I transfer my reservation to someone else if I can't make it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you do not need to inform us beforehand.

Question 14

Can I purchase gift certificates?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! You can purchase gift certificates. Click "book" and scroll all the way down to choose your option.

Question 15

Can I bring someone just to help me take photos? Will I have to pay for that person?

Accepted Answer

You're welcome to bring a friend or helper to assist you with taking photos. If they don't appear in the photos, there's no need to pay the extra fee.

Question 16

I want to try both studios. How can I book?

Accepted Answer

If you want to try both studios, you will have to book an appointment for each! Please make sure the timing does NOT overlap, for example:

White Studio 20 minutes booked at 1pm, and then Color Studio 20 minutes booked at 1:30pm

Question 17

Can you host private events or gatherings at your studio?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, our space is in a mixed use commercial building so any events/gatherings are not allowed!

Question 18

Is there an elevator to your location?

Accepted Answer

Our building does not have an elevator. There are two flight of stairs to our studio.

Question 19

Will you post our photos to your social media/website?

Accepted Answer

When you fill out the waiver, there is an option for you to opt-out!

If you change your mind and want your photos removed, please contact us through email info@fotogenicstudio.com

Question 20

Can I bring my own photographer?

Accepted Answer

Fotogenic Studio LLC is a self-portrait studio, not a rental space for photographers. Outside photographers and professional photo sessions are not permitted.

Question 21

Which package should I book if I have 3 or 4 people?

Accepted Answer

You can book the DUO package (up to 2), and add any additional person ($20 each) when you arrive at the studio.

Question 22

How many photos can I take?

Accepted Answer

You can take unlimited amount of photos during the given time in the package you chose.

Question 23

Can we add extra time to our session?

Accepted Answer

If available, you may add 10 minutes for a fee of $15. You may also book more than one session if you need more time.

Question 24

Do you edit the photos?

Accepted Answer

We do not edit/retouch your photos. You will receive your photos straight from the camera!

Question 25

How do we get our digital copies?

Accepted Answer

The photos will be sent through Google Drive or Airdrop.

Question 26

How long do you keep our photos?

Accepted Answer

We only keep your photos for 7 days. Please make sure to download all your photos as soon as you receive them. Google Drive folders will be deleted after 7 days.

Question 27

Do you have a photographer?

Accepted Answer

We are a self-portrait studio, meaning you are the photographer! 
We do not have an in-house photographer, except for our pet photography service!

Question 28

Can I take half body and full body shots?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can take both half body and full body in both our white and color studios!
You can also crop your photos when you receive them.

Question 29

Can we bring our own props?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You may bring your own props. We recommend coming a bit earlier if you need time to setup.

We ask not to bring any props that are hard to clean like glitter, confetti, etc. or there will be a cleaning fee of $50.

Question 30

Can we bring food/drinks inside? Can we bring food props?

Accepted Answer

You can bring food props inside the studio. Please note there will be a $50 cleaning fee for any huge mess.

If it's not a food prop, we do not allow food nor drinks allowed inside the studio rooms. You can leave them outside during your session.

No cake smashes!

Question 31

Do you take passport photos?

Accepted Answer

We do not offer any passport services!

Question 32

Is there an area to change our outfits?

Accepted Answer

You can change in the studio or in the restrooms located in the hallway. Please keep in mind if you need to change during your session, the time will still be ticking!

Question 33

Can we take burst shots?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, the camera can only take single shots at a time. Burst shots are not possible.

Question 34

Can I adjust the camera height/angle?

Accepted Answer

The staff will adjust the camera to your liking before you start. During the session, you can adjust the zoom and tilt yourself.

Question 35

Can I adjust the lighting?

Accepted Answer

Our lighting is fixed but we have different concepts you can try out! If the photos turn out too bright/dark, let the staff know!

Question 36

Can I take photos in landscape mode?

Accepted Answer

We can only take photos in portrait mode.

Question 37

Are the photos taken in JPEG or RAW?

Accepted Answer

The photos will be taken in JPEG.

RAWs can be taken for an additional fee of $25; please notify the staff before your session starts.

Question 38

How can I change backdrops in the color room? How many backdrops can I use?

Accepted Answer

The staff will show you how to change the backdrops when you arrive! You can use as many as you'd like! If you do rip the backdrops, there is a $20 damage fee per color.

Question 39

Do you have props for young children/babies?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We’ve got props for babies and young children that you can use during your session. Check it out here. They’ll be in the waiting area. Feel free to grab any that you'd like to use! Just a heads-up, we don’t have props for newborns since they’re more delicate.

Question 40

I want to take photos of my children (under 2 years of age), which one should I book?

Accepted Answer

Children under 2 is free, but there is minimum charge of 1 person. 
You can book a SOLO package for 1 person and bring your children (under 2 years old) for free!

Question 41

Can I use confettis / party poppers / cake smashes?

Accepted Answer

No confettis, party poppers and cake smashes allowed. Any excessive mess will incur a cleaning fee of $50.

Question 42

How can I change the lighting mode?

Accepted Answer

Please notify the staff if you want to switch to a different lighting mode!

Question 43

What are the prints sizes included in the DUO and GROUP package?

Accepted Answer

DUO Package (4 prints included) : 2 pc (4x6") , 2 pc (3x4")
GROUP Package (2 prints per person) : 1 pc (4x6") , 1 pc (3x4")

Frequently asked questions